5. Myron Rolle- A standout student and football player at Florida State university, Myron Rolle decided to do something very few people have the discipline to do: he passed up the chance to make millions in the NFL in favor off the opportunity to study at Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. With the goal of becoming a doctor in mind, Rolle put off the NFL for a year to pursue something that is more than just a game. Rolle's dedication to football was always still present while he was abroad, as he would wake up at 6 AM every morning to work out. Myron Rolle, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is an outstanding person who should be looked up to by kids and adults alike.
4. Curtis Granderson- One of the best hitters in the MLB, Granderson hits the ball out of the park in the community as well. He created the Grand Kids Foundation in 2008, an organization that focuses on creating and improving opportunities for inner-city kids in both youth baseball and in education. He has also has been a part of many community service projects, including serving as a spokesman for the New York Public Library's summer reading program. He is also a huge volunteer and spokesman for the MLB's program called RBI, which stands for "Reviving Baseball in Inner cities." Granderson has been so dedicated and involved in his services efforts that he has actually been criticized for doing too much service and not focusing enough on baseball, a criticism, although completely ridiculous, that you don't hear about with most athletes.
3. Drew Brees- Sports Illustrated's 2010 Sportsman of the Year, Brees played a crucial part in turning around not only the New Orleans Saints but also the city of New Orleans as a whole. Brees took his adopted home of New Orleans under his wing and was a big part of the efforts to rebuild it. Drew and his wife Brittany's Brees Dream Foundation partnered with Operation Kids in 2007 to restore, recreate, and rebuild New Orleans schools, athletic facilities, playgrounds, and parks. Brees' work in New Orleans is one of the greatest examples of an athlete giving back and is a major reason why Brees is an exceptional role model.
2. Armando Galarraga- Everyone remembers the (in)famous incident that made Galaragga a household name. With a perfect game through 8 2/3 innings, Galaragga's chance to make the history books was incorrectly thwarted by umpire Jim Joyce when he incorrectly called what should have been the final out safe at first base. Instead off immediately getting in the umps face to argue like most other pitchers in the league would've, Galaragga simply smiled at what could have been and finished the game without complaint. In the interviews after the game, he didn't seemed at all phased. He graciously accepted Joyce's mistake, saying "Nobody's perfect." Baseball, sports in general, and the world could use more people like Armando Galaragga.
1. Tim Tebow- Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying the fact that Tim Tebow is an amazing role model. The Denver Broncos starting QB works incredibly hard both on and off the field and is a great example for kids to show that hard work pays off. You never hear Tim speak ill of anyone, which coincides with his strong moral principles. You don't have to be a Christian to think of Tim as a role model, as he doesn't force his religion on anyone and is an all-around great guy. En route to two Heisman trophies, Tebow displayed supreme professionalism, humility, leadership, and obviously athletic ability. Tebow has expressed his desire to use sports as a platform for establishing a variety of foundations, charities, and orphanages. Tebow hosts a fan--often a person going through significant medical challenges--for every Broncos game, and gives them plenty of attention even right before and after games, something few players would do.
More:
Who has the Worst Hands in the NFL?
Tebow, Broncos Offense Need More Weapons Next Year: Fan Take
The NCAA Pay for Play Debate: Should College Athletes Get Paid?
Why the NFL Should Eliminate the Pro Bowl
Sources:http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7455943/believing-tim-tebow
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100602&content_id=10727590
