Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why. – An easy question from the daily writing prompt for an early Sunday morning.

I’ll start with a couple of my favorite’s athletes of all time from the Yankees. Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge and Thurman Munson. They were all captains of the team at one time. I respect them for their professionalism, their obvious respect for the game, other players and officials in it. They are not full of themselves, know that they are in a very special place and respect the opportunities they have.

I like the way Steph Curry plays and carries himself. Seems like a real genuinely good person. Plus, he plays the game with the enjoyment we had in our youth, and seems to live life that way.

At the time I thought he might have been the best overall athlete, but I didn’t have the respect for him that I do now for Muhammad Ali.

And of course, you must respect Jackie Robinson for what he did and went through.

I also like the character of Bill Russell and Shaq. Both incredible athletes and people.

I guess the common thing is they all earned respect.

View others stars and reasons why they are to them here