This first post will be a look back, as I count down my personal picks for the top sports stories of 2017. Keep in mind that these are based on my personal opinion, so your list may be different. I have tried to pick events/games/etc. that were important in the sports world.
Honorable Mentions: Russia Banned from 2018 Winter Olympics, The Ball Family, NFL Player Kneeling Debate, Cleveland Indians Record Streak, U.S. Men's Soccer Team Failing to Reach World Cup
5. Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Battle In The Ring
In what was one of the most hyped bouts in recent history, Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor battled in Las Vegas on August 26th. The weeks leading up to the bout were filled with a variety of questions, including how long McGregor would last and could he pull the upset.
McGregor put up a strong fight, winning the first couple rounds. As the rounds ticked away, Mayweather showed why he was undefeated in his boxing career, unleashing a barrage of punches to McGregor. In the end, the two competitors lasted until round 10, when the fight was called by the referee. While McGregor did not put the upset of the century, he put up an impressive performance that was lauded by several former boxers. In the end the real winners were both competitors, who earned over $400 million combined.
4. New England Pulls Off A Historic Upset To Win Super Bowl
When a football fan sees a 28-3 score late in the 3rd quarter, its hard to imagine the team that's down
25 making a comeback with just over a quarter left in the game. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots overcame such a deficit against the Atlanta Falcons, coming back to win Super Bowl LI 34-28 in overtime.
Several records were broken during Super Bowl LI, including the largest deficit overcome to win the Super Bowl. New England also became the first Super Bowl in which the winning team never held the lead during regulation. The win also gave Tom Brady his NFL record fourth Super Bowl MVP award.
3. The Last Ride of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2017 marked the end for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a driver in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series. Earnhardt Jr. made the historic announcement on April 25th during a press conference in North Carolina. The 15-time most popular driver missed 18 races during the 2016 season due to a concussion, and was hoping for some success in his final season. He failed to win a race in his final year and did not qualify for the playoffs.
While his final season did not end the way he wanted it to, his departure led to larger crowds at most of the tracks on the schedule, as fans flocked to see him one more time. Earnhardt Jr. was a popular figure in NASCAR, winning races and drawing in fans from all over the world. With his departure, NASCAR will need to figure out a way to keep those fans engaged with the sport.
2. Penguins Win Back-To-Back Stanley Cups
A top five list of my top sports stories had to include the Pittsburgh Penguins capturing Lord
Stanley's Cup for the second consecutive year. The Penguins completed the feat in June, defeating the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals, four games to two.
Stanley's Cup for the second consecutive year. The Penguins completed the feat in June, defeating the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals, four games to two.
After starting the season 13-7-3, the Penguins found their groove in December, going 12-1-2. The month included a streak of ten consecutive games with at least one point. The Penguins finished the regular season 50-21-11, earning the #2 seed in the Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 in the first round, before beating the Washington Capitals 4-3 in the second round. In the Eastern Conference finals against the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins punched their ticket to the finals with a double-overtime victory in game seven.
The Penguins and Predators each won their first two games on home ice, evening the series 2-2. The Penguins took control of the series with a 6-0 win in game five, before ending it with a 2-0 win in game six in Nashville.
1. #HoustonStrong on the Field and In The Community
The devastation of Hurricane Harvey rocked the city of Houston to its core, destroying homes and businesses. While the storm affected many lives, the response started almost immediately. Fundraisers and collections began across the country, with truckloads of supplies and food being sent to the Lone Star State.
Houston Texans star J.J. Watt also made a huge impact in the town he calls home, with his efforts raising over $37 million for relief efforts. Watt's efforts earned him Co-Sportsperson of the Year from Sports Illustrated.
On the field, Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros brought hope to the residents in Houston in a different way. The Astros capped off a successful season with a World Series championship, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a back and forth series.
So there you have it, my picks for the top sports moments of 2017. Here's hoping 2018 has some great sports moments. Have a very Happy New Year!
-The Flood City Sports Fan
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