Best Of The Best
From Michael Jordan and Monica Seles to Dirk Nowitzki and Lindsey Vonn, the men and women who have taken home ESPYS for Athlete of the Year comprise a who's who of the most accomplished sports personalities of the past two decades. Take a look back at the extraordinary athletes who have earned ESPYS' top prize. Male Athlete 
| Female Athlete
- Baseball Play of the Year
- Francisco Cabrera's game-winning hit for Atlanta in NL playoffs
- Best Boxer
- Riddick Bowe
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Gary Sheffield, SanDiego Padres
- Best Coach/Manager
- Jimmy Johnson, Dallas Cowboys
- Best College Football Player
- Garrison Hearst, Georgia
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Dave Winfield, Toronto Blue Jays
- Best Driver
- Nigel Mansell
- Best Female Athlete
- Monica Seles, Tennis
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Dawn Staley, Virginia
- Best Female Golfer
- Dottie Mochrie
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Monica Seles
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Evelyn Ashford
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Dennis Eckersley, Oakland A's
- Best Male Athlete
- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Christian Laettner, Duke
- Best Male Golfer
- Fred Couples
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Jim Courier
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Kevin Young
- Best NBA Player
- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Best NFL Player
- Emmit Smith, Dallas Cowboys
- Best NHL Player
- Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Christian Laettner buzzer-beater against Kentucky
- College Football Play of the Year
- Western Washington's Chris Moore catch between the legs
- NBA Play of the Year
- Michael Jordan flip shot vs. Dallas
- NFL Play of the Year
- Don Beebe strips the ball from Leon Lett on 1-yard line in Super Bowl
- NHL Play of the Year
- Jarmir Jagr goal around three players
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- The Rabbit scores a TD in Michigan-Purdue game
- Outstanding Perfomance by a Sports Personality in an attempt to Break into Show Business
- Shaquille O'Neal raps with Fu Schnickens on the Arsenio Hall Show
- Outstanding Performance by a Sports Personality in a Commercial
- Larry Johnson as Grandmama for Converse
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Christian Laettner, Duke
- Outstanding Team
- Dallas Cowboys
- Showstopper of the Year
- Injured Derek Redmond finishes in Olympics
- Best Male Athlete
- Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
- Best Female Athlete
- Julie Krone, Jockey
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Mike Piazza, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Outstanding Team
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Best Coach/Manager
- Jimmy Johnson, Dallas Cowboys
- Best NFL Player
- Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
- Best NHL Player
- Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best Driver
- Nigel Mansell
- Best NBA Player
- Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
- Best Boxer
- Evander Holyfield
- Best Male Golfer
- Nick Price
- Best Female Golfer
- Betsy King
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Steffi Graf
- Best College Football Player
- Charlie Ward, Florida State
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Bobby Hurley, Duke
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Sheryl Swoopes, Texas Tech
- Best Jockey
- Mike Smith
- Best Bowler
- Norm Duke
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Michael Johnson
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Gail Devers
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Joe Carter, Toronto Blue Jays
- Baseball Play of the Year
- Greg Maddux eludes tag at the plate
- NBA Play of the Year
- John Starks' lefty dunk vs. Bulls in playoffs
- NHL Play of the Year
- Wayne Gretzky plucks the puck out of the air to score
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Bryant Reeves half-court bomb, and Jason Kidd behind-the-back pass (tie)
- College Football Play of the Year
- Mike Brechler's surprise punt return for a TD, Beloit College vs. Lawrence
- NFL Play of the Year
- Eric Metcalf's game-winning punt return, Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- Leon Lett attempts to recover a blocked field goal
- Showstopper of the Year
- Jim Abbott's no-hitter, Yankees vs. Indians
- Outstanding Performance by an Athlete in Entertainment
- Charles Barkley vs. Barney on Saturday Night Live
- Best Male Athlete
- Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
- Best Female Athlete
- Bonnie Blair, Olympic Speed Skater
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros
- Outstanding Team
- New York Rangers
- Best Coach/Manager
- George Siefert, San Francisco 49ers
- Best NFL Player
- Barry Sanders
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros
- Best NHL Player
- Mark Messier, New York Rangers
- Best Driver
- Al Unser, Jr.
- Best NBA Player
- Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
- Best Boxer
- George Foreman
- Best Male Golfer
- Nick Price
- Best Female Golfer
- Laura Davies
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario
- Best College Football Player
- Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Grant Hill, Duke
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Charlotte Smith, North Carolina
- Best Jockey
- Chris McCarron
- Best Bowler
- Norm Duke
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Dennis Mitchell
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Gwen Torrence
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Mark Messier, New York Rangers
- Baseball Play of the Year
- Kenny Rogers' perfect game
- NBA Play of the Year
- Isaiah Rider's fling shot falling out of bounds
- NHL Play of the Year
- John Vanbiesbrouck with a glove save (and no stick)
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Buzzer-beater by Charlotte Smith wins the NCAA title for North Carolina
- College Football Play of the Year
- Kordell Stewart to Michael Westbrook; Colorado's last-second win at Michigan
- NFL Play of the Year
- Robert Bailey's "surprise" punt return
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- Half-court shot by Cincinnati student Cole Clouse at Midnight Madness
- Showstopper of the Year
- High school football: Incredible comeback/letdown, Plano East vs. Tyler
- Outstanding Performance by an Athlete in Entertainment
- John Kruk on Late Night with David Letterman
- Best Male Athlete
- Cal Ripken, Baltimore Orioles
- Best Female Athlete
- Rebecca Lobo, University of Connecticut Basketball
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Hideo Nomo, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Game of the Year
- AFC Championship between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh
- Outstanding Team
- University of Connecticut Women's Basketball
- Best Coach/Manager
- Gary Barnett, Northwestern
- Best NFL Player
- Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Greg Maddux, Atlanta Braves
- Best NHL Player
- Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers
- Best Driver
- Jeff Gordon
- Best NBA Player
- Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
- Best Boxer
- Roy Jones, Jr.
- Best Male Golfer
- Corey Pavin
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Steffi Graf
- Best College Football Player
- Eddie George, Ohio State
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Ed O'Bannon, UCLA
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Rebecca Lobo, Connecticut
- Best Jockey
- Jerry Bailey
- Best Bowler
- Mike Aulby
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Michael Johnson
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Kim Batten
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Kim Batten
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
- Baseball Play of the Year
- Braves catcher Javier Lopez in the World Series
- NBA Play of the Year
- Back-to-back buzzer-beaters by Scottie Pippen and Walter Bond
- NHL Play of the Year
- Tomas Sandstrom scores winner from the seat of his pants
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Tyus Edney's game-winning drive in the NCAA Tournament
- College Football Play of the Year
- Nebraska's Tommie Frazier's TD scramble in Fiesta Bowl
- NFL Play of the Year
- Kordell Stewart scrambling TD pass
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- Fan Mike Pantazis' jump from stands on Monday Night Football
- Showstopper of the Year
- Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-breaking 2,131st game
- Outstanding Performance by an Athlete in Entertainment
- George Siefert does the Bossa Nova
- Best Male Athlete
- Michael Johnson, Olympic Sprinter
- Best Female Athlete
- Amy Van Dyken, Olympic Swimmer
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Tiger Woods, Golf
- Game of the Year
- Ohio State edges Arizona State in the Rose Bowl
- Outstanding Team
- New York Yankees
- Best Coach/Manager
- Joe Torre, New York Yankees
- Best NFL Player
- Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Ken Caminiti, San Diego Padres
- Best NHL Player
- Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
- Best Driver
- Jimmy Vasser
- Best NBA Player
- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Best Boxer
- Evander Holyfield
- Best Male Golfer
- Tom Lehman
- Best Female Golfer
- Karrie Webb
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Steffi Graf
- Best College Football Player
- Danny Wuerffel, Florida
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Tim Duncan, Wake Forest
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Saudia Roundtree, Georgia
- Best Jockey
- Jerry Bailey
- Best Bowler
- Bob Learn Jr.
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Michael Johnson
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marie-Jose Perec
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Evander Holyfield, Boxer
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Kerri Strug, Olympic gymnast
- Baseball Play of the Year
- San Diego's Ken Caminiti makes backhand grab and throws to first
- NBA Play of the Year
- Michael Finley steals and scores in mid-air
- NHL Play of the Year
- Steve Yzerman's OT goal in a scoreless Game 7 vs. St. Louis
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Tulane's Jerald Honeycutt's falling-out-of-bounds game-winner vs. Florida
- College Football Play of the Year
- Memphis' Kevin Cobb somehow doesn't fall, scores on a kickoff vs. Tennessee
- NFL Play of the Year
- Desmond Howard scores a kickoff-return TD in the Super Bowl
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- Michigan's Mike Legg scores an amazing goal with stick control
- Showstopper of the Year
- Warren Morris wins the College World Series for LSU with ninth-inning home run
- Dramatic Individual Performance of the Year
- Evander Holyfield takes the heavyweight title
- Best Male Athlete
- Ken Griffey Jr., baseball and Tiger Woods, golf
- Best Female Athlete
- Mia Hamm, soccer
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Nomar Garciaparra, Boston Red Sox
- Game of the Year
- Denver Broncos win a thrilling Super Bowl XXXII
- Outstanding Team
- Denver Broncos
- Best Coach/Manager
- Jim Leyland, Florida Marlins
- Best NFL Player
- Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Larry Walker, Colorado Rockies
- Best NHL Player
- Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best Driver
- Jeff Gordon
- Best NBA Player
- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Best WNBA Player
- Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- Best Boxer
- Evander Holyfield
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Martina Hingis
- Best College Football Player
- Peyton Manning, Tennessee
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Keith Van Horn, Utah
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee
- Best Jockey
- Gary Stevens
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Wilson Kipketer
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Roger Clemens, Toronto Blue Jays
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos
- Baseball Play of the Year
- Jim Edmonds, Angels, catch on the run away from the plate
- NBA Play of the Year
- Rex Chapman of Phoenix hits a wild three-pointer
- NHL Play of the Year
- Darren McCarty of Detroit scores on a great move
- College Basketball Play of the Year
- Kwan Johnson of New Orleans hits a long-distance 3-pointer
- College Football Play of the Year
- Nebraska's Scott Frost to Matt Davison: the Immaculate Reception II
- NFL Play of the Year
- Brad Johnson of Minnesota completes a pass to himself and scores
- Outrageous Play of the Year
- Lansdale (Pa.) Catholic with a "Cal-Stanford" play vs. Upper Perkiomen
- Showstopper of the Year
- Tiger Woods wins the Masters
- Dramatic Individual Performance of the Year
- Michael Jordan fights off the flu in Game 5 of the NBA Finals
- Best Male Athlete
- Mark McGwire, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best Female Athlete
- Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee basketball
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
- Outstanding Team
- New York Yankees
- Best Coach/Manager
- Joe Torre, New York Yankees
- Best NFL Player
- Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Mark McGwire, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best NHL Player
- Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres
- Best Driver
- Jeff Gordon
- Best NBA Player
- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Best WNBA Player
- Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- Best Boxer
- Oscar De La Hoya
- Best Male Golfer
- Mark O'Meara
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Lindsay Davenport
- Best College Football Player
- Ricky Williams, Texas
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Antawn Jamison, North Carolina
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee
- Best Jockey
- Kent Desormeaux
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Maurice Greene
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Eric Davis, Baltimore Orioles
- Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
- Mark O'Meara, golf
- Showstopper of the Year
- Mark McGwire's No. 62
- Dramatic Individual Performance of the Year
- David Wells' perfect game for the New York Yankees
- Humanitarian of the Year
- Sammy Sosa
- Best Male Athlete
- Tiger Woods, Golfer
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
- Best Coach/Manager
- Joe Torre, New York Yankees
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Pedro Martinez, Boston Red Sox
- Best Driver
- Dale Jarrett
- Best WNBA Player
- Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Andre Agassi
- Best College Football Player
- Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
- Best Female Athlete
- Mia Hamm, Soccer
- Outstanding Team
- USA Women's World Cup Soccer
- Best NFL Player
- Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
- Best NHL Player
- Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres
- Best NBA Player
- Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
- Best Boxer
- Roy Jones Jr.
- Best Female Golfer
- Juli Inkster
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Lindsay Davenport
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Elton Brand, Duke
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee
- Action Athlete of the Year
- Tony Hawk
- Best Bowler
- Parker Bohn III
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Michael Johnson
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Lance Armstrong, US Cyclist
- Memorable Performance of the Year
- Justin Leonard's putt on 17 wins the Ryder Cup
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Best Soccer Player
- Mia Hamm
- Best Jockey
- Chris Antley
- Best Male Athlete
- Tiger Woods, Golfer
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings
- Best Coach/Manager
- Joe Torre, New York Yankees
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Pedro Martinez, Boston Red Sox
- Best Driver
- Bobby Labonte
- Best WNBA Player
- Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Pete Sampras
- Best College Football Player
- Chris Weinke, Florida State
- Best Female Athlete
- Marion Jones, Track and Field
- Pro Team of the Year
- New York Yankees
- Best NFL Player
- Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams
- Best NHL Player
- Chris Pronger, St. Louis Blues
- Best NBA Player
- Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Boxer
- Felix Trinidad
- Best Female Golfer
- Karrie Webb
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Venus Williams
- Best Male College Basketball Player
- Kenyon Martin, Cincinnati
- Best Championship Performance
- Tiger Woods
- Best Record-breaking Performance
- Pete Sampras
- Most Spectacular Play
- Antonio Freeman
- Memorable Performance of the Year
- Cathy Freeman lighting the Olympic torch
- College Team of the Year
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Action Athlete of the Year
- Shaun Palmer
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams Jr.
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Maurice Greene
- Male USA Olympic Athlete
- Rulon Gardner
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Andres Galarraga, Atlanta Braves
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jack Nicklaus
- Best Female College Basketball Player
- Tamika Catchings, Tennessee
- Best Jockey
- Kent Desormeaux
- Best Soccer Player
- Mia Hamm
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Female USA Olympic Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Come-from-behind Performance
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Athlete
- Tiger Woods, golfer
- Best Female Athlete
- Venus Williams, Tennis player
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Tiger Woods
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots
- Best Game
- Game 7 of World Series, Diamondbacks vs. Yankees
- Best Moment
- Barry Bonds breaking Mark McGwire's home run record
- Best Play
- Derek Jeter's throw in World Series Game 3
- Best Team
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Sports Movie
- The Rookie
- Best Coach/Manager
- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best NFL Player
- Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams
- Best MLB Player
- Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
- Best NHL Player
- Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
- Best Driver
- Michael Schumacher
- Best NBA Player
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Best WNBA Player
- Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- Best Fighter
- Lennox Lewis
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Lleyton Hewitt
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Venus Williams
- Best Male College Athlete
- Cael Sanderson, Iowa State
- Best Female College Athlete
- Sue Bird, Connecticut
- Best Action Sports Athlete of the Year
- Kelly Clark
- Best Jockey
- Victor Espinoza
- Best Athlete with a Disability
- Erik Weihenmayer
- Best Bowler
- Pete Weber
- Best Male Soccer Player
- Landon Donovan
- Best Female Soccer Player
- Tiffeny Milbrett
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Maurice Greene
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Marion Jones
- Best Outdoor Sports Athlete
- Kevin VanDam
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Jennifer Capriati, tennis
- Best USA Olympic Athlete
- Sarah Hughes
- Best Male Athlete
- Lance Armstrong
- Best Female Athlete
- Serena Williams
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Alfonso Soriano
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Emmitt Smith
- Best Game
- Fiesta Bowl, Ohio State vs. Miami
- Best Moment
- Pete Sampras winning US Open
- Best Play
- LSU's Hail Mary - Devery Henderson
- Best Team
- Anaheim Angels
- Best Sports Movie
- Bend It Like Beckham
- Best Coach/Manager
- Jon Gruden
- Best NFL Player
- Michael Vick
- Best MLB Player
- Barry Bonds
- Best NHL Player
- Jean-Sebastien Giguere
- Best Driver
- Tony Stewart
- Best NBA Player
- Tim Duncan
- Best WNBA Player
- Lisa Leslie
- Best Fighter
- Ray Jones, Jr., Boxing
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Andre Agassi
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
- Best Male College Athlete
- Carmelo Anthony
- Best Female College Athlete
- Diana Taurasi, Connecticut
- Best Male Action Athlete
- Shaun White
- Best Jockey
- Jose Santos
- Best Athlete with a Disability
- Marlon Shirley
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams, Jr.
- Best Male Soccer Player
- Ronaldo
- Best Female Soccer Player
- Katia
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Tim Montgomery
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Gail Devers
- Best Outdoor Sports Athlete
- Jay Yelas
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Tommy Maddox
- Special Award to Disabled
- Jake Porter
- Best Male Athlete
- Lance Armstrong, Cyclist
- Best Female Athlete
- Diana Taurasi, Basketball player
- Best Championship Performance
- Phil Mickelson
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Eric Gagne
- Best Upset
- Detroit Pistons
- Best Game
- Super Bowl, Patriots vs. Panthers
- Best Moment
- Brett Favre on Monday Night Football the day after his father died
- Best Play
- New Orleans Saints' lateral for a touchdown against the Jaguars
- Best Team
- Detroit Pistons
- Best Sports Movie
- Miracle
- Best Coach/Manager
- Larry Brown, Detroit Pistons
- Best NFL Player
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
- Best Major League Baseball Player
- Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
- Best NHL Player
- Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
- Best Driver
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Best NBA Player
- Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Best WNBA Player
- Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
- Best Fighter
- Antonio Tarver, Boxing
- Best Male Golfer
- Phil Mickelson
- Best Female Golfer
- Annika Sorenstam
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Andy Roddick
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
- Best Male College Athlete
- Emeka Okafor, Connecticut
- Best Female College Athlete
- Diana Taurasi, Connecticut
- Best Male Action Athlete of the Year
- Ryan Nyquist
- Best Female Action Athlete of the Year
- Dallas Friday
- Best Jockey
- Stewart Elliott
- Best Athlete with a Disability
- Kyle Maynard
- Best Bowler
- Pete Weber
- Best Male Soccer Player
- David Beckham
- Best Female Soccer Player
- Mia Hamm
- Best Outdoor Sports Athlete
- Tina Bosworth
- Best Male Track Athlete
- Tom Pappas
- Best Female Track Athlete
- Gail Devers
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Bethany Hamilton, Surfer
- Best Male Athlete
- Lance Armstrong, Cyclist
- Best Female Athlete
- Annika Sorenstam, Golfer
- Championship Performance
- Curt Schilling, Boston Red Sox pitcher
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
- Best Upset
- Bucknell beats Kansas in NCAA Tournament
- Best Game
- ALCS Game 5, Yankees vs. Red Sox
- Best Moment
- Reggie Miller's final game
- Best Play
- Blake Hoffarber's last-second 3-pointer from flat on his back
- Best Team
- Boston Red Sox
- Best Sports Movie
- Friday Night Lights
- Best Coach/Manager
- Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
- Best Comeback
- Mark Fields, Carolina Panthers
- Best NFL Player
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
- Best MLB Player
- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best Driver
- Michael Schumacher
- Best NBA Player
- Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
- Best WNBA Player
- Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
- Best Boxer
- Bernard Hopkins
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Maria Sharapova
- Best Male College Athlete
- Matt Leinart, USC football
- Best Female College Athlete
- Cat Osterman, Texas softball
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Dave Mirra, Bike stunt
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Sofia Mulanovich, Surfing
- Best Jockey
- Jeremy Rose
- Best Male Athlete with a Disability
- Marlon Shirley, Track & Field
- Best Female Athlete with a Disability
- Erin Popovich, Swimming
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams
- Best Olympic Performance Male
- Michael Phelps, Swimming
- Best Olympic Performance Female
- Team USA Softball
- Best Soccer Player
- Mia Hamm
- Best Outdoor Sports Athlete
- J.R. Salzman
- Best International Athlete
- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best Male Athlete
- Lance Armstrong, Cyclist
- Best Female Athlete
- Annika Sorenstam, Golfer
- Championship Performance
- Vince Young, Rose Bowl
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Chris Paul
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Shaun Alexander's 28 TDs
- Best Game
- Rose Bowl, USC vs. Texas
- Best Moment
- Jason McElwain
- Best Play
- Tyrone Prothro's TD catch vs. Southern Miss
- Best Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Best Sports Movie
- Glory Road
- Best Coach/Manager
- Bill Cowher
- Best Comeback
- Tedy Bruschi
- Best NFL Player
- Shaun Alexander
- Best MLB Player
- Albert Pujols
- Best Driver
- Tony Stewart
- Best NBA Player
- Dwyane Wade
- Best WNBA Player
- Sheryl Swoopes
- Best Boxer
- Oscar De La Hoya
- Best Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Venus Williams
- Best Male College Athlete
- Reggie Bush
- Best Female College Athlete
- Cat Osterman
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Hannah Teter
- Best Jockey
- Edgar Prado
- Best Male Athlete with a Disability
- Bobby Martin
- Best Female Athlete with a Disability
- Sarah Reinertsen
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams
- Best US Olympian Male
- Shaun White
- Best MLS Athlete
- Landon Donovan
- Best Soccer Player
- Ronaldinho
- Best Male Track and Field Athlete
- Justin Gatlin
- Best Female Track and Field Athlete
- Allyson Felix
- Best International Athlete
- Albert Pujols
- Best Angler
- Tammy Richardson
- Best Male Athlete
- LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
- Best Championship Performance
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts, Super Bowl
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
- Best Game
- Fiesta Bowl, Boise State over Oklahoma
- Best Play
- Boise State beats Oklahoma with a two-point conversion using the Statue of Liberty play
- Best Female Athlete
- Taryne Mowatt, University of Arizona Softball
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
- Best Upset
- Golden State Warriors over top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in first round of NBA Playoffs
- Best Moment
- New Orleans Saints return home, beat Falcons on Monday Night Football
- Best Team
- Indianapolis Colts
- Best Coach
- Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts
- Best MLB Player
- Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
- Best Sports Movie
- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
- Best NHL Player
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best NBA Player
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Best Fighter
- Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Male College Athlete
- Kevin Durant, University of Texas Basketball
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Travis Pastrana, Motocross
- Best Jockey
- Calvin Borel
- Best Driver
- Jeff Gordon
- Best WNBA Player
- Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- Best Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Maria Sharapova
- Best Female College Athlete
- Taryne Mowatt, University of Arizona Softball
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Sarah Burke, Skiing
- Best Male Athlete with a Disability
- Casey Tibbs, Track & Field
- Best Female Athlete with a Disability
- Jessica Long, Paralympic Swimming
- Best MLS Player
- Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Outdoor Athlete
- Dean Karnazes, Marathon
- Best Female International Athlete
- Maria Sharapova, Tennis
- Best Bowler
- Norm Duke
- Best Track and Field Athlete
- Jeremy Wariner
- Best Male International Athlete
- Roger Federer, Tennis
- Best Male Athlete
- Tiger Woods, Golfer
- Best Championship Performance
- Tiger Woods, 2008 US Open
- 2008 - Best Record-Breaking Peformance
- Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
- Best Game
- Super Bowl XLII, Giants over Patriots
- Best Play
- Eli Manning to David Tyree, Super Bowl XLII
- Best Sports Movie
- Semi-Pro
- Best NFL Player
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots
- Best NHL Player
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best NBA Player
- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Fighter
- Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Boxing
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Male College Athlete
- Tim Tebow, Florida Football
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
- Best Jockey
- Kent Desormeaux
- Best Female Athlete with Disability
- Shay Oberg, Softball
- Best MLS Athlete
- David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Outdoor Athlete
- Captain Scott Smiley, Mountain Climber
- Best Female International Athlete
- Lorena Ochoa, Golf
- Best Female Athlete
- Candace Parker, University of Tennessee Basketball
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
- Best Upset
- Giants over Patriots, Super Bowl XLII
- Best Moment
- Great Sportsmanship, Central Washington vs. Western Oregon Softball, Sara Tucholsky, Liz Wallace, Mallory Holtman
- Best Team
- Boston Celtics
- Best Coach/Manager
- Pat Summitt, Tennessee Women's Basketball
- Best MLB Player
- Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
- Best Driver
- Jimmie Johnson
- Best WNBA Player
- Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
- Best Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Maria Sharapova
- Best Female College Athlete
- Candace Parker, Tennessee Women's Basketball
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Gretchen Bleiler, Snowboarding
- Best Male Athlete With A Disability
- Ryan Kocer, Wrestling
- Best Bowler
- Norm Duke
- Best Track & Field Athlete
- Tyson Gay
- Best Male International Athlete
- Rafael Nadal, Tennis
- Comeback Award
- Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
- Best Male Athlete
- Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Championship Performance
- Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Game
- Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
- Best Play
- Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
- Best Sports Movie
- The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
- Best NFL Player
- Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
- Best NHL Player
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best NBA Player
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Best Fighter
- Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
- Best Female Golfer
- Lorena Ochoa
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
- Best Female College Athlete
- Maya Moore, Connecticut Women's Basketball
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Maya Gabeira, Surfing
- Best Male Athlete With a Disability
- John Lester, Ironman Triathlete
- Best Bowler
- Norm Duke
- Best Female US Olympian
- Shawn Johnson, Gymnastics
- Best International Male Athlete
- Usain Bolt, Jamaica Sprinter
- Best Female Athlete
- Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
- Best Upset
- US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
- Best Moment
- US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
- Best Team
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Coach/Manager
- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best MLB Player
- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best Driver
- Jimmie Johnson
- Best WNBA Player
- Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
- Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Male College Athlete
- Tim Tebow, Florida Football
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White, Snowboarding
- Best Jockey
- Calvin Borel
- Best Female Athlete With a Disability
- Erin Popovich, Swimming
- Best Male US Olympic Athlete
- Michael Phelps, Swimming
- Best MLS Athlete
- Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best International Female Athlete
- Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)
- Best Male Athlete
- Drew Brees, NFL
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
- Best Championship Performance
- Drew Brees, Super Bowl XLIV
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Isner vs. Mahut at Wimbledon, Longest Match in Professional Tennis History
- Best Game
- Canada edges USA in Olympic hockey championship game in overtime
- Best Play
- Favre to Lewis Touchdown
- Best Female Athlete
- Lindsey Vonn, Skiing
- Best Upset
- Northern Iowa shocks No. 1 Kansas, NCAA Men's Basketball
- Best Moment
- Landon Donovan World Cup vs. Algeria
- Best Team
- New Orleans Saints
- Best Sports Movie
- The Blind Side
- Best NFL Player
- Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
- Best NHL Player
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best Coach/Manager
- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best MLB Player
- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best Driver
- Jimmie Johnson
- Best WNBA Player
- Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
- Best Male Golfer
- Phil Mickelson
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer
- Best Male College Athlete
- John Wall, Kentucky Basketball
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White, Snowboarding
- Best Jockey
- Calvin Borel
- Best Female Athlete With a Disability
- Amy Palmiero-Winters
- Best Male US Olympic Athlete
- Shaun White, Snowboarding
- Best MLS Athlete
- Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Comeback
- Kim Clijsters
- Best NBA Player
- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Fighter
- Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
- Best Female Golfer
- Lorena Ochoa
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
- Best Female College Athlete
- Maya Moore, Connecticut Women's Basketball
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Torah Bright, Snowboarding
- Best Male Athlete With a Disability
- Steve Cash
- Best Bowler
- Walter Ray Williams Jr.
- Best Female US Olympic Athlete
- Lindsey Vonn, Skiing
- Best Track And Field Athlete
- Usain Bolt
- Best Championship Performance
- Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
- Best Upset
- VCU shocks Kansas in 2011 men's NCAA tournament
- Best Male College Athlete
- Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Best Male Athlete
- Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
- Best Female Athlete
- Lindsey Vonn, Skiing
- Best Game
- Eagles stage epic comeback against NFC rival Giants
- Best Play
- Abby Wambach's game-tying goal, 2011 Women's World Cup
- Best Team
- Dallas Mavericks
- Best Record Breaking Performance
- Rory McIlroy, U.S. Open
- Best Moment
- Roy Halladay's postseason no-hitter
- Best Sports Movie
- The Fighter
- Best Coach/Manager
- Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks
- Best NFL Player
- Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
- Best MLB Player
- Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
- Best NHL Player
- Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
- Best Driver
- Jimmie Johnson
- Best NBA Player
- Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
- Best WNBA Player
- Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
- Best Fighter
- Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
- Best Male Golfer
- Rory McIlroy
- Best Female Golfer
- Cristie Kerr
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Rafael Nadal
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
- Best Female College Athlete
- Maya Moore, UConn
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Stephanie Gilmore, Professional Surfer
- Best Jockey
- John Velazquez
- Best Male Athlete with a Disability
- Anthony Robles, NCAA Wrestling Champion
- Best Female Athlete with a Disability
- Mallory Weggemann, Paralympian
- Best Bowler
- Jason Belmonte
- Best MLS Player
- Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Track and Field Athlete
- Tyson Gay