More Than a Game: The Athletes I’ll Always Respect

Some athletes are easy to admire for what they do on the field. But the ones who stick with me—the ones I respect the most—are those who brought something more to the game: character, loyalty, grit, and faith. These five men, across very different sports and eras, have all earned my admiration in lasting ways.

1. Danny Wuerffel – A Life That Preaches

Danny Wuerffel wasn’t the best pro quarterback—not by a long shot. But he may be one of the best human beings to ever wear an NFL jersey. After winning the Heisman and a national title at Florida, he went on to live out his Christian faith in full color—serving others through Desire Street Ministries and pouring his life into neighborhoods that need hope. He’s a Gator legend, yes. But more than that, he’s a man of deep compassion and integrity. I admire him more than almost any athlete I’ve ever followed.

2. Mike Schmidt – The One Who Made Me Love Baseball

My favorite athlete of all time, and the reason I fell for baseball in the first place. In 1975, I was a kid living outside Philly, and Mike Schmidt was launching balls into the stratosphere from third base. I played third base, too. I wore No. 20 because he did. Sure, he was salty with the press, and he didn’t bend over backward to win fans—but he stayed loyal to the Phillies when others might have chased one more paycheck. Near the end of his career, he even took a pay cut just to stay in Philly. That meant a lot to me then, and it still does.

3. Kyle Schwarber – No Flash, Just Fireworks

Kyle Schwarber is a walking contradiction in the best way. He strikes out a ton, sure—but when he connects? You feel it. Schwarber doesn’t try to be a superstar. He just shows up, hits bombs, and rallies a team by being the gritty, powerful presence every clubhouse needs. I love that about him. He knows who he is, and he doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

4. Emmitt Smith – Built to Last

People love to debate who was the greatest running back. Barry Sanders might’ve had more highlight reels, but Emmitt Smith? He lasted. He ran through pain, through stacked boxes, through whole seasons where defenses knew exactly who was getting the ball. He finished with more rushing yards than anyone in NFL history and anchored a Cowboys dynasty that won three Super Bowls. Also? He was a Gator. So yeah—Emmitt’s a forever favorite of mine.

5. Roger Staubach – The Captain America of Quarterbacks

Before Aikman, before Romo, before Dak… there was Roger. Staubach was the perfect quarterback for a Tom Landry team: disciplined, driven, and faithful. He served his country in the Navy before ever taking a snap in Dallas. And when the game was on the line, you wanted the ball in his hands. He’s my all-time favorite NFL quarterback—not just for how he played, but for who he was.

Honorable Mentions

Tim Tebow – He didn’t have the pro career many expected, but when he was at Florida, he was a force of nature. If Tebow decided the Gators were going to win, then by sheer willpower and leadership, he made it happen. I admire him deeply. But in the end, I admire Wuerffel more.
Warrick Dunn – Okay, yes, he was a Nole. But even a Gator can’t ignore what Dunn has done off the field—quietly and generously buying homes for single moms and lifting up families. Total respect.

So who are the athletes you respect most? Not just the GOATs—but the ones who made you proud to root for them?

About Douglas Blaine

Capnpen is a writer who was a newspaper and magazine journalist in a previous life. A college journalism major, he now works as an English teacher, but gets his writing fix by blogging about a variety of topics, including politics, religion, movies and television. When he's not working or blogging, Capnpen spends time with his family, plays a little golf (badly) and loves to learn about virtually anything.

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