Key Points:
- Nevada is certainly not widely known for its athletic talent.
- Despite being more associated with gambling and the desert, Nevada has given us several talented athletes.
- These athletes represent a variety of sports, including tennis, NASCAR, and baseball.
Nevada may be best known for its casinos, desert landscapes, and entertainment scene, but it has also produced an impressive number of standout athletes. The Silver State has given us a wide range of talented individuals, including baseball stars, NFL veterans, tennis legends, and NASCAR champions. These competitors went on to make their mark at the highest levels of sports. While Las Vegas has produced many of the biggest names, other parts of the state have contributed their share of talent as well.
A big reason for that success may be Nevada’s year-round training environment, especially in southern parts of the state where athletes can practice outdoors in nearly every season. Over time, strong local programs, growing sports culture, and increased national attention have helped turn Nevada into a more serious region for athletic talent. These are some of the most notable athletes who were born in the western state.
To compile this list of athletes who grew up in Nevada, Tempo consulted outside sources including ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports.
Bryce Harper
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Right Fielder / First Baseman
Bryce Harper was born in Las Vegas. He appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine while still in high school and earned his GED early before enrolling at the College of Southern Nevada at age 17.
Many questioned his unconventional path, but it paid off. Harper has become one of the best players in baseball and signed a massive contract with the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2019 season. He helped lead the Phillies to the 2022 World Series, where they lost to the Houston Astros.
Kris Bryant
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Third Baseman / Outfielder
The former University of San Diego standout helped the Chicago Cubs break their World Series drought in 2016 and won both NL Rookie of the Year and NL MVP.
He later signed a large contract with the Colorado Rockies before the 2022 season. Bryant remains one of the most recognizable athletes from Nevada.
Andre Agassi
- Sport: Tennis
Andre Agassi’s family moved to Las Vegas from Iran, and he showed elite tennis ability from a young age. He later trained at a prestigious tennis academy in Florida, where his talent was quickly recognized.
Over his career, Agassi won eight Grand Slam titles and became one of the most iconic players of his era. His achievements have secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Greg Anthony
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Guard
Anthony grew up in Las Vegas and became a key player for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels during their dominant run in the early 1990s. He went on to have a solid NBA career before moving into television work.
He is now widely known for his analysis on NBA TV and TNT, as well as his voice work in the NBA 2K video game series.
Kyle Van Noy
- Sport: Football
- Position: Linebacker
Kyle Van Noy grew up in Reno and played college football at BYU before entering the NFL. He became part of the New England Patriots and won two Super Bowls during his time there.
He has since continued his NFL career with multiple teams, including the Baltimore Ravens.
Joey Gallo
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Outfielder
Joey Gallo grew up in Las Vegas alongside players like Kris Bryant and Bryce Harper. Known for his power hitting, he quickly made a name for himself in Major League Baseball.
While he has had ups and downs in his career, he remains known for his ability to hit home runs at an elite level.
Steven Jackson
- Sport: Football
- Position: Running Back
Steven Jackson was one of the most productive running backs of the late 2000s, primarily with the St. Louis Rams. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in rushing yards during his prime.
Although he never won a Super Bowl, Jackson had a long and successful NFL career after growing up in Las Vegas.
DeMarco Murray
- Sport: Football
- Position: Running Back
DeMarco Murray had a standout NFL career, highlighted by his 2014 season with the Dallas Cowboys. That year, he led the league in rushing and won Offensive Player of the Year.
Before that, he attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and later played at the University of Oklahoma. He now works in coaching.
Kurt Busch
- Sport: NASCAR
- Position: Driver
Kurt Busch grew up in Las Vegas and began racing at a young age. He went on to become one of the most successful NASCAR drivers of his generation.
Over his career, he won races across multiple series, including the Cup Series, and became a champion at the highest level.
Kyle Busch
- Sport: NASCAR
- Position: Driver
Kyle Busch, Kurt’s younger brother, has also had an incredibly successful NASCAR career. He has won over 200 races across NASCAR’s top three series, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in the sport’s history.
Both Busch brothers have played a major role in inspiring younger drivers from the Las Vegas area.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images.