The East Coast is where some of the best athletes in the world are born. In New Jersey, the access to New York City basketball courts and competition force players to bring their A-Game every day. Shaquille O’Neal and Karl-Anthony Towns grew up shooting on courts in both places before becoming number one overall picks in their respective drafts. Each athlete has dominated the game on their level, with Towns still attempting to reach the same heights as O’Neal.
Because of the proximity to New York City, many athletes who grow up in Jersey often become Yankee fans. For stars like Derek Jeter, their dream comes true. Growing up a fan of the team, Jeter went on to have one of the greatest careers any New York Yankee has ever had. Given the list of all-time players the Yankees have, that’s quite an accomplishment.
By 2024, soccer has increased tremendously in popularity across the United States – especially on the women’s side. This is thanks in large part to athletes like Carli Lloyd. She’s made quite the career for herself playing soccer and inspiring young girls around America.
Franco Harris had an amazing run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he’s most remembered for catching the “Immaculate Reception” against the Raiders during the playoffs. For more on New Jersey, click here to read about the biggest movie stars from the Garden State.
To compile the list of the biggest athletes from New Jersey, 24/7 Tempo consulted sports-related sources. These include ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBA.com.
Shaquille O’Neal
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 17: Shaquille O'Neal attends the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Center
Few NBA players have been as dominant as Shaquille O’Neal. The massive 7’1″ player used to torment teams in the post. He would easily score and dunk whenever he got the ball. He used his long arms to get as many rebounds as he could. O’Neal and Kobe Bryant won three straight NBA titles together before O’Neal left for the Miami Heat.
Since retiring, fans have been able to find O’Neal on “Inside the NBA” on TNT as a host and analyst. He’s seemingly in nearly every commercial on television as well. O’Neal has become quite the businessman, with expansive plans to make money through different avenues.
Mike Trout
TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on during a spring training exhibition against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Peoria Sports Complex on February 24, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Outfielder
Baseball is such an interesting sport to watch and play. For so long, many have called Mike Trout the best player in the game, hands down. However, the Los Angeles Angels have yet to make a true playoff run. This isn’t for lack of trying, though. For whatever reason, the team can’t stay healthy. Constant injuries plague the players.
Trout has won multiple awards, including three AL MVPs during his career. He signed the most expensive contract in baseball history at the time in 2019, but he’s still looking for his first World Series championship.
Carli Lloyd
ST PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 26: Carli Lloyd #10 of United States dribbles the ball against Korea Republic in the first half of the game at Allianz Field on October 26, 2021 in St Paul, Minnesota. United States defeated Korea Republic 6-0. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
- Sport: Soccer
- Position: Midfielder
One of the reasons women’s soccer has grown exponentially in the United States is thanks to Carli Lloyd. During her career, Lloyd played for two decades professionally. She also played 16 years for the U.S. Women’s National Team. She helped America secure two Women’s World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, and countless other accolades. Lloyd has done her part to grow the game as an inspiration to tons of girls.
Franco Harris
Franco Harris #32, Running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL/AFC Divisional playoff game on 19 December 1976 at the Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The Steelers won the game 40 - 14. (Photo by Bob Grieser/Allsport/Getty Images)
- Sport: Football
- Position: Running Back
The “Immaculate Reception” is a play in NFL history that still runs in commercials promoting the league. It took place in the 1970s, but it’s still respected today. Franco Harris was the man who made it all possible. Aside from completing one of the most memorable plays ever, Harris is known for his contributions to the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty.
He won four Super Bowls with the team, including Super Bowl MVP honors in Super Bowl IX. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will carry on forever.
Derek Jeter
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Derek Jeter is introduced during New York Yankees Old Timer's Day prior to a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on September 9, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Shortstop
The New York Yankees are filled with legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Derek Jeter. For Jeter, his position was even more special because he grew up as a dedicated fan of the team. He was an integral part of the team’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won five World Series titles, including the 2000 World Series MVP.
His last at-bat in Yankee Stadium is regarded as one of the best moments in sports history. He hit a walk-off single to beat the Baltimore Orioles, creating the storybook ending to a perfect career.
Todd Frazier
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Infielder Todd Frazier #25 of Team United States reacts after flies out in the eighth inning against Team Japan during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Third Base
One of the most iconic pictures in baseball history showcases Todd Frazier standing next to Derek Jeter as a child. It took place following his trip to the Little League World Series. Fast forward to his adulthood, and Frazier became one of the best baseball players alive during his career.
He went to multiple All-Star games and helped turn the Cincinnati Reds around. Growing up a New York Yankees fan, it was easy for Frazier to accept a trade to play with the team in 2017. Frazier is known for his great personality and constant professionalism.
Karl-Anthony Towns
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 23: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to his foul against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Target Center on February 23, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Bucks defeated the Timberwolves 112-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
The hype surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns coming out of the University of Kentucky was amazing. He’s a big man who can shoot the ball, while also making plays for his teammates. After years of trying to find his niche in the NBA, the Timberwolves made a huge trade for Rudy Gobert.
The duo took a little while to figure out their collective stride, but as of the 2024 season, they appear to be making it work. Towns has also become known in the pop culture world for dating model and reality TV star, Jordyn Woods.
Al Leiter
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Pitcher
Winning the World Series is what every baseball player aspires to achieve. Al Leiter reached that mountaintop three times in his career. It happened twice with the Toronto Blue Jays and once with the Florida Marlins. He also pitched a no-hitter in 1996, which is one of the rarities in all of baseball. After concluding his 18-year career, Leiter turned to television and starred on MLB Network. As of March 2024, his son (Jack Leiter) is one of the best prospects in Major League Baseball.
Sam Mills
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 1: Linebacker Sam Mills #51 of the Carolina Panthers gets ready for the snap during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 1, 1996 at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
- Sport: Football
- Position: Linebacker
Every NFL player works hard to get to the league, but Sam Mills had to work harder than most. After going undrafted, Mills spent five years between the CFL and USFL before getting a shot with the New Orleans Saints. Mills took the opportunity and ran with it. He created a Hall of Fame career that nobody handed to him.
After retiring from playing, Mills accepted a job as a coach for the Carolina Panthers until the 2004 season. He passed away from cancer in 2005, but left a mark with his inspirational story.
Rick Barry
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Small Forward
Shooting free throws underhand is mocked by many athletes around the world, but not by Rick Barry. Barry took that approach to the NBA, where he has one of the best free throw percentages in history. He helped the Warriors win the 1975 championship, where he was also crowned MVP of the series.
His countless accolades added up to his induction into the NBA Hall of Fame when he retired. For more New Jersey content, click here to read about the biggest musicians from the Garden State.