For a long time, Oklahoma didn’t have any professional sports teams. Their first experience hosting a professional team was after Hurricane Katrina. The New Orleans Hornets couldn’t play their home games in New Orleans and instead played them in Oklahoma. The residents proved how great they’d be as fans. Not too long after in 2008, the Seattle Supersonics officially moved to Oklahoma City.
However, there were still top-tier athletes coming from the Sooner State. Kids grew up watching the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State football dominate. There were minor-league baseball teams that inspired young people. Oklahoma City is only a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Dallas, so people still had easy access to each professional sport.
There are athletes in their respective sports who are considered to be the best. Jim Thorpe is widely regarded as the best all-around sports star to ever live. He was born in the 1800s on an Indian Reservation, which is present-day Oklahoma. In his adulthood, Thorpe competed in the pentathlon and decathlon, where he won Gold Medals in both events. He also played professional football, basketball, and baseball.
Another legendary baseball player born in Oklahoma is Johnny Bench. He spent his career with the Cincinnati Reds and became one of the greatest catchers ever. For more Oklahoma content, click here to read about the most popular teams in the state.
To gather this list of best athletes from Oklahoma, 24/7 Tempo consulted sports-related sources. These include MLB.com, NFL.com, and NBA.com.
Jim Thorpe
American footballer and athlete Jim Thorpe (1888 - 1953) who won two Gold Medals for the Pentathlon and Decathlon setting world records at both events at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Prague Indian Territory, now Oklahoma
- Sport: Pentathlon, Decathlon, Baseball, Basketball, Football
The decathlon and pentathlon are two of the best ways to find out who the greatest all-around athletes in the world are. During these, participants compete in different running, throwing, and jumping events. Jim Thorpe won the Gold Medal in both events and then went on to become one of the most notable football, basketball, and baseball players.
Thorpe thought about becoming a hockey player during his career, but he decided against it. He was born on an Indian Reservation in the 1800s that would become Oklahoma later on.
Mickey Mantle
- Hometown: Spavinaw
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Center Fielder
The New York Yankees have a storied franchise unlike most. This is thanks to players like Mickey Mantle. During his career, Mantle won seven World Series, three Al MVPs, had his number retired, and was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The New York Yankees have had such an amazing history because of him. No current player is able to wear a number in the single digits, like Mantle’s seven.
Not bad for a guy from a small town in Oklahoma. The most amazing part of all his accolades is that he was never fully healthy. Many baseball fans are curious to know how much better he would’ve been if he didn’t have knee issues.
Blake Griffin
- Hometown: Oklahoma City
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Power Forward
Dunking is an exciting play in basketball that gets fans hyped and excited. Few players have dunked better than Blake Griffin in his career. While he missed his first season because of injuries, Griffin bounced back and was one of the main reasons the Los Angeles Clippers became relevant again. His pure athleticism helped him dominate the league for more than a decade. He’s still a free agent and looking for his first NBA title.
Johnny Bench
- Hometown: Oklahoma City
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Catcher
Being a catcher takes a lot of physical strength. The amount of pressure catchers put on their knees over the years adds up quickly. Johnny Bench was able to do it at an elite level for 16 MLB seasons, all for the Cincinnati Reds. During his career, he helped the Reds win two World Series titles, a World Series MVP, and two NL MVPs.
Because he played in the National League before they got the designated hitter, he was tasked to hit the field almost every day. Even though he played in the 1960s and 1970s, he’s still regarded as the greatest catcher ever.
Mark Price
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Former Cavaliers greats Brad Daugherty, left, and Mark Price, right, wave to the crowd during a celebration for the Cavaliers 50th anniversary prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 26, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Bartlesville
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Guard
Basketball is in the DNA of Mark Price. Between playing and coaching, Price had a 30-year career in the sport. He was a second-round pick who found his niche as a three-point shooter. During his career, he made four All-Star games but was never able to snatch a championship. When he retired, Price got into coaching, at the professional and collegiate levels. His most recent stint as a coach concluded in 2019 with the Denver Nuggets.
Brian Bosworth
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 13: Linebacker Brian Bosworth #55 of the Seattle Seahawks looks during the game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Staduim on September 13, 1987 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 40-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Oklahoma City
- Sport: Football
- Position: Linebacker
During his college career, Brian Bosworth became known for living life the way he wanted. He had eccentric hair, an aggressive attitude, and a vocal hatred of the NCAA. His NFL career could have been something special if it weren’t for injuries that plagued him. Despite that, he was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame. He won a National Championship, two Butkus Awards for the best linebacker in college football, and was a three-time All-American.
John Starks
- Hometown: Tulsa
- Sport: Basketball
- Position: Guard
Despite being undrafted, John Starks became an essential part of the New York Knicks. Starks was known for the effort he gave on every play, which is not something every NBA player does. Playing with high levels of energy helped him become a fan favorite and a legend in New York City.
He helped the Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, where they fell short to the Houston Rockets in seven games. After basketball, Starks opened a car dealership in New York City.
Sam Bradford
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make a pass during the game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Oklahoma City
- Sport: Football
- Position: Linebacker
NFL players have a certain admiration and respect for Sam Bradford. While his career wasn’t what it was expected to be as the number one overall pick, Bradford made more money than most. He earned over $130 million in nine years as a quarterback. He also became known for his friendship with fellow Oklahoma superstar Blake Griffin. The duo grew up together and went to Oklahoma to play their respective sports.
Joe Carter
- Hometown: Oklahoma City
- Sport: Baseball
- Position: Right Fielder
Kids around the world grow up and pretend to hit the game-winning home run to win the World Series. Joe Carter had that dream become his reality in 1993. His walk-off home run gave the Toronto Blue Jays their second straight title. Carter had an impressive 15-year career before hanging it up. Carter did some television work for the Blue Jays when he retired, and was elected into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bill Goldberg
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Bill Goldberg attends WWE 20th Anniversary Celebration Marking Premiere of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on FOX at Staples Center on October 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
- Hometown: Tulsa
- Sport: Wrestling
Even though wrestling is scripted, these athletes put themselves through a lot to deliver top-notch entertainment. Bill Goldberg is one of those wrestlers who transitioned from the football field to the entertainment realm. His career started in 1997 and is still going strong in 2024.
He also has been on screen in multiple shows and movies including “Santa’s Slay,” “The Longest Yard,” and “Universal Soldier: The Return.” For more Oklahoma content, click here to read about the most famous musicians from the Sooner State.