Forbes magazine has just released their 2013 edition of “America’s 10 Most Influential Athletes.” To compile their rankings, the magazine consulted a number of trusted Nielsen and E-Poll Market Research surveys to determine which athletes have the most influence among fans across the United States.
29% of respondents found recently released New York Jets quarterback Time Tebow to be the most “influential.” Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps finished second in the survey with 25 percent finding him influential. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt finished third with 23 percent, while New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter came in fourth with 22 percent. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who replaced Tebow in Denver, finished fifth with 21 percent of the respondents finding him influential.
Here’s Forbes round-up of the ’10 Most Influential Athletes’ of 2013:
1. Tim Tebow
2. Michael Phelps
3. Usain Bolt
4. Derek Jeter
5. Peyton Manning
6. Drew Brees
7. Gabby Douglas
8. Aaron Rodgers
9. LeBron James
10. David Beckham
Of course, it should be noted that four of the influential athletes that appear on the annual list don’t really play. At least not lately.
For an in-depth explanation of the 2013 list, check out Forbes.com.
