Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
About the project
New Jersey has produced loads of phenomenal athletes -- some parts more than others -- and compiling our list of the most famous athletes from each of the state's 21 counties was no easy task. Scroll through the slideshow to see our list, and tell us who we missed and who we got right in the comments section. (William Perlman | NJ Advance Media)
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Our methods
So how did we come up with our picks? For starters, we determined Jersey eligibility by being born, raised or spending several childhood years or high school in the Garden State. Athletes who only spent a year or two in New Jersey or moved here after high school were not included. And what does "famous" mean? Our criteria was weighted first and foremost on athletic accomplishments, followed by impact outside of sports. The list was determined by overall body of work -- not just what an athlete achieved in New Jersey.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Atlantic County: Dean Randazzo, Somers Point
A surfer, are you nuts? Maybe, but hold on and let us make the point: A trailblazer in the Garden State, Randazzo is the only New Jersey surfer to ever qualify for the prestigious World Championship Tour, doing so in 1996. He turned pro in 1990 and has competed around the world, collecting numerous accolades and tournament crowns. He's also renowned for being a three-time cancer survivor. You can read all about Randazzo here.
Alexander Hassenstein | Getty Images
Also considered:
Nia Ali (pictured), Pleasantville, Track and Field; Greg Buttle, Linwood, Football; Joe Cicero, Atlantic City, Baseball; Pete Hunter, Atlantic City, Football; Myron Rolle, Galloway Township, Football.
YouTube
Bergen County: Anne Donovan, Ridgewood
One of the most decorated women’s basketball players of all time, Donovan, who attended Paramus Catholic High, won a national championship at Old Dominion, led the team to three Final Four appearances and captured two Olympic gold medals. She was the first female player elected as the Naismith College Player of the Year, and is a member of both the Naismith and FIBA Halls of Fame. As a coach, she led the U.S. women’s national team to a pair of Olympic gold medals and guided the Seattle Storm to the WNBA title in 2004.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Miles Austin, Garfield, Football; Ruben Brown, Englewood, Football; Tony Campbell, Teaneck, Basketball; Wayne Chrebet, Garfield, Football; Brian Cushing, Park Ridge, Football; Alecko Eskandarian, Montvale, Soccer; Doug Glanville, Hackensack/Teaneck, Baseball; Bruce Harper, Englewood, Football; Rob Kaminsky (pictured), Englewood Cliffs, Baseball; Eric Karros, Hackensack, Baseball; Jim McGovern, Teaneck/Oradell, Golf; B.J. Raji, Westwood, Football; Tony Tolbert, Englewood, Football; Johnny Vander Meer, Midland Park, Baseball; Stan Walters, Rutherford, Football; David West, Teaneck, Basketball; Sherman White, Englewood, Basketball; Bill Willoughby, Englewood, Basketball.
AP Photo | Lynne Sladky
Burlington County: Carl Lewis, Willingboro
Born in Birmingham, Ala., but raised in Willingboro, Lewis is the most decorated New Jersey Olympian of all time, capturing nine gold medals and one silver across four Olympic appearances. He's also an eight-time World Champion in the 100-meter, 200-meter and long jump events, and he set world records in the 100-meters, 4x100-meters and 4x200-meters. His indoor long jump world record set in 1984 still stands today.
NFL.com file photo
Also considered:
Deron Cherry, Palmyra, Football; Sean Doolittle, Shawnee, Baseball; Matthew Emmons, Mount Holly, Shooting; Irving Fryar, Mount Holly, Football; Franco Harris (pictured), Fort Dix, Football; Carol Lewis, Willingboro, Track and Field; Carli Lloyd, Delran, Soccer; Dave "Lefty" Robinson, Moorestown, Football.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Camden County: Jordan Burroughs, Camden/Winslow
A state wrestling champion at Winslow High, Burroughs went on to become one of the greatest American wrestlers. He was a two-time undefeated national champion at Nebraska and won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. He's also captured gold at three World Championships and two Pan American Games.
Nick Wass | The Associated Press
Also considered:
Andrew Bailey, Voorhees, Baseball; Austyn Cuneo, Waterford Works, Field Hockey; Ron Dayne, Berlin, Football; Joe Flacco (pictured), Audubon, Football; Orel Hershiser, Cherry Hill, Baseball; Mike Rozier, Camden, Football; Bobby Ryan, Cherry Hill, Hockey; Art Still; Camden; Football; Billy Thompson, Camden, Basketball; Dajuan Wagner, Camden, Basketball; Milt Wagner, Camden, Basketball; "Jersey" Joe Walcott, Pennsauken.
Photo by Nasljerseys.com
Cape May County: Randy Beverly, Wildwood
The unsung hero of Super Bowl III, Beverly nabbed two crucial interceptions to help lift the Jets to a stunning 16-7 victory over the Colts in one of the most famous games in NFL history. Over his career with the Jets and Boston Patriots, Beverly started 17 games and notched 12 interceptions. The Wildwood native won a state long jump title at Wildwood High before playing college football at Colorado State.
Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Joe Maloy, Wildwood Crest, Triathlon; Bill Pilczuk (pictured), Cape May Point, Swimming; Matt Szczur, Cape May, Baseball.
Noah Addis | NJ Advance Media file photo
Cumberland County: Mike Trout, Millville
He's only 25 years old, but already many baseball experts consider Trout to be the best player in Major League Baseball. Trout, a first round pick by the Angels in 2009, was the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2014 AL MVP. He's also a five-time All-Star, two-time All-Star Game MVP and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Veronica Yankowski | NJ Advance Media file photo
Also considered:
Darren Ford (pictured), Vineland, Baseball; Jillian Loyden, Vineland, Soccer; Steve Romanik, Millville, Football.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Essex County: Shaquille O'Neal, Newark
Born and raised in Newark for most of his childhood, O'Neal is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards and one regular season MVP trophy. He's also a 15-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time all-NBA first-team selection. O'Neal is seventh on the all-time scoring list (28,596 points) and 14th all-time in rebounds (13,099).
Aris Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Joetta Clark, East Orange, Track and Field; Randy Foye, Newark, Basketball; Marvin Hagler, Newark, Boxing; Monte Irvin, Orange, Baseball; Kyrie Irving, West Orange, Basketball; Cullen Jones, Irvington, Swimming; Aubrey Lewis, Montclair, Football; Marty Liquori, Cedar Grove, Track and Field; Camille Sabie Malbrocks, Newark, Track and Field; Ibtihaj Muhammad, Maplewood, Fencing; Jabrill Peppers (pictured), East Orange, Football; Claudio Reyna, Livingston, Soccer; Andre Tippett, Newark, Football; Frank Tripucka, Bloomfield, Football; Kelly Tripucka, Bloomfield, Basketball; Lonnie Wright, Newark, Football/Basketball.
Craig Sjodin | ABC Sports
Gloucester County: Tara Lipinski, Washington Township/Mantua
Born in Philadelphia, Lipinski lived in Washington Township and Mantua Township until 1991. She went on to win a gold medal in figure skating at the 1998 Olympics while also becoming the 1997 U.S. and World champion and a two-time Champions Series Final champion. Lipinski is the youngest person ever to win a World Figure Skating title and the youngest Gold medalist in the individual women's figure skating event.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Willie "Flipper" Anderson, Paulsboro, Football; Gary Brackett (pictured), Glassboro, Football; Gordie Lockbaum, Glassboro, Football; Bryant McKinnie, Woodbury, Football; Milt Plum, Westville, Football; Steve Rammel, West Deptford, Soccer; Browning Ross, Woodbury, Track and Field; Kevin Ross, Paulsboro, Football; Michelle Rowen, Sewell, Track and Field.
YouTube
Hudson County: Tommy Heinsohn, Jersey City
Elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986, Heinsohn was a key player on the Boston Celtics dynasties of the 1950s and '60s. All told, he won eight NBA championships as a player, made six All-Star teams and averaged 18.6 points in 654 regular-season games. After retiring, he coached the Celtics to a pair of NBA titles.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Willie Banks, Jersey City, Baseball; Kenny Britt, Bayonne, Football; Arturo Gatti (pictured), Jersey City, Boxing; Richie Glover, Bayonne, Football; John Harkes, Kearny, Soccer; Bobby Hurley, Jersey City, Basketball; Danny Hurley, Jersey City, Basketball; Ray Lucas, Harrison, Football; Tony Meola, Kearny, Soccer; Tab Ramos, Harrison/Kearny, Soccer; Andy Stanfield, Jersey City, Track and Field; John Valentin, Jersey City, Baseball; Chuck Wepner, Bayonne, Boxing.
YouTube
Hunterdon County: Mary Decker, Bunnvale
One of the greatest and most prolific distance runners ever, Decker captured gold medals in the 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters at the 1983 World Championships and at different times set world records in the mile, 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. Decker became the first woman to run a sub-4:20 mile and she set 36 U.S. national records in races ranging from the 800 to 10,000 meters.
Noah K. Murray | NJ Advance Media file photo
Also considered:
Tom Bill, Flemington, Football; Jack Cust (pictured), Flemington, Baseball; Jason C. Knapp, Clinton, Baseball; Matt Ioannidis, Raritan, Football; Jason Read, Ringoes, Rowing.
Associated Press file photo
Mercer County: Dennis Rodman, Trenton
Perhaps the greatest rebounder of all-time, Rodman won five NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. He also was a seven-time all-NBA first-team defensive selection and a seven-time NBA rebounding champion. Rodman grabbed 11,954 rebounds over his career, good for 22nd on the NBA's all-time list.
Annie McCormick | The Times of Trenton
Also considered:
Jenn Abbondanza, Ewing, Soccer; Elvin Bethea (pictured), Trenton, Football; Michael Bradley, Princeton, Soccer; Antron Brown, Trenton, Drag Racing; Al Downing, Trenton, Baseball; Dahntay Jones, Hamilton, Basketball; Vanessa Piepszak, Ewing, Soccer; Bobby Smith, Trenton, Soccer; Troy Vincent, Trenton, Football.
Associated Press file photo
Middlesex County: Joe "Ducky" Medwick, Carteret
Medwick was an all-state selection in baseball, basketball and football at Carteret High before spurning an offer to play football at Notre Dame to start his professional baseball career in 1930. Two years later, he made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals and went on to become a 10-time all-star, World Series champion and the Triple Crown winner in 1937. He also led the National League in RBI three times over his 17-year career. Medwick was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968.
Clive Brunskill | Getty Images
Also considered:
John Carlson, Colonia, Hockey; Lou Creekmur, Woodbridge, Football; Laurie Hernandez (pictured), Old Bridge, Gymnastics; Tim Howard, North Brunswick, Soccer; Kenny Jackson, South River, Football; Malcolm Jenkins, Piscataway, Football; Asjha Jones, Piscataway, Basketball; Sydney McLaughlin, Dunellen, Track and Field; Heather O'Reilly, East Brunswick, Soccer; Drew Pearson, South River, Football; Rebecca Soni, Plainsboro, Swimming; Brian Taylor, Perth Amboy, Basketball; Bruce Taylor, Perth Amboy, Football; Joe Theismann, South River, Football; Karl-Anthony Towns, Piscataway, Basketball; Alex Wojciechowicz, South River, Football; Eric Young Sr., New Brunswick, Baseball.
Tony Kurdzuk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Monmouth County: Frank Budd, Long Branch/Asbury Park
Born in Long Branch, Budd attended Asbury Park High and became a three-sport star. He competed in the Olympics and later set a 100-yard dash record in 1961 to earn the title as world’s fastest human. As a senior at track powerhouse Villanova, Budd broke the 100-yard dash record with a time of 9.2 seconds. After college, he transitioned to football and had a brief career as a wide receiver in the NFL and Canadian Football League.
Jason Miller | Getty Images
Also considered:
John Farrell, Monmouth Beach, Baseball; Brad Faxon, Oceanport, Golf; Connor Jaeger, Fair Haven, Swimming; Jim Jeffcoat, Matawan, Football; Sam Mills, Neptune, Football; John Montefusco, Long Branch, Baseball; Knowshon Moreno, Belford, Football; Charlie Rogers, Aberdeen, Football; J.R. Smith (pictured), Clarksburg, Basketball; Denny Walling, Neptune/Wall Township, Baseball; James van Riemsdyk, Middletown, Hockey; Bob Varga, Neptune, Basketball; Phil Villapiano, Long Branch, Football.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Morris County: Derek Jeter, Pequannock
One of the greatest Major League Baseball players of all time with the Yankees, Jeter is a five-time World Series champion and a 14-time All-Star. He won five Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards apiece, while notching 3,465 hits for his career. Jeter was born in Pequannock and lived in New Jersey until moving to Michigan when he was 4 years old.
Jamie Rhodes | USA Today Sports
Also considered:
Kenny Agostino, Morristown, Hockey; Eric Duncan, Florham Park, Baseball; Nic Fink, Morristown, Swimming; Peter Flemming, Tennis, Chatham; Erik Hanson, Kinnelon, Baseball; Peter Jilleba, Madison, Football; Rosie Napravnik (pictured), Mendham, Horse Racing; Danny Kass, Pompton Plains, Snowboarding; Paul Mirabella, Parsippany, Baseball; Neil O'Donnell, Madison, Football; Keturah Orji, Mount Olive, Track and Field; George Parros, Randolph, Hockey; Rick Porcello, Morristown, Baseball.
Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Ocean County: Al Leiter, Toms River
Long before a storied 19-year professional career as a starting pitcher, Leiter already was a legend in New Jersey, where he set a state record during his senior season at Central Regional High by recording 32 strikeouts in 13 innings against Wall Township. The same year, Leiter pitched four no-hitters and was the winning pitcher in the state championship game. He went on to become a three-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star over a career with the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays and Marlins.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Parker Bohn III, Jackson, Bowling; Jim Dowd, Brick, Hockey; Frankie Edgar, Toms River, MMA; Todd Frazier, Toms River, Baseball; Jason Groome, Barnegat, Baseball; Damion Hahn, Lakewood, Wrestling; Frank Molinaro, Barnegat, Wrestling; Christie Rampone (pictured), Point Pleasant, Soccer; Art Thoms, Brick, Football; Martin Truex Jr., Mayetta, NASCAR; Andrew Valmon, Manchester, Track and Field.
Associated Press file photo
Passaic County: Larry Doby, Paterson
Born in South Carolina, Doby moved to Paterson when he was 14 and starred in baseball, basketball, football and track at Eastside High. Doby began playing professional baseball at age 17 and was one of the best players in the Negro Leagues. In 1947, Doby became the second black player to break baseball’s color barrier — following Jackie Robinson — and the first black player in the American League when he signed with the Cleveland Indians. Doby helped the Indians to a World Series title in 1948 and became a seven-time all-star and two-time American League home run leader. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and his No. 14 jersey has been retired by the Indians.
Rick Stewart | Getty Images
Also considered:
Bruce Baumgartner, Haledon, Wrestling; Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Paterson, Boxing; Victor Cruz, Paterson, Football; Bobby Czyz, Wanaque, Boxing; Keith Hamilton, West Paterson, Football; Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, Passaic, Football; Greg Olsen, Wayne, Football; Giuseppe Rossi, Clifton, Soccer; Jack Tatum, Passaic, Football; Tim Thomas, Paterson, Basketball; Donna Weinbrecht (pictured), West Milford, Skiing.
Russ Bassett | NJ Advance Media file photo
Salem County: Goose Goslin, Salem
Born and raised in Salem, Goslin, a slugger and outfielder, was one of baseball's earliest stars, notching 2,735 hits and batting .316 over a 17-year career with the Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers. Goslin is a two-time World Series champion and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968.
Lori M. Nicholes | South Jersey Times
Also considered:
Don Bragg, Penns Grove, Track and Field; Gene Foster, Pennsville, Football; Johnny Gaudreau, Carneys Point, Hockey; Tara LaRosa (pictured), Woodstown, MMA/Wrestling; Lydell Mitchell, Salem, Football; Chris Widger, Pennsville, Baseball; Norm "Wild Man" Willey, Pennsville, Football.
Associated Press file photo
Somerset County: Paul Robeson, Somerville
Robeson earned 12 varsity letters in four sports during his time at Rutgers and became an All-American in football in 1918, leaving many fans to consider him the greatest athlete in school history. He went on to play at least two seasons of professional football, but he would become far more famous for his singing and acting career and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and political activism.
Christopher Barth | NJ Advance Media file photo
Also considered:
Tobin Heath (pictured), Basking Ridge, Soccer; Roy Hinson, Franklin Township, Basketball; Shaun O'Hara, Hillsborough, Football; Ricky Proehl, Hillsborough, Football; Theo Riddick, Manville, Football.
Frances Micklow | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Sussex County: Jim Miller, Sparta
Born in Sparta and a graduate of Sparta High, Miller, who wrestled briefly at Virginia Tech, is one of the most decorated mixed martial artists New Jersey has ever produced. He became a champion on local and regional circuits before breaking into the UFC in 2008 and becoming one of the organization's most exciting fighters. Miller is 16-7-1 in the UFC and has taken home Fight of the Night or Submission of the Night honors eight times. Read an in-depth profile of Miller here.
Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Also considered:
Chris Ayres, Newton, Wrestling; Ed Banach, Montague, Wrestling; Lou Banach, Montague, Wrestling; Chris Jent, Sparta, Basketball; Troy Murphy (pictured), Sparta, Basketball; Adam Riggs, Byram, Baseball; Russ Van Atta, Augusta, Baseball.
Associated Press file photo
Union County: Milt Campbell, Plainfield
One of the greatest athletes ever, Campbell (center) won a decathlon silver medal at the 1952 Olympics — while he was still a student at Plainfield High. Four years later, he became the first African American to win Olympic gold at the 1956 summer games. Campbell also was a record-setting swimmer and excellent football player who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1957. He was later released by team owner Paul Brown for marrying a white woman, prompting him to play several more years in the Canadian Football League. After football, Campbell starred in judo and appeared poised to make the 1972 Olympic team but was disqualified from contention because he played pro football. Campbell died in 2012 and is widely considered the greatest athlete in New Jersey history.
Stacy Reeves | NJ Advance Media file photo
Also considered:
Rick Barry, Roselle Park, Basketball; Joe Black, Plainfield, Baseball; Carol Blazejowski, Cranford, Basketball; Todd Bowles, Elizabeth, Football; Bob Clotworthy, Westfield, Diving; Khaseem Greene, Elizabeth, Football; Rosie Grier, Roselle, Football; Al Harrington, Roselle, Basketball; Larry Kubin, Union, Football; Kelly Kulick (pictured), Union, Bowling; Eugene Monroe, Plainfield, Football; Renaldo Nehemiah, Scotch Plains, Track and Field; Eulace Peacock, Union, Track and Field; Rebecca Rotola, Linden, Softball; Tony Siragusa, Kenilworth, Football; Jeff Torborg, Westfield, Baseball; Jay Williams, Plainfield, Basketball; Muhammad Wilkerson, Linden, Football; Willie Wilson, Summit, Baseball.
Express-Times file photo
Warren County: Jim Ringo, Phillipsburg/Orange
Born in Orange and raised in Phillipsburg, Ringo was a 10-time NFL Pro Bowler who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981. Playing for the Packers and Eagles, Ringo was consistently one of the best centers in football. He made the NFL's 1960s all-decade team and is a member of both the Packers' and Eagles' Hall of Fames.
Christopher Barth | For NJ Advance Media
Also considered:
John Barna, Phillipsburg, Wrestling; Charlie Berry, Phillipsburg, Baseball; Ned Bolcar, Phillipsburg, Football; Justin Gaymon (pictured), Phillipsburg, Track and Field; Justin Iaione, Washington, Football; Kristen Maloney, Hackettstown, Gymnastics; Dani Profita, Washington, Field Hockey; Charles Rinehart, Phillipsburg, Football.
NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
How did we do?
What did you think of the list? Which athletes did we get right? Which did we get wrong? Let us know in the comments section below.
Jamie Sabau | Getty Images
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