Top 20 Wisconsin athletes of all-time
20. Andy North: Professional Golfer
North, a two-time U.S. Open winner in 1978 and 1985, bleeds Wisconsin through and through. North, was born in Thorp, Wis., and currently resides in Madison. North is also frequently seen on the Badgers sidelines.Mike Ehrmann
North, a two-time U.S. Open winner in 1978 and 1985, bleeds Wisconsin through and through. North, was born in Thorp, Wis., and currently resides in Madison. North is also frequently seen on the Badgers sidelines.Mike Ehrmann
19. Frank Kaminsky: C, Wisconsin Badgers (2011-15)
Kaminsky is the best basketball player in Wisconsin history. His growth under Bo Ryan from freshman scrub to senior stud is prototypical Badgers basketball. Kaminsky led Wisconsin to consecutive Final Four appearances for the first time in school history, and he received the Wooden Award as the nation's best player.Streeter Lecka
Kaminsky is the best basketball player in Wisconsin history. His growth under Bo Ryan from freshman scrub to senior stud is prototypical Badgers basketball. Kaminsky led Wisconsin to consecutive Final Four appearances for the first time in school history, and he received the Wooden Award as the nation's best player.Streeter Lecka
18. Sidney Moncrief: G, Milwaukee Bucks (1979-89)
Moncrief (pictured right) made five All-NBA teams and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice while in Milwaukee. The Bucks retired Moncrief's number four in 1990.Ronald Martinez
Moncrief (pictured right) made five All-NBA teams and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice while in Milwaukee. The Bucks retired Moncrief's number four in 1990.Ronald Martinez
17. Giannis Antetokounmpo: F, Milwaukee Bucks (2013-present)
It might seem a little early for him to be on this list, but Giannis could end up in the top five before long. In just four years, Antetokounmpo has progressed from a Greek novelty to a basketball-busting beast. There is no telling how high Giannis can fly; Bucks fans may very well be looking at the heir to LeBron James' throne in the Eastern Conference.Dylan Buell
It might seem a little early for him to be on this list, but Giannis could end up in the top five before long. In just four years, Antetokounmpo has progressed from a Greek novelty to a basketball-busting beast. There is no telling how high Giannis can fly; Bucks fans may very well be looking at the heir to LeBron James' throne in the Eastern Conference.Dylan Buell
16. Ron Dayne: RB, Wisconsin Badgers (1996-99)
There have been plenty of excellent Wisconsin tailbacks through the years, but Dayne is the above the rest. Dayne totaled 70 rushing touchdowns through his career, and set the all-time college football rushing mark with 7,125 yards. Dayne also took home the 1999 Heisman Trophy award before being selected in the first round by the New York Giants.Kevork Djansezian
There have been plenty of excellent Wisconsin tailbacks through the years, but Dayne is the above the rest. Dayne totaled 70 rushing touchdowns through his career, and set the all-time college football rushing mark with 7,125 yards. Dayne also took home the 1999 Heisman Trophy award before being selected in the first round by the New York Giants.Kevork Djansezian
15. J.J. Watt: DE, Wisconsin Badgers (2009-10)
Watt, a Wisconsin native, only played two years for the Badgers after starting his college career at Central Michigan. Watt made his presence felt in Madison; he was a first-team All-American in 2010 and was drafted in the first round by Houston.Joe Robbins
Watt, a Wisconsin native, only played two years for the Badgers after starting his college career at Central Michigan. Watt made his presence felt in Madison; he was a first-team All-American in 2010 and was drafted in the first round by Houston.Joe Robbins
13. Ray Allen: SG, Milwaukee Bucks (1996-2003)
Allen was somewhat of a mercenary throughout his career (seven seasons with the Bucks, five in Seattle, five in Boston, and two in Miami), but fans will forever remember his impact in Milwaukee. Allen went to three All-Star games with the Bucks, and is still the franchise's all-time leader in made three-point field goals.Jonathan Daniel
Allen was somewhat of a mercenary throughout his career (seven seasons with the Bucks, five in Seattle, five in Boston, and two in Miami), but fans will forever remember his impact in Milwaukee. Allen went to three All-Star games with the Bucks, and is still the franchise's all-time leader in made three-point field goals.Jonathan Daniel
12. Ryan Braun: OF, Milwaukee Brewers (2007-present)
Braun has the numbers and the accolades to move even higher up this list, but the PED cloud that still hangs over his head detracts from the back of his baseball card. While Brewers fans have mostly moved on, the rest of baseball still remembers Braun's positive test and susequent lies. Braun's numbers are Hall-worthy, but it remains to be seen how voters will react once his career is over.Stephen Brashear
Braun has the numbers and the accolades to move even higher up this list, but the PED cloud that still hangs over his head detracts from the back of his baseball card. While Brewers fans have mostly moved on, the rest of baseball still remembers Braun's positive test and susequent lies. Braun's numbers are Hall-worthy, but it remains to be seen how voters will react once his career is over.Stephen Brashear
10. Paul Molitor: IF, Milwaukee Brewers (1978-92)
Although not much of a power threat, Molitor was one of the best hitters in baseball during his 15-year tenure with Milwaukee. The Brewers retired Molitor's number four in 1999, and in 2004, Molitor was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.Otto Greule Jr
Although not much of a power threat, Molitor was one of the best hitters in baseball during his 15-year tenure with Milwaukee. The Brewers retired Molitor's number four in 1999, and in 2004, Molitor was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.Otto Greule Jr
9. Ray Nitschke: LB, Green Bay Packers (1958-72)
Even though he hasn't played a down in over 40 years (and has since passed away), Nitschke remains one of the best linebackers in NFL history. Nitschke was a crucial cog on the Super Bowl I and II squads, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1994. The Packers' practice field is now named after Nitschke.Jonathan Daniel
Even though he hasn't played a down in over 40 years (and has since passed away), Nitschke remains one of the best linebackers in NFL history. Nitschke was a crucial cog on the Super Bowl I and II squads, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1994. The Packers' practice field is now named after Nitschke.Jonathan Daniel
8. Robin Yount: SS/CF, Milwaukee Brewers (1974-1993)
For exactly two decades, Yount lit up the baseball field in Milwaukee. The first ballot Hall of Famer won two MVPs while with the Brewers, making him the only player in Milwaukee Braves or Brewers history to earn multiple MVP honors.Stephen Dunn
For exactly two decades, Yount lit up the baseball field in Milwaukee. The first ballot Hall of Famer won two MVPs while with the Brewers, making him the only player in Milwaukee Braves or Brewers history to earn multiple MVP honors.Stephen Dunn
7. Oscar Robertson: PG, Milwaukee Bucks (1970-74)
The Big O (far right) is one of the all-time great point guards in NBA history, so when he came to Milwaukee, he immediately made an impact. Robertson averaged 16.3 points and 7.5 assists in four seasons with the Bucks, and paired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to lead the franchise to the 1971 NBA championship.Maxx Wolfson
The Big O (far right) is one of the all-time great point guards in NBA history, so when he came to Milwaukee, he immediately made an impact. Robertson averaged 16.3 points and 7.5 assists in four seasons with the Bucks, and paired with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to lead the franchise to the 1971 NBA championship.Maxx Wolfson
6. Bart Starr: QB, Green Bay Packers (1956-71)
Under head coach Vince Lombardi, Starr was a key piece to Green Bay's two Super Bowl titles and five NFL championships. Starr won the MVP award in 1966, and has his number 15 retired by the Packers.Ronald Martinez
Under head coach Vince Lombardi, Starr was a key piece to Green Bay's two Super Bowl titles and five NFL championships. Starr won the MVP award in 1966, and has his number 15 retired by the Packers.Ronald Martinez
5. Reggie White: DE, Green Bay Packers (1993-98)
White was in Green Bay for just six years, but his impressive 68.5 sacks during that span earned him "retired number" status at Lambeau Field. White's number 92 will never be worn by another Packers player again.Jonathan Daniel
White was in Green Bay for just six years, but his impressive 68.5 sacks during that span earned him "retired number" status at Lambeau Field. White's number 92 will never be worn by another Packers player again.Jonathan Daniel
4. Aaron Rodgers: QB, Green Bay Packers (2005-present)
Since becoming the starter in 2008, Rodgers has done just about everything imaginable to shoot up this list. Number 12 has piled up six Pro Bowls, two MVPs, one Super Bowl ring, and one Super Bowl MVP.Maddie Meyer
Since becoming the starter in 2008, Rodgers has done just about everything imaginable to shoot up this list. Number 12 has piled up six Pro Bowls, two MVPs, one Super Bowl ring, and one Super Bowl MVP.Maddie Meyer
3. Hank Aaron: OF, Milwaukee Braves/Brewers (1954-65, 1975-76)
Hammerin' Hank began his illustrious career in Milwaukee in 1954, before moving with the Braves to Atlanta in 1966. Aaron returned to his Milwaukee roots in 1975 at age 41, before retiring in 1976 as arguably the greatest baseball player of all-time.Tom Lynn
Hammerin' Hank began his illustrious career in Milwaukee in 1954, before moving with the Braves to Atlanta in 1966. Aaron returned to his Milwaukee roots in 1975 at age 41, before retiring in 1976 as arguably the greatest baseball player of all-time.Tom Lynn
1. Brett Favre: QB, Green Bay Packers (1992-2007)
In Favre's 16 seasons with the Packers, he captured three consecutive MVPs, was named to nine Pro Bowls, and brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown (Super Bowl XXXI). "The Gunslinger" also finished his career with the most passing touchdowns in NFL history. The Packers retired Favre's number four in 2015.
In Favre's 16 seasons with the Packers, he captured three consecutive MVPs, was named to nine Pro Bowls, and brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown (Super Bowl XXXI). "The Gunslinger" also finished his career with the most passing touchdowns in NFL history. The Packers retired Favre's number four in 2015.
Jonathan Daniel