It was a long time coming, but if any of you recall, Bill Russell is finally getting a statue.   And if you any of you remember Kareem bitching about two months ago on the subject you’ll know that statues have been a topic of debate.

Personally I think a huge deal should be given on a statue.  Cam Newton for example sure as hell didn’t deserve one.   They should be reserved for not only the game’s best but also the best people.   They have to be good humans, you know?

Here are eight exceptional athletes that I think will get their own statues…

Kobe Bryant

The funny thing is that people will never really bring up the Colorado incident again.   Granted that’s really the only blemish on his resume though.   Bryant is one of if not the fiercest competitors in all of sports.  He’s relentless, plays through pain, has the championships, the MVPs, and just about anything else you’d need to deserve a statue for your play in the NBA.  Sorry Shaq, I think Kobe’s the guy.

Albert Pujols

Assuming no injury, how could you not give “The Machine” his own statue?   When all is said and done he’ll probably be a top ten homer and RBI guy.   Probably runs as well.  Hell he could make a run at 3000 hits if he’s healthy enough.   Plus, his resume is 100% clean, he does a ton for his native country Venezuela, and has a foundation that helps down syndrome kids.  Seriously, there’s absolutely nothing to not like about this guy.

Roy Halladay

I was trying to think of a pitcher who might qualify for this kind of honor.  Honestly I couldn’t think of anyone but the Doc.   Dude is quiet, fierce, baffles hitters, and will easily go down as one of the game’s best when his career is over.   Plus he’s never been linked to steroids or pretty much anything bad.

Roger Federer

I feel like he needs just one more major and that should solidify things.   Whether he gets it or not is the question.  Time is running out and Nadal is simply the better player.  But I think he’s got one more in him.  When no one thought that Sampras would be beaten, here came Roger Federer to take the crown.

Rafael Nadal

And then you have this guy.  Personally I think he’s gonna do it.   I think he’s got the chance to even outdo Federer.   And in say 30-40 years we may very well see a statue.

Sidney Crosby

We’re a long ways away but if there’s one current hockey player out there who is statue worthy it will end up being Sidney Crosby.  It’s hard to make any projections yet but I could see at least 3 more “MVP” years, a few championships and a run at something comparable to Gretzky statistically.  However, when you look at Gretzky’s numbers it’s hard to imagine anyone coming even remotely close.

Peyton Manning

He’s just such an overall good dude.   Comes to work everyday.   Hates losing.  Absolutely hates it.  Still throws lasers and still wants to win as badly as anyone.   I’d have said Brett Favre, but you know….

Kelly Slater

The funny thing about this guy is that no one ever really talks about him.  The truth of the matter is that he’s probably the most dominant athlete in his respected sport in the history of sports.   The guy sis a 10 time, yes 10 time world champion.

*Cristiano Ronaldo might deserve one for all the chicks he’s taken down.