One of the results since the advent of social media is that
is has now given fans a window into the lives of athletes that years ago seemed
much less accessible. As a result, kiddos now have an unprecedented look into
the lives of these athletes, beyond just what a marketing team might present.
I think it’s awesome when kiddos look up to athletes, they
can serve as incredible example of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility.
With that being said, I think it’s safe to say that if you scroll through the
social media accounts of every athlete, some would make for better role-models
than others based upon what they share and stand for.
Well we thought it’d be great to give you six solid
recommendations for who we feel are terrific role-models for kiddos based upon
not just their success, but what they share with the world. It’s our first edition
of Terrific Athlete Role Models. (All pictures taken from athletes respective
social media accounts.)
1. Damian Lillard
Living in the Pacific Northwest, we get exposed to a lot of
Damian Lillard, and frankly, there may not be a better athlete to be exposed
to. The first team All-NBA player and 3x All-star clearly gets it done on the
court for the Portland Trail Blazers.
However, Lillard is a great example of humility, personal
drive and passion, and kind-heartedness as you learn more about his charity
efforts, family life, and rap career (case in point, Lillard refuses to curse
on any of his albums).
So go ahead and grab a “Letter O” jersey for your kiddo and
heck the whole family, Damian Lillard is a top notch example of an athlete
using his platform the right way.
2. Drew Brees
Add tot hat numerous Pro-Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl
ring, and Brees is a first ballot hall of famer.
Brees is also a first ballot role-model, as a closer look at
his life will reveal a strong family man and numerous charity events and
community work. Brees has had an undeniable positive impact in New Orleans
since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, making him not only one of the best NFL
players on the field, but off of it as well.
3. Simone Biles
One of the most dominant and decorated gymnasts in USA
history, Biles stole the show at the 2016 Rio Olympics with 4 gold medals and
continues to dominate on the world stage with 19 total medals in international
competition.
Biles seems to be never without a smile and stands behind a multitude
of various empowerment promotions, and shares a lot of her outings with family
and friends. At just 21, Simone Biles is already using her global platform to
encourage others to better themselves.
4. Mike Trout
Arguable the best player in baseball by a variety of
metrics, Trout has been dominant in his young career thus far, and has garnered
7 all-star monitations and is a two-time AL MVP.
Off the diamond, Trout boasts a strgon family life and a tremendous
amount of charity work, along with plenty of doggo pics! One of Baseball’s best
players is conveniently one of its best role models.
5. Chloe Kim
At just 18 years old, Olympic Snowboarder Chloe Kim is the
youngest member of this list, and is an up and coming star in the world of
snowboarding. Kim won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and many have pegged
her to be the face of American Snowbaording for years to come.
At just 18, Kim is already establishing herself as a great
role model off the slopes, and an inspiration to a lot of younger girls about
the success they can achieve with hard work and a strong support system.
6. LeBron James
Last, but certainly not least, is quite possibly the most
hyped-up athlete of our current generation, who has had the spotlight on him
since he entered into the NBA as an 18 year-old in 2003.
James amazingly has exceeded the deserved hype, and has
turned that into 3 NBA championships and 4 MVP awards, and his on his way to becoming
the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Off the court, James is nothing short of a global icon, and
to put things into perspective, has more than 3x the amount of followers on Instagram,
then the other 5 athletes on this list COMBINED.
With that large of a platform and presence, it’s great to
see that James has used that to showcase his family, and his efforts at making
his communities better. James launched his “I Can” school that opened up in his
hometown of Akron, OH and continues to be involved in numerous efforts to help
children and families.
There you have it, our 1st edition of Terrific Athlete role models that serve as wonderful examples to inspire your kiddo. If your child wants to build the foundation for fundamentals and the important off-the field traits that could make them a role-model someday, make sure you check out a Jordan Kent Skill Camp sometime this year!