Who are the biggest names in Philadelphia sports history?

Philadelphia has produced insane amounts of sporting talent over the years. Here we look at five of the best from a range of sports and, no, Rocky Balboa won't feature!
 
Number 5. Reggie White, Football
 
Defensive end White might have left the Eagles fan base distraught when he jumped ship to Green Bay in 1993 but there is no denying that he's worthy of legendary status. For seven years he was a formidable figure in the Eagles defense. He won back to back NFL defensive player of the year awards with his 11.0 sacks in 1989 the lowest sack return during his time with the team.
 
His high, which was also his career best, was a staggering 21.0. If you need more evidence as to why he deserves the love we're pouring his way then the fact he made 13 pro-bowls in his 15 year career might convince you. The two years he missed out being his rookie season and his 'out of retirement' season in 2000. He fully deserved his Super Bowl win - even if it didn't come with the Eagles.
 
Number 4. Chuck Bednarik, Football
 
Bednarik was born an hour from Philadelphia. He then attended university there before spending his entire career with the Eagles during the pre-Super Bowl era. He did help the Eagles to two NFL Championships though with his tackle on Jim Taylor in the dying moments was a key factor in the 1960 triumph.
 
Chuck, who played as a center and linebacker, was a tough as they come and his commitment to the Eagles cannot he questioned. He missed just three games in a 14-year career. Rightly, he's now a Hall of Famer. He passed away in 2015.
 
Number 3. Joe Frazier, Boxing
 
If you're not from Philly and you're not a boxing fan then you might just know Frazier as the man who lost the Thrilla in Manila to Muhammad Ali. If that sounds about right, then you need a good lesson. Smokin' Joe arrived in Philadelphia as a broken 15-year-old. He passed away there 52 years later as a hero.
 
As a 20-year-old he won Gold at the Tokyo Olympics and then he turned his hand to pro boxing. He went on to win 32 of his 37 fights back in an era when fighters were concerned about entertaining and not protecting the '0' in their loss column.
 
He was the undisputed heavyweight champ for three years and he was first person to beat Ali, who is widely regarded as the best of all time. After hanging up his gloves he gave back to the Philly community by coaching youngsters.
 
Number 2. Wilt Chamberlain, Basketball
 
It's hard to imagine too many grumbling at Chamberlain's inclusion at number two in our list. The basketball star first took his strides into the spotlight with the Harlem Globetrotters before signing for the Philadelphia Warriors and then the 76ers before finally moving to the LA Lakers.
 
The center won two NBA Championships - one with the 76ers - and was named the league MVP on four occasions with all of them coming in Philly. Despite the fact he retired from the court some 47 years ago, he still boasts a whole host of NBA records including the largest points haul in a single game as he sank 100 in a 169-147 win for the Warriors over the Knicks.
 
Number 1. Bobby Clarke, Hockey
 
Born in Canada, made in Philadelphia. That's our Bobby. Clarke spent the entirety of his 15-year NHL career with the Flyers and, boy oh boy, did he do it in style. Clarke's years with the Flyers are the most successful of the team’s entire history with the toothless center playing a key role in all of their successes - first as a player and then in background roles including GM and VP.
 
As a player he captained the side to both of their Stanley Cup wins but it was his skills on the ice, rather than his leadership, that sees him mentioned in discussions as the best hockey player of all time. He's certainly a name you cannot ignore in that conversation.
 
On three occasions he posted over 100 points with a peak of 119 in 75/76. Throughout his career 1,144 game career he registered 1,210 points. A remarkable player, man and Philly legend. The greatest of all time.
 
There you have it, five of the most iconic sportsmen out of Philadelphia. And if you fancy your chances on the football odds for the Philadelphia Eagles, click here to know how they stand: https://extra.betamerica.com/nfl/odds/