Untimed Down Sports 2022 in Review

December 29, 2022 Chris CookAaron Rodgers, Amber Heard, Atlanta Falcons, Ben McAdoo, Brooklyn Nets, Calvin Ridley, Carolina Panthers, Dan Snyder, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Saturday, Jim Irsay, Johnny Depp, Kylie Jenner, NBA, NFL, Russell Wilson, Shailene Woodley, Steve Nash, Washington CommandersLeave a comment

Photo: Matrix Group

Some Thursday thoughts for the boys and girls as we reflect back on 2022.

We had the completely original idea to recap our top 10 stories of the year.

A sincere thank you to all who check out any of our stuff, please continue to do so. For those that don’t, we have an idea for your New Year’s resolution.

10. Aaron Rodgers & Shailene Woodley Split

Photo: People

The sports and pop culture worlds were both crushed at the completely surprising split of super couple Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley back in February.

9. Jeff Saturday Hired as New Colts Head Coach

Photo: Colts.com

This one we’re still enjoying as the year comes to a close. Jim Irsay went full Jim Irsay and hired a guy who played for him over a decade ago with zero non-high school coaching experience. We wanted to hop on the train and fill out the remainder of Mr. Irsay’s dream coaching staff.

8. Russell Wilson Continues to Be a Dork

Photo: Sports Illustrated

This blog was written in May 2020, and was still our eighth most read in 2022. That’s a compliment to both how many times Russ makes all of us cringe and how great you readers are that you keep coming back to this blog.

7. Daniel Snyder is Going to Get All of Our Asses

Photo: Commanders.com

Remember in October when the human version of Mr. Burns Daniel Snyder threatened to take down the other 31 NFL owners? That was great, and scared us into some serious confessions.

6. Kylie Jenner’s Baby is a Horse With No Name

Photo: Refinery29

We all deserve a second chance in life, right? Kyle Jenner certainly believes so, as she renamed her son after a month and a half or so trail period of naming him “Wolf.” Ever the helpers we are, we put together some names we thought might fit. We really liked “Skip TheLine Jenner” but that’s just us.

5. Steve Nash Gets the Brooklyn Boot

Photo: Fadeaway World

Amidst a hurricane tornado of controversy (non of his own doing) Steve Nash was finally freed of his duties of having to coach the Brooklyn Nets last month. We used an AI generator to create his cover letter for his next job.

4. Heard vs. Depp, the Shit Show Trail of the Century

Photo: E! News

This trail was dumped on us for over a month. It was foul, repugnant, and stunk. But we wrote about it anyways.

3. Finally, Some Sex Appeal Back in the NFL

Photo: NY Daily News

News exploded in January that the Carolina Panthers were bringing in former Giants head coach and fashion icon Ben McAdoo as their offensive coordinator. It didn’t really work, but was fun while it lasted.

2. NBA “City Edition” Jerseys are Back

Photo: NBA.com

You guys love reading these, and we love writing them. This yearly blog is always up there on page views; making dumb jokes about each jersey is something we all enjoy.

1. The Over Hits on Calvin Ridley Suspensions (0.5)

Photo: atlantafalcons.com

Our top-read blog in 2022 was an easy bet: Calvin Ridley was suspended in March for gambling on NFL games. We did some serious journalism and analyzed his Twitter account to find if we missed any signs before his gambling habit was discovered.

Wow, what a look back at the year that was. We truly went to some interesting and dumb places together, didn’t we? If you enjoy what we do, tell a friend to tell a friend.

In all seriousness, we truly appreciate your eyes and readership. On to 2023, where maybe Russell Wilson won’t be such a goober.

Sunday State of Mind: November 7th-November 13th

November 13, 2022 Chris CookBuffalo Bills, Geno Smith, Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Saturday, Kentucky Wildcats, Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, Oregon Ducks, poetry, Seattle Seahawks, SSM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady, UCLA BruinsLeave a comment

Photo: Dreamstime.com

Like real seasons, sports seasons come and go. We’re halfway home on the NFL season and almost done with college football. This week’s SSM is another celebration of that and more.

Big weekend for college football
Some big blowouts, some big teams fall
Bruins down, Ducks lose, Wildcats too
Another fun week in 2022

Raiders and Colts, the big debut
Jeff Saturday, what would he do?
Vegas was the perfect place
Colts win, Raiders a disgrace

A football first in Germany
For the Bucs and Tom Brady
Beat the Seahawks and Geno
Brady is the goat, we know

Bills and Vikings, holy shit
This game was great, every bit
Big win for Minny, the boys are buzzin’
Here comes iced out jacked Kirk Cousins

Filling Out Jim Irsay’s Dream Coaching Staff

November 7, 2022 Chris CookFrank Reich, Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Saturday, Jim Irsay, music, NFL, Peyton Manning1 Comment

Photo: Colts.com

Say what you will about Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay…guy does it his way. After four plus seasons of 8,000 year old quarterbacks and a disappointing 3-5-1 start to the season, Frank Reich was fired as head coach of the Colts on Monday.

Anytime a midseason head coaching change happens, organizations are usually in turmoil, and a bedrock of sustainability become top priority to coach out the remainder of the season.

After five stellar seasons of coaching high school football, Jeff Saturday finally gets his shot.

That’s right, the current (former?) ESPN analyst is swapping out his tie for a whistle. Saturday will take over a bad team, rookie quarterback, and no offensive coordinator. Should be great!

While the Colts try and trudge their way through the rest of the season, we’ve tried to look inside Jim Irsay’s brain to see what his ideal coaching staff would look like around Coach Saturday.

Offensive Coordinator – Peyton Manning

I mean, this is a layup.

Of course this would be a perfect fit; fourteen seasons, a Super Bowl, and all of the Colts passing records.

Hiring The Sheriff would be, while a long shot, a slam dunk hire by Irsay.

Defensive Coordinator – Buddy Ryan

Ryan is known as one of the greatest defensive minds to ever coach in the NFL. Rex & Rob’s dad was a part of two Super Bowl winning defenses.

Even though Ryan crossed the proverbial rainbow bridge in 2016, there’s no doubt Irsay will reach out to gauge interest, if he hasn’t already.

Special Teams Coordinator – A Colts Colored Fender Stratocaster

If you’ve been around Mr. Irsay at all, you know he is a man of many vices.

As much as he loves his Colts, he may love music even more. This limited edition electric Stratocaster with maple fingerboard in Lake Placid Blue is as special as the unit it’d be coaching.

Strength Coach – Jim Irsay

Look at that hoss!

That’s is the kind of billionaire who isn’t afraid to get in there and mix it up with the boys. That weightlifting belt is on in the weight room and the boardroom.

Mr. Irsay? More like Mr. Universe!

Hiring Jeff Saturday with only high school coaching experience is just the beginning. The Indianapolis Colts have just started a revolution that will soon take over the NFL with a dynastic flare that will make the 2000’s Patriots look like…well the Colts do now.

May we all have the gusto to live as bravely as Jim Irsay.

Sunday State of Mind: September 19th-September 25th

September 25, 2022 Chris CookAaron Judge, Aaron Rodgers, Albert Pujols, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Ryan, Miami Hurricanes, MLB, MTSU Blue Raiders, NCAA, New York Yankees, NFL, poetry, SSM, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady1 Comment

Save for a few more games, the sports have completed their sportsing this weekend. Let’s look back together at all the happenings in this week’s SSM.

The Albert Pujols show, big episode this week
Joined the 700 club, not bad for an antique
He did it in style, two bombs out in LA
The Yankees home run record keeping Aaron Judge at bay

Tough week in Miami, The U indeed not back
MTSU came to town, Hurricanes blue and black
First year, new coach for the ‘canes, so this isn’t the end
Another upset like this though, things may just start to bend

TB12 and A-Rod, who’s your favorite old QB
On field goat debate, what a thing to see
Could not care less who won the game, what matters to us most
Was how the hell did a bee swarm end up on the goal post?

Colts and the Chiefs, thought this would be easy
By the end of the game Kansas City fans were queasy
Big upset for Indy, Matt Ryan won a big one
Tough loss for the Chiefs, Andy Reid had no fun

Sunday State of Mind: September 5th-September 11th

September 11, 2022 Chris CookArizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, poetry, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, SSM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders1 Comment

We continue a longstanding tradition here at UDS by dedicating an entire SSM to Week One NFL action.

Big start on Thursday night, Rams and the Bills
Pregame program was legit, full of fluff and frills
The game was in LA, but plenty Bills fans there
Josh Allen and the boys came out and won the game with flair

Sunday start in the dirty, Falcons and the Saints
Start of football season, we have no complaints
Something so familiar, Falcons had an early lead
They coughed it up and lost, almost guaranteed

Browns and the Panthers, Baker revenge bowl
He wanted to win this game with his entire soul
Browns came out and played, got a surprising win
Panthers almost came back, there’s a positive spin

The San Francisco 49ers are used to good weather
The conditions in Chicago, they were different all together
It rained and rained and rained some more, really came down strong
A nice win for the Bears in a season that might be long

Steelers and the Bengals, an AFC North tilt
Bengals came in walking tall, like a man on stilts
Five turnovers for Joe Burrow, not like him at all
Even so, we had OT, but the Bengals did fall

Eagles and the Lions, closer than we expected!
Coming into the day, thought this game would be neglected
Lions got down early, then almost came back
Lot of money on the Eagles, banks almost attacked

Texans and the Colts, folks we have a tie
Same score in regulation, OT, and then the game died
Feels like a win for Houston, Indy can not be psyched
Have to think a blowout win is what they would’ve liked

Patriots and Dolphins, Miami’s brand new look
Mike McDaniel’s offense had Bill Belichick’s D shook
Tua looked OK, Tyreek and Waddle balled
Dolphin fans ecstatic, Pats fans are appalled

Ravens and the Jets, Flacco revenge game
Cool Joe did play pretty well, can’t give him much blame
Lamar Jackson’s on a mission, wants to get that big money
Three touchdowns and Ravens win, L-Jack sweet as honey

Jags and the Commanders, this game just seemed weird
First game for Carson Wentz in DC, brought his big red beard
Jaguars were close to grabbing a week one win
At least until week two for victories to begin

Giants and the Titans, King Henry and Saquon
The Titan bruised along, Giant looked like a swan
Another crazy comeback, as New York did their job
Titans played tough in the first half, but ended like slobs

Cardinals and the Chiefs, and a new look KC
Went to Arizona, first opportunity
To see if they still had it after losing some big stars
Five tuddy’s for Pat Mahomes, he did not go too far

Chargers and the Raiders, matchup in LA
Justin Herbert is a stud, and he was on display
Three touchdowns and no picks, his team is 1-0
Raiders have a nice roster, only upwards to go

Vikings and the Packers, A-Rod needs to some talent
He can’t go out and win himself, they guy’s only so gallant
Story is not about him though, Vikings looked pretty good
Kirk Cousins was really sharp, was he misunderstood?

Buccaneers and Cowboys, Sunday night in Dallas
Jerry Jones must love it when we’re focused on his palace
Tough break for Big Jer, as Tom Brady is still here
TB12 wins again, will for 100 years

Panthers Hire Noted Sex Symbol Ben McAdoo as Their New Offensive Coordinator

January 21, 2022 Chris CookArizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Ben McAdoo, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Jacoby Brissett, Jerick McKinnon, Joe Flacco, Kerwynn Williams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Pete Davidson, Ryan Tannehill, Samaje Perine, Saturday Night Live, Theo Riddick, Washington Football Team1 Comment

Look at him, drink in every inch of that perfectly tailored suit.

The NFL got better on Friday when the Carolina Panthers announced the hiring of Ben McAdoo as their new offensive coordinator. Before Pete Davidson was the sexiest man in New York, Coach McAdoo held that title. The former Giants head coach last prowled the sidelines in 2017 with the G-men, and had been in consulting roles with the Jaguars and Cowboys since he was unjustly fired in New York.

An undervalued offensive mind, Big Bad Ben brings the twisted steel and sex appeal the Panthers were looking for in their search. The titillating teacher of offense graced the Giants with his beautiful brain during an incredible run that started in 2016 and unfortunately ended in 2017.

According to Pro Football Reference and The Football Database, this polymath of passing and play action’s highlights include, but are not limited to:

2016: ranked 26th in scoring offense, ahead of juggernauts like the Bears, Jets, and Browns
2016: ranked 29th in rushing, beating out dependable runners like Theo Riddick of the Lions and Jerick McKinnon of the Vikings
2016: ranked 17th in passing, out-throwing big arms like Ryan Tannehill of the Dolphins and Brock Osweiler of the Texans
2017: ranked 31st in scoring offense, blowing the Browns out of the water (just like 2016)
2017: ranked 26th in rushing, a huge improvement from 2016 and outrushing big hitters like Kerwynn Williams of the Cardinals and Samaje Perine of the Washington Football Team
2017: ranked 19th in passing, this extremely slight drop from 2016 can easily be explained by the improved rushing attack and becoming a more balanced offense. Even with all of that, that stellar offense had more passing yards than Joe Flacco’s Ravens and Jacoby Brissett’s Colts

Absolute fireworks. If you’re a Carolina Panther fan today, I don’t know how you’re containing your excitement. Go buy those season tickets because they’ll be flying off the shelf after this announcement. Go out and get that “Panthers Super Bowl Champs 2023” tattoo. Name your next born “Benjamin.” There are no rules after organization shifting hires like Coach McAdoo.

You’ve got yourself a stud…ride that pony all the way to the Lombardi Trophy.

Sunday State of Mind: January 3rd-January 9th

January 9, 2022 Chris CookChicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Matt Nagy, Miami Dolphins, Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, NFL, poetry, SSM, Tennessee TitansLeave a comment

Like an old friend, SSM is back to review the week that was in sports.

First week 18 in NFL history
Helped solved some teams playoff mysteries
Titans and Packers are number one seeds
Lead the AFC and NFC, respectively

Big upset that changed some plans
Jags beat the Colts, now they’re playoff banned
Indy won’t move on, their season is done
An all time choke, they were on such a run

A football tradition, all gas and no breaks
Dolphins beat the Pats in a game with no stakes
A one year playoff hiatus for the Pats
But they’re back in the dance, and that is that

In the “coaches probably fired” Super Bowl
Vikings beat the Bears, Skol skol skol
Mike Zimmer and Matt Nagy, things looking grim
Both coaches and their staffs may get trimmed

Who Wore it Best? 9-0

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 Chris CookAdam Vinatieri, Albert Pujols, Alexander Ovechkin, Allen Iverson, Atlanta Falcons, Babe Ruth, Baltimore Orioles, Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Brett Favre, Brian Leetch, Brooklyn Nets, Cal Ripken Jr., Carl Yastrzemski, Chicago Blackhawks, Cincinnati Reds, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, David Akers, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Derek Jeter, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, Donovan McNabb, Drew Brees, Gordie Howe, Green Bay Packers, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Indianapolis Colts, Joe DiMaggio, John Elway, Johnny Bench, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Lou Gehrig, Memphis Grizzlies, Mickey Mantle, Mike Modano, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, NBA, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Oakland Athletics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Ozzie Smith, Phil Esposito, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Russell Westbrook, San Diego Padres, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Cardinals, Stan Musial, Steve Young, Ted Williams, Toronto Maple Leafs, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Washington Capitals, Washington Football Team, Washington Wizards, Winnipeg Jets, Yogi BerraLeave a comment

What a long, strange journey it’s been. We started all the way at 99, and have now arrived at our final edition of “Who Wore It Best?” Single digits can be tough, but we’re up for the challenge.

9 – Gordie Howe

I mean, “Mr. Hockey” has to make the list, right? Howe’s career spanned nearly 40 years, in which he won four Stanley Cups, six Hart Trophies, and appeared in the All-Star game 23 times.

Honorable Mentions: Ted Williams, Drew Brees, Bobby Hull, Mike Modano

8 – Kobe Bryant

Maybe the closest we’ll ever get to MJ. We all know Kobe ended his career rocking 24, but he was great enough to take the eight cake. He spent his entire 20 year career with the Lakers, in which he won five NBA Championships, the 2008 MVP, and made 11 All-NBA First Teams.

Honorable Mentions: Joe Morgan, Carl Yastrzemski, Cal Ripken Jr., Yogi Berra, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Alexander Ovechkin

7 – John Elway

The greatest player who was a doppelgänger of their team mascot. But that’s not the only reason Elway makes our list. He held the “couldn’t win the big one” tag his entire career, until he shut everyone up and won back-to-back Super Bowls his last two seasons in the NFL. Even if he wouldn’t have won the two Lombardis, Elway racked up an MVP, nine Pro Bowl selections, and passing title in 1993.

Honorable Mentions: Mickey Mantle, Phil Esposito

6 – Bill Russell

The man who ran out of fingers for all of his championship rings. Russell won five MVPs, was a four time rebounding champion, and a member of the NBA’s 25th, 35th, and 50th Anniversary Teams.

Honorable Mention: Stan Musial

5 – Albert Pujols

We’ve shown our appreciation for The Machine on this blog before. Pujols’ first 11 years in St. Louis were enough to get the guy in the Hall of Fame. His time with the Angels and Dodgers, while not as great, hasn’t done anything to diminish that. His approximate career numbers have him as a .300 hitter, closing in on 700 home runs, and well over 3,000 hits.

Honorable Mentions: Joe DiMaggio, George Brett, Johnny Bench, Kevin Garnett, Donovan McNabb

4 – Lou Gherig

Next to Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig was the best player on the Yankees during their incredible run in the 20’s and 30’s. Gherig was a part of six World Series championships, was a two time MVP, and won the Triple Crown in 1934.

Honorable Mentions: Brett Favre, Adam Vinatieri, Bobby Orr

3 – Babe Ruth

Keeping it young and fresh with back to back 1920’s Yankees. This one’s a no doubter though; Shohei Ohtaini before Shohei Ohtani. At the plate, The Great Bambino hit 714 home runs, slugged .690, and ended his career with an 1.164 OPS. On the mound, The Colossus of Clout went 94-46, with a 2.28 ERA, and threw 107 complete games.

Honorable Mention: Allen Iverson

2 – Derek Jeter

Christ, enough with the Yankees already. Jeets is an easy choice in a not extremely tough field. The recent Hall of Fame inductee wrapped up an illustrious career with a very succinct five World Series rings, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger Awards, as well as 14 All-Star appearances.

Honorable Mention: David Akers, Brian Leetch

1 – Ozzie Smith

The best defensive shortstop of all time, and possibly best overall defender ever. Smith won 13 Gold Gloves in 19 seasons. Along the way, he was a part of the 1982 World Series Championship Cardinal team, made 15 All-Star games, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Honorable Mention: Warren Moon

0 – Russell Westbrook

A nice, easy choice to get us to the finish line; not a whole lot of competition at the zero spot. The 2017 MVP is a nine time All-Star, two time All-NBA First Teamer, and is essentially a walking triple double.

Honorable Mention: N/A

We made it, friends. All the way from 99 down to 0. We laughed, we cried, and made some friends along the way. This was a fun project to complete and remember some names that haven’t been brought up in a while. Hopefully this was as interesting to read as it was to write. Who knows what our next series will be…stay tuned.

Sunday State of Mind: November 15th-November 21st

November 21, 2021 Chris CookBryce Harper, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, Los Angeles Angels, Luke Walton, MLB, NBA, Philadelphia Phillies, poetry, Sacramento Kings, Shohei Ohtani, SSM, Tennessee TitansLeave a comment

We are on the brink of Thanksgiving break. Thanksgiving football is one of our greatest traditions. But we’re not here to look forward, but back on the week that was in this week’s SSM.

Jonathan Taylor, leading the way
For the winning Colts, five tuddy Sunday
The losses are piling up for the Bills
A bit of a shocker, team usually kills

A real strange league, this NFL
Often leaves us wondering, “what the hell?”
After winning six straight, and facing Houston
The Titans lost, and their win streak is done

We’ve got new MVPs in the MLB
Bryce and Shohei, unanimously
Neither of these studs made it to the postseason
Baseball’s a weird game, for many strange reasons

It took 17 games to get our first ax
Of the NBA season, Luke Walton’s been sacked
The chronically bad Sacramento Kings
Seem so far away from competing for rings

Who Wore it Best? 19-10

September 17, 2021November 17, 2021 Chris CookAaron Rodgers, Alex Rodriguez, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, Atlanta Hawks, Barry Larkin, Bart Starr, Bob Griese, Boston Bruins, Brett Hull, Brooklyn Nets, Buffalo Bills, Calgary Flames, Carlos Beltran, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Dan Fouts, Dan Marino, Denis Savard, Denver Broncos, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Ernie Banks, Fran Tarkenton, Golden State Warriors, Green Bay Packers, Guy Lafleur, Harlem Globetrotters, Houston Astros, Indianapolis Colts, Jarome Iginla, Jim Edmonds, Jim Kelly, Joe Montana, John Stockton, Johnny Unitas, Jonathan Toews, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Larry Fitzgerald, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Mark Messier, Miami Dolphins, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Expos, NBA, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Mets, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Oscar Robertson, Pete Rose, Peyton Manning, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Phillies, Philip Rivers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Roger Staubach, San Diego Padres, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Yzerman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Terry Bradshaw, Texas Rangers, Todd Helton, Tom Brady, Tony Gwynn, Utah Jazz, Vancouver Canucks, Walt Frazier, Whitey Ford, Willis Reed, Wilt ChamberlainLeave a comment

The finish line is in sight on our recurring series “Who Wore It Best.” In our penultimate edition, we’re getting into the teens.

19 – Johnny Unitas

Starting off young, fresh, and hip. While 19 turns out to be an incredibly strongly represented number, Unitas is widely known as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Four championships, three MVPs, and a member of all three of the 50th, 75th and 100th NFL Anniversary Teams gives Johnny U the nod.

Honorable Mentions: Tony Gwynn, Willis Reed, Steve Yzerman, Jonathan Toews

18 – Peyton Manning

Back to back Colts quarterbacks to get us started here. A member of the most recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee class, Manning put up some unreal numbers en route to two Super Bowl wins. Manning’s trophy case is busting at the seams with five MVPs, the 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Award, and number retirement plaques for his number 18 in both Indianapolis and Denver.

Honorable Mention: Denis Savard

17 – Todd Helton

Todd Helton played baseball and football at University of Tennessee, and was a teammate of Peyton Manning’s. However, Helton makes our list for his accomplishments on the diamond. Helton retired in 2013 with a career average of .316, 369 home runs, and 2,519 hits. Along the way, he won three Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and a batting title in 2000.

Honorable Mention: Philip Rivers

16 – Joe Montana

Much like Unitas, Montana is a firm part of the “best quarterback of all-time” conversation. Montana lead the 49ers to four Super Bowl rings, while being the MVP in three of those four wins. One of the more accurate quarterbacks of his time, he lead the NFL in completion percentage five separate seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Whitey Ford, Brett Hull

15 – Bart Starr

If we’re including Johnny Unitas, it’s only fair to involve Bart Starr. The quarterback who lead the Packers to victories in Super Bowls I and II, while winning MVP in both games, finished his career with five championships, a regular season MVP award, and four Pro Bowls.

Honorable Mentions: Carlos Beltran, Jim Edmonds

14 – Pete Rose

Taking a bit of gamble including Rose on our list, but here we are. The all-time hit king (4,256) does have a stellar on-field resumé. Seventeen All-Star games, three World Series rings, the 1973 NL MVP, and two Gold Gloves.

Honorable Mentions: Ernie Banks, Oscar Robertson, Dan Fouts

13 – Wilt Chamberlain

Of course the only man to score 100 points in an NBA game is making our list. Wilt the Stilt averaged a silly 30.9 points per game and 22.9 rebounds per game over his 15 year career. He also won two rings, four MVPs, was a seven time scoring champion, as well as an 11 time rebound champion.

Honorable Mentions: Alex Rodriguez, Dan Marino

12 – Tom Brady

The greatest quarterback of all time at the most important position in sports. TB12’s resumé is too long to outline here; but it’s headlined by his seven Super Bowl rings. On top of that, Brady has lead the league at one point in his career in passing touchdowns, yards, and rating.

Honorable Mentions: John Stockton, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, Bob Griese, Aaron Rodgers, Jarome Iginla

11 – Mark Messier

Being the center piece of a dynasty goes a long way in lists like these. Messier was the unquestioned leader & captain in Edmonton, where he lead the Oilers to five Stanley Cups. He also became the only player to captain two separate teams to Stanley Cup victories when he lead the Rangers to the cup in 1994.

Honorable Mentions: Barry Larkin, Larry Fitzgerald

10 – Fran Tarkenton

Fran Tarkenton walked to Steve Young, Michael Vick, and the like could run. Not only did Tarkenton sling it for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns, he also ran for 3,674 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. Another fun fact: his only MVP season came in 1975, his 15th year in the NFL.

Honorable Mentions: Walt Frazier, Guy Lafleur

Heavy quarterback representation here. Any other noise was a faint whisper from baseball. Abysmal showing by hockey and basketball. We’ll bid farewell to our ongoing series in the next edition of “Who Wore It Best.”