Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Clayton Kershaw
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is one of Major League Baseball's best pitchers. He received the Cy Young Award in 2011 and 2013 and pitched a no-hitter in 2014. Clayton's powerful left arm brought him to the top.
Richard Sherman
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Richard Sherman is so good at defending passing plays that quarterbacks avoid throwing the ball in his direction. His incredible ability to smother opposing wide receivers helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl in 2014.
Calvin Johnson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was chosen by the Detroit Lions with the second pick in the 2007 National Football League (NFL) draft. In 2011, Calvin set an NFL record by scoring two touchdowns in each of his team's first four games. Even better, the big wide receiver from Georgia helped lead the Lions to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
Tom Brady
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots has done it all in the National Football League (NFL). He and his teammates have won the Super Bowl three times. Twice he was named Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl. But Tom didn't get to the top by being satisfied with his accomplishments. He still has the drive to win, and almost made it to the Super Bowl again in 2014. Learn all about one of the fiercest competitors in football history.
Drew Brees
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When quarterback Drew Brees left Purdue University to pursue a career in the National Football League (NFL) in 2001, many people thought he was too short. At six feet tall, they wondered if he would be able to see over the heads of the other players on the field. Brees quickly proved the doubters wrong. Named to numerous Pro Bowls as one of the NFL's best players, Brees was named Offensive Player of the Year for the 2007-2008 season. In 2009-2010 Brees took his game to another level, leading the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
James Harden
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Houston Rockets guard James Harden lit up scoreboards to the tune of more than 25 points per game in 2014-2015. That made him one of the best scorers in the league. But he wasn't always such a star player. When James played for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2009 to 2012, he started only seven games. After signing on with Houston for the 2012-2013 NBA season, James exploded as one of the top players in the NBA. Read all about James's journey from his birthplace in Los Angeles to NBA stardom in Houston.
American Pharoah
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2015, racehorse American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and finally the Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. The three-year-old horse with the misspelled name thrilled racing fans with his powerful and graceful running. As the 12th Triple Crown winner in history and the first in 37 years, American Pharoah joined an elite group of champions. Read all about the life of a legendary racehorse.
Alex Morgan
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Alex Morgan was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. In 2012, that dream came true when she helped the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) win the soccer gold medal at the Olympic Games in London, England. In 2015, Alex and her USWNT teammates beat Japan in the championship match to win the World Cup. Alex is also an author, a model, and much more. Read all about Alex's life and her path to soccer stardom.
Anthony Davis
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The New Orleans Pelicans selected center Anthony Davis as the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Since then, Anthony has proven to be one of the best big men in the game. Midway through the 2014-2015 season, he was averaging more than 24 points and 10 rebounds per game, and he also led the league in blocked shots per game for the second straight year. Voted to the NBA All-Star Game as a starter for the first time in 2015, he is on top of the basketball world. Follow Anthony's journey from his childhood in Chicago all the way to the NBA.
Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Many people believed NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers would quickly become a star when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2005. But as the backup to Brett Favre, Aaron didn't get to play much during his first three seasons. When Aaron took over as starting quarterback in 2008, he showed that he belonged on the field. Aaron led his team to the playoffs in 2009. The next season, he guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Learn more about this amazing quarterback's journey from his childhood in California all the way to Super Bowl MVP.
LeBron James
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
LeBron James has been a National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar since he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as a teenager in 2003. In 2010, after turning Cleveland into a winning team, LeBron left his hometown to play with the Miami Heat. In Miami, LeBron and his teammates won the NBA Finals in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, LeBron returned to Cleveland to try to bring a championship to the city. Read all about LeBron's remarkable journey.
Manny Pacquiao
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Boxer Manny Pacquiao has won multiple world championships and is the only fighter in the sport's history to win titles in eight different weight classes. When Manny fought Floyd Mayweather in 2015, many people called it the fight of the century. But Manny is much more than just a boxer. He is also a musician and an actor, and he has even played professional basketball. In 2010, Manny became a congressman in the Philippines. Learn more about the Filipino fighter who has taken the boxing world by storm.
David Ortiz
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
David Ortiz is always ready when the Boston Red Sox need their biggest slugger. Big Papi, as he is known to fans and teammates, has led his team to three World Series championships with his powerful hitting. David is one of baseball's greatest superstars, winning game after game with his bat. But the big man from the Dominican Republic is also a fine leader and one of the most beloved sports stars in New England. Learn more about Big Papi's journey to the top.
Cam Newton
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is one of the biggest stars of the National Football League (NFL). The Panthers chose Cam as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. He went on to win the 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In 2015, Cam led Carolina to the best record in the league and a place in Super Bowl 50. Learn more about Cam's journey to NFL stardom.
Blake Griffin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin is a mighty force with a basketball in his hands. No one in the National Basketball Association (NBA) dunks the ball more often or with as much power. His older brother Taylor drew most of the attention on the court growing up. But by the time the two starred together at the University of Oklahoma, it was clear that Blake was something special. Learn more about the big man and his thunderous dunks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been auto-racing royalty since he was born. Dale Jr.'s father was the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Dale Jr. has carried on the Earnhardt family winning tradition since his father was killed in a racing accident in 2001. Dale Jr. won NASCAR's biggest race, the Daytona 500, in 2004. Then he did it again in 2014. Find out more about this racing hero who is creating his own legacy on the track.
Michael Phelps
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
By the end of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps had already earned more gold medals than any athlete in the history of the Olympic Games. But at the 2012 Olympics in London, England, Michael won four more gold medals, plus two silver. With twenty-two medals in total-eighteen gold, two silver, and two bronze-from three Olympic Games, Michael is by far the most decorated athlete in Olympics history. Learn more about the swimmer from Maryland who became the Olympic Games' greatest champion.
Gabby Douglas
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.
Ichiro Suzuki
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has been one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) best players for more than ten years. But Ichiro was a star in Japan long before he came to the United States. When he joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Ichiro became one of the most famous athletes in the world. He also proved he was one of the best in the world when he notched his 2,500th MLB hit in 2012. Ichiro joined the New York Yankees during the 2012 season, and his star has never shined more brightly.
Alex Morgan
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Alex Morgan was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. In 2012, that dream came true when she helped the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) win the soccer gold medal at the Olympic Games in London, England. In 2015, Alex and her USWNT teammates beat Japan in the championship match to win the World Cup. Alex is also an author, a model, and much more. Read all about Alex's life and her path to soccer stardom.
Gabby Douglas
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.
Tim Tebow
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Tim Tebow left the University of Florida in 2010, many people didn't think he would be good enough to play quarterback in the NFL. Tim had helped the Florida Gators become national champions in 2006 and 2008, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 as college football's most outstanding player. But Tim was a better runner than a passer in college, and some experts thought his style would not work in the pros. He quickly proved the doubters wrong by leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in 2011. Traded to the New York Jets in the 2012 offseason, Tim continues to be one of the most popular athletes in any sport.
Mikaela Shiffrin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin won her first world championship in slalom in 2013, then won a gold medal in the same event at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Learn more about this bright young star.
Derek Jeter
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Derek Jeter dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees for as long as he could remember. When the team made Derek the sixth pick in the 1992 draft, his dream became a reality. With the Yankees winning the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009, Derek has become a fan favorite and one of baseball's most respected players. When he passed Lou Gehrig to become the Yankees' all-time leader in hits in 2009, Derek proved that he was a Yankees legend and one of the game's greatest players. Follow Derek's amazing journey to the top of the baseball world.
David Beckham
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer superstar David Beckham is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Born in Great Britain, David was playing for England's top soccer team by the age of twenty. David moved to the United States in 2007 and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2011, David led the Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship. Learn more about the life of one of sports' biggest stars.
Michael Vick
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Michael Vick quickly established himself as one of the National Football League's most exciting quarterbacks after the Atlanta Falcons drafted him first overall in 2001. His powerful arm and blazing speed set him apart. But at the peak of his career in 2007, Michael wound up in prison. After serving a two-year sentence, he returned to the NFL, determined to show he had learned from his mistakes. In 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles' star quarterback proved he still has the skills and leadership to make his team Super Bowl contenders. Follow Michael's story from his childhood through his amazing comeback.
Ryan Howard
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Pitchers feel nervous when Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard steps to the plate. When he hits a baseball, it often flies over the outfield fence. Ryan proved that he was one of the game's best players when he led his team to victory in the 2008 World Series. In 2011, he helped the Phillies to the best record in Major League Baseball. Find out more about Ryan's amazing journey.
Prince Fielder
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder was born to hit home runs. He spent his childhood at the ballpark with his dad, former Major League Baseball star Cecil Fielder. Like his father before him, Prince is one of the most-feared sluggers. In the 2007 season Prince hit 50 home runs, becoming the youngest player to ever reach that mark. In 2012, he became the second player to win the All-Star Home Run Derby twice. But Prince is more than just a big hitter. Learn more about Prince's journey to baseball stardom.
Stephen Strasburg
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was picked first in the 2009 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, some people called him the most-hyped young pitcher ever. Stephen quickly proved that he deserved the hype by striking out 14 batters in his first game. After missing most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with an elbow injury, Stephen is back at the top of his game. He led the Nationals to one of the best records in baseball in 2012. Learn more about this young pitcher with a rocket arm.
Mark Sanchez
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is one of the hottest young players in pro football. Chosen with the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Mark has only played two seasons in the league. But he has enjoyed amazing success in such a short time. Mark led his Jets to the conference championship game in both 2009 and 2010. With Mark leading the way, it seems like only a matter of time before the Jets reach the Super Bowl. Learn more about this talented and hard-working athlete.
Kevin Durant
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Kevin Durant faced high expectations after he was selected with the second pick in the 2007 NBA draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has gone beyond those expectations. Kevin was named the 2007-2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, and he's only gotten better from there. In 2010 Kevin was named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, where the United States won the gold medal. During his short time in pro basketball, Kevin has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world. Learn more about this amazing athlete's journey to the top.
Clay Matthews
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has had incredible success in just a few years in the NFL. When he was named to the 2009-2010 Pro Bowl, he became the first Packers rookie since 1978 to be selected for the game. In 2010-2011, Clay led the Green Bay defense to victory in the Super Bowl over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Usain Bolt
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Usain Bolt has been the fastest runner in the world since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Back then, the Jamaican sprinter won gold medals and set world records in three running events. In 2012, Usain set out to prove that he is still the world's fastest person during the Olympic Games in London, England. Once again, Usain took home three gold medals and set another world record. Learn more about Usain's journey from his childhood in western Jamaica to the top of the sports world.
Eli Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Eli Manning joined the NFL after being chosen with the first pick in the 2004 draft, many people compared him to his older brother Peyton. After Eli led his New York Giants to victory in the 2007-2008 Super Bowl, people stopped wondering if he was as good as his brother. When Eli was named Super Bowl MVP and the Giants won the big game again in 2011-2012, people began comparing him to football's all-time great quarterbacks.
Tony Romo
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has one of the most high-profile jobs in sports. As the starting quarterback for "America's team" since 2006, Tony has amassed impressive stats and wowed fans. But it wasn't always this way. Tony spent three years as the backup quarterback and had to fight to earn the starting job. Find out more about the player who rose from the Cowboys' bench to become a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Alex Ovechkin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin entered the NHL for the 2005-2006 season, he didn't waste any time. He immediately became one of the game's best players. Alex scored 52 goals during his rookie season, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2007-2008 Alex scored 65 goals, the most in the NHL in more than a decade. But Alex and his teammates have an even bigger goal in mind-winning the Stanley Cup. Learn more about Alex's amazing journey from his birthplace in Moscow, Russia, to the top of the NHL.
Kevin Garnett
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Kevin Garnett was drafted in 1995 he became one of just a few players to go straight from high school to the NBA. In twelve seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he became the team's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He also became one of the highest paid players in basketball history. Traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007, Kevin led his new team to the NBA Championship. Follow one of basketball's biggest personalities from childhood to the top of the basketball world.
Peyton Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the most successful players in NFL history. Chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Peyton earned a reputation for being one of the league's smartest quarterbacks. He led the Colts to victory in the 2007 Super Bowl and was named Most Valuable Player of the NFL a record four times. After missing the 2011-2012 season due to an injury, Peyton left Indianapolis to join the Broncos.
Justin Verlander
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Justin Verlander has been one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) since he joined the Detroit Tigers in 2006. In his first season, Justin was named American League (AL) Rookie of the Year. He went on to throw a no-hitter in 2007. Then he threw another no-hitter in 2011. Justin won the AL Cy Young Award in 2011 as the league's best pitcher. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player that year, a rare honor for a pitcher. Learn more about one of the best baseball players in the world.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
David Beckham
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer superstar David Beckham is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Born in Great Britain, David was playing for England's top soccer team by the age of twenty. David moved to the United States in 2007 and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2011, David led the Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship. Learn more about the life of one of sports' biggest stars.
Tiger Woods
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Tiger Woods is not just the best golfer in the world. He is also one of the biggest celebrities on the planet. But Tiger has not let success go to his head. He is still one of the hardest-working golfers on the PGA tour. Follow Tigers career from when he first picked up a golf club at nine months old to his most recent major golf championship.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Abby Wambach
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Right out of college, Abby Wambach shot to fame in the United States soccer scene. In 2002, she was picked second in the Women's United Soccer Association draft by the Washington Freedom. She also became a leading scorer on the US Women's National Team. After winning the 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals, Abby is still going strong. She holds the world record for international goals. Follow Abby's story from her beginnings at University of Florida to becoming an international soccer superstar.
Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Many people believed NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers would quickly become a star when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2005. But as the backup to Brett Favre, Aaron didn't get to play much during his first three seasons. When Aaron took over as starting quarterback in 2008, he showed that he belonged on the field. Aaron led his team to the playoffs in 2009. The next season, he guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Learn more about this amazing quarterback's journey from his childhood in California all the way to Super Bowl MVP.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
John Wall
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
John Wall's NBA dream came true when the Washington Wizards selected him as the first overall draft pick in 2010. As one of the best point guards in the game, he helped turn the Wizards into a winning team.