Raw Emotion

The famous NFL defensive end broke down in tears while giving a speech at the Philadelphia Phillies game, because before the speech he found out his best friend, teammate, and one of the greatest pass rusher of all time had died in a car accident. 

Stuart Scott, a famous ESPN commentator passed away in 2014 and the world mourned his loss. Just months after his speech at the ESPY's just like Jimmy Valvano, Stuart Scott died after his third ballad with cancer. 

The Sienna Men's Basketball team recorded one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history by beating Duke in the round of 64 in the NCAA tournament three years ago. The fans stormed the court and Duke went home disappointed. 

Christian Laettner, debatably one of the greatest college basketball players ever hit a game winning 180 degree hump shot to defeat Kentucky in the 1992 Championship game. "The Shot" , as its known as in the basketball world is one of the most played clips ever and is burned into the hearts of Kentucky fans. 

Lebron James and the Miami Heat celebrate their first NBA Title together as the routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 in the series. 

Mario Gotze's goal in the closing seconds on the 2014 World Cup Final propelled Germany to their fourth world cup win! This goal will be replayed for decades and secured Mario Gotze's sport as a German soccer legend. 

Jackie Robinson historically broke the color barier in baseball and allowed other civil rights entrepreneurs to break it in other sports. 

At the 1968 summer Olympics in Mexico city two United States athletes created this historic photo at the height of the civil rights movement. This helped show the world of the need for equality and became an emblem for defiance and the black panther party.

Manchester United Munich Air Disaster

Manchester United are known as one of the most followed sports teams in all of the world. Largely, this comes from a captivating history involving tragedy, perseverance, and eventual triumph. In the 1950's, the club had experienced their first ever "glory days" being known as the Busby Babes, led by their coach; Sir Matt Busby. Also at this time, the idea of a massive European club tournament was forming. The idea was to bring the best teams from each countries leagues, and have them square off in a sort of super tournament.  Manchester United were the first ever English team to compete, and played a big part in pioneering the competition. After winning in Belgrade, they were on their way through to the quarter finals, until disaster struck. The connecting flight in Munich had difficult taking off due to wintry conditions, and on the third attempt, the plane skidded through the runway and into a hanger. 23 people, including the pilots, journalists, staff, and 8 of the players died from the crash.

In the days that followed, hundreds of thousands of people traveled to Manchester to pay their respects to those who were lost. Donations for the families and the club also came pouring in from all over the world. It even brought together the bitterest of rivals. This was best put by 1958 Liverpool captain Kenny Dalgliesh when he said, "We can fight, and scrap, and abuse our rivals as much as we want, but today we are all reminded we are humans, and that we have all suffered a great loss." The anniversary is still observed each year by united fans, and many other clubs.

After the disaster, Manchester United were given a month off from league play, during which they called up many youngsters to the first team, and added some more on the slim budget they still had. Against the odds, they made it to the FA Cup final that year, and ten years later won the European Championship - the first ever English team to do so. The story of their struggle and revival, is one that has captivated hundreds of millions of people, and has resulted in a massive global fan base. The story shows the true power of human willpower when faced with crippling emotion.

For more on this story, I would highly recommend viewing the movie, "United."

Those Goosebump Inducing Moments

This video is from the 2013 semi final of England's 2nd division playoff to earn promotion to the Premier League. Watford are a club that in 2010 declared bankruptcy, were saved from fans investments, then from back to back to back years earned promotion from the 4th, then 3rd, and now 2nd division of English Football. In this game, their backs are absolutely up against it as their opponents have won a penalty kick at the very end of a tied game on aggregate. Then, the goalkeeper makes a double save, Watford go on the break, and the rest is pandemonium. Incredible show of pride and passion from the players and fans.

 

A compilation showing some of the most emotional, empowering moments in sports that showcase true human willpower.

A similar video, also showcasing a legendary speech from Eric Thomas.

Didier Drogba: Peacemaker

Ever since the turn of the millennium, Ivory Coast had been a nation riddled with unrest, controversy, and civil war. The split was between a rebel, Muslim led North, and the original government, led by Christian ideologies. The catalyst for the fighting began when the Ivorians had to face democratic elections for the first time in 33 years, after the reign of their outstanding president came to an end. There was a ton of destruction brought to the streets, with whole villages even being burnt down. Before 2006, nearly 5,000 had reportedly died.

It was a terrible conflict, however, it was resolved in extraordinary fashion. Amidst the war, Ivory Coast was in the process of producing their greatest national soccer team ever, led by the legendary Didier Drogba. Drogba is seen as an idol by most, and is frequently considered "Ivory Coast's Most Important Person." He isn't loved only for his goals, but for his work in the community, and his frequent involvement with citizens. Heading into the 2006 World Cup, the Ivorians were in good shape to earn their place in the competition. A match in September, 2005 against Mozambique, was marred by rioting in and around the stadium. After the match, Drogba appeared on national TV, and fell to his knees as he begged both sides to put down their arms, and come together as a nation for their final match (a must win for qualification) a few days later. The match was scheduled to be played in one of the rebel strongholds, Bouake, and originally all of the South had refused to attend. Amazingly, the nation heard his cry, and leaders from both parties joined the team on the field for the singing of the national anthem. Ivory Coast won the match 5-0, and the two divisions of the nation called for an immediate cease fire, and began peace talks on how to move the nation forward.

It would be wrong to say that Ivory Coast is now perfect, but to this day they are unified under one democratic government, and free of war.

Jimmy Valvano

Jimmy Valvano coached NCAA basketball for twenty years and he coached one of the greatest college upsets in history. In 1983 Jimmy V coached the NC State wolf-pack into the championship game against heavily favored Houston who was on a 26 game winning streak and would produce two first ballot hall of famers.

The wolf-pack were massive underdogs but throughout the game played Houston close but the game came down to one last shot. With the game tied 52-52 and the clock winding down an NC State player heaved a half court shot that clearly off target but NC State's Lorenzo Charles was waiting under the hoop and leaped into the air and dunked ball to win NC State the National Championship.

Ten years later in 1993 Jimmy V who was an ESPN commentator would give one the most famous speeches in human history. Unknown to the public and close friends Jimmy V had severe bone cancer, and he chose this very special night to share it with the world.

The audience watched as this very strong and proud man echoed "Don't ever give up...don't ever give up." This speech has been replayed by millions and millions more have used his inspiration to advocate for cancer research. 8 weeks later Jimmy V past away but his legacy is still evident today.

The Jimmy V foundation along with endowments from ESPN and there sponsors provides millions each year to finding a cure for cancer. His historic speech is unforgettable and truly a moment bigger than sports.

Ayrton Senna

Over the decades the public has fallen in love with certain sports figures, but in many instances have also been forced to mourn the passing of these very special people. Sports are the foundation of society and certain figures can be inspirations and philanthropists for so many. The deaths of these important figures shocked the world and tore the hearts out of fans and loved ones around the world. Sports unite the world and in the darkest situations sports are more important than ever. 

The death of Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna's place in history is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. During his ten year Formula 1 career won the world championship three times and recorded and even more astonishing 41 races. During his career he raced for two of the most historic and successful Formula 1 teams ever being Lotus and Mclaren. 

Senna was born in Sao Paulo Brazil and although he left for England as a teenager to pursue his dream as a racing driver he never forgot his homeland. Over the course of his career he donated $400 million to children in poverty inside Brazil and helped establish the Ayrton Senna institute that still provides for those in need today. 

He was Brazil's golden son and he was so prideful of his country his helmet during races was adorned with the Brazilian flag's green and yellow. 

On May 1st 1994 Senna would race his last Formula 1 race ever. The San Marino Grand Prix held races from 1980-2006 and was known for its very tight corners that often resulted in crashes/ collisions. Ronald Ratzenberger, an Austrian driver and Senna raced close during the Friday qualifying, but during the Saturday qualifying things turned for the worst for Ratzenberger. Only twenty minutes into the poll race Ratzenberger came around the notorious villenueve corner going 190mph and crash into the concrete barrier suffering a fractured skull and was unresponsive when the medics pulled him from the wreckage. He would later die from his injuries at the hospital. 

Senna finished off qualifying that day in the #1 starting position and set a record for most pole positions at that time with 65. The race at San Marino began with Senna taking a commanding lead over Michael Schumacher. Then 17 minutes into the race the Brazilian legend took the narrow Tamburello corner wide and left the track going 190mph. Heading towards the wall an investigation concluded he held the brakes down for two seconds before slamming into the wall at 136mph. 

The moment was broadcast around the world as the medical team rushed into the blazing wreckage to save their hero. Nearly three hours after the race was finished and Michael Schumacher took the podium the world learned the horrendous news of Senna's death. 

Ayrton Senna would have been 55 years old on March 21st but in his short time on this earth he touched so many. The world mourned his deaths and San Marino was eventually shut down because of safety concerns. After an investigation into the wreckage the found an Austrian flag that Senna would have used to honor the death of Ronald Ratzenberger. 

The Brazilian government declared three days of mourning for their lost son. His funeral is regarded as the largest gathering of mourners in human history. Three million people lined the streets of Sao Paulo and his funeral was broadcast all over the world. His body was flown back in first class and the mourning train from the airport was lined with these millions of supporters. 

The funeral for Ratzenberger took place in Salzberg Austria two days later and the Senna family attended. Following the deaths of both drivers during the Monaco Grand Prix the first two starting grids were adorned in the Brazilian and Austrian flag colors to honor these two men. 

The 1994 Brazilian World Cup team won the World Cup that year and dedicated their win to Ayrton Senna. They wore replicas of his helmet following the game to show there gratitude for all his accomplishments. 

Ayrton Senna's death also forced Formula 1 to redesign the layout of all their cracks, add wall guards to reduce impacts on corners, and required higher safety standards in the cars. Since his high profile death no Formula 1 driver has died on the track on in qualifying. 

Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian legend and his impact on Brazil was immense.  His awareness and sacrifice to provide for those less fortunate in his homeland made him an adoring figure. His death shocked the world and left and entire nation in mourning. His legacy led to enhanced safety in Formula 1 and a legend about him that Brazil nor the world will ever forget. He was one of the most talented and successful racing drivers ever and during his ten year career his accomplishments are unmatched. Ayrton Senna is regarded as the greatest F1 driver ever because of the potential he could have had if his life wasn't cut short. His death touched so many and his legacy is one for the ages.