Athletes that can be role models in 2012

Too often these days athletes are falling from grace, that is, they are are top of the world and behave as if the are invincible. Tiger Woods is a prime example. He is one of the greatest golfers of all time, but showed complete disrespect for his wife and kids. Michael Phelps was the hero and the face of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Within six months of his return to the states photos surfaced of him smoking marijuana. The list goes on with Ben Roethlisberger, Terrelle Pryor, Barry Bonds, and others. The youth (and common fans) of the world need athletes that they can look up to as examples on and off of the court. These are people who show by their actions that they aren't any superior than the rest of us. The get up, go to work (although in a different manner), and have to do the everyday things that we all must do. Feel free to add to this list as athlete/role model list can never be too big.
1. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2. Jimmer Fredette (Sacramento Kings)
3. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts)
4. Eli Manning (New York Giants)
5. Ray Allen (Boston Celtics)
6. Chauncey Billups (Los Angeles Clippers)
7. Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks)
8. Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)
9. Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
10. Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
This list is in no particular order. It also goes off people that I know of with an emphasis on the NBA (I know NBA players better than other professionals). This list is not meant to be all inclusive, but just a place to start.

Coach K

Mike Krzyzewski has been known by many for his successes at Duke. The headlines today focused on win 902, tying him with the infamous Bobby Knight. About a year and a half ago I read an wonderful article by Andy Katz (ESPN) about a lapel pin that Coach K wears to every game. The story is riveting and I recommend it to everyone. The story explains the deeper meaning of sports and why people as famous as Mike Krzyzewski are human as well. Whenever I think of Coach K I think of this story. In my opinion, this story shows how Coach K uses his position in the world to be super human and make a difference. It is a lengthy story, but well worth the time.

You can read the story here.