Biggest comeback in sports history! Inspiring, right? So, comeback tales are always motivational, especially for professional athletes. They have the hardest job in the world and must sacrifice a lot to reach legendary status. Here are some of the biggest comebacks in sports history. Athletes’ physical and mental strength is what attracts many people to sports and careers in the industry.
Michael Jordan is the most iconic basketball player of all time. He played for the Chicago Bulls and won his first three-peat from 1991 to 1993. At the height of his career, he was the best player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and one of the most popular athletes in the world. Jordan declared his retirement in 1993, citing a lack of desire to play basketball. He later admitted that the murder of his father three months prior had influenced his decision.
Jordan retired for 17 months and tried his hand at baseball, as his father had always wanted to see him as a baseball player. However, Jordan gave the biggest comeback in sports history by returning to the NBA with a two-word press release: “I’m back.” He eventually overcame the emotional pain and made a remarkable comeback, leading the Bulls to their second three-peat and solidifying his status as the best player of his generation.
In 1999, he retired for the second time but returned to the NBA in 2001, spending the next two seasons with the Washington Wizards. During this time, he stated that he planned to donate his player salary to relief efforts for the victims of the September 11 attacks. Finally, in 2003, he retired permanently.
One of the most decorated Olympian of all time when he announced his retirement following the 2012 Summer Olympics, saying, “I am done. I’m finished. I am retired. I’m done. No more,” and “I just wanted to be done with swimming and didn’t want anything to do with the sport anymore.”
However he returned to the pool in 2014 and he staged one of the biggest comebacks in sports history, winning five gold medals and one silver at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. By the end of his career, had won 28 medals, including 23 Olympic golds—the most of any athlete in history.
The heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali was a legend in the ring. From 1960 until 1964, four years into his professional career, he rose to fame worldwide after defeating Charles “Sonny” Liston for the world heavyweight championship title.
However, his career faced a setback in 1967 when he refused to be drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. As a result, they stripped him of his titles, fined him, and suspended him from fighting for three years.
Ali made his comeback, winning his next two fights before losing to Joe Frazier. Indeed his subsequent comebacks were legendary, including the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman and the Thrilla in Manila, where he again faced Frazier. In the end, nothing could crush Ali’s passion to be a champion.
One of the most honored gymnasts in sports history. She made the decision to prioritize her mental health over her athletic achievements at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in August 2021. Even though with over 30 World Championship medals, she is widely considered the greatest female gymnast of all time.
Biles announced her return after two years, with all eyes on her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After overcoming her mental health challenges, Biles returned to the Olympics, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Thereupon she earned a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Mayweather Jr. declared his retirement from boxing in 2007 to focus on his promotion company. However, after 21 months, he returned. Although Mayweather retired multiple times in his career, only to return and set up incredible fights.
He returned for a high-profile fight against Conor McGregor in 2017, winning and retiring once more. Mayweather reportedly earned $300 million from the match. Even though with a 50-0 record and no defeats, he is regarded as one of boxing’s all-time greats, content with retiring and possessing his money, titles, and perfect record.
An American professional tennis player, was at the height of her game in the early 1990s. Her loud grunts and shouts, as well as her extremely powerful two-handed forehand and backhand, were a common sight. During a 1993 event in Hamburg, Seles was stabbed in the back by a spectator who later revealed himself as a fan of Seles’ opponent, Steffi Graf. Seles was ranked first in the world at the time of the attack. Besides she was one of the tour’s brightest young stars, having won seven Grand Slam titles. She underwent surgery and returned to the court two years later. Even though she struggled with the abrupt end to the career she had dedicated her life to.
Seles gave her biggest comeback in sports history and played her last professional tennis match in 2003. And later she officially retired in 2008. Following the attack, she managed to win one more major title, showcasing her remarkable courage and determination. She won nine Grand Slam titles and a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
The American boxer who was twice world heavyweight champion and, at age 45, became the oldest to achieve the title. George Foreman left the ring in 1977 to become an evangelist.
Foreman made one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. He returning to the ring after ten years at the age of 39. He boxed for another decade, demonstrating remarkable longevity, and achieved rapid success. Foreman stunned the sporting world by defeating Michael Moorer for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight crowns. He retired in 1997 with 76 wins and 5 losses and later rose to popularity as a commercial spokesperson.
American basketball player, led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles. Magic Johnson spent his entire career with the Lakers, guiding the team during its Showtime golden era.
Johnson stunned the basketball world in 1991 when he announced that he was HIV positive. And would be retiring from the sport immediately. He returned and played in the 1992 All-Star Game and the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
After retiring from basketball, Johnson became a successful entrepreneur and prominent HIV/AIDS activist. He was part of the ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers. And returned to the Lakers as an adviser before being promoted to president of basketball operations.
One of the famous American cyclist who won seven consecutive Tour de France titles between 1999 and 2005. Despite his controversial reputation, Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer comeback is widely recognized. It had spread to other parts of his body. After undergoing intense chemotherapy, Armstrong returned to cycling, exceeding expectations and winning his first Tour de France title in 1999. A doping scandal led to the identification of his key role, resulting in the stripping of his titles and ensuing legal battles, thereby tarnishing his legacy.
American professional football player, Brett Favre a legendary quarterback who broke numerous National Football League (NFL) career passing records while leading the Green Bay Packers. He retired in 2008 following a distinguished career that included a Super Bowl victory and multiple MVP awards.
Favre returned a few months later, but the Packers had already replaced him with Aaron Rodgers. Known for his toughness, competitiveness, and leadership. Favre eventually found new homes with the New York Jets and then the Minnesota Vikings.
Although he did not win another championship, Favre continued to perform at a high level. He guiding the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. Despite losing to the New Orleans Saints, who went on to win the Super Bowl. Favre marked his career with numerous retirements and subsequent returns to the NFL.
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” These are just a few of the many comeback stories from professional sports. From Michael Jordan’s dominance on the basketball court to Lance Armstrong’s battle with adversity, these athletes have left a lasting legacy that will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.
This website uses cookies.
