Boston is one of the best sports cities in the country.
So in a recent project undertaken by Bleacher Report, picking a 21st century Mt. Rushmore for the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins certainly wasn't easy.
They picked one player from each team from 2000 and on, which is different than when most of these exercises are done -- they often just include the entire histories of these franchises.
In this case, it's a look at the modern era and which player from each organization has been most influential.
Some choices were certainly easier than others.
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New England Patriots
Tom Brady was the choice here, and no one would argue with the NFL's Greatest Of All Time.
"With six Super Bowl rings over a 20-year run with the Patriots, Brady is not only a lock for this Mt. Rushmore conversation, but also an easy choice in the all-time debate alongside guys like Ted Williams, Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Bobby Orr," B/R writes. "The three-time MVP is the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649)."
If Brady didn't exist, this would be a fascinating conversation. But the rest of the Patriots' greats of this era are so directly tied to Brady anyway.
Boston Red Sox
Bleacher Report chose David Ortiz for this spot.
Considering his clutch gene and his love for Boston, it feels like the right call.
"Ortiz provided some of the most memorable moments in Boston sports history during the Red Sox's historic comeback against the rival New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS," B/R writes. "He hit 483 of his 541 career home runs in a Red Sox uniform, and he added a .975 OPS and 17 home runs in 76 playoff games while winning three World Series rings."
It probably had to be someone who ended the curse, and Ortiz had a longer legacy in Boston than Pedro Martinez or Manny Ramirez.
Dustin Pedroia probably has a case, too, and if injuries hadn't derailed his career maybe he would've snagged this spot.
Boston Celtics
This is a tough call. Bleacher Report went with Paul Pierce.
He gets the selection over Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, as well as current superstar Jayson Tatum.
"The only homegrown member of Boston's 'Big Three' alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, Pierce won 2008 Finals MVP while leading the Celtics to their first title since 1986," B/R writes. "He averaged 21.8 points per game and made 10 All-Star teams in his 15 seasons with the Celtics."
Pierce stuck it out through some lean years before getting to be a part of that championship.
Boston Bruins
Patrice Bergeron was Bleacher Report's choice for this spot.
"With six Selke Trophy wins, Bergeron is widely regarded as one of the best defensive centers in NHL history," B/R writes. "He spent his entire 19-year career in Boston, winning a Stanley Cup in 2011, and he ranks third in franchise history with 1,040 points."
It's pretty tough to argue this one, too, although there have been some incredible Bruins in this era, including Zdeno Chara and Brad Marchand.
This quartet certainly seems like it could rival any put together by another city. Having Brady to start it off is an incredible leader of a powerful bunch
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