For all the heartbreak, Minnesota has seen some incredible athletes come through. So let’s take a break from the misery and ask a better question: Who’s on the "Mount Rushmore" of Minnesota pro sports? (Shutterstock)
MINNESOTA — It’s no secret that being a Minnesota sports fan is often brutal.
The Timberwolves just wrapped up a thrilling playoff run by getting embarrassed in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Wild still can’t make it out of the first round.
The Lynx lost in overtime of the 2024 WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty, in a series that, some would say, was tilted by questionable officiating.
In 2023, the Twins finally broke their postseason curse, snapping an 18-game losing streak.
The Vikings? Pick your poison: “wide left,” “41-donut,” “across the body.” I could go on.
When our teams get your hopes up, something usually goes sideways.
Still, for all the heartbreak, Minnesota has seen some incredible athletes come through. So let’s take a break from the misery and ask a better question: Who’s on the "Mount Rushmore" of Minnesota pro sports?
The whole “Mount Rushmore” format was made popular by sportswriter Bill Simmons back in his ESPN Page 2 days. Four names, no ties, no dodging. You’ve got to make the hard calls. That’s what makes it fun.
Here’s one version:
### The Mount Rushmore of Minnesota Pro Athletes
**Kirby Puckett (Twins)**
* Two-time World Series champion (1987, 1991)
* Game 6 walk-off homer is still iconic
* Played with joy, respected by players
**Kevin Garnett (Timberwolves)**
* 2004 NBA MVP
* Franchise cornerstone
* Made Minnesota and the Wolves "relevant" in the NBA
**Fran Tarkenton (Vikings)**
* Led Vikings to three Super Bowls
* Retired with major passing records
* One of the most creative QBs of all time
**Maya Moore (Lynx)**
* Four-time WNBA champion
* Finals MVP, league MVP, Olympic gold
* Dominated the game at the highest level
That’s one take. You could easily make a case for Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Lindsay Whalen, or Joe Mauer. And who knows, maybe Anthony Edwards gets there someday.
Who’s on your Mount Rushmore?
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