ESPN's 'First Take' Names Its Two Best Athletes Of 2024
2024 gave us no shortage of standout athletes to celebrate. But if you ask the "First Take" crew, two stood out above the rest.
On Tuesday's New Year's Eve episode, Shannon Sharpe, Dominique Foxworth and Shae Cornette debated who they believe the best athlete of the year to be — with Shannon and 'Nique arguing for Colorado's Travis Hunter and Cornette siding with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
"It's Travis Hunter," Sharpe said. "I mean what that guy did was simply amazing. We've seen guys play both sides of the ball. But we've never seen guys play this many snaps, at this level, on both sides of the ball."
"Charles Woodson did it, Champ Bailey did it, Myles Jack did it. But we've never seen anybody do this, dominate both sides of the football, like this young man," the Hall of Famer continued. "And he has the Heisman Trophy now to validate what he was able to do this season."
BOULDER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 16: Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates after an interception by striking the Heisman pose during the first half against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field on November 16, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Cornette decided to go with Clark because of her historic statistical accomplishments in both college and pro basketball, as well as her immeasurable impact on women's sports.
"I've got Caitlin Clark," she said. "And again, there's not much to argue about here. I think all these players are very deserving. But this chick did a lot this year for not only women's basketball at the college level and WNBA, but just in general."
"She was on every headline. She broke the NCAA all-time scoring record. Led the Fever to a playoff berth in her first year in the WNBA. I feel like there was a point in time we couldn't be on a show on this network without mentioning her name," Cornette added. "And so congratulations, Caitlin, you will be my best athlete of 2024."
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 04: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever poses for a portrait after being named 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on October 4, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Both athletes clearly had incredible years and they appear to only just be getting started.
Who else would you nominate for Athlete of the Year in 2024?
