2025 has been a year of both triumph and loss in the world of sports. Alongside the big wins, record-breaking moments, and unforgettable matches, we also had to say goodbye to some of the athletes, coaches, and sports icons who inspired generations. Each left behind a legacy that goes beyond their achievements on the field.
1. George Foreman (Boxing)
The legendary heavyweight champion, George Foreman, died at 76. Famous for winning titles in both his youth and his 40s, Foreman also became a cultural icon thanks to his famous grill line. His charisma, power, and perseverance left a lasting mark inside and outside the ring.
2. Hulk Hogan (Wrestling)
Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan passed away at 71. A global wrestling superstar, he headlined the first WrestleMania and became one of the most recognizable faces of the WWE. “Hulkamania” will always remain part of wrestling history.
3. Virginia Halas McCaskey (Football)
At 102, the Chicago Bears owner and daughter of NFL founder George Halas passed away. She witnessed nearly the entire history of the league and helped guide one of its most storied franchises.
4. Dick Button (Figure Skating)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Dick Button died at 95. Known as the first to land both a double axel and a triple jump, he revolutionized figure skating and later became a beloved TV commentator.
5. Ryne Sandberg (Baseball)
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg passed at 65 after battling cancer. A 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, he remains one of the greatest second basemen in MLB history.
6. Bob Uecker (Baseball/Broadcasting)
The voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for over 50 years, Bob Uecker died at 90. His humor, wit, and love of the game made him a national treasure far beyond Milwaukee.
7. Felix Baumgartner (Extreme Sports)
The Austrian daredevil, best known for his 2012 space jump that broke the sound barrier, died at 56 in a paragliding accident. Known as “Fearless Felix,” he pushed human limits with breathtaking stunts.
8. Tony Blanco (Baseball)
Former MLB player and Dominican star Tony Blanco was among those lost in a tragic nightclub collapse. At 44, he left behind a legacy in both American and Japanese baseball leagues.
9. Octavio Dotel (Baseball)
Dotel, a World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals, also died in the Dominican nightclub tragedy. He played for 13 different MLB teams and was widely respected for his longevity and fiery fastball.
10. Brian Matusz (Baseball)
The former Orioles and Cubs pitcher died at just 37. Once a first-round draft pick, Matusz battled personal struggles after his career, a reminder of the challenges athletes face off the field.
11. Dave Parker (Baseball)
The “Cobra,” Dave Parker, passed at 73. Known for his booming bat and rocket arm, he was a seven-time All-Star and 1978 NL MVP. Parker’s swagger made him one of the game’s defining stars of the late ’70s and ’80s.
12. Lee Roy Jordan (Football)
The Dallas Cowboys linebacker, who played under Tom Landry in the 1960s and ’70s, died at 83. A tough tackler and team captain, Jordan embodied the grit of America’s Team.
13. Ron Turcotte (Horse Racing)
Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, best known for riding Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, passed away in 2025 at 83. His victory aboard one of history’s greatest horses remains iconic.
14. Laura Dahlmeier (Olympics)
The German biathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist tragically passed away at just 31. A dominant force in her sport, she retired early but remained an inspirational figure.
15. Dwight Muhammad Qawi (Boxing)
The “Camden Buzzsaw” died at 71. Known for his relentless fighting style, Qawi was a world champion in two weight divisions during the 1980s.
16. Rex White (Auto Racing)
One of NASCAR’s early stars, Rex White, passed at 95. The 1960 Cup Series champion was among the first drivers to prove that smaller, steady racers could outlast big names.
17. Wayne Thomas (Hockey)
Former NHL goalie Wayne Thomas died at 78. He played for the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Rangers before becoming a respected executive.
18. Luis Sharpe (Football)
Sharpe, a longtime Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman, passed at 65. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was known for his strength and consistency in the trenches.
19. Lee Elia (Baseball)
Baseball lifer Lee Elia, remembered as both a manager and coach, died at 87. He spent decades in the game, though fans still remember his fiery (and infamous) rant during his Cubs tenure.
20. Frank Layden (Basketball)
Beloved coach and executive Frank Layden passed away at 92. He brought humor and heart to the NBA, most notably during his time leading the Utah Jazz.
21. Bobby Jenks (Baseball)
Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks died at 44. A two-time All-Star, he helped Chicago win the 2005 World Series and was known for his overpowering fastball.
22. Diogo Jota (Soccer)
Portuguese striker Diogo Jota tragically passed at just 28. A star for Liverpool and Portugal’s national team, his loss stunned the soccer world.
23. Alex Delvecchio (Hockey)
Detroit Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio died at 93. A Hall of Famer, he played 1,550 games for Detroit and spent decades shaping the team as an executive.
24. Jim Marshall (Football)
One of the Minnesota Vikings’ famed “Purple People Eaters,” Jim Marshall died at 87. A durable defensive end, he played in an incredible 282 consecutive games.
25. Steve McMichael (Football)
The former Bears defensive tackle, Super Bowl champion, and pro wrestler “Mongo” McMichael died at 68 after battling ALS. His fiery personality made him a Chicago legend.
26. Oliver Miller (Basketball)
Former NBA big man Oliver Miller died at 55. Known for his size and soft passing touch, he played for several teams in the ’90s and was a fan favorite.
27. Jim Dent (Golf)
Three-time Senior PGA Tour winner Jim Dent passed at 86. Known for his long drives, Dent was a pioneer among African-American golfers.
28. Agnes Keleti (Olympics)
The oldest living Olympic champion, Keleti passed away at 104. A five-time gold medalist in gymnastics, she survived the Holocaust and went on to inspire generations.
29. John Feinstein (Media)
Sportswriter and author John Feinstein died at 69. His books, including A Season on the Brink, captured the soul of basketball and beyond, making him one of sports’ most influential voices.
30. Tiger Bech (Football)
Former Princeton wide receiver Tiger Bech tragically passed away at 27. Known for his speed and determination, his loss was felt deeply in the college football community.
