Michigan’s Most Well-Known Athlete Might Surprise You

Who do you think is Michigan's most well-known athlete? The answer might surprise you. I grew up in Michigan. So, lots of classic names come to mind when I think of the state's most popular athletes. Now, a new study out has determined Michigan's most well-known athlete, based on search results.

BetMichigan.com took look at which athletes that were raised in the state of Michigan have been discussed the most in the past year. They concluded that meant they were the most well-known athletes. According to the study, "'Michigan athlete' was defined as a person who was born or resided in Michigan in their formative childhood and teenage years for over 10 years." They looked at data over the past 12 months.

I totally would think that Magic Johnson, the basketball Hall of Famer from Lansing, would be No. 1 on this list. He's actually No. 3. Another close one is Kirk Cousins, the NFL Vikings quarterback, from Holland, who comes in at No. 4. Basketball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter of Kalamazoo is No. 5, and NBA guard Devin Booker from Grand Rapids is No. 2.

So, who is the No. 1 most well-known athlete from Michigan? It's Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, hailing from Saginaw. He's also a Michigan State University graduate, which I love, since I went to MSU. Go green. "He rebounds, he passes, he defends, he occasionally scores, he's All-NBA at getting under opponents' skins and he just declined a $27.5 million player option," BetMichigan.com states. "Green is from Saginaw and played his college ball for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, where he was Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012. His Warriors have anywhere from +1200 to +1300 odds to win the 2024 NBA championship at various Michigan sportsbook apps." I'm actually really happy to see Green as No. 1 on this list. He works hard and deserves it. Find the full list here.

Dan Campbell is a likeable dude. He is also always saying something that make you either feel good or go, "Heh? What the heck?" I mean that in the best possible way.

I've put together a list of 10 totally hilarious things Dan Campbell has said during his few years with the Detroit Lions so far. Some of these have me scratching my head, while others just have me rolling in laughter. Dan, we love you! I hope for more great quotes this season.

Listen to the latest episode of "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below for some hot takes on the NFL Draft and what it means to the Detroit Lions. Reach out to me and give me your take on the Detroit Lions on social media here. Go Lions!

This quote he said back before the Lions' open practice at Ford field in 2022. "We are fricking starving … so the hyenas better get out of the way." Via Dave Birkett.

Dan Campbell wanted a "pet lion" at practice. OMgosh.

Appearing on the "Pardon My Take" Podcast, Campbell said he asked for a pet lion at practice.

"I'll tell you what I would really love to do, just in general," he said. "I've talked to (Lions owner) Sheila (Ford Hamp) about this. I don't think we're going to be able to do it, but I would love to literally just have a pet lion. Just a legit pet lion on a chain — a big-a** chain. And he just, he really is my pet. We just walk around the building, we go out to practice, we're in 7-on-7, we're behind the kicker when he's kicking. We're just … there we are."

I'm all for a good analogy. But this one is a bit much for me. But, hey, I'm not a football player. Talk the talk, and walk the walk, right? Here's Dan Campbell's toilet paper pep talk. The quote is from July 2, 2021, talking about practice in a press conference via Michael Silver.

"I told them, honestly, Day 1, I said, 'Look, I'm not carrying your toilet paper around. I'm not gonna wipe your butt. You're gonna wipe your own butt. You handle it and I'll treat you like men until you prove otherwise."

Who doesn't remember the praying mantis comment? Dan Campbell said regarding Josh Reynolds, "He’s slippery man. I call him the praying mantis. He’s the spider of death. There’s something about him. Fricking serpent." This is via Dave Birkett.

I don't get this quote at all. But, hey, it's working, so keep these quotes coming, Dan!

"We'll tread water as long as it takes to f***ing bury you." This was said in August 2022 via Tyler Dunne.

Here's another one I don't get. It's from "Hard Knocks" in 2022. "It doesn't matter if you have one a**-cheek and three toes, I will beat your a**." Okay.

"I swear to God, I'm not a lunatic." This was another quote from "Hard Knocks." Dan, honestly, anyone who is going to head up the Detroit Lions and shoot for the Super Bowl has got to be a lunatic- the best kind. It's okay. Embrace it.

Here's another quote from "Hard Knocks." Campbell says, "There is no light at the end of the tunnel. There is no light. There's a song Metallica has, 'No Leaf Clover,' and it says, 'Man, when it comes to the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, it's just a freight train coming your way.'" I'm not crying, you are.

"You grade them off the tape, you don’t grade off somebody out here in pajamas," via The Sporting News. This is in regards to not liking the often misleading evaluations from the Scouting Combine.

This one wasn't just a quote, but imagry, too. It went viral last year. It's the moment that Dan Campbell went on "Hard Knocks" and shook out a pair of pants. "This last bit of losing has got to get outta here." Via the NFL.