There is perhaps no greater example of an athlete using their influence to make a greater impact on the world outside the playing arena than legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. That's why, in 2015, Sports Illustrated renamed its Sportsman Legacy Award to bear Ali's name. The honor has been bestowed upon one athlete or former athlete each year that best embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy as vehicles for changing the world.
“When I was featured on my first Sports Illustrated cover in 1963, it was a huge turning point in my career," Ali said in 2015.