Poll: Who is the most popular athlete in Boston?

[Roy Hobbs]

As part of its launch, SB Nation Boston asks who is the most popular athlete in Boston?

Read the full writeup here and vote here.

SBN lists Brady first, Rondo second.  Does that sound right?  I'd say probably, but Rondo is definitely picking up steam, while Brady's star has lost a lot of its luster.

The craziest thing?  David Ortiz and Kevin Garnett aren't even in the conversation any more.

[Rondo2287]

I think you have a couple of categories here.  Wes Welker and Pedroia are both underdogs and Fan favorites while also being one of the best at their position, but Brady is one of the top players in the game period, not only at his position and Pierce used to be at that same level, and still shows sparks of being at that level.

[PatsCelts]

I have to go with Brady on this one.

[MF Doom]

I think it's Brady by far. However, Rondo will be the face of the franchise in 2 years.

Last year, most Pat fans thought Brady had an off year due to his injury, myself included. However, statisitcally last year was his second best year of his career. Thats how high our expectations are of him. So, I'd definatley go with Brady

[csfansince60s]

Brady...he's most responsible for the most championships and has still remained relatively grounded as a person...No surprise no Sox here especially the 'roid tainted Ortiz. Sox fans are the most "what have you done for me lately" fans I've ever experienced. Glad I'm not one of them.

[pengaloo]

I think Brady too. Rondo's personality and dislike for news media doesn't exactly help his popularity. Rondo game on the other hand is enough to make him #2.

[mahonedog88]

Absolutely Brady

Three superbowls, 2 superbowl mvps, about 2 minutes away from a 4th superbowl.

He can't be criticized in this area.

[Redz]

Absolutely Brady

Three superbowls, 2 superbowl mvps, about 2 minutes away from a 4th superbowl.

He can't be criticized in this area.

I'd still say Brady too, but I think it's nowhere near the level it was a few years ago.  I think there's a bit of a perception that he's become a bit more of a "me first, super model lovin', pretty boy" now.  There's also the pending contract situation.

[nickagneta]

I think you have a couple of categories here.  Wes Welker and Pedroia are both underdogs and Fan favorites while also being one of the best at their position, but Brady is one of the top players in the game period, not only at his position and Pierce used to be at that same level, and still shows sparks of being at that level.

I love Paul Pierce and I am a huge fan but, when was Pierce EVER one of the top players in the game or at the same level within the NBA that Tom Brady is and has been in the NFL?

[MBz]

A month and a half ago, before Pedroia got hurt, if you asked this I think he'd be above Rondo for second.  He's kind of been forgotten because he hasn't been playing.

[guava_wrench]

I hate Brady, but I voted for him.

As a Dolphins fan, I have always loved Welker, but compare how people feel when Welker gets hurt compared to Brady getting hurt.

[PosImpos]

It's not even close...Brady.

What other current Boston sports player is in the conversation for one of the greatest ever at his position - who has been in Boston his whole career (and, what's more, is still very relevant)?

[Roy Hobbs]

It's not even close...Brady.

What other current Boston sports player is in the conversation for one of the greatest ever at his position - who has been in Boston his whole career (and, what's more, is still very relevant)?

Well, from what I hear, Paul Pierce is possibly the best offensive player in Celtics history.  

[RockinRyA]

i think some arguments here are wrong. Its not about who is the greatest, or better player etc. the term used is POPULAR. Outside US i think KG is the most popular due to basketball being more popular than baseball and american football internationally.

[Roy Hobbs]

i think some arguments here are wrong. Its not about who is the greatest, or better player etc. the term used is POPULAR. Outside US i think KG is the most popular due to basketball being more popular than baseball and american football internationally.

I think the question is about who is most popular in the city of Boston, not worldwide.

If the question was who is the most recognizable athlete, period, you're right that it might be KG.

EDIT:  Actually, by that standard it's clearly Shaq, right?