Athletes will be the first to admit that they could not reach the top of their respected sport without a strong team around them. This spirit of teamwork and altruism is showcased through the charity work that they choose to commit to in their private lives. This passage will detail seven of the most charitable American athletes and how they choose to give back.

Lance Armstrong

Though Lance Armstrong may be disgraced as an athlete his work for charity is undeniable. The famous cancer awareness yellow band is one of the most iconic pieces of memorabilia from the 2000s. His charity the Lance Armstrong Foundation has raised 470 million dollars since 1997, this money has been used to help cancer patients pay for their treatment and recovery. The foundation has helped 2.5 million cancer survivors build a bridge back to normality. Outside of the foundation, Lance has auctioned off some of his most cherished personal belongings with proceeds going to charity, even auctioning the shoes he won a Tour de France in for 150 000 dollars.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is one of the most successful tennis players of all time and maintains this success off the court as well. Williams is currently a UNICEF goodwill ambassador; whose work is perhaps some of the most important throughout the world. Serena has played an instrumental role in the building of schools throughout the continent of Africa.  Serena also founded the Beyond the Boroughs National Scholarship Fund in 2007; which made college a reality for the unfortunate by paying their college tuition fees. Serena has always looked out for her community and is truly a class act.

John Cena

John Cena is perhaps the most recognisable and decorated stars WWE in history, he is currently the face of the company due to his unbelievable charity work. John is the most requested athlete in the Make a Wish Foundation granting over 500 wishes to date. Making time for these wishes despite his unbelievably stacked schedule. John has also been the face of numerous charity organisations; playing an instrumental role in the Susan G. Komen organization; which to date has raised 200 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer. Not only has he been instrumental in raising this money, but he genuinely seems to cherish his roles in these companies.

Lebron James

Lebron James is perhaps the greatest basketball player in NBA history, but even he understands that he could not get there by himself and this community spirit lives on his is private life. Lebron has raised 41 million dollars through his Lebron James foundation; which promises to send 1100 kids through college for free. He is quite humble and quiet about this work, but the fact he has pledged to change the lives of over 1000 children is unbelievable, and the fact he does not shout about this simply highlights his pure motives.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is one of the most important golfers in history; for not only did he break into the sport as a black man in a white-dominated sport he became the very best. His foundation aims to help the education, health and welfare of all-American children; with a particular focus on those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The charity has raised 50 million dollars so far. Highlighting how he is a true great on and off the green.

Ronda Rousey

For a period of time, Rousey was considered to be the best pound for pound fighter in the octogen, and though taking a step back from MMA in recent years she still remains extremely active in her charity work. Donating large sums of money to mental health charities through her foundation.

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time; he is simply a living great. Michael is known for giving away large sums of his prize and sponsorship money; even starting his own foundation from a 1 million dollar sponsorship payment. Phelps is constantly popping up at charity events and often goes out of his way to give back to the world.

The final question is do you think this charitable nature is the spirit of Athletes or just common human decency? It must be asked after reading this if you were to win a million dollars would you be the most likely to give it all away or do you think you would keep it all?