It’s New York, the city that thrives on the legacy of its sporting arenas. Recently, SNY ranked the top 10 athletes of NYC, and just so you know, it was challenging. In fact, SNY’s digital staff went through a heated back-and-forth for the eventual compilation of the list. That’s because being one of the elite players of the city was not the only criterion. There are a variety of different criteria that factor into it.
The player at some point should’ve represented a New York team. Besides that, in case the player hasn’t appeared enough after joining the team, for example, Aaron Rodgers, then he can’t make it to the list.
Moreover, if one has spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines due to an injury setback, then they were also left out of this ranking. Something that played a key factor in the ranking was players’ most recent performance. That also includes their performance in the playoffs.
And now, we present
SNY’s Top 10 New York Athletes Right Now pic.twitter.com/dIqymvEtll
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 16, 2025
Considering that, it wasn’t even a surprise that the two who made it to the top of the list were Aaron Judge and Jalen Brunson.
The Yankees’ star Aaron Judge claimed the top spot, and to say the least, there’s nobody else who’d make the cut. Just last week, Judge etched his name for being the fastest player in the league’s history to record 350 homers. He’s the fourth Yankee to reach this number. The other three? It’s longtime legend Babe Ruth, A-Rod, and Giancarlo Stanton.
It took the Yankees star exactly 1,088 games to reach there. He took 192 games less than Mark McGwire, who took 1,280 games. In this 2025 season, which has been all about creating history so far, Judge is super close to creating yet another. If somehow the Yankees star manages to win the Triple Crown, he will be the first Bronx bomber to do so after Mickey Mantle in 1956.
Now coming to the second rank holder—Jalen Brunson. The Knicks star is arguably one of the best clutch performers and elite shot-makers in the entire NBA. What stands out the most is his experience and leadership that make him one of the league’s most touted names.
Brunson holding the second place in the ranking is remarkable, but it’s Judge’s recent performances and accolades that have led him to clinch the first place. Well, these milestones do mean a lot to him, but it’s something else that fulfills him even more.
Aaron Judge finds deeper fulfillment in something else
Despite having both fame and fortune, Aaron Judge would undeniably choose faith above all. Recently, the Yankees’ captain was questioned on his response to someone who believes that fame and fortune are enough to win in life.
Judge’s reply revealed another beautiful side to him—the spiritual side. “Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me this platform, this ability. The fame, getting the chance to do this is great and all, but it’s not as fulfilling as the relationship I have with Him.”
He said in a recent media appearance. Truly, Judge has long followed the path of Christianity, and it’s above everything for him. He further added, “Build a relationship with Him, and that’ll solve all your problems.”
Moreover, Aaron Judge is on pace to record another incredible season. With 35 home runs to his name, he’s ranked second in the league, right behind Cal Raleigh. But beyond all the on-field success, it’s his faith that keeps him fulfilled.
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