In a monumental acknowledgment of a lifetime of athletic excellence and cultural influence, Herschel Walker has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME magazine. The honor places the Georgia sports legend among a global elite of game-changers, innovators, and icons whose impact transcends the boundaries of their respective sports.
Walker’s selection for the 2025 TIME 100 Sports list underscores a career that defies conventional categorization. From his early days as a high school phenom in Wrightsville, Georgia, to his Heisman Trophy-winning dominance at the University of Georgia, and later his achievements in the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and MMA, Walker’s athletic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
But according to TIME, it is not just Walker’s record-breaking runs or powerful sprints that earned him the nod—it’s his enduring presence and influence in sports culture, philanthropy, and youth development. Over the last two decades, Walker has dedicated himself to causes ranging from mental health awareness to fitness education for underserved communities. His outreach programs across Georgia and beyond have impacted thousands, focusing on discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work.
In an exclusive interview with TIME, Walker reflected on the honor: “This recognition isn’t just about me. It’s about every kid who’s ever been told they’re not enough, every athlete who’s struggled off the field, and every person trying to be better today than they were yesterday.”
TIME highlights his recent initiatives, including the Herschel Walker Foundation’s expansion into rural communities to combat childhood obesity and mental health stigma. His motivational speaking tours—where he candidly shares his battles with dissociative identity disorder—have helped reshape the public conversation around mental well-being in sports.
Walker also continues to inspire as a symbol of longevity and reinvention. Even in his 60s, he maintains a legendary fitness regimen that he’s passed on to aspiring athletes through clinics and mentorship programs.
Georgia Governor Marie Reynolds called the recognition “a proud moment for our state,” noting, “Herschel Walker’s story is woven into the fabric of Georgia’s identity—not just because of what he did on the field, but because of what he continues to do for others.”
As Walker joins the ranks of global sports influencers, his legacy grows—not only as a titan of athleticism but also as a transformative force redefining what it means to be a true champion.
