Debuts

Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era, debuting for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Larry Doby became the first African American to play in the American League, debuting for the Cleveland Indians.

After Drew Bledsoe was injured, Tom Brady made his first career start. He would go on to lead the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI.

Michael Jordan made his NBA debut, scoring 16 points for the Chicago Bulls and beginning the greatest career in basketball history.

LeBron James made his highly anticipated NBA debut at age 18, scoring 25 points with 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.

Shohei Ohtani made his debut as a designated hitter, beginning his unprecedented two-way career in MLB.

Lew Alcindor made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks, beginning a career that would see him become the all-time scoring leader.

An 18-year-old Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut off the bench for the Lakers, beginning a legendary 20-year career.

The Vegas Golden Knights selected their inaugural roster in the expansion draft, going on to reach the Stanley Cup Finals in their first season.

Ichiro Suzuki made his major league debut, going on to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2001.

The Golden State Warriors selected Stephen Curry with the 7th pick, a selection that would transform the franchise and the sport.

Wayne Gretzky began dazzling the league with his otherworldly playmaking after joining the NHL from the WHA merger.

Sidney Crosby, the first overall pick in 2005, established himself as the next great player with 102 points in his rookie season.

Adrian Peterson burst onto the scene as a rookie, eventually rushing for 1,341 yards and establishing himself as an elite back.

The 1994 season featured some of the greatest offensive performances in NFL history, with Marino and others putting up huge numbers.