UNC Legend James Worthy Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential in Sports — A Stunning Honor for a Tar Heel Icon Whose Impact Reaches Far Beyond Basketball
In a moment that has electrified both the sports and cultural worlds, James Worthy, the legendary North Carolina Tar Heel and NBA Hall of Famer, has been named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports. The announcement comes as both a celebration of his remarkable career on the court and a recognition of his enduring influence off of it.
Worthy, affectionately known as “Big Game James,” rose to prominence as a dominant force under Coach Dean Smith at UNC, leading the Tar Heels to the 1982 national championship alongside a young Michael Jordan. His silky-smooth scoring, unmatched footwork, and quiet intensity made him a college basketball icon. But this latest honor from TIME acknowledges that his legacy is far richer than any stat line or trophy case.
More Than a Player
After being selected No. 1 overall in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Worthy went on to become a cornerstone of the “Showtime” dynasty—winning three NBA championships, earning Finals MVP honors in 1988, and carving out a place in basketball lore. Yet it’s what came after his playing days that has elevated him to a whole new level of respect and admiration.
In recent years, Worthy has emerged as a leading voice in the world of sports broadcasting, social advocacy, and mentorship. Through his work with the Lakers’ community initiatives, his presence on television as a thoughtful analyst, and his candid conversations about mental health and life after the game, Worthy has become more than a former athlete—he’s a role model for current and future generations.
TIME highlighted Worthy’s “continued commitment to uplifting the next generation of athletes, especially young Black men navigating the pressures of fame, identity, and purpose.” In a world where athletes are increasingly expected to be both performers and public figures, Worthy’s graceful evolution into an ambassador for character, resilience, and leadership has not gone unnoticed.
A Tar Heel Through and Through
UNC fans are beaming with pride at the announcement. Worthy has never forgotten his roots in Chapel Hill, frequently returning to support the program and honor the legacy of his beloved coach, Dean Smith. In fact, Worthy often speaks of Smith as one of the most influential figures in his life—not just in basketball, but in shaping his values, activism, and leadership.
“He taught us that basketball was just the beginning,” Worthy once said. “Coach Smith wanted us to be better men, better citizens. That’s where the real victory lies.”
Influence Beyond the Game
Worthy joins a rare class of athletes on TIME’s list—not just for their accomplishments, but for how they’ve used their platforms. Whether advocating for mental health, mentoring underserved youth, or championing education, Worthy’s impact reaches far beyond the hardwood.
His selection sends a powerful message: that true greatness isn’t just defined by championships or highlight reels, but by the lives you touch along the way.
Congratulations, Big Game James. Tar Heel Nation—and the world—salutes you.
