So far in the 2025 NHL Draft, each pick has been made by a famous representative of the city, so it was no surprise when Gary Bettman started to turn to the screen behind him. He said, "Making this selection for the Flyers: a legend in Philly, probably next to Rocky, their most famous athlete. An NBA analyst, a great friend of the NHL, and a great friend of mine." He then announced Charles Barkley.
Charles Barkley announces the Philadelphia Flyers' first-round pick (No. 6 overall). 🏒🏀📺🎙️ #NHLDraft #NHL #NBA pic.twitter.com/USnsyBYJmA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2025
Respectfully, WHAT??? Charles Barkley is undoubtedly on the Mount Rushmore of great Philadelphia Athletes. But to say he is their most famous non-fictional athlete may be factually true, but spiritually it is a stretch!
10 other non-fictional Philadelphia athletes that I would consider for the Title of Most Famous Philadelphian Athlete:
1. Nick Foles
The man won the first Super Bowl for the city, he is number one forever.
2. Joe Frazier
This man IS Philadelphia.
3. Jason Kelce
Between the podcast and the Taylor Swift of it all, he is enshrined in the Philadelphia hall of fame of our hearts.
4. Reggie White
I know you see a theme here, historically great Eagle.
5. Allen Iverson
The Answer is sometimes the answer.
6. Dr. J
Brought Showtime to the Sixers and Philadelphia.
7. Randall Cunningham
Classic and never wrong.
8. Jimmy Rollins
We are the team to beat!
9. Chase Utley
World F******* Champs!
10. Smarty Jones
The Pride of Pennsylvania. I don't care that he's a horse.
When asked why he likes hockey, Barkley said, "There's no BS that goes on in hockey. They don't have load management; they just want to get their name on the Stanley Cup. I admire these guys, I respect them. They just want to win a Stanley Cup. And at the end of the day, that's all sports should be."
In the end, the Flyers added a strong forward as their first of three picks in this year's draft.
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