It’s no secret that the Bronx builds champions. The borough has produced a remarkable lineup of elite athletes whose talent and tenacity reflect the borough’s gritty, vibrant spirit. From the baseball diamond to the boxing ring, these stars have left a lasting mark on their sports. See below for our list of famous athletes from the Bronx.

Saquon Barkley

Did you know one of the biggest stars in the NFL was born in the South Bronx? Barkley’s family lived on Cypress Avenue, near 139th Street. His uncle is boxing champion Iran Barkley, who grew up in NYCHA’s Patterson Houses. When Barkley was about 5 or 6 years old, his family moved to Pennsylvania. Ironically, his childhood would mirror his career. He spent his first six seasons with the New York Giants, where he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 2024, the Giants let him leave the franchise for the Philadelphia Eagles. He led the Eagles to a super bowl that year and was named best player in the league in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025.

Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. was born in the Bronx on October 19, 1952. The father of one of the greatest boxers of all time, Mayweather Sr. is credited for shaping the defensive brilliance that defines the Mayweather boxing legacy. A slick, savvy fighter in his own right during the 1970s and ’80s, he had a professional record of 28–6–1. He broke his hand and was knocked out in a fight against Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978. Mayweather Sr. later became renowned for mentoring his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr. — developing the signature “shoulder roll” style that helped produce one of the greatest boxers in history.

Aaron Davis

Aaron “Superman” Davis is a former world champion boxer. He grew up in Bronxdale and trained at the Morris Park Boxing Club in Van Nest. Davis captured the WBA welterweight title with a dramatic upset knockout of Mark Breland in 1990—a fight that instantly elevated his profile in the boxing world. Competing across multiple weight classes throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a tough, determined fighter willing to take on all comers. Davis continues to mentor young boxers in the Bronx at the Morris Park Boxing club, which he now owns.

Dolph Schayes

NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Dolph Schayes grew up in University Heights, near Davidson Avenue and 183rd Street. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where is talent for basketball became apparent. A dominant forward-center for the Syracuse Nationals — later the Philadelphia 76ers — he became known for his rugged rebounding, high-arcing set shot, and remarkable durability. Over a 16-year playing career, Schayes earned 12 All-Star selections and led the Nationals to the 1955 NBA championship. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the 1950s, Schayes left a lasting legacy as both a pioneer and a bridge to the modern game.

Jake LaMotta

Known as “The Bronx Bull,” boxer Jake LaMotta lived in a house on Pelham Parkway. His father recruited LaMotta to fight other boys in in their neighborhood and collected money from spectators to help pay the rent. LaMotta was known for his aggressive fighting style and iron chin. He fought some of the biggest names in boxing during the 1940s and 1950s, including a legendary rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson. LaMotta’s turbulent life inside and outside the ring was famously depicted in Martin Scorsese’s film Raging Bull, based on his autobiography.

Willie Colon

Willie Colon is a former NFL offensive lineman known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership on the field. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006, he became a key part of the team’s offensive front, helping them win Super Bowl XLIII. After several strong seasons in Pittsburgh, he continued his career with the New York Jets, where his veteran presence anchored the offensive line. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in The Bronx. As a senior, he received the Cardinal Hayes Outstanding Defensive Player Award as the defensive MVP.