From Scottie Pippen to Arnold Palmer to Ty Cobb, some of the world’s greatest athletes have been Masons. Let’s take a moment to look at some other great Mason athletes, and how the values of the Brotherhood were reflected in their personal character.
Shaquille O’Neal
A big man with a big heart, “Shaq” is not only an NBA legend but also a long-time patron and supporter of youth programs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, providing charity uplift to the poor and disadvantaged in society. In the aftermath of the Great Recession’s housing crisis, Shaq helped homeowners by buying their mortgages and offering better terms. It was for these charitable efforts—as well as for his excellence in the NBA—that Brother O’Neal was made a Master Mason “at sight”—a rare and exclusive honor.
John Elway
An NFL Hall of Famer who won back-to-back Super Bowls (1998 and 1999), John Elway is proudly involved as a Brother of South Denver Lodge No. 93 in Denver, Colorado. John chose to retire from football when he was still at the top of his game, transitioning to life as an admired community leader and General Manager of the Denver Broncos. The passing of John’s father and sister in 2001 and 2002, respectively, had a major impact on his life, and he has since devoted even more time to “giving back” to his community through his service as a Mason.
Tim Horton
Now known for his chain of world-famous coffee and doughnut shops, Tim Horton was one of the greatest NHL defensemen of all-time, winning four Stanley Cups and being a First-Team All-Star three times. A member of Kroy Lodge No. 676 in Toronto, Tim was known for his strength and competitiveness on the ice, but also for his kindness and compassion off it. His Tim Hortons Foundation has raised millions of dollars for a wide range of charities serving youth and others in need.
Sugar Ray Robinson
It’s not every boxer who is hailed by Muhammad Ali as “the king, the master, my idol,” but that was Sugar Ray Robinson. A Brother of the Joppa Lodge #55 PHA in New York City, Sugar Ray was the world welterweight champion for five years—winning 91 fights in a row—then became world middleweight title. Known as a Brother of great kindness and compassion, Ray donated generously to charities, and established the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation to help underprivileged youth stay on a positive pathway throughout life.
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