Celebrities, Athletes, Entertainers and More Pay Tribute to Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (Sports Illustrated)

Muhammad Ali was and will always be in a class of his own. The man who could ‘float like a butterfly and sting like a bee’ was often untouchable in the boxing ring but looked to touch those he encountered in his life. Ali impacted so many and left many others inspired by who he was.

Unfortunately, late last night Ali left this earth and passed away. The olympic gold medalist and 3-time heavyweight champion of the world died at the age of 74. The iconic boxer was more than just a guy who threw a few punches and had a lot of great quotes. He was an inspiration to many.

He was an activist, a philanthropist, a man who stood up for the little guy whenever he could. No matter if it was here in the United States or across the border, Ali always was a man who would stand up for what was right.

Ali’s tragic passing comes with many mourning the legend, including some big name celebrities, athletes and many others who were influenced by Ali and now influence many others in the world we live in today.

Dodgers legendary broadcaster Vin Scully broke the news on air about Ali’s passing.

President Barack Obama posted a picture and released a statement along with his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama.

Team USA olympics

George Foreman, legendary boxer and former Ali opponent.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Hall of Famer

Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson, WWE Superstar, Actor

I was in the air last night flying from Atlanta to London when I got the text from a close friend that within' a few hours we were going to lose Muhammad. Like me, Ali inspired generations around the world to be hungry to achieve, work as hard as you possibly can, to be a great as you possibly can be and make sure that not a day goes by where you don't do your absolute best to make the world smile and feel good. Feel inspired. And feel that no matter how hard times may be, there's always hope for tomorrow. From hanging out with you in New Zealand as this little punk kid, to years later as a WWE rookie when you whispered to me "Can you rumble?" to a few years later when you bestowed upon me "The People's Champ" moniker. I will always be grateful for the impact you've had on me. Thank you and I'll miss you. Much love and strength to the Ali family. Rest in love and light Champ. You'll always be the Greatest of All Time. And pretty. ???

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on

Hank Aaron, MLB Hall of Famer

Jim Brown, NFL legend

Cassidy Hubbarth, ESPN Personality

Rest in peace Greatest

A photo posted by Cassidy Hubbarth (@cassidyhubbarth) on

Mike Tyson, legendary boxer

Jordan Burroughs, Wrestler, Olympic gold medalist

Legacy. That’s what I think about when I consider what Muhammad Ali has meant to sport, culture, and the world. Ali won his first heavyweight title in 1964, in stunning fashion, in his infamous bout over Sonny Liston, and fought his last fight in 1981. For sports fans 30 and under, we were too young to see his brilliant career unfold and unable to watch him compete in his prime. Most of what we know of Ali is perpetuated through popular culture, mythical stories, and archived videos on the internet. Yet, ask anyone around the world, regardless of age, who is the greatest fighter of all time and the answer is unanimous — Muhammad Ali. Muhammad was charismatic, but approachable. He was a showman, but relatable. Flashy, but hardworking. He was the world’s first crossover athlete, and may be the most popular sports figure that this world will ever know. Ali transformed the American public’s view of black athletes, and was a trailblazer in bridging the gap between races during a pivotal time in our country’s history. Ali is the definition of what all athlete's desire to be. In a time where African Americans were looking for a hero, he transcended sport, and became more more than that — an icon. In a time of rampant inequality, he united a nation. Long after his career ended, he was as influential as ever. Ali’s effect on boxing, and humankind has created a lasting footprint in history, leaving the world a better place because of him having been a part of it. He was unashamed and unafraid to be himself. That’s legacy. He will be remembered as a hero for what he did with gloves on, and a legend for what he did when they came off. I hope to influence the world in a fraction of the way that he did. Long live Ali. -JB

A photo posted by Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) on

Tiger Woods, Golfing great.

Vince McMahon, WWE CEO

Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Super Bowl Champion

Scottie Pippen, 6-time NBA Champion, NBA Hall of Famer

Shaquille O’neal, NBA Hall of Famer

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans, NFL defensive player of the year

Reggie Miller, NBA Hall of Famer

Snoop Dogg, Rapper, Entertainer

Chillen with the champ ?????????. G. O. A. T. Hands down

A photo posted by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on

Chris Bosh, Miami Heat, NBA Champion

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat, NBA Champion

Matt Harvey, New York Mets, All-Star pitcher

Alex Morgan, USA Women’s Soccer Team

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers, NBA All-Star

Kaka, International Soccer star

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers WR

RIP, Champ. Thank you for your wisdom.

A photo posted by Antonio Brown (@ab) on

Gennady Golovkin, current WBA (Super), IBF, IBO middleweight champion and WBC interim middleweight champion.

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ben Simmons, potential #1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft

Man ….. #GOAT

A photo posted by Ben Simmons (@bensimmons25) on

Chad Johnson, Former NFL WR

Peter Rosenberg, Hot 97 DJ

Vince Carter, NBA All-Star, 2000 Slam Dunk Champion

Damian Lillard, NBA All-Star, Portland Trail Blazers

#RIP the greatest … #bars #real

A photo posted by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard) on

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

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