The most beloved living American athlete is...

That's a pretty good list. I think the answer is probably Hank Aaron. Obviously tons of on-field accomplishments, he's done a lot of good works after retiring, persevered with class through the racism of his pursuit of the home run record, and no one has a bad thing to say about him. If anything, he's almost been too classy and quiet over the years, to the point that people forget about him.
I think Ripken and Nicklaus are in the same category.
Magic's image has been dinged by his last run with the Lakers. IIRC, Dr. J had some personal issues that would be brought up if you put him up for this title. Biles is more the flavor of the month in this discussion.

 

Here's the thing: Stop doing this shit.
Many people could be No. 1, and nobody is.

What is the obsession with this mindless crap?

 

Interesting, probably wouldn't have come up with him. In Quebec would probably be Guy LaFleur, in Ontario, Wendel Clark, Pinball Clemons and maybe Roberto Alomar

 

Regionally, here in Boston besides Brady (who IMO is just a little too weird to be beloved when he finally quits, and it's clear he won't spend a minute here after retiring), the most beloved list would be Bobby Orr (for those over 60) and David Ortiz (for those under).

 

If you looked at North America as a whole I would have to think Wayne Gretzky should get a nod. He isn’t remembered in quite the same way as a few years ago but he has been hero worshipped most of his life.

 

I'm going to second Bobby Orr, although he's regional, as Gee says.

And we'll never get to a meaningful definition of 'beloved.'

That said, Billie Jean King.

 

Interesting sidebar.

Biles is the greatest gymnast in American history. And wildly, unqualifiedly popular. But she's still competing.

Does the concept of 'beloved' mean 'old?' Or at least 'retired'?

Thus, Mary Lou Retton.

 

Which gets us to Dorothy Hamill.

 

Exploring GOATs is interesting. There doesn't have to be just one. As you observed there can't be just one. I'd end up with a list if I tried to decide.

 

Great Olympics champions are like American Idol champions - they are churned out all the time. Broadcasters spend hours
turning them from nobodies to "stars" and once they're done competing, it's time to bring on the next one. Considering athletes can now compete in multiple Games - it really is surprising how few have transcended their sports and become legit Big Names.
Is it that they now CAN and Must continue to focus on their sports so they don't make a serious push into broadcasting or entertainment like they tried to do with Jenner? And that they can make a decent living within the sport so they don't have to chase fame if they don't want it.

 

Tebow, and it's indisputable.

 

It’s Serena Williams and if you don’t agree, you know what that makes you.