Uncover the most iconic athletes who have defined New York's sports landscape over the past 25 years. But here's where it gets controversial—deciding who truly stands out is not always straightforward, and opinions may differ.
As we approach the year 2025, The New York Daily News has compiled its definitive 'Quarter-Century Team,' highlighting the outstanding players who have left an indelible mark on the city’s beloved teams since 2000. This list spans multiple sports, from baseball and basketball to football, hockey, and even women's professional leagues, offering a comprehensive snapshot of excellence across the decades.
Yankees: Aaron Judge
Choosing the top Yankee since 2000 wasn’t easy—this roster includes legends such as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and others with storied careers. Yet, Aaron Judge’s spectacular performances and record-breaking feats make him our pick. Since debuting in 2016, Judge has led Major League Baseball in key offensive metrics, including home runs (368), OPS (1.028), and WAR (61.6). In 2022, he set the American League single-season home run record with 62 long balls. Remarkably, he reached 350 career homers faster than anyone in MLB history—achieving this milestone in just 1,088 games. Over the past four seasons, Judge has delivered perhaps the finest peak for a right-handed hitter ever, combining a .311 batting average with 210 home runs and a 1.117 OPS in just 573 games. His career OPS+ of 179 ties him with Lou Gehrig for fifth-best in MLB history. While he’s yet to win a World Series, Judge’s potential induction into Cooperstown is inevitable—and he stands shoulder to shoulder with legends like Jeter and Rivera, who each won multiple titles with the Yankees.
Mets: Jacob deGrom
The debate over the best Mets pitcher since 2000 is equally fierce, but Jacob deGrom’s dominance makes him a clear front-runner. Over nine seasons (2014–2022), deGrom posted a 2.52 ERA—a figure only surpassed by Clayton Kershaw—and a 1.00 WHIP, placing him among the best in baseball history. His 10.91 strikeouts per nine innings ranked fourth among pitchers with over 1,000 innings pitched during that period. Especially during 2018-2019, deGrom’s performance reached an almost mythical level, finishing with the MLB’s lowest ERA at 2.05 over 421 innings. Despite limited wins, he claimed back-to-back Cy Young Awards in those years, often overshadowed by the lack of run support from his team. His 2014 Rookie of the Year award and four All-Star selections underline the consistency of his excellence. Impressively, his franchise records in ERA and WHIP outshine even giants like Tom Seaver, cementing his legacy in Mets history.
Giants: Michael Strahan
The choice between giants like Eli Manning and Michael Strahan isn’t easy, but Strahan’s sheer pass-rushing prowess earns him this spot. His 89 sacks from 2000-2007 demonstrate his ability to disrupt offenses, including a record-setting 22.5 sacks in 2001, a notable achievement when the NFL played a 16-game schedule. With 18.5 sacks in 2003 and leading the league in tackles for loss three times after 2000, Strahan’s defensive dominance was clear. His career highlights include being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and earning four All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He famously sacked Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII, helping the Giants topple the undefeated Patriots. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, Strahan’s No. 92 jersey was retired by the Giants in 2021.
Jets: Darrelle Revis
While his interception total of 25 in 108 games might seem modest, Revis’ impact extended beyond stats. Known as “Revis Island,” he was a shutdown cornerback who locked down opponents’ top receivers, making quarterbacks wary to throw his way. During his time with the Jets from 2007-2012 and again in 2015-2016, he was named first-team All-Pro three times and made five Pro Bowls. His 2009 season, with 31 passes defended and a second-place finish for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, showcased his ability to alter games. His 100-yard interception return in 2011 remains a Jets record. Recognized as the first primarily Jets player to earn a unanimous Hall of Fame induction in 2023, Revis’s legacy as a premier lockdown corner is firmly cemented.
Knicks: Jalen Brunson
Though only in his fourth season with the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has already established himself as a cornerstone of New York basketball. Averaging 26.5 points per game—second in franchise history—and 6.7 assists—fourth—his influence goes beyond averages. Brunson’s leadership transformed a struggling franchise into consistent playoff contenders, with the team making the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. Notably, he led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals—their first appearance since 2000—and has shined brightest on the big stage. During the 2025 playoffs, Brunson became just the fourth player in NBA history to have at least 10 games with 30+ points and five+ assists in a single postseason, joining legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His impact on New York’s basketball scene is undeniable.
Nets: Jason Kidd
With the franchise’s history spanning both New Jersey and Brooklyn, Jason Kidd’s era with the Nets during the early 2000s is legendary. From 2001-2008, Kidd was the heart of the team, guiding them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. His franchise records are staggering: 4,620 assists, 9.1 assists per game, 950 steals, and 61 triple-doubles. His leadership and playmaking elevated those Nets teams and left a lasting legacy, which the franchise honored with his No. 5 jersey being retired in 2013.
Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist
No list of New York heroes would be complete without Henrik Lundqvist, the former Rangers goalie whose entire 15-year career culminated in a period of unparalleled excellence. With 459 wins, he ranks sixth in NHL history for wins by a goalie. Renowned for his consistency, Lundqvist had at least 11 seasons with 30 or more wins, a feat unmatched. His stellar play earned him the Vezina Trophy in 2012, recognizing him as the league’s top goaltender. The Swedish star’s impact was immediate, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on his first ballot—cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in the sport.
Liberty: Breanna Stewart
While the Liberty have been part of the WNBA since 1997, Stewart’s era-defining contributions have helped elevate the franchise during this millennium. Though legendary players like Tina Charles and Sabrina Ionescu made long-lasting marks, Stewart’s brilliance during her time in New York sets her apart. As the team’s all-time leader in points per game (20.8), player efficiency (26.5), and offensive rating (117.9), she has transformed the franchise. In 2023, she achieved her best season yet with an average of 23.0 points per game and became the first Liberty player to earn MVP honors. When she led the team to its first championship in 2024, she solidified her place in franchise history. Since arriving, Stewart has consistently ranked among the league’s best, finishing in the top 10 of MVP voting each year, earning All-Star and All-Defensive team honors, highlighting her ongoing dominance and leadership.
