By Brad Hubbard | @bradhubbard
It’s really just a gut feeling when it comes to the biggest moments in sports for 2013. There will always be moments that will be left out but most moments or events are pretty obvious. In any event, here is the list, in no particular order, that we came up with.
THE BAD
Boston Strong
The terrorist attack in Boston at the finish line of the Boston Marathon left three dead and 260 injured. But you can’t keep Boston down. The culprits were caught or killed and the city recovered as the Boston Red Sox went on to win the World Series. David Ortiz, aka Big Papi, said it best thought:
Lance Armstrong
Remember that great story of a man who beat cancer and went on to win seven straight Tour De France? Yeah, not true. He cheated. He told Oprah.
Aaron Hernandez
From up and coming NFL star to charged with murder. It’s a sad story but one that some saw coming.
THE ODD
When the Lights Went Out In New Orleans
Who could forget when half the lights went out during the Super Bowl. After which the San Francisco 49ers went on a tear. It wasn’t enough as the Baltimore Ravens held out to beat the 49ers. Either way, you can be pretty sure that the lights won’t go out in the Meadowlands for the 2014 Super Bowl.
The Finish
Possibly the greatest finish in college football history in one of the biggest games of the year. You’ve seen it before but it’s worth watching again.
The Hit
This launched Jadeveon Clowney into the public conscience. It’s a perfect play by a defensive end. NFL QB’s should be worried.
THAT JUST HAPPENED
Anderson Silva’s reign at the UFC Middleweight Champion came to an end in July when he was knocked out by Chris Weidman. His reign lasted over six years.
THE GOOD
Team Jack
While Auburn may have had some of the best finishes of the college football season the best moment may have taken place back in April when Jack Hoffman ran for a touchdown in the Nebraska spring game. Jack had a brain tumor removed and is fighting another one. Find out more here.
Goodbye Mariano
The respected paid to this man is well deserved. He is one of the greatest closers in Major League Baseball history. Credit to Joe Girardi and the Yankees for sending him out in a very cool way.
Green Machine
This may be one of the best stories of 2013. Why write about it when MLS Insider did this great piece on it.
Now let’s see what 2014 has in store for us.
Sideline Signals 