Top 20 Famous Athletes Named Jason

Today is Friday the 13th, notable as a date of superstition but also a movie series featuring Jason Voorhees, complete with hockey mask. So, since it’s late on a Friday, let’s do a list of the most famous Jasons to play sports. (topical, kind of). You’ll note that two of us are named Jason on this site. It became quite the popular name in the 1970’s and early 80’s. Growing up, I never had an athletes that I looked up to named Jason. Pretty much every prominent Jason has happened since 1990. Before that, all I had to hang my hat on was Jason Robards.

Here, without further ado, are the most famous and notable Jasons who came along, once everyone started getting that name.

#1 Jason Kidd — I think it’s safe to say that Jason Kidd, who was the first NBA player named Jason, is also the biggest slam dunk among all the Jasons to be in his sports Hall of Fame, currently.

#2 Jason Day — Perhaps Jason Day can get into the Golf Hall of Fame if he can have a long career and continue his current run. He should have several majors to his name when he is done.

#3 Jason Giambi — Former Yankee, brother of Jeremy, hitter of 440 home runs and the 2000 AL MVP while with Oakland.

#4 Jason Witten — Prominent and popular tight end for America’s Team.

#5 Jason Terry — The most famous headband-wearing Jason.

#6 Jason Varitek — Boston Red Sox captain from 2004 until retirement in 2011. Two World Series titles, caught four no-hitters.

#7 Jason White — won the Heisman Trophy in 2003.

#8 Jason Collins — first openly gay athlete to play in the NBA

#9 Jason Lezak — won four Olympic gold medals in the 4×100 relay

#10 Jason Garrett — Troy Aikman’s backup, now head coach of the Dallas Cowboys

#11 Jason Taylor — famed Miami Dolphins lineman, detailed his battle with pain killers and almost losing his leg.

#12 Jason Richardson — 14 year NBA career, won NBA Dunk Contest twice.

#13 Jason Heyward — prefers Chicago over St. Louis.

#14 Jason Elam — long time kicker, once jointly held record for longest field goal. Also wrote Monday Night Jihad.

#15 Jason Williams — White Chocolate.

#16 Jason Bay — best Red Sox free agent signing ever.

#17 Jason Kendall — once upon a time, a really good player, good at stolen bases as a catcher, if you played fantasy baseball 15 years ago. Managed 6 more gritty seasons after age 30, never posting above-average hitting numbers.

#18 Jason Kreis — starred with Dallas Burn of MLS, 14 caps with USMNT. Manager in MLS and now on the national team staff.

#19 Jason Arnott — surprised there aren’t more prominent hockey entries but the long-time veteran and Stanley Cup winner gets the nod here.

#20 Jason Dufner — Based on site page views, he should be higher. Those have taken a hit recently.