LOUISVILLE, Ky (WHAS11) -- Sports Illustrated has renamed its Sportsman of the Year award to the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
The Ali Center was full of pride as Louisville's very one was here, Ali's wife Lonnie accepted the award on his behalf. Interestingly enough the Legacy award was presented by someone Ali has so much history with, legendary boxer George Foreman.
Ali has graced the Sports Illustrated cover more than 39 times. So many talked about the Champ's influence not just in the ring but his global humanitarian efforts. A surprise visit, Superman as he was called on the court, NBA star Shaquille O' Neal showed up. He told us he missed a few flights but he arrived during dinner. He told WHAS 11 that Lonnie called him personally to ask if he would come and support.
Some of Sports IlIustrated's most well-known photographers shared stories of watching The Champ rise during such a trying time in his career and our nation during the 1960's. They said Ali always stayed true to his Louisville roots. A phenomenal athletes that has inspired generations
