December 15

Born in Kansas in 1881, he stood six feet six inches tall and was known as the “Pottawatomi Giant.” He claimed the world heavyweight title in 1915 with a victory over Jack Johnson. Willard’s formidable reach and strength defined his fighting style. In 1919, he lost the title to Jack Dempsey in a historic bout. After retiring from boxing, he appeared in several silent films. His career record included over 100 professional fights by age forty. He died in California in 1968, leaving a legend in early boxing history.

Peter Gregg was born in 1940 and developed a passion for motorsports in his youth. He co-founded the Brumos Porsche racing team and achieved back-to-back IMSA GT championships in 1973 and 1974. Gregg secured victories at major endurance events, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He was admired for his smooth driving style and technical insight. Off the track, he worked as a photographer and author. Despite his success, Gregg struggled with personal challenges and died in 1980. His pioneering spirit helped raise the profile of endurance racing in America.

Edward Underdown was born in 1908 and began his acting career on the West End stage. He appeared in over 40 films, including 'The Cruel Sea' and 'Our Fighting Navy,' often portraying authoritative characters. Alongside acting, Underdown pursued his passion for horse racing and achieved several wins as an amateur jockey. He served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during World War II, balancing service, sport, and stage. After the war, he returned to acting and racing until his retirement. Underdown's versatile talents made him a respected figure in both entertainment and equestrian circles. He passed away in 1989.

Haris Brkić was born in 1974 and rose to prominence with KK Bosna in the early 1990s. Known for his smooth shooting and athleticism, he joined Partizan Belgrade in 1997 and helped secure back-to-back national titles in 1999 and 2000. Brkić averaged over 20 points per game and was a fan favorite for his clutch performances. He also represented FR Yugoslavia in international competitions. Tragically, his life was cut short in December 2000 when he was fatally shot in Belgrade. His death sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Brkić is remembered as one of the most talented guards of his generation.

Keith Magnuson (1947-2003) was a celebrated Canadian ice hockey defenseman who spent his entire NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Known for his leadership and physical play, he served as team captain and appeared in multiple All-Star Games. After retiring as a player, Magnuson transitioned to coaching, including a stint as head coach of the Blackhawks. His passionate approach to the game and commitment to teammates made him a beloved figure in Chicago. He was posthumously honored by the team, which retired his jersey number. Magnuson died tragically in a car accident, and his legacy endures among hockey fans.

Stan Leonard (1915-2005) was a Canadian professional golfer who achieved great success on the PGA Tour in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his powerful swing and calm demeanor, Leonard won 11 PGA Tour events and multiple national championships in Canada. He represented Canada in international competitions, including the Canada Cup, helping to elevate the country’s presence in golf. After retiring from touring, Leonard remained active as a coach and mentor to younger players. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Leonard’s legacy endures as a pioneer of Canadian golf on the world stage.

Darrell Russell (1976-2005) was an American professional football player who starred as a defensive tackle in the NFL. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1997, he quickly earned a reputation for elite strength and explosive plays. Russell made the Pro Bowl in 2000 and remained a key part of the Raiders’ defense until his release in 2003. After brief stints with other teams, his career ended, and he faced personal challenges off the field. Russell died tragically in a car accident, cutting short the life of a former NFL standout. His athletic legacy is remembered by teammates and fans for his on-field dominance.

Clay Regazzoni (1939-2006) was a pioneering Swiss Formula One driver known for his daring style and technical skill. He began his F1 career in 1970 and achieved his first Grand Prix win with Ferrari in 1970, securing several wins over his career. Regazzoni finished runner-up in the 1974 World Championship, narrowly missing the title. After retiring, he worked as a television commentator and sportscar driver until a 1980 accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his disability, Regazzoni remained active in motorsport and advocacy for disabled drivers. He returned to Switzerland, where he passed away after battling health issues. Regazzoni’s legacy lives on for his contributions to racing and resilience.

Born in Van Meter, Iowa, Bob Feller debuted in Major League Baseball at age 17, quickly earning a reputation for his blazing fastball. He threw three no-hitters and led the league in strikeouts six times before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, Feller returned to dominate the mound, becoming an eight-time All-Star and winning over 260 games. Known as "Rapid Robert," he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Following his playing career, Feller worked as a radio sportscaster and remained an ambassador for the sport until his death in 2010.

Dyron Nix rose to prominence as a standout forward at the University of Tennessee, leading the Volunteers in scoring in the late 1980s. He was selected in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and played professionally in the NBA and overseas. Known for his shooting ability and athleticism, Nix enjoyed successful stints in European leagues, particularly in Italy and Spain. After retiring from playing, he remained involved in basketball through coaching and youth development. Nix passed away on December 15, 2013, remembered by fans for his scoring flair and dedication to the sport.