Sports Stars on the Cover of Rolling Stone
The all-time great boxer was on the comeback trail after being stripped of his title for refusing military induction during the Vietnam War.
This article appeared in the March 18, 1971 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Mark Spitz
The swimmer won a then-unprecedented seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
This article appeared in the April 26, 1973 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Fear and Loathing at the Super Bowl
Rolling Stone's Hunter S. Thompson examined the sports world's biggest annual event.
This article appeared in the February 28, 1974 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Muhammad Ali
The champ had just beaten Joe Frazier in the "Thrilla in Manila."
This article appeared in the October 9, 1975 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Mark Fidrych
During his brief career, the baseball world was charmed by the kooky pitcher nicknamed "the Bird."
This article appeared in the May 5, 1977 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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O.J. Simpson
He remains one of the all-time great football players.
This article appeared in the September 8, 1977 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Muhammad Ali
On the back end of his career, the fighter had just lost the heavyweight title to the upstart Leon Spinks.
This article appeared in the May 4, 1978 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Kareem Abdul Jabbar
The basketball superstar posed for this playful cover with the comedy team of the moment.
This article appeared in the December 14, 1978 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Jim McMahon
Chicago's "rock & roll" quarterback led his team to a Super Bowl victory.
This article appeared in the March 13, 1986 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Shaquille O’Neal
The basketball behemoth was also an occasional rapper.
This article appeared in the November 25, 1993 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Dennis Rodman
The defensive specialist was one of the most colorful characters in American sports.
This article appeared in the December 12, 1996 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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The Rock
The WWE wrestling star and Hollywood actor played on a national championship football team at the University of Miami.
This article appeared in the June 7, 2001 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Shaun White
The redheaded skateboard and snowboard pro has become a lucrative brand name.
This article appeared in the March 9, 2006 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.
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Shaun White
By the time of this cover, he'd evidently escalated the workouts.
This article appeared in the March 18, 2010 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive.