When Celtics legend Bob Cousy receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump Thursday afternoon, he'll join a very exclusive club of athletes and sports greats who have received the nation's highest civilian honor.
Cousy will become only the fourth NBA player to be recognized, joining his teammate Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Here's a list of the sports legends who have been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom over the years.
BASEBALL
Hank Aaron, 2002
Ernie Banks, 2013
Yogi Berra, 2015
Roberto Clemente, 2003
Joe DiMaggio, 1977
Willie Mays, 2015
Stan Musial, 2011
Buck O'Neil, 2006
Frank Robinson, 2005
Jackie Robinson, 1984
Babe Ruth, 2018
Vin Scully, 2016
Ted Williams, 1991
BASKETBALL
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 2016
Bob Cousy, 2019
Michael Jordan, 2016
Bill Russell, 2011
Dean Smith, 2013
Pat Summitt, 2012
John Wooden, 2003
Boston Celtics
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BOXING
Muhammad Ali, 2005
FOOTBALL
Earl Blaik, 1986
Bear Bryant, 1986
Alan Page, 2018
Roger Staubach, 2018
GOLF
Jack Nicklaus, 2005
Arnold Palmer, 2004
Charles Sifford, 2014
Tiger Woods, 2019
NASCAR
Richard Petty, 1992
TENNIS
Arthur Ashe, 1993
Billie Jean King, 2009
TRACK AND FIELD
Jesse Owens, 1976
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