Best lacrosse players of all time: A ranked list of the 10 best to ever play the game

Lacrosse is one of the world's oldest sports, originating back to the Native Americans in the 12th century. Over the years, the sport has come a long way and is now among the most popular in the USA and Canada. With the sport rising in popularity, most great lacrosse players went down in history as the greatest athletes of all time.

Compared to its ancient style of play, the modern-day sport has rules and regulations that govern how it is played and thus making it more organised. The sport is played using a stick by carrying the ball, passing, catching, and shooting it to score a goal. It has four versions with different sticks, fields, equipment and rules.

Top 10 best lacrosse players of all time

When the greatest legends in the sport are mentioned, some come to mind due to their records and achievements. According to various online sources, here are the top 10 greatest lacrosse players of all time.

Who are the 15 best left-handed basketball players in the league right now?

NBA

10. Jim Thorpe

• Full name: James Francis Thorpe
• Date of birth: 28 May 1887
• Age: Died at 65
• Nationality: American

Jim was widely regarded as the best lacrosse athlete of the 20th century. He accomplished numerous achievements in his career as one of the few legends who played several sports. Before his retirement, he bagged several gold medals and thus achieved a milestone that only other athletes could dream of.

With his legendary records, the renowned player became one of the best lacrosse players of all time. Aside from majoring in lacrosse, he played football and baseball professionally.

9. Oren Lyons

• Full name: Oren R. Lyons Jr
• Date of birth: 1930
• Age: 93 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: American, Onondaga

Oren is a legendary icon popular for being a former lacrosse player and one famous Native American rights supporter. He joined the sport while attending Syracuse University and rose to stardom as the greatest Native American legend in history.

Top 20 most underrated footballers of all time: who are they?

Football

The legendary hero was a known goalkeeper who played for several famous clubs, such as New Jersey and New York, during his active years. Compared to some of the best lacrosse players at the moment, Oren and other all-time legends have made history in the sport.

8. John Grant

• Full name: John Christopher Grant Jr
• Date of birth: 7 November 1974
• Age: 48 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: Canadian

John Grant, one of the best lacrosse players of all time, was a legend during his time who won four All-American titles and an MVP award during his time with the Ontario Lacrosse Association and the Philadelphia Wings.

While he was a rookie playing for the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse, he took home the 1995 Top Rookie of the Year award and throughout his career, he garnered a lot of respect from other athletes and fans as one of the greatest lacrosse players in history.

Who is the best baseball player of all time? The 10 greatest baseball players ever ranked

Baseball

7. Jimmy Lewis

• Full name: James C Lewis
• Years active: 1964-1966
• Nationality: American

Jimmy Lewis is among the best lacrosse players in the sport's history. Although he played for only three years, he made a name for himself as the best Navy player to ever bag the Wingate Memorial Trophy and the national championships titles.

According to various online sources, the renowned player was branded the greatest living lacrosse player during his time. He had an impressive short career that saw him win several greatest lifetime achievements in the sports arena.

6. Dave Pietramala

• Full name: Dave Pietramala
• Date of birth: 1967
• Age: 56 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: American

Dave is among the few great lacrosse legends who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his active years, he was regarded as the best defensive player in sports history, winning both the Player and Coach of the Year awards.

Who is the best badminton player in the world right now? A top 10 list

Other Sports

Additionally, he was honoured with the Enners Award in 1989 for being the county's best athlete in the sport. While playing for Hopkins, he earned three first-team all-American honours, among other titles.

5. Michael Powell

• Full name: Michael Latham Powell
• Date of birth: 30 September 1905
• Age: Died at 84
• Nationality: English

Michael Powell, one of the best lacrosse attackers in history, made a name for himself when he won the Jack Turnbull Awards four consecutive times, the Tewaaraton Trophy twice and for being a four-time First Team All-American. Additionally, he posted the most points in a season, the most in a game, and the most assists in a single season.

4. Paul Rabil

• Full name: Paul Rabil
• Date of birth: 14 December 1985
• Age: 37 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: American

Although he is retired, Paul Rabil is among the best lacrosse players at the moment. After being drafted as the club's first overall pick, he co-founded and played for the Cannons Lacrosse Club in Boston.

A list of the most popular college sports in the US and Canada

Other Sports

In his career, the renowned lacrosse player won several trophies alongside some top-tier achievements in the sport, such as the MLL MVP, two Offensive Player Awards, MLL All-Star Game, the MLL Bud Light Skills, and the MLL Fastest Shot competitions.

3. Jim Brown

• Full name: James Nathaniel Brown
• Date of birth: 17 February 1936
• Age: Died at 87
• Nationality: American

Aside from making history in the NFL as the greatest running back of all time, Jim Brown also went down in history as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. During his time, he participated in multiple sports and accomplished what other athletes could only dream of.

When the legendary player was at Syracuse University during his senior year, he dominated the sport and was named a first-team All-American. Although the game's rules were changed in his era, it did not affect his reign, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

A list of all Boston Celtics head coaches: Who is the greatest of them all?

NBA

2. Brodie Merrill

• Full name: Brodie Merrill
• Date of birth: 5 November 1981
• Age: 41 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: Canadian

Merrill is one of the famous lacrosse players born in Canada. As a member of the Baltimore Bayhawks in 2005, he received the MLL Rookie of the Year title. Throughout his career, Merrill has won the Major League Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year title four times.

Additionally, he won the Defensive Player of the Year title for the fourth consecutive time and in doing so, he assisted his team in bagging the MLL Championship title. Aside from earning the Best Defender award in the competition, Brodie also received All-World recognition.

1. Gary Gait

• Full name: Gary Charles Gait
• Date of birth: 5 April 1967
• Age: 56 years of age (as of August 2023)
• Nationality: Canadian

The top 10 best American tennis players of all time: Ranked list

Tennis

So, who is the greatest lacrosse player of all time? According to various online sources, Gary Gait is the greatest lacrosse player in history, with numerous titles and achievements to his name, including five times MVP recognitions and two Lieutenant Raymond Enners Awards.

Since his debut, he became an icon to be admired in the sport, posting some of the most incredible results, and from 1988 to 1990, he became the NCAA champion and a four-time All-American.

Where is lacrosse the most popular sport?

The sport is most popular in the United States and Canada, and although it was invented by the Native Americans long before the European explorations, it is among the oldest organised sport in the world.

What is the most famous lacrosse number?

The most popular number in the history of the sport is 22. The number is famous due to the legendary athletes who have worn it, such as Gary Gait, whose jersey number was lifted into the Carrier Dome rafters.

Who are the 10 most famous US gymnasts in the world currently?

Olympics

Which sport is closest to lacrosse?

Although few sports can be compared to lacrosse, the only famous sport close to it is, without a doubt, field hockey since they both involve using a stick and a ball on a large field.

Who is the most famous women's lacrosse player?

As of 2023, Taylor Cummings is the best women's lacrosse player in the world, owing to the fact that she has been at the top of her game throughout her career.

Most lacrosse players are physically tough since the sport requires endurance, dedication and technique if they want to be the best. Even though it has a long history and is still gaining popularity, it has yet to become popular in various regions of the world. However, it is without a doubt that in the coming years, sports will be among the most famous worldwide.

READ ALSO: Who are the top 15 best hockey players in 2023?

A top 10 list of the best female chess players at the moment

Other Sports

Sports Brief has recently compiled a list ranking the top 15 hockey players in 2023. Hockey, one of the most famous sports worldwide, has amassed an enormous fan base, especially in North America and Canada.

The National Hockey League has seen talented players rise to stardom and become legends. With their immense net worths, these players lead luxurious lifestyles. Click on the link above to find more details about the top 15 best hockey players in 2023.