10 ATHLETES Who Never Won a Title - SPORTS SAVVY MAGAZINE

Here is a list of the top 10 athletes who never won a title in their respective professions. Despite their individual greatness, these athletes never achieved ultimate team success.

Let’s begin.

Dan Marino (NFL)
- Career Overview: Marino played for the Miami Dolphins from 1983 to 1999 and is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. He was known for his quick release and powerful arm.
- Achievements: Marino was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and the 1984 NFL MVP. He set numerous passing records, many of which stood for decades.
- Notable Miss: Despite leading the Dolphins to the Super Bowl in 1984, Marino never returned to the championship game, which remains a glaring gap in his legacy.
Charles Barkley (NBA)
- Career Overview: Barkley was a dominant forward known for his scoring, rebounding, and charismatic personality. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets.
- Achievements: An 11-time NBA All-Star and the 1993 NBA MVP, Barkley was inducted into the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best forwards ever.
- Notable Miss: He reached the NBA Finals once, in 1993 with the Suns, but lost to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
Ted Williams (MLB)
- Career Overview: Playing his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, Williams is perhaps the greatest hitter never to win a World Series. He played from 1939 to 1960, missing some years due to military service.
- Achievements: Williams was a two-time AL MVP, a six-time batting champion, and the last MLB player to hit over .400 in a season.
- Notable Miss: Despite his success, the Red Sox did not secure a championship during his tenure.
Ernie Banks (MLB)
- Career Overview: Known as “Mr. Cub,” Banks spent his entire 19-season career with the Chicago Cubs.
- Achievements: Banks was a two-time National League MVP and hit over 500 home runs in his career.
- Notable Miss: Although beloved in Chicago, he never played in a postseason game, as the Cubs struggled during his era.
Barry Sanders (NFL)
- Career Overview: Sanders was a spectacular running back for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998, known for his elusive running style and incredible agility.
- Achievements: He was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, the 1997 NFL MVP, and exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in each of his 10 seasons.
- Notable Miss: Despite personal success, the Lions had limited playoff success and never reached the Super Bowl during his career.
Karl Malone (NBA)
- Career Overview: Known as “The Mailman,” Malone was a dominant power forward primarily with the Utah Jazz.
- Achievements: A two-time NBA MVP and 14-time All-Star, Malone is second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
- Notable Miss: He reached the NBA Finals twice with the Jazz but lost both times to Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
Jim Kelly (NFL)
- Career Overview: Led the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1996 as a versatile and skilled quarterback.
- Achievements: Kelly was a five-time Pro Bowler and guided the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (1990-1993).
- Notable Miss: Despite reaching four Super Bowls, Kelly and the Bills were unable to secure a win in any.
Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB)
- Career Overview: Griffey, known for his grace in the outfield and powerful swing, played primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds.
- Achievements: A 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Griffey hit 630 home runs in his career.
- Notable Miss: Griffey never appeared in a World Series despite significant individual success.
Patrick Ewing (NBA)
- Career Overview: Ewing was a dominant center for the New York Knicks and played from 1985 to 2002.
- Achievements: An 11-time All-Star known for his scoring and defensive prowess, Ewing anchored strong Knicks teams in the ’90s.
- Notable Miss: He led the Knicks to the NBA Finals twice, in 1994 and 1999, but fell short both times.
Michelle Kwan (Figure Skating)

Career Overview: Kwan is one of the most decorated figure skaters in U.S. history, having competed between the late ’90s and early ’00s.
Achievements: She is a five-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist (silver and bronze).
Notable Miss: Despite her numerous World titles, the Olympic gold medal eluded her, with near misses in 1998 and 2002.