Weber State University Athletics
Lillard again named one of World's Most Famous Athletes
5/22/2018 2:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Damian Lillard's worldwide fame continues to grow. For the third-straight year, Lillard has been named one of the 100 most famous athletes on the planet by ESPN. ESPN released its list of the 100 most famous athletes on the planet on Tuesday.
The World Fame 100 list uses a formula that combines endorsements with social media and Internet search popularity.
Lillard was ranked 51st on this year's list of most famous athletes, up from 61st last year. He is the only athlete with Utah ties on the list. He is the 10th highest ranked NBA player on the list.
In the ranking ESPN's Sean Hurd stated, "After Lillard earned a third All-Star Game appearance, led the Portland Trail Blazers to a fifth straight playoff appearance and released his second studio rap album (this one featuring Lil Wayne), it's safe to say his brand is stronger than ever. After all, how many professional athletes can have a personal shoe released by a major brand like Adidas in honor of their rap persona? Probably just Damian Dame D.O.L.L.A Lillard. Lillard, who cracked the top 15 in NBA jersey sales for the second straight season, has proved he's built a global profile that extends far beyond Portland's small market."
Lillard is listed as earning $14M in endorsements and has 4.2 million followers on social media.
This past season Lillard made his third NBA All-Star appearance and is also a two-time All-NBA selection. This year he finished tied for fourth in the NBA in scoring at 26.9 points per game, was fourth in 3-pointers made per game, fourth in minutes played, and 10th in assists.
Lillard was an All-American at Weber State during the 2011-12 season, the only player in Big Sky Conference history to be named to an All-American team. He ranks second in WSU history in career scoring and career 3-pointers. He was drafted by Portland with the sixth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. This past summer, his No. 1 jersey was retired at Weber State.
The full list of the most famous athletes in the world on ESPN.com.
For the third-straight year, Damian Lillard has been named one of the most famous athletes on the planet. He's ranked 51st on @espn's World Fame 100 list. Congrats @Dame_Lillard! https://t.co/rGGMcee40E #WeAreWeber ?? ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/V2IbGPyf4o
— Weber State Wildcats (@weberstate) May 22, 2018
