The Greater Philadelphia Area has produced some great athletes in the last few years. Starting in Center City and stretching out to the suburbs in New Jersey and Delaware, these are the best current athletes from the area who have never played for a Philadelphia team; at least not yet.
Joe Flacco
Despite the trouble he has had in the 2013 season, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is still worthy of a mention. Billed from Voorhees, New Jersey only a stone’s Hail Mary away from Philadelphia, Flacco is one of the best quarterbacks to ever come from the area. With a Super Bowl victory in the 2012 season, Flacco managed to do what some of the all-time greats never managed to accomplish. Flacco is still young enough to accomplish a lot more in his NFL career. If the team is capable of growing around him, Flacco can easily find himself hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time.
Mike Trout
If there is a better all-around current player in the MLB then nobody knows about it. Mike Trout has finished second to Miguel Cabrera two years in a row in the MVP voting, the first season being his rookie year. Trout continues to improve each season and at an age barely old enough to buy a beer, the sky is the limit. Trout originates from Vineland, New Jersey another South Jersey town full of Philadelphia sports fans. Phillies fans are already foaming at the mouth for a homecoming.
Bobby Ryan
Rarely getting the praise he deserves, Ottawa Senators right winger Bobby Ryan is one of the most underappreciate goal scorers in the NHL. Having spent the first part of his career with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Ryan consistently scores 30 goals a season. His connection to Philadelphia comes from growing up in Cherry Hill and Collingswood, New Jersey. Philadelphia Flyers fans could only help to acquire to bolster their lackluster offense. For now, he remains a difficult opponent.
Kobe Bryant
Saving the best for last, Kobe Bryant spent a lot of his youth in Philadelphia. Sadly, Bryant tends to not acknowledge his time in Philadelphia very much. Bryant spent some time growing up in Japan and doesn’t consider himself a true Philadelphia native. Residents of Philadelphia still try to claim him as their own because he is one of them no matter how much he denies it. Whether he accepts it or not, Kobe Bryant is one of the best current athletes and he just happens to be from Philadelphia.
