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2017 has been a huge year for sports all around. We had the Astros win the World Series, against the odds, after a devastating hurricane in their hometown, the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather face-off, the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup and so much more.
While sports had some amazing moments this year, this year was one of the most controversial in the sports industry as well. We saw many sports teams taking a stand for what they believed in, even if that meant going against the popular belief.
Everyone remembers when Colin Kaepernick started what would end up to be one of the largest protests the NFL has ever seen when he decided to kneel for the singing of the National Anthem. The New England Patriots also decided to refuse the traditional visit to the White House when they were invited.
Regardless of all the controversy, 2017 has been a huge year for sports. Let’s take a look back at some of the greatest sports moments of 2017.
1. The Houston Astros winning the 2017 World Series
The 2017 World Series came down to the final game, where we got to watch the Astros earn their second pennant in team history. Houston wasn’t favored to win, making the outcome that much better for the team and their fans. Most fans can agree that the team deserved the win after the teams hometown was struck by a massive hurricane.
2. Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Floyd Mayweather Jr. reacts after the welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
This fight was one of the most hyped up sports events in 2017. The two traveled to Vegas to face-off in one of the biggest fights in sports history. Although Mayweather defeated McGregor by TKO and remains undefeated, McGregor put up a good fight.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins win the 2017 Stanley Cup
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 24: Shea Weber #6 celebrates with teammates Mike Ribeiro #63 and Craig Smith #15 after a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on October 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
This year the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators four games to two. Sidney Crosby, the Penguins captain, was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as MVP after the game.
4. Sloane Stephens wins the U.S. Open
On Sept. 9, Sloane Stephens, of the United States, won the women’s single final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Stephens beat Madison Keys, also of the United States, to win the championship.
5. Garbine Muguruza beats Venus Williams in the Wimbledon Tennis Championship
On July 15, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza beat Venus Williams, of the United States, in the Wimbledon Tennis Championship in London. The two faced off on day 12 of the championship, leaving Muguruza with a huge win for herself and her country
6. New England Patriots win Super Bowl 51
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 16, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The New England Patrioits came from behind to beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime during Super Bowl 51. After trailing behind nearly the whole game, New England pulled off a massive come back to beat the Falcons 34-28.
