Move over, Michael. There’s a new King in town.
For the first time since 1993, neither Michael Jordan nor Tiger Woods was named the nation’s favorite sports star.
According to a Harris poll, that designation now belongs to LeBron James. And the poll was taken weeks before James’ decision to leave the Heat and return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jordan, who was deemed the most popular last year though he hasn’t played in the NBA since his third retirement following the 2002-03 season, fell to No. 2.
Retiring Yankees icon Derek Jeter, who moved up three spots from last year, finished third. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was fourth while Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. tied for fifth. Earnhardt was 10th last year.
The poll of 2,241 adults was conducted June 11-16.
Rounding out the top 10 were Tom Brady of the Patriots, who fell from fifth last year to seventh; Woods, who fell from third to eighth; Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Tim Tebow (eighth) and Phil Mickelson (ninth) dropped off the list.
Among women athletes, there was no change in the top 5 from a year ago. Serena Williams remained No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year with Danica Patrick, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and retired soccer-legend Mia Hamm all remaining in the spots they claimed last year.