Television revolutionizes the way Americans enjoy sports, bringing games, especially from the NFL, into tens of millions of homes. Certain stars, Bill Russell, Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali, and Peggy Fleming, seem born for the camera.

In the 1990s, athletes' celebrity power transcends the world of sports. Sports scandals are increasingly smeared across tabloid headlines, while Michael Jordan wins six titles and becomes one of the most recognized athletes in the world.