Mark Wahlberg Names His All-Time Top Five Boston Athletes — and Sparks Debate

Boston has long been a powerhouse sports city, home to championship dynasties and iconic athletes across every major league. But when actor Mark Wahlberg, a proud Dorchester native, was asked to name his personal top five Boston sports legends, his list surprised — and even stirred debate among — die-hard fans.

Appearing on Barstool’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Wahlberg rattled off his choices with hometown pride:

“Bill Russell, number one… Rocky Marciano, 50-0… Tom Brady… Bird… I would have to split it between KG and Paul Pierce because they gave us another chip,” he said.

Wahlberg’s Top Five — With a Twist

His selections were:

1. Bill Russell — the 11-time NBA champion and towering symbol of Boston Celtics greatness.

2. Rocky Marciano — the Brockton-born heavyweight boxing champion who retired undefeated at 49-0 (Wahlberg rounded it to “50-0”).

3. Tom Brady — the seven-time Super Bowl–winning quarterback who defined two decades of New England Patriots dominance.

4. Larry Bird — the legendary Celtics forward who brought three NBA titles and a fierce competitive spirit to Boston in the 1980s.

5. Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce (tie) — the duo who helped return the Celtics to glory with their 2008 NBA championship.

The split fifth spot between Garnett and Pierce was particularly telling — a nod to the modern Celtics era that reignited Boston basketball after a long drought.

Notable Omissions — and a Big Confession

While the list leans heavily toward Celtics greats, it notably leaves out stars from Boston’s other beloved teams. Wahlberg gave honorable mentions to Bobby Orr, Ted Williams, and David Ortiz — but none made his top five.

The reason? Wahlberg admitted baseball was never really his game.

“I never got into baseball,” he confessed, though he added he’d love to see a Red Sox–Philadelphia Phillies World Series.

That revelation explains the absence of Williams, often hailed as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, and Ortiz, whose clutch postseason performances made him a Boston icon.

Garnett Over Celtics Legends? Fans Weigh In

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising choice was Kevin Garnett, who played just six seasons with the Celtics. While Garnett’s impact was undeniable — transforming the team’s culture and helping win the 2008 NBA title — he doesn’t have the long-term Celtics legacy of legends like Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, or Robert Parish.

Some fans on social media suggested Wahlberg’s pick reflected recency bias, while others defended the choice, citing Garnett’s emotional leadership and the championship he helped deliver after a 22-year drought.

A List That Proves Boston Pride Runs Deep

Despite the debate, Wahlberg’s list captures something quintessentially Boston: loyalty to the athletes who defined big moments in the city’s sports history. His affection for the Celtics is clear — four of his five picks wore green — but his recognition of Marciano’s perfect boxing career and Brady’s NFL dominance shows love for other hometown heroes too.

For a city spoiled with legends across basketball, baseball, hockey, and football, narrowing down to five names will always spark discussion. Wahlberg’s list might not please every corner of Boston fandom, but it’s undeniably true to his roots — and sure to keep the sports bars buzzing.