No Huddle

LeBron "The King" James Named 2012 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated 

Photo Credit: Walter Iooss Jr., Sports Illustrated

What is it this year with me and magazine covers? Anyhow, the "King" has returned to the spotlight!

LeBron James was named by Sports Illustrated Magazine as the 2012 Sportsman of the Year.

The Miami Heat player is coming off a championship season and at just 27-years-old, has done some pretty remarkable things. Do I think he's the next Michael Jordan? No. Win five more NBA championships, then we'll talk about "Greatest player ever." 

But for now, the NBA All-Star has joined other athletes like his teammate Dwayne Wade, Brett Favre, Derek Jeter, Michael Phelps and Drew Brees with this honor.

But why LeBron? 

Paul Fichtenbaum, editor of Time Inc.'s Sports Group, says, "He was the most dominant athlete this year - MVP of the NBA regular season, MVP of the NBA playoffs, led the Heat to the NBA championship and Team USA to the gold medal in London."

It feels like this sentiment about LeBron's new title carries over in the locker room. Fellow winner and Heat guard Dwayne Wade approves of the pick, saying, "It gets no better for a basketball player. He has no position. His position is to do whatever he wants. There's never been anything like it. You just give him the ball and you win the game."

But it's not just what LeBron does on the court, it's what he does off of it that sealed this year's Sportsman of the Year award for him. His LeBron James Family Foundation helps kids in need and gives them a better opportunity to succeed in life.

While I will say LeBron's "The Decision", his hour-long special about his move to Miami was a little too much for me, what he's done this year as a basketball player and philanthropist should be applauded. 

Okay, I'll say it. Strahan, give him a smile!