Marvel's Earth's Mightiest Athletes
Marvel's Earth's Mightiest Athletes is a collective of inspiring athletes that mirror Marvel heroes with their extraordinary abilities on the field, and their commitment to making a positive impact off of it. Not only do these honorees reflect the values of Muhammad Ali's sports humanitarian shown in this year's awards, but each has delivered for the community in a way that's aligned with the super-powered spirit of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
2021 Marvel's Earth's Mightiest Athletes
Julie Ertz
Captain Marvel stands out as a hero committed to going "Higher, further, faster" for those in need. Two-time World Cup Champion and Chicago Red Stars defender, Julie Ertz, is always going above and beyond with her commitment to uplift communities, and is never afraid to take on challenges in an effort to help those in need. Together with her husband, Super Bowl Champion Zach Ertz, Julie founded the Ertz Family Foundation, which focuses its charitable efforts on youth sports and education, while also supporting families. During the pandemic, Ertz helped deliver more than 600,000 meals to families in Philadelphia, and provided safe after school workouts for underserved athletes, and the champion continues to work to provide at-risk students with tools to reach their full potential. The 2019 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year is also an ambassador for water4Her, where she lends her support of empowering 100,000 East African women through clean water access.
Donovan Mitchell
A long-time Marvel fan who has been personally inspired by Spider-Man, the Utah Jazz shooting guard and 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion is known by basketball fans for his agility and quickness on the court, and he continues to take the NBA by storm as one of its brightest young stars in the league in just his first four seasons. Off the court, Donovan Mitchell is a hero in his community as he is committed to giving back and helping others. Mitchell also dedicates his time to his nonprofit, SPIDACARES, in an effort to increase access to education for students and expanding opportunities for young people to develop athletic skills, good sportsmanship and physical well-being. His goal is to close the educational gap to eliminate racism, as Mitchell believes an individual is not born racist and that it is taught, and can be combatted through a proper education to close the divide. As a member of the inaugural board of the NBA's National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, Mitchell is teaming up with league players to leverage the game's platform to raise awareness, educate and advocate for social justice and meaningful reform to inspire and create positive change.
Francis Ngannou
Marvel's Black Panther is king of Wakanda and a powerful warrior committed to protecting all people. As the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou is known for his strength in the octagon and power in supporting African kids in need. Growing up in extreme poverty in Cameroon and unable to afford the cost of school, Ngannou started working in the sand mines at age 11. Determined to pursue his passion in boxing, he made his way to Paris, where he was homeless and without support. Against all odds, he persisted; and upon his success, he pledged he would come back and support the development of kids in Africa. Understanding the unique opportunity that was provided to him to compete in combat sports and the impact that sport can have on one's outlook and outcome, he launched the Francis Ngannou Foundation and built the first-ever fully equipped MMA gym in Cameroon for those in his hometown so they could pursue their dreams without having to move thousands of miles away from home. The gym allows Ngannou to provide a safe space and community where trainees can discover and improve their talents, while learning important life skills.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson exhibits the qualities of Captain America, including compassion, leadership and courage to help those most in need, and he founded the Why Not You Foundation to fight poverty through education and empower youth to confidently lead. The eight-time NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion is a captain on and off the gridiron, as he was recently selected as the NFL's 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his outstanding community service off the field and his excellence on the field. Wilson has helped donate more than $9 million to support the battle against cancer. He also makes weekly trips to Seattle Children's Hospital while in season to visit with patients getting treatment, and during the pandemic, Wilson stepped up to donate a million meals to families in need. This upcoming September, Wilson and his wife, Ciara, will celebrate the grand opening of Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free charter public school just south of Seattle that focuses on building achievement, community and empowerment and prepares students to create and thrive in their future careers. The school will enhance the mission of Why Not You Foundation by providing today's youth with tools to become tomorrow's leaders.