Cal Fans, Who's Your Favorite Golden Bear Of The Decade?
We'll be doing a lot of all-decade lists the next month as we bridge the gap between offseason and preseason, so hopefully you're sufficiently entertained by us. But now's your chance to get your voices heard, starting with choosing the athlete you loved the most from the past decade!
Ponder these criteria before submitting your nomination!
1. Love. This list is meant for the athletes you love, not just admire or think are the best. They may not be the most accomplished Bears out on the floor, on the field, or whatever realm they compete in, but there's something else you just feel for them that goes beyond the numbers and the honors.
(In other words, think of the criteria as different from greatest Golden Bear, which will be coming later this month.)
2. Favorite moments. Think about which athlete you focused on when watching the game. Which one caught your attention the most? Who did the most for you and who were you the proudest of when you saw them perform?
3. The desert island question. Answer the question this way. If you were stuck on a desert island, and you could only have the choice of watching highlights/mixtapes of one athlete from here to eternity, who would you pick? Or If you could buy one Cal athlete's jersey and wear it, whose would you buy?
Here's what you have to do:
1. Submit a nominee and describe why they're your favorite. Best comments will get inserted into the final post, and could you earn more recs.
2. Rec the nominees you agree with in the original post, reply to those comments with your own explanations as to why they're your favorite. Again, best comments will get inserted into the final post.
3. Only one nominee per commenter (unless we have like only four or five nominees by midnight tonight, in which case anything goes). If someone has already nominated your favorite athlete, go ahead and nominate your second favorite athlete. If someone has picked that one, nominate your third favorite athlete, and so on.
Top 10 athletes with the most recs get inserted into Monday night's poll! In the meantime, Happy America Weekend!
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Marshawn Lynch!!
BEAST MODE!! Enough said.
by BWells916 on Jul 2, 2010 1:02 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
I know that some of us are not so Marshawnthusiastic after his bad behavior off the field in the NFL, but Marshawn is still my favorite Golden Bear of the Decade. He was obviously completely out of his mind, but he played hard, and had so much character that I find him unforgettable. In particular, I think of all the tackles he broke on astonishing runs. There were so many plays where he literally dragged a defender along, or high stepped right out of an ankle tackle. And you can’t forget the “shining 365 days a week” and the ghost-riding the injury cart, which were both awesome. Jahvid and Desean were (are) great, but Marshawn is still my favorite.
Ryan Anderson
While a lot will choose guys like Rodgers and Lynch who helped make the most winningest teams of the decade, I’m choosing Anderson, who helped make the lean years bearable in the Braun era.
I loved Ryan Anderson. Maybe it was because I had a chance to meet him and he signed my Cal program thing and he was a really nice guy, and I’ve met him after that too, but it was also because of the way he played. He was hard-working, and he couldn’t rely on his athletic ability; it was all up to his technique and hard-earned shooting abilty. He could score, and he was pretty much the only offensive weapon back then. Opponents knew he would be the guy scoring, and they still couldn’t stop him. He was just a nice guy, a smart guy, and a great representitive of the university on the hardwood. I loved him.
Oddly enough, I don’t remember his best games but one of his most non-descript. Against rival Stanfurd, he airballed his first 2 3’s and the Bear’s fell behind. Even though we lost, he scored 15 and he close the gap to 2 at one point in the 2nd. And remember, he was playing against the Lopez twins while he was playing center; he probably 6-9 and they are 7 feet plus. But what I most remember was his remarkable consistency; he could be counted on for 15+ almost every night. But another favorite memory is the most heartbreaking loss of the decade, against FUCLA. As in the Josh Shipp game. Anyway, he scored 21 and should’ve made the clinching free throws, if the correct officiating calls were made. Sadly, they weren’t, and we dropped the game. But as was usual, he led the team in scoring and opened up shots for his teammates. All the attention he got gave his teammates open looks, and it was obvious in that game. I mean, a guy like Jamal Boykin (who was awful his sophomore year. Love him to death though.) got 13 points in that game due to the attention he drew. I’m betting 3 other Bears don’t get double figures without him garnering double teams.
Ryan Anderson. Classy guy who made his teammates better and carried an offense through the lean years. REC IT.
Read my Cal blog: http://since59.blogspot.com/ Go Bears!
Ryan Verdugo, my adopted son, is back on the "Alex Hinshaw lefty" career plan.
by MadBum on Jul 2, 2010 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Ryan Anderson was good against everyone in the conference . . . except the Lopez Twins. Those guys just had his number.
I remember my first game watching him . . . and the way he played, you just knew “that guy knows how to play basketball” – everything was fluid and he was always cutting the right way, flowing to the correct spot on offense, just fundamentally solid.
Aaron Rodgers
I’m biased, but I have to go with Rodgers. He’s from my hometown and played for my favorite college team.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
by 49er16 on Jul 2, 2010 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Mike Mohamed
Mostly this is because when he was recruited scout had a picture of him in which he looked like a little kid. I remember thinking “bust”. So just for the fact that he made it on the field I always liked him. Then he became our leading tackler in 2008. Then he became all Pac-10 in 2009. And we all know what he did in the 2009 Big Game. He’s one of my all-time favorites.
by Dajo9 on Jul 2, 2010 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Thomas DeCoud
i used to love watching him play safety, he was so fast and always around the ball. He now plays for my favorite NFL teams which is a major boost but Decoud was always out playing his heart out. He a good guy who kept a level head and still played 110% in 2007.
Plus that block Bosworth is reason enough to Rec this post i could watch the block allllll day
by 4Ever Golden on Jul 2, 2010 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Aaron Rodgers
Cal Football: Some things, you just accept, repress, and move on.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jul 2, 2010 3:06 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I go Aaron Rodgers, too
Applying the criteria:
1. Love: Of course we love him. He set the impossibly high standard to which we (unreasonably) hold our QBs. He led the best Cal offense of the decade, which was part of the best Cal team of the last 50 years. He was a cool, composed, and a great competitor. And he had swagger. We hadn’t had a QB with that type of swagger since Pawlawski and we really haven’t had one since.
2. Favorite moments: There were so many. I’ll always remember his deadly accurate passing, displayed time and again; his 23 completions in a row at USC in 2004; his frozen rope TDs to G-Mac; his crowd surfing after the 2004 Big Game win, just to name a few.
3. Desert island: Yeah, if I were stuck on one, I’d want to wear an Aaron Rodgers number 8 jersey and watch highlights of the 2003 and 2004 season .
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
I love them all but...
Football: Jahvid Best – Incredible personality, very humble, extremely talented, most electrifying home run threat
Basketball: Leon Powe – Also very humble, great overcoming the odds story, always fun to watch dominate the competition
Re: Desert Island Question: I’d bring two, DeSean Jackson and Vinnie Strang… Just so we could compare film and discuss who got knocked out harder on a punt return… Vinnie when he called a fair catch or the Bosworth kid from UCLA on the DeSean TD return… We could bring in DeCoud to help aid the convo too
"Remember the Maine! TO HELL WITH STANFORD!"
For ease of use I'm seperating your entries
Jahvid Best
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Jul 2, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 8 recs
Leon Powe
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Jul 2, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Alex Mack
Not only did I sit next to him on an airplane he was an awesome player to have on o-line.
Norcalnick's chick. Go Bears!
by aee07 on Jul 2, 2010 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Unequivocally
Allison Stokke.

I shouldn’t have to explain this to anyone.
California Golden Blogs! Objectivity. Some journalists have yet to be introduced.
I’m going to need further details, please. And, I’m a visual learner. Sorry to be difficult, but this is serious business after all.
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
SFW

California Golden Blogs! Objectivity. Some journalists have yet to be introduced.
by Maisbikkja on Jul 2, 2010 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
Figured we should show her in blue and gold

by daveman on Jul 2, 2010 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Anything with Stokke
deserves to be green.
California Golden Blogs! Objectivity. Some journalists have yet to be introduced.
Completely forgot about Stokke
This contest could be over before it’s begun
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Jul 2, 2010 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I vote for her! She even have a wiki page http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Allison_Stokke
God, that’s an awful page. The author isn’t necessarily wrong, but his version of the truth is so cynical as to be really, really depressing.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
I’m guessing you’ve never heard of Encyclopedia Dramatica? It’s an extension of /b/ (4chan)
In other words, Go Bears!
I have not, but knowing that it is an extension of /b/ makes so much sense.
/b/ also makes me sad for humanity.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
If people actually voted for Stokke in this I’d be really disappointed in Cal fans
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Joe Igber – The epitome of the Cal student-athlete. I remember his record-setting performance against the ’furds in 2002 – specifically, I remember a key third down where he got stood up by two defenders, but continued to drive his legs until he got the 1st down. And he was easily the littlest guy on the field.
I loved the way he would always pop up immediately after a big hit to show that he wasn’t intimidated. And, I admired how he always seemed to have a bounce to his step and a smile on his face. He was like the little engine that could come to life as a scholar-athlete.
I’ll let BearStage’s eloquence take you the rest of the way:
Joe Igber. My all-time favorite Cal running back. Often overlooked, his name litters the pages of Cal’s record books.
- His 3,124 career rushing yards are the third most in Cal history. Only Russell White and Marshawn Lynch can claim more.
-His 2002 rushing total of 1,130 yards was the 3rd highest single-season total in Cal history (at that time)
His greatest performance: a 226-yard, one-touchdown performance in the 2002 Big Game, which Cal won 30-7. Not only did he set the record for most rushing yards in the history of the Big Game (which still stands), he helped bring the Axe back to its rightful home after a painful 7-year drought.
These accomplishments alone should be enough to garner him consideration. And while these are all great reasons to appreciate Joe Igber, I’m most impressed with him because his career typified what we strive for Cal to be. You see, Igber somehow managed to balance the workload of a star Pac-10 running back with the workload of becoming a civil engineer.
Now, most people can barely handle one of those challenges. We all know how time consuming and stress inducing engineering majors are – between physics/math/engineering courses, labs, projects, research (if you’re ambitious) – it’s more than enough for most of us. UC Berkeley is one of the best (and toughest) places in the world to study engineering. People come from all over the world to study engineering at Cal, and that reputation is well-deserved, and it was the main reason that Joe Igber decided to come to Cal in the first place.
Also, we’ve all heard about how much time, sacrifice, dedication it takes to play Pac-10 football, let alone be a starter – the practice, the training, and weight rooms, the film, the travel. Add to the that the pressure of being the star running back, and you’ve got yourself a full plate that very few have the patience and focus to handle.
On top of even that – to perform at the level that Joe Igber did, to set records and do things on the field no Golden Bear has ever done, while handling that academic workload – it’s just ridiculous.
Joe Igber is that rare combination, the very best of both of Cal’s worlds – an amazing athlete and an impressive scholar. As such, I nominate him for the CGB Hall of Fame.
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
by Kodiak on Jul 2, 2010 6:07 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Zack Follett
Wow, I’m really surprised nobody’s gone with Pain Train yet. I mean, he was one of my favorites from the ziger stripes the one year. And the bit in the WaZoo game where he scooped up the blocked kick and scored. And taking Rudy Carpenter down. And the woodcuttings. And all the stuff he’s done afterwards. Just…yeah. Pain Train. What else is there to say?
Member of the Lost Tribe of Mooch
by katster on Jul 2, 2010 7:28 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
It's early -- Pain Train would've been nominated sooner or later
I think I’ll remember Pain Train most for his performance in the 2008 Big Game. He was in Pritchard’s face for the entire second half, it seemed. And since there’s the retrospective on the 2006 Washington game on the front page, how about Pain Train’s INT in that game? It was a helluva catch on the sideline, as good as you’ll see any WR make.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
I’m fairly amazed no one mentioned Best before this. Off the top of your head, can you think of anyone with more scores from >20 yards?
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
Best is up above. CruzinBears and norcalnick nominated him.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
Hit Squad joke. During the era of the Hit Squad defenses, Cal was famous for stuffing the other team on 1st and 2nd, then completely missing a TE down the middle on 3rd and long. So, whenever one of us whiff on something, we blame it on an invisible TE.
I know. Olds.
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
So many reasons why he is my favorite, but you could just tell when he was a freshman that he was special. When he touched the ball, there was just a spark and energy. Whenever I saw him on the field, I ended up watching him, even on special teams. I loved it that he went all out as a gunner, and how awesome was it that he had to rapidly switch jerseys to get back in the game on offense.
Jahvid was the first Cal jersey that I just had to buy. I got it shipped to me right before the Washington State game and I was hyping him up to all my friends that were watching the game with me and when he broke off that 80yrd TD run, I went nuts.
After the Washington game later that season, I got hammered and passed out after the game. All my friend were making fun of me, but my defense was, “Jahvid ran for 300 yrds! 300 yrd! of course I passed out after that!”
Finally, he is such a humble and nice guy that it makes it easy to cheer for him.
Jerome Randle
1. Much to love: The endless shooting range, the good as money from the FT line, the bulldog mentality.
2. Favorite moments: Pac-10 champions!
3. Desert island: I’m mostly a football guy, but a best of Randle highlight video would be pretty sweet.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
by Ohio Bear on Jul 2, 2010 7:46 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
His complete transformation from skittish turnover machine under Braun to dependable team leader with unlimited swagger under Monty was pretty incredible. His swagger (in addition to his anywhere-within-halfcourt range) is what made him so much fun to watch. You could see him dribbling around and knew he was thinking “Bomb a 3 from 35 feet away? Fuck it, I’m Jerome Randle, this is going in.” It is definitely going to be a rough next year or 2 for Cal basketball, but I’m not going to complain after being spoiled with 2 years of Jerome Randle at his best.
All aboard the Dasarte Yarnway Battering Ram!
Ayinde Ubaka
2007 Pac-10 tournament
Blue Tongue
Beat UCLA
love the guy specifically for that game
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
by GoldBlooded on Jul 2, 2010 10:18 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I’ll always remember him for the Great Alaska Shootout because the Z list announcer for that game continued to pronounce his last name Ooh-buh-kuh.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
so did this guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD6D4MXoYTA
the video does the game no justice
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
Richard Midgely
2003 NCAA Tourney
Game Winning 3 against Maryland
My English homeboy!!
by LordKdV on Jul 2, 2010 11:06 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Wasn’t the game winning 3 in the tourney against NC State?
He also has the legend of scoring 100+ points in a game back in England.
by LEastCoastBears on Jul 3, 2010 6:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Next to Stokke, I’d have to go with JKidd.
I saw them play UCLA at the Oaklandiseum when UCLA was ranked #1. Some loudmouth jerk came in and sat in front of me and was yacking about how bad they were gonna kick Cal’s butt. He was TRYING to be obnoxious so he could rub it in our faces all game. Now, I don’t talk smack; it’s against my rules. I don’t make other fans feel bad and I generally treat everyone with respect. But as we watched the Kidd score the first 8 points of the game, and then disembowel UCLA, the whole section followed my lead of giving this guy everything he deserved. I was so in his grill and it felt so good, and the Kidd made it all possible. The jerk left his seat halfway through the first half ‘cause he couldn’t take it anymore. There’s never been anyone like him at Cal (sorry Jerome) and I don’t know that there ever will be.
Pain Train’s a close second (see Tennesee @ Memorial Coliseum).
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
J Kidd is an all time Cal great, but the category is favorite Bear of the decade of the aughts.
But yes, indeed: that game was awesome. It was one of Kidd’s signature performances as a Bear.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
Oh, THIS decade.....
Got all misty-eyed ‘bout the good ol’ days and couldn’t read the title……
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
Leon’s already been nominated, so I’m going to say Desean Jackson.
A controversial choice to be sure, but there has been no more talented athlete in a Cal uniform over the last ten years. Not even Beastmode.
Who scored the most from 20 yards out? DJax. Who has the most highlights? DJax. Yeah, he had a huge ego, and was a trash talker, but by most accounts was a decent student and WORKED HIS ASS OFF TO GET BETTER. A lot of guys who have the ego of Desean and the talent tend to live off that – Desean got better every year. He always had the hands and the speed – but he worked diligently to improve his route running and his blocking. And that chip on his shoulder – it continues to motivate him in the pros.
As for the negative stuff – blaming him for the collapse of 08 and the “Long Beach Poly High” – it doesn’t bother me. I think he was over-blamed for 2008 and the high school thing really doesn’t bother me at all – right after Oregon 2008 he was being interviewed on ESPN and described Cal as the best university in the country.
And no one, no one has given more “OMG!!!!” moments for Cal.
He’ll always be Tha1towatch.
by LeonPowe on Jul 3, 2010 12:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Who scored the most from 20 yards out? DJax. Who has the most highlights?
And no one, no one has given more "OMG!!!!" moments for Cal.
Two words:
Jahvid. Best.
In other words, Go Bears!
I’m chalking this up to what have you done for me lately syndrome. Jackson’s punt returns > Best’s long runs
No, I remember them both and would agree that DJax best punt returns were more electric than Best’s long runs. However, for me DJax fails miserably on criteria #1 of this challenge:
1. Love. This list is meant for the athletes you love, not just admire or think are the best. They may not be the most accomplished Bears out on the floor, on the field, or whatever realm they compete in, but there’s something else you just feel for them that goes beyond the numbers and the honors.
I didn’t like the guy’s attitude. I loved Bests’ humble demeanor. So if I had to watch highlights over and over, I’d rather watch the guy who I supported 100%, and not the guy where I’d say “damn that was an awesome play…too bad he was kind of a jerk.”
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
jim schwartz may have taken it too far
i’d have to concur with him and go the jahvid route (note: purely football fan entertainment only).
Jeff Tedford
Cal football found its man
by ACgiant97 on Jul 3, 2010 8:19 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
DOH! My mind only thought of favorite Cal athletes when I saw this. But there is no such limitation. Tedford is definitely deserving of nomination.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
But now’s your chance to get your voices heard, starting with choosing the athlete you loved the most from the past decade!
Deserving of our love, yes. Eligible for this competition? Probably not.
Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food
Good point. I looked up only at the title. So I was right the first time and wrong to think I was wrong.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
If Seaborg's eligible for the HoF, Teddy's eligible for this.
The equally meet the criteria for their respective contests (eg not at all).
Dear Ms. Scootie, if that is your real name:
Like every other reader of this blog, I am in receipt of your negative comments toward Prof. Glenn Seaborg. Your negative comments are an affront both to the field of chemistry and the collegiate atmosphere of Cal athletics. You are hereby ordered to immediately cease and desist any and all activities which may disparage Glenn Seaborg. If I do not see a retraction within two (2) business days, I will be forced to post more comments expounding on the virtues of Glenn Seaborg, and if possible, I shall post topless pictures of Glenn Seaborg for the rest of the week. I may also post topless pictures of myself, depending on the market for topless Taylor Lautner look-alikes after this week.
On a personal level, let it be known that I, sec119, am clearly disappointed in your lack of appreciation for Prof. Glenn Seaborg. For the record, if his and my Nobel Prizes were combined, we would own at least half of the 1951 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Please respect these considerations before posting such clearly irresponsible comments.
Best regards,
Dr. Sec119
All I know is Seaborg is not eligible for this list.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Jul 4, 2010 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Doesn’t Natalie Coughlin seem like a natural for the desert island? First of all, she’s Natalie Coughlin. Second of all, she could swim you off the island if you don’t get along or get sick of the tropical life.
by need4jahvid on Jul 3, 2010 1:41 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Joe Ayoob!
Just kidding.
I’d say Zack Follett. The man was inspiration for a team that, without him, probably would not have made it to the Emerald Bowl and won it in 2008. That was his high point in Cal lore IMO.
Also, he was a downright inhumane linebacker. This picture should go down in history as one of the best hits ever in the Tedford era.

"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3

Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
by Ohio Bear on Jul 4, 2010 5:30 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
BEAST MODE
He is my username inspiration. From his never-say-die running style to his fun personality, Marshawn epitomized Cal. He was the heart and soul of our team from 2004 through 2006. In that time frame, we went an incredible 28-9. Cal had two shots at undisputed conference championships. And, although our Golden Bears were never able to break through, nobody could blame Marshawn. He is Cal’s second leading rusher, second all-time in touchdowns, and first all-time in stiff arms.
When Marshawn left Cal after his junior season, I was pretty disappointed. Just think how his presence would’ve helped us in 2007! But, all was forgotten when he was drafted by my hometown Buffalo Bills, sending me running like a madman up and down my hallway for about 15 minutes. Things haven’t worked out in Buffalo, but it doesn’t change how I feel about Marshawn at Cal. I wear his jersey with pride.
Family first. Beast mode.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Jul 4, 2010 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs

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