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Cal Fans, Who's Your Favorite Golden Bear Of The Decade?

A-strang090803_mediumWe'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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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.

by paleodan on Jul 3, 2010 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by LeonPowe on Jul 3, 2010 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 2, 2010 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

The 23 completions in a row against USC was amazing, and still counts as the greatest feat I have seen in person. (Lexi’s performance against Stanfurd is second.)

by paleodan on Jul 3, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

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!"

by CruzinBears on Jul 2, 2010 3:34 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah, I’m gonna have to go with The Show on this one.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jul 2, 2010 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Unequivocally

Allison Stokke.

I shouldn’t have to explain this to anyone.

California Golden Blogs! Objectivity. Some journalists have yet to be introduced.

by Maisbikkja on Jul 2, 2010 3:37 PM PDT reply actions  

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

by Kodiak on Jul 2, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

You’re a good man, Maisbikkja.

Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food

by Kodiak on Jul 2, 2010 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

I’d like to change my vote please

"Remember the Maine! TO HELL WITH STANFORD!"

by CruzinBears on Jul 2, 2010 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

How do you rec something 100 times?

by Mallrat92204 on Jul 2, 2010 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

ok with me, rec’d

"Remember the Maine! TO HELL WITH STANFORD!"

by CruzinBears on Jul 2, 2010 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Anything with Stokke

deserves to be green.

California Golden Blogs! Objectivity. Some journalists have yet to be introduced.

by Maisbikkja on Jul 2, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

i dunno how to top this stokke nomination. have to take the long wkd to think about it.

http://twitter.com/solariselive

by solarise on Jul 2, 2010 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

lol

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Jul 3, 2010 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

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  

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!

by ragnarok on Jul 3, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions  

I’m guessing you’ve never heard of Encyclopedia Dramatica? It’s an extension of /b/ (4chan)

In other words, Go Bears!

by royrules22 on Jul 3, 2010 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

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!

by ragnarok on Jul 3, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

If you want to ruin your childhood and or your brain check out the Rule 34 article. They apply that rule to all your childhood memories. Srsly.

In other words, Go Bears!

by royrules22 on Jul 4, 2010 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh, I know all about Rule 34. Unfortunately.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jul 4, 2010 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

If people actually voted for Stokke in this I’d be really disappointed in Cal fans

The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS

by norcalnick on Jul 2, 2010 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

but she’s an Olympian.

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Jul 3, 2010 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

She is?

Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 3, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions  

She’s not by anybody’s definition except Carp’s

The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS

by norcalnick on Jul 3, 2010 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 2, 2010 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

I liked when he he broke Erik Ainge in half.

All aboard the Dasarte Yarnway Battering Ram!

by rollonubears on Jul 3, 2010 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by Kodiak on Jul 2, 2010 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Best is up above. CruzinBears and norcalnick nominated him.

Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 2, 2010 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

No fair. He was standing behind a TE.

Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food

by Kodiak on Jul 2, 2010 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

i was standing behind tony gonzalez when?

"Remember the Maine! TO HELL WITH STANFORD!"

by CruzinBears on Jul 2, 2010 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by Kodiak on Jul 3, 2010 7:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

That sounds a lot like last year!

In other words, Go Bears!

by royrules22 on Jul 3, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Except last year we whiffed on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down. We were an equal-opportunity facepalm factory.

Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food

by Kodiak on Jul 3, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by beson on Jul 2, 2010 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

I’m going with Randle. He was the heart of this past season’s team. He helped make my freshman college basketball experience an unforgettable one. The only bad thing is that now I have high expectations…

by GeoFreak on Jul 2, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

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!

by rollonubears on Jul 3, 2010 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by norcalnick on Jul 2, 2010 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

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!

by GoldBlooded on Jul 2, 2010 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good god. At least with the Great Alaska dude I could kinda see where he got his pronunciation. The Sportscenter guy though…there are no O’s in Ayinde’s name!

The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS

by norcalnick on Jul 2, 2010 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

midgley is a boss, good nomination

"Remember the Maine! TO HELL WITH STANFORD!"

by CruzinBears on Jul 2, 2010 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by BTown85 on Jul 3, 2010 12:03 AM PDT reply actions  

I’m going to buy BTown85 a calendar.

(I saw that game though)

by LeonPowe on Jul 3, 2010 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 3, 2010 5:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by BTown85 on Jul 3, 2010 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

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!

by royrules22 on Jul 3, 2010 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

I’m chalking this up to what have you done for me lately syndrome. Jackson’s punt returns > Best’s long runs

by LeonPowe on Jul 3, 2010 1:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

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

by Kodiak on Jul 3, 2010 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

DJax had a few amazing punt returns (of the top of my head, OR 06, AZ 06, UCLA 06, and Tenn 07). But Best was a lot more consistent

In other words, Go Bears!

by royrules22 on Jul 3, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

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).

by Ed Yevelev on Jul 3, 2010 1:13 AM PDT reply actions  

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.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 3, 2010 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

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

by Kodiak on Jul 3, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

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.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 3, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

Let this be a lesson to you! You are never wrong except when you are!!!

Irate Toothmonger - Will get all up in your business for food

by Kodiak on Jul 3, 2010 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions  

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).

by Scootie on Jul 3, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions  

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

by sec119 on Jul 4, 2010 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions  

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  

What?? That’s it!

I QUIT THE BLOG!

SEABORG!

SEABORG!

SEABORG!

CGB's Jimmy Carter

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 4, 2010 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

oh dear, what have I wrought?

Member of the Lost Tribe of Mooch

by katster on Jul 4, 2010 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

good point — rec’d!

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jul 3, 2010 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

And third—
She’s Natalie Coughlin.

And fourth—
She’s Natalie Coughlin.

Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.

by Ohio Bear on Jul 4, 2010 5:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

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

by Swamphunter on Jul 3, 2010 2:04 PM PDT reply actions  

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