Magic Johnson
During his first twelve seasons at point guard for the Lakers, Johnson won five NBA championships and developed an iconic rivalry with the Celtics’ Larry Bird, but after his shocking diagnosis as HIV positive he chose to walk away from the game in 1991. Though he attempted a comeback in the 1992 NBA All Star Game and as a member of the Olympic “Dream Team,” some NBA players protested Magic’s full-time NBA return out of fear of contamination. Johnson never played another full season in the NBA, but he continues to serve as an inspiration and passionate basketball ambassador.