When you think of famous athletes, Anoka County, Minnesota may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, this county has produced some notable names in the sports world. From football to hockey, Anoka County has been home to talented athletes who have made a mark in their respective sports. And even after retirement, some of these athletes have chosen to continue living in the area, making Anoka County their permanent home.
The Sports Scene in Anoka County
Anoka County is located in the state of Minnesota and is part of the Minneapolis-St.Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area. With over 350,000 residents, the county has a thriving sports scene. It boasts numerous parks, recreational facilities, and sports leagues, providing ample opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. One of the most popular sports in Anoka County is football. The county has produced several talented football players who have gone on to play at the college and professional level.
Some of these players include Adam Thielen, Eric Decker, and Tom Compton. These players have not only brought recognition to Anoka County but have also inspired young athletes to work hard and chase their dreams.
Notable Retired Athletes from Anoka County
While there are many talented athletes from Anoka County who are still actively playing, there are also some notable retired athletes who have left a lasting impact on the sports world. One such athlete is Dave Winfield, a former professional baseball player who was born and raised in St. Paul, which is part of Anoka County. Winfield had a remarkable 22-year career in the Major League Baseball (MLB), playing for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians.He was a 12-time All-Star, a seven-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner. In 2001, Winfield was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Another notable retired athlete from Anoka County is Neal Broten, a former professional ice hockey player who was born and raised in Roseau, which is also part of Anoka County. Broten played for the University of Minnesota and went on to have a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for the Minnesota North Stars, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings. Broten was a member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team that famously defeated the Soviet Union in the "Miracle on Ice" game. He also won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.
Retired Athletes Who Still Call Anoka County Home
While some retired athletes choose to move away from their hometowns after their playing careers are over, there are some who have chosen to stay in Anoka County.One such athlete is John Randle, a former professional football player who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks during his 14-year career in the NFL. Randle was born and raised in Hearne, Texas but has been living in Anoka County since his playing days. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in NFL history. Randle has also been actively involved in the community, supporting various charitable causes and mentoring young athletes in the area. Another retired athlete who still resides in Anoka County is Mark Parrish, a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars during his 13-year career in the NHL. Parrish was born and raised in Bloomington, which is part of Anoka County, and has chosen to make it his permanent home. Parrish has been involved in various youth hockey programs in Anoka County and has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
He continues to be an active member of the community and is often seen supporting local sports teams and events.
