Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is Tampa Bay's sports GOAT, readers say
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Lighting captain Steven Stamkos, who led Tampa Bay to two consecutive Stanley Cups, is Tampa Bay's greatest pro athlete, according to Axios readers.
Why it matters: Tampa Bay is an underrated sports town whose teams have fielded bona fide icons and beloved contributors who'd be heroes in any city.
- So we asked for your help us pick the region's sports GOAT.
Catch up quick: 16 current and former players for the Rays, Bucs and Lightning squared off in our bracket.
- Over the course of a week, Axios readers knocked off legend after legend, from Lee Roy Selmon to Warren Sapp and Evan Longoria.
- It came down to Stamkos against Derrick Brooks, the Bucs hall-of-famer who led a historic defense to the Lombardi Trophy.
The verdict: Whether because Florida is hockey country or because those two Cups are fresh in readers' minds, Stamkos cruised to victory.
Editor's note: Thanks to all who voted! If you've got ideas for other brackets we could run, email [email protected].