Did you know these 20 famous athletes were born in Illinois?

Chicago long has been the mecca for the state’s professional sports team, and also home to some of the world’s most valuable franchises.

While it’s hard to be proud of, say, the Bears, Cubs and White Sox after the last season, Illinoisans can take pride in knowing some of history’s greatest athletes hail from Illinois – even if they played for rival teams.

Check out this list of 20 famous athletes who are from Illinois, along with some of their career highlights that made them so great.

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