It is always sad when memorable sports stars we have followed and collected for years pass away, especially legendary names that had a huge impact on the hobby and the sports world, as well as their respective games.

We saw the passing of such iconic figures as Willie Mays, Pete Rose, O.J. Simpson, Bill Walton and Jerry West. In all, 16 Hall of Famers across all sports died in 2024.

Big stars across all sports passed, including champions in golf, tennis, hockey, auto racing and wrestling. Some died way to young, like Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau, and some earned their just reward after a long, full life, like 97-year-old pitcher Carl Erskine, 99-year-old halfback Dub Jones, and 100-year-old golfer Jack Burke.

The good news is that collectors can continue to memorialize these heroes with special cards and collectibles available throughout the hobby.

Here’s a look at the most notable sports deaths of 2024:

LARRY ALLEN (52)

The 11-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer played offensive guard for 14 seasons with the Cowboys and 49ers.

BOBBY ALLISON (86)

The NASCAR Hall of Famer won 85 NASCAR Cup Series races, fourth on the all-time win list. The 1983 Cup champion was famous for a fight with his brother Donnie and Cale Yarborough at the end of the 1979 Daytona 500 that helped put NASCAR on the map nationally.

AFI AND SIKA ANOA’I (81, 79)

The professional wrestlers known as the Wild Samoans passed away two months apart. The brothers were three-time WWE Tag Team champions and members of the WWE and Pro Wrestling Halls of Fame. Sika is