It’s Time We Honor One Of Montana’s Greatest Sports Heroes

There have been some incredible people to come out of the great state of Montana over the years. From heroes of the military to pioneers of the arts; and they all deserve their recognition... BUT.

Get our free mobile app

There is one individual who seems to be left out of the "Greatest Montanan" conversation on a regular basis.

Is This The Most Famous Sports Figure To Ever Come Out Of Montana?

As someone who has always been a huge basketball fan, I was shocked to a see a famous name missing from several places honoring famous Montanans. The name I was looking for?

Phil Jackson.

READ MORE: A New Girl Scout Cookie Is Coming To Montana

In case you're unfamiliar, Jackson is not only the most successful NBA coach of all time, but he is arguably one of the most successful coaches in all of professional sports.

And yes, he is was born in Montana.

Montana's Most Successful Pro Sports Figure

Jackson was born in Deer Lodge, Montana on September 17, 1945. He would go on to play for NBA's New York Knicks where he was a part of two championship teams in 1970 and 1973. After retiring from playing, Jackson got into coaching when eventually became the head coach of legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls according to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Under Jackson's leadership, Jordan and the Bulls won six championships before Jackson went on to become head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers where he won five more NBA championships.

Phil Jackson's Connection to Montana

When talking to people who've lived here a long time, I was told "Phil Jackson isn't real Montanan, he left the state early."

And while that might be true, he has maintained strong connections to the Treasure State; he even started a foundation that helps the land and people of Montana.

According to Jackson's official page for his P.D. Jackson Family Foundation, a young Phil Jackson would spend his summers at Glacier National Park which helped feed his growing love for the state.

He loved the area so much that he purchased land on Flathead Lake in 1973 and has been considered a resident since according to his foundation's page. And if you need a little more convincing that Jackson is a true Montanan, his foundation's page says:

Regardless of where they live throughout the year, Phil and his kids consider Northwest Montana to be their true home.

Jackson even did an interview at the height of his coaching career from his Montana ranch.

Is It Time For Montana To Honor Phil Jackson?

Look, we know there have been some prolific people who've spent a lot more time in Montana than Phil Jackson that have been recognized. But, shouldn't this be a "slam dunk" for Montana when it comes to recognizing successful people from Montana?

ALSO READ: Ford Announces Recall Affecting Over 1.4 Million Vehicles, Did Yours Make The List?

Sure, he played high school basketball in North Dakota but shouldn't we recognize his philanthropic efforts for Montana? Shouldn't we acknowledge that his heart is clearly in Montana and that his upbringing here could have very well been responsible for his success on a global stage?

If we can recognize authors, artists, and other great people, why can't we honor the winningest coach in professional basketball history?

Share your thoughts with us HERE.