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This article is focused on athletes who have exhibited strong and unusual loyalty to a particular organization or brand, in the face of temptations or better offers along the way. It is also focused on stories of athletes who could've become one brand heroes but choose to move on - their results and possible take home lessons.

Since sports became a mega business and athletes started to make a fortune, the term loyalty can be used quite sparingly to describe the relationship between an athlete and an organization. As a matter of fact, the term professional sort of provides a justification for an athletes willingness to move on. Every professional is meant to give their best performance in whatever organization they find themselves.

Organizations are also not obliged to stay loyal to an athlete, and as a matter of fact it is usually the organization that makes the first move in the face of underperformance. In the NBA, players are quickly traded or waived and soon find themselves jobless. This article is really for those who perform at a high level and enjoy commensurate rewards from their organization.

When an athlete performs at such a high level that they become superstars, the organization usually rewards them quite handsomely knowing fully well that their performance also attracts the attention of competitors. Athletes may take a fondness to their affiliated brand and decide to commit long-term, as long as the compensation remains right.

Hero in My Yard

Most of the times they end up with legendary status in their respective brands. Kobe Bryant spent his entire career with the Lakers. Ryan Giggs spent his entire career at Manchester United. Lebron James has a life endorsement deal with Nike. These athletes found a great sense of satisfaction with their respective brands - money, championships, security, respect, fame - and choose to forge ahead with their relationship.

There are instances where athletes didn't quite find that satisfaction even though their brands wanted them to keep representing. A good example are Athletes like James Harden and Fernando Torres who left their respective career launching clubs in search of titles. Some athletes like Lebron James actually left and succeeded, while some probably were better off not leaving.

Think Twice

Footballer Michael Owen was well on his way to becoming a legend at Liverpool and England before deciding to leave for Spain, joining Real Madrid. Unfortunately his career at Madrid was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, and he was never the same player following his departure. The same can be said of many other athletes that perhaps might be cause for serious consideration before any sort of action is taken.

Some athletes like Harry Kane have proved that they are still legends without all the trophies attached to their name. Others like Giannis and Dirk proved that they could achieve great things with their loyalty. It is a matter of choice, but an athlete must consider what legacy they may like to leave behind.