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ESPN Results for: Top Searches 2005

 ESPN TOP SEARCHES IN 2005

 

 TOP SEARCHES BY CATEGORY

 

 NFL TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Terrell Owens New Window
2005's top search term. The wide receiver everyone loves to hate received a lot of love in search. Terrell Owens and the circus atmosphere that followed him from the Super Bowl to the suspended list captivated ESPN.com users and, whether they'd like to admit it or not, most piqued their curiosity in 2005.


Top NFL Teams
1. Dallas CowboysAmerica's Team is ESPN's most searched pro team.
2. Philadelphia EaglesFrom Super Bowl to super controversy.
3. New England PatriotsThe world champs at #3? Still no respect.
4. Pittsburgh SteelersBig Ben, another AFC title loss, Myron Cope retires.
5. Minnesota VikingsBoat cruise turns Zygi's face purple.
6. New York GiantsTrade for Eli pays off in his second year.
7. Chicago BearsDa Bears lead Da North in Da Cember.
8. Green Bay PackersCheeseheads turn into Limburger in 2005.
9. Indianapolis ColtsPeyton's run at perfection ends against San Diego.
10. Cincinnati BengalsWho dey? AFC North champs.
 
Top NFL Players
1. Terrell OwensHow couldn't he be #1? Next question.
2. Brett FavreRough year for Favre, from Katrina to last-place Pack.
3. Randy MossFrom MIN to OAK to INJ.
4. Ricky WilliamsAyurveda grad applies holistic healing to his NFL career.
5. Chad JohnsonBengals WR making a list, checking it 16 times.
6. Willie ParkerFast Willie a fantasy flash for Steelers in early 2005.
7. Eli ManningLittle brother 7 spots ahead of Peyton on this list.
8. Tom Brady#8 here, but #1 w/Jeter on "Who Men Want to Be" list.
9. Michael VickFalcons QB wows them from Atlanta to Mexico.
10. Donovan McnabbEven chicken soup can't heal Eagle QB's broken season.

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 MLB TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: New York Yankees New Window
This veritable All-Star team, with its range of personalities (from its fiery owner to its too-cool captain), aggressive offseason signings, comeback stories (Giambi, winning AL East after rough start), celebrated past, high expectations (and its renewed rivalry with team #2 on our list) captivated users all year long.


Top MLB Teams
1. New York YankeesNo title, but still on top of the Red Sox.
2. Boston Red Sox#1 in a rout if we include searches for "Bill Simmons."
3. New York MetsGM Minaya's real-life rotisserie team.
4. Chicago White SoxSouth Siders, bandwagon fans celebrate Series win.
5. Houston AstrosFirst NL title, first World Series game in Texas.
6. St. Louis CardinalsDivision title, MVP, and Cy Young all in St. Louis.
7. Los Angeles AngelsAngels of Anaheim win West of AL.
8. Atlanta BravesBeen there, done that in NL East.
9. Chicago CubsSox have Series, but Cubs still have Wrigley.
10. Baltimore OriolesAt least they're ahead of new rival Nationals in something.
 
Top MLB Players
1. Barry BondsEven when injured, the biggest name in the game.
2. Derek JeterCaptain leads Yankees to AL East title.
3. Albert PujolsPhat Albert wins first MVP.
4. Ozzie GuillenFirst Latin American manager to win World Series.
5. Alex RodriguezAL MVP still looking for World Series trip.
6. Lou PiniellaSweet Lou departs Tampa Bay.
7. Roger ClemensRocket takes Astros to first World Series.
8. Rafael Palmeiro3,000 hits outweighed by 10-day steriods suspension.
9. Manny RamirezManny being Manny, talks trade with Red Sox.
10. Theo EpsteinIf you don't want $1.5 mil to run the Sox, we'll take it.

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 NBA TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Los Angeles Lakers New Window
It's showtime again! Well, not quite, but the soap opera that has been the Lakers franchise for the last few years had many twists and turns this year, including the breakup-to-makeup of Phil and Kobe. All in all, the Laker saga was just too interesting for users to ignore.


Top NBA Teams
1. Los Angeles LakersThe new triangle: Phil, Kobe, Smush.
2. New Jersey NetsAir Canada flight to NJ, connecting service to Brooklyn.
3. Detroit PistonsWith or without Larry, the beasts of the East.
4. New York KnicksNBA nomad Larry Brown returns home.
5. Miami HeatShaq, Dwyane, and Stan Pat.
6. Cleveland CavaliersNew owner Gilbert promises titles, low home loan rates.
7. San Antonio SpursEva Longoria's boyfriend wins NBA title.
8. New Orleans HornetsKatrina forces relocation to OKC.
9. Chicago BullsBaby Bulls make 1st playoffs in post-Jordan era.
10. Dallas MavericksAvery Johnson takes over for Don Nelson.
 
Top NBA Players
1. Michael JordanStill the NBA's biggest name.
2. Latrell SprewellAll-Star still looking for 2005-06 team.
3. Shaquille O'NealShaq leads Heat to conference finals.
4. Kobe BryantLakers superstar misses playoffs in 2005.
5. Lebron JamesCavs' King James just misses playoff promised land.
6. Eddy CurryDispute over DNA testing sends Bulls star to Knicks.
7. Allen IversonPhilly star wins 2005 All-Star MVP, hates dressing up.
8. Vince CarterVC answers critics in New Jersey.
9. Allan HoustonKnicks star retires in October.
10. Jason CollierHawks center dies at 28 of heart abnormality.

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 NHL TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Detroit Red Wings New Window
Hockeytown couldn't be prouder of its team. The Red Wings have helped ease the sting of the 2004-05 NHL lockout with excellent play and a fast record out the gate. Detroit has also had its share of headlines early in the season -- Steve Yzerman's possible retirement, Pavel Datsyuk's contract dispute, and Jiri Fischer's health.


Top NHL Teams
1. Detroit Red WingsOctopi sales in Detroit return to pre-lockout levels.
2. New York RangersJagr leads Blueshirts back to Broadway spotlight.
3. Philadelphia FlyersForsberg returns to team that drafted him in 1991.
4. Boston BruinsEarly season slump leads to Thornton trade.
5. Toronto Maple LeafsCanada's glamour team in middle of Eastern pack.
6. Pittsburgh PenguinsDespite Crosby and new lineup, a disappointing season.
7. Washington CapitalsOvechkin only bright spot in dark season.
8. Chicago BlackhawksThings so bad for Hawks, Bobby Hull joins the Wolves.
9. Buffalo SabresSabres emerge as a contender in 2005-06.
10. Los Angeles KingsRoenick leads in headlines, Demitra leads in points.
 
Top NHL Players
1. Steve YzermanRed Wings captain in his final season?
2. Pavel DatsyukRed Wings get center back after Russian contract dispute.
3. Sidney CrosbySid the Kid shines in rookie season.
4. Ilya KovalchukThrashers star signs multi-year extension.
5. Jiri FischerRed Wings star's heart stops during Nashville game.
6. Keith TkachukBlues suspend star before camp for failing physical.
7. Owen NolanAll-Star, Maple Leafs argue over lockout compensation.
8. Todd BertuzziLeague reinstates Cancuks star after S. Moore incident.
9. Joe ThorntonBoston trades captain to San Jose.
10. Alexander OvechkinCrosby's main rival for Rookie of the Year.

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 COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Notre Dame Fighting Irish New Window
South Bend's finest enjoyed a meteoric return to prominence, and searchers followed from the hiring of former Patriots assistant Charlie Weis to its #6 ranking and BCS bowl bid. One surprise entry on this list is Bruce Eugene. Grambling's phenomenal QB led the Tigers to an overall 11-1 record while posting 56 touchdowns and only six interceptions.


Top CFB Teams
1. Notre DameWeis's loyal sons march onward to 9-2 record, Fiesta Bowl.
2. TexasMack Brown finally makes a national title game.
3. Penn StateRobinson and Posluszny lead Lions to Big Ten title.
4. AlabamaTide roll until Tyrone Prothro's season-ending injury.
5. USCTrojans playing for third national title in three seasons.
6. MichiganPreseason fave Wolverines hurt by injuries, home losses.
7. OklahomaSooners boom with Orange Bowl bid, bust with 7-4 record.
8. FloridaUrban's boys beat FSU, but lose to Spurrier.
9. Ohio StateOnly losses in 2005 were to BCS-bound Texas and PSU.
10. Virginia TechIn ACC driver's seat until late losses to Miami and FSU.
 
Top CFB People
1. Reggie BushUSC star runs to Heisman in 2005, NFL in 2006?
2. Joe PaternoJoePa brings Penn State back to glory.
3. Bruce EugeneGrambling QB sets I-AA career TD record, wins SWAC.
4. Charlie WeisWhat a year -- a Super Bowl title and a BCS bid.
5. Vince YoungTexas QB leads Longhorns to undefeated season, #2.
6. Steve SpurrierSouth Carolina coach leads Gamecocks to 7-4, UF win.
7. Drew OlsonUCLA QB passes for 3,000 yards, 65% completion rate.
8. Marcus VickMichael's brother an ACC MVP candidate until late slump.
9. Gary BarnettEmbattled CU coach resigns after 0-3 finish.
10. Matt LeinartUSC QB finishing third year at helm of L.A. sports scene.

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 COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Duke Blue Devils New Window
Roy Williams and the Tar Heels may have won the championship last year, but it's Coach K's winning machine that users are constantly seeking. Great expectations await the Blue Devils this year and they have yet to disappoint.


Top CBB Teams
1. DukeLove them or hate them, Duke defines college hoops.
2. North CarolinaNCAA title comes back to Chapel Hill.
3. IllinoisBruce Weber leads Illini to NCAA title game.
4. Michigan State#5 seed beats Duke and Kentucky to make Final Four.
5. LouisvillePitino leads Cards to Final Four, first Big East season.
6. KentuckyNCAA rules Morris ineligible in 2005-06, later reduced.
7. ConnecticutHuskies start 2005-06 strong, win Maui Invitational.
8. VillanovaHigh hopes for Jay Wright's boys in 2005-06 season.
9. GonzagaZags win 3OT Maui thriller against Michigan State.
10. TexasPromising '05-06 in doubt after Duke, Tenn. losses.
 
Top CBB People
1. Bob HugginsCincinnati coach forced out after 16 stormy years.
2. Roy WilliamsRoy finally wins a title -- in Carolina blue.
3. Sean MayTar Heel named 2005 Final Four MVP.
4. Chris PaulWake Forest alum getting big minutes for Hornets.
5. J.J. RedickDuke senior leads loaded Blue Devils.
6. Andrew BogutUtah center the #1 pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
7. Rashad McCantsNorth Carolina guard drafted by Timberwolves.
8. Deron WilliamsLone Illini in the top 10 searches now a Jazz starter.
9. Marvin WilliamsNorth Carolina backup taken #2 in 2005 NBA Draft.
10. Adam MorrisonGonzaga star evokes Larry Bird comparisons everywhere.

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 NASCAR TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Tony Stewart New Window
The 2005 Nextel Cup champion takes first place with our users. Stewart finished 2005 with 5 wins, 25 top 10 finishes, and almost $7 million in winnings. The Indiana native also broke through at his home track, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, by winning the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.


Top NASCAR Terms
1. Tony StewartTwo-time champion takes season title, Brickyard 400.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.Despite average 2005, still NASCAR's most popular driver.
3. Jeff GordonDaytona 500 winner misses the Chase.
4. Kurt BuschRoush suspends Penske-bound Busch after Phoenix.
5. Dale EarnhardtBig E still a popular search four years after Daytona.
6. Carl EdwardsRising star flips his way into tie for second.
7. Mark MartinNASCAR veteran finishes in the Chase, returning n 2006.
8. Rusty WallaceNASCAR veteran finishes in the Chase, retires.
9. Michael WaltripDale Jr.'s running mate leaves DEI for Bill Davis Racing.
10. Jimmie JohnsonPerennial contender misses the title again.

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 SOCCER TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: World Cup New Window
No surprise here, even though the World Cup doesn't start until 2006. Germany will host the 32-team contest next summer. The televised draw for the World Cup pulled in 350 million viewers and featured presenters speaking 350 million languages.


Top Soccer Groups
1. World CupGermany hosts Earth's biggest sporting event in 2006.
2. Champions LeagueAnnual competition between Europe's best club teams.
3. Real MadridSpanish club fails to win a title in 2005.
4. BarcelonaSpanish club wins 2004-05 Spanish first division.
5. Manchester UnitedEnglish club fails to win a title in 2005.
6. Premier LeagueThe top flight of English professional soccer.
7. ArsenalEnglish club wins 2005 FA Cup.
8. ChelseaEnglish club wins 2004-05 English Premier League.
9. LiverpoolEnglish club wins 2004-05 Champions League.
10. JuventusItalian club wins 2004-05 Italian first division.
 
Top Soccer People
1. David BeckhamEnglish captain and Galactico, Becks always in spotlight.
2. RonaldinhoBarcelona star wins FIFA World Player of the Year.
3. Roy KeaneManchester United captain heads to Celtic.
4. Freddy AduDC United suspends prodigy for MLS playoff opener.
5. Cristiano RonaldoUK police drop rape charge vs. Man Utd star after arrest.
6. Michael OwenEnglish star joins Newcastle after year with Real Madrid.
7. Thierry HenryArsenal star earns captaincy after Vieira's departure.
8. RonaldoReal Madrid star's marriage to MTV VJ ends after 3 mos.
9. Wayne RooneyMan Utd and England star wins 2005 top young player.
10. Malcolm GlazerTampa Bay Bucs owner buys Man Utd for $1.47 billion.

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 WOMEN IN SPORTS TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Sheryl Swoopes New Window
The coming out of Sheryl Swoopes was one of the year's biggest stories and easily the most-searched story involving women in sports. One suprise omission is Annika Sorenstam. Is she so good that users find her uninteresting? Perhaps, like the Manning siblings, users are more interested in searching for athletes that are struggling to get to the top than those already at the top.


Top Women in Sports
1. Sheryl SwoopesWNBA star comes out in ESPN The Magazine.
2. Danica PatrickIRL driver wins top rookie, parks in Dan Patrick's space.
3. Michelle WieGolfer turns pro, receives endorsements of $10 mil.
4. Shawntinice PolkArizona senior dies at 22 of pulmonary blood clot.
5. Maria SharapovaTennis star reaches #1 in WTA rankings.
6. Paula CreamerLPGA rookie finishes second on 2005 money list.
7. Michelle KwanU.S. figure skater prepares for 2006 Winter Olympics.
8. Kim NgDodgers assistant GM interviews for vacant GM post.
9. Natalie GulbisLPGA golfer finishes sixth on money list.
10. Serena WilliamsTennis star wins Australian before injuries hurt her form.

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 OTHER TOP SEARCHES

Photo Overall: Carolina Panthers Cheerleaders New Window
This story was only in the news for a few weeks, yet landed at #2 on this year's top searches. We wonder why -- the alleged "stall" tactics of Panthers cheerleaders Renee Thomas and Angela Keathley were so outlandish that users were clamoring to find out more. There's not much more to be said on this matter, so we'll just show a thumbnail of Ms. Thomas at a happier time.


Top Other Searches
1. CheerleadersCheerleaders arrested at Tampa nightclub. You know why.
2. SteroidsCongress demands action from pro leagues on steroids.
3. Eddie GuerreroWrestler dies at 38; WWE starts random drug testing.
4. Leavander JohnsonBoxer dies at 35 from brain injury sustained during bout.
5. PokerHachem wins record $7.5 mil at 2005 WSOP.
6. CricketWant cricket? ESPN Search has it, 24/7.
7. Roy Jones Jr.Boxer loses rematch against Antonio Tarver, may retire.
8. Taylor vs. HopkinsJermain Taylor defeats Bernard Hopkins twice in 2005.
9. Lance ArmstrongCyclist wins 7th Tour de France, Sheryl Crow's heart.
10. Anna BensonWife of Kris Benson stands by her man -- only her man.

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 ABOUT TOP SEARCHES IN 2005

Results listed are the summation of actual search results on ESPN.com in 2005. All results are grouped by clustered variants, including clustering of equivalent terms, requests for web results, requests for local news, and requests for sponsored links.


Back to Top Searches in 2005 »

PhotoParting Shots on T.O. and Artest
Mitch Albom on Owens, Jason Whitlock on the Pacers   Watch »
December 19, 2005

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December 9, 2005

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Tommy Smyth breaks down the FIFA World Cup Draw   Watch »
December 9, 2005

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PhotoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens drapes a towel over his arm as he impersonates a waiter after a 4-yard touchdown pass reception against the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter in...   Expand »
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PhotoNotre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis looks on during practice Saturday Dec. 10, 2005 in South Bend, Ind. The Irish are preparing to play Ohio State on Jan. 2, 2006 at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe,...   Expand »
December 12, 2005

PhotoNASCAR driver Tony Stewart smiles during a news conference Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, in Miami. The two-time NASCAR champion will drive in a pair of U.S. Auto Club indoor midget car races at Fort...   Expand »
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