NEXT Athlete
The NEXT Athlete award is given out every year by ESPN the Magazine to one or more athletes chosen as a future leader or trailblazer in their sport. The winning athlete(s) is featured on the cover of the late January issue of ESPN the Magazine. Historically, the winners of this award have gone on to exceptional careers, or at the very least early success in their careers, with the exception of a few. Past Winners/Nominees. Winners After 2009 2010 Kevin Durant 2011 Buster Posey 2012 Cam Newton 2013 Kyrie Irving