Something about pets and sports make for a match made in heaven. Who among us doesn't have a friend orloved one (or ourselves) with a puppy named Brady, a cat named Beckham or a turtle named Gretzky?This list, which includes all 50 states and Canada, is not a de facto ranking of the best athlete from each state, but of the best name for a pet based on a fan-favorite athlete from that state.Without further ado:Alabama —BarkleyNamed for Charles Barkley, an Alabama native and Auburn alum, this one is a no-brainer.Alaska — ChalmersThere's a surprisingly long list of pro basketball players who were born in Alaska. We like Chalmers as a name for a puppy.Arizona — MickelsonOne of the best golfers in the world for over a decade, Phil Mickelson attended Arizona State and is a mulitime winner of the PheonixOpen.Arkansas — Scottie (or Pippen)Scottie Pippen is an NBA Hall of Famer who is from Arkansas and attended the University ofCentral Arkansas.California — KobeIf he's a great athlete and his name ends in an "ee" sound, it's a no-brainer.Canada — GretzkyWe know Canada is a big place, but we also know the entire country has dogs named after Wayne Gretzky.Colorado — ElwayJohn Elway is a legend in the Denver area, winning two Super Bowls for the Broncos and winning a third as GM.Connecticut — KembaKemba Walker, now starring in the NBA with the Hornets, won an NCAA with UConn and has always been a fan favorite in the Nutmeg State.Delaware — Della DonneElena Delle Donne is the WNBA's reigning MVP, hails proudly from Delaware and is an Olympic champion.Florida — TebowHe won two national titles with the Gators and continues to be beloved in the Sunshine State.Georgia — ChipperChipper Jones is arguably one of the best third basemen of all time, a future Hall of Famer and a favorite all across the South for his achievements with the Braves.Hawaii — WieMichelle Wie is one of the best female golfers in the world and burst onto the scene as a teenager.Idaho —PicaboThis is an abstract one but hear us out. Picabo Street is from the Potato State and won two Olympic skiing medals. And it's an awesome name.Illinois — DitkaHave there been better Chicago sports figures like Michael Jordan? Probably. But he led the Bears to their only Super Bowl and has a fun name to say.Indiana — ReggieReggie Miller is the best player in Pacers history. And his name ends in an "ee" sound.Iowa — WarnerKurt Warner was born in Iowa and is a Super Bowl winning quarterback.Kansas — ManningNot Eli or Peyton, but Danny. He led the Jayhawks to the 1986 Final Four and a 1988 NCAA title.Kentucky — AliMuhammad Ali famously hails from Louisville and is one of the best boxers ever to lace up.Louisiana — ShaqHe went to LSU and his name is short and sweet. Perfect for a canine.Maine — BradyWe are making a blanket statement for New England states, Tom Brady rules.Maryland — FlaccoJoe Flacco is the QB for the Ravens and has a cool name for a dog.Massachusetts — BradySee Maine. Brady rules New England.Michigan — MagicWe went Kobe for California, so we'll honor Magic Johnson for his time at Michigan State.Minnesota — MauerHis prime is behind him, but Joe Mauer was is and wasan all-time great for the Twins.Mississippi — PeytonWalter Peyton is from Mississippi, and his last name works. Good enough.Missouri — MusialAn old school throwback to Cardinals great Stan Musial.Montana — BrockBrock Osweiler, Houston's starting quarterback, is from Montana. So is Ryan Leaf.Nebraska — OsborneOne of the best coaches of all time, Tom Osborne pretty much invented Nebraska football.Nevada — KaepernickControversial49ers QB Colin Kaepernick hails from Nevada and he's got a canine-sounding name.New Hampshire — BradyAnother New England state. See above.New Jersey — MartyMartin Broduer — one of the best goalies of all time — was a staple for the Devils for nearly two decades.New Mexico — HollyHolly Holm, UFC knockout queen is a New Mexican.New York — BeckhamRight now, dogs are being named after Odell Beckham Jr. A few years ago it was Cruz. A few years before that it was Eli. It's a Giants thing.North Carolina — JordanMichael Jordan is a proud North Carolinian.North Dakota — WentzCarson Wentz is already the most famous athlete ever from his state.Ohio — BronBronLeBron doesn't quite work as a dog name, so we altered it a tad.Oklahoma — BradfordSomehow we doubt too many dogs have been named after Oklahoma (and current Vikings) quarterback Sam Bradford.Oregon — ChipIt's not quite Chipper, the name we chose for Georgia. It's a play off of the Ducks' best coach of all time, Chip Kelly.Pennsylvania — UtleyHe's a Dodger now but 12-year-old labs across the Keystone State are named Utley, after Chase Utley and his late 2000sheroics in Phillies red.Rhode Island — BradyMore Tom Brady love from New England.South Carolina — MookieA stretch perhaps, but we are going by best name, not best athlete. And Mets' fan favorite Mookie Wilson is from South Carolina.South Dakota — VinateriHe's probably the best clutch placekicker and he's from South Dakota. Adam VinateriFTW.Tennessee — SummittWe guarantee you there are dozens of dogs named after Tennessee's all-time great women's basketball coach Pat Summitt.Texas — AikmanWe were thinking of going Romo here, but his days could be numbered. We'll go with the last Cowboys QB to win a Super Bowl, Troy Aikman.Utah — MaloneKarl Malone led the Jazz to two NBA title appearances (both losses to Michael Jordan's Bulls).Vermont — BradySee Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.Virginia — IversonAllen Iverson is proudly from Hampton, Virginia, and his name lends itself to a lovable sidekick.Washington — RussellRussell Wilson delivered a Super Bowl to Seattle, and the state no doubt repaid him by naming their dogs after him.West Virginia — MayoThis is a stretch but there was slim pickins. Bucks guard O.J. Mayo is from West Virginia.Wisconsin — RodgersAaron Rodgers may be having a down season but he's a no-brainer here. He replaced Brett Favre as a top dog name in 2008.Wyoming —RulonRulon Gardner is the pride of Wyoming, having won a gold medal for Greco Roman wrestling in 2000.
