Michael Jordan has long been named the most popular athlete in America, even years after his retirement. His legacy is legendary and everlasting which is why 10 years after stepping off the court for the final time he still commands the attention of people as if he was still dunking on people. A poll was done this week, just as it is every year and for the first time in a while someone other than Jordan is at the top of the list. All it took was a major power move. Hit the jump.

@IamJoeSports

In a poll released Thursday by Harris Interactive, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lebron james passed His Airness for the honor for the first time in his 11-year career. Jordan, who has not played basketball in more than a decade, still comes in at No. 2. Jordan had been topped the poll from 1993-2005 and was No. 1 again last year. Harris surveyed 2,241 adults online between June 11 and 16 to come up with the final tallies.

James is the most publicly recognized post-Jordan basketball player and in the prime of a Hall of Fame career. He averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists last season while leading the Miami Heat to their fourth straight NBA Finals berth. The four-time league MVP left Miami after four seasons earlier this month to return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

The fact that this poll was conducted after Lebron said he was returning to Cleveland definitely had something to do with Lebron’s top ranking. It is a feel good story that has everyone (except Heat fans) praising Bron for doing that. Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant rounded out the top five.