Who is the best athlete in U.S. history? USA TODAY launches '250 for 250'

USA TODAY's "250 for 250" project will give readers a chance to weigh in.

Nearly 250 years ago, a group of radicals formed a new nation on ideas that all men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness . " That final pursuit has led Americans down myriad paths as we seek the fleeting feeling that accompanies the swish of a net, the squeal of tires, the feel of sun on skin and the staccato "thwack" of a simple game of catch. Our nation's favorite sports may not always deliver happiness, but the pursuit they offer turned James Naismith's invention into Bill Russell's legacy and Kobe Bryant's obsession.

That pursuit gave our nation the shared feeling of watching David Ross beam after his career-capping home run helped the Chicago Cubs break their 71-year World Series drought. But happiness is often the byproduct of hours and even years of toil and suffering. That commonality in all our pursuits is what makes greatness so easy to appreciate, and why USA TODAY is highlighting our nation's most iconic sports figures as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4.

Now through July 4, USA TODAY Sports is releasing our "250 for 250" list of America's top homegrown athletes of all time. Each week we'll bring you all-time standouts from across the sports world, and give readers a chance to vote on who should be featured. Best American athletes of all time: USA TODAY '250 for 250' release schedule Starting the week of April 20, USA TODAY will produce weekly lists of the top American athletes, followed by a poll for readers to vote on nominees for the next week's list.