Sports world reacts to Muhammad Ali's passing by remembering the legend

Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74, and the sports world stopped early Saturday morning to remember 'The Greatest'

Muhammad Ali's impact on the sports world -- and the world in general -- was tremendous and unmatched by an athlete of his or any day. He was more than just the greatest boxer of all time. Ali was a transcendent figure that changed the perception of athletes and showed the power and impact they can have in effecting real world change.

Following news of his passing at age 74, the sports world stopped in its tracks to remember the legend by celebrating his life and numerous accomplishments in and out of the boxing ring.

Athletes, leagues, sports personalities and media members flooded social media with condolences and remembrances of favorite photos, quotes and stories of Ali's tremendous life and career.

pic.twitter.com/Jr5HcJRmeA

— Muhammad Ali (@MuhammadAli) June 4, 2016

George Foreman:

Ralph Ali, Frazier & Foreman we were 1 guy. A part of me slipped away, "The greatest piece" https://t.co/xVKOc9qtub

— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016

It's been said it was Rope a dope, Ali beat me with no his beauty that beat me. Most beauty I've know loved him pic.twitter.com/G64WX3eyZC

— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016

Oscar De La Hoya:

RIP @muhammadali, a legend who transcended sport and was a true champion for all. #thegreatest#MuhammadAlipic.twitter.com/vjmXlXaHip

— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) June 4, 2016

Mike Tyson:

God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli#TheGreatest#RIPpic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi

— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016

Rest in peace, Muhammad Ali. pic.twitter.com/bdC3QaKo42

— NFL (@NFL) June 4, 2016

Rest easy, Champ. https://t.co/p5aeQUhyC6

— MLB (@MLB) June 4, 2016

So many shared the iconic photo of Ali by Neil Leifer of Sports Illustrated:

Ali was also the subject of the greatest sports photograph ever taken, by Neil Leifer of SI pic.twitter.com/zNgsRx0kFT

— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) June 4, 2016

UFC star Jon Jones:

Rest in peace to my biggest inspiration pic.twitter.com/gqIuuxSpC1

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 4, 2016

Clippers coach Doc Rivers:

RIP Muhammad Ali - I loved this man. He stood for so much more than sports. As a young black kid growing up in Maywood IL. He was my 1st hero, someone that I could look up to. He inspired me to be me. Ali was not a saint, he had flaws. It's what made him so real. He showed us that champions get hit. To be a champion, you have to be willing to take hits and keep moving forward. He took punches in life and kept moving forward. G. O. A. T. #floatlikeabutterflystinglikeabee #rumbleyoungmanrumble

A photo posted by Doc Rivers (@docrivers) on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:12pm PDT

UFC fighter Jose Aldo:

One of my idols has passed away tonight. Never had the honor to be in the arenas in one his fights. #RIPMuhammadAlipic.twitter.com/3zLNwZ8UK7

— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) June 4, 2016

NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith:

Rip Champ you will always be the Goat ❤️😔 pic.twitter.com/kKegCW9Wnf

— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) June 4, 2016

NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders:

I met #Ali once. He was a great role model and a great man. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family tonight.

— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) June 4, 2016

Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans:

RIP Ali one of the greatest and most inspirational athletes of all time! #FloatLikeAButterflypic.twitter.com/emcqluOvOW

— Mike Evans (@MikeEvans13_) June 4, 2016

UFC president Dana White:

😞 pic.twitter.com/pYGcNp5JqV

— Dana White (@danawhite) June 4, 2016

Nationals star Bryce Harper:

The best there ever was and ever will be! Rest easy, Champ #ALI

A photo posted by Bryce Harper (@bharper3407) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:54pm PDT

Boxing star Gennady Golovkin:

The Greatest. In boxing and in life, an inspiration to mankind. https://t.co/lfgd3H2gaT

— Gennady Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) June 4, 2016

Boxer Canelo Alvarez:

My idol has left us. I will always remember you as the best & will follow ur example. Your legend will live forever pic.twitter.com/v9X8Y3S6Xk

— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) June 4, 2016

Retired boxer Roy Jones Jr.

My heart is deeply saddened yet both appreciative and relieved that the greatest is now resting in the greatest place.

— Roy Jones Jr. (@RealRoyJonesJr) June 4, 2016

Giants star Odell Beckham Jr.:

Thoughts and prayers to the #legend@MuhammadAli#StayStrongChamppic.twitter.com/cYGsvyTIdb

— Odell Beckham Jr (@OBJ_3) June 4, 2016

Texans star JJ Watt

Greatest of All Time.
Inspiration.
Legend.
Rest in Peace Champ.#Ali

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 4, 2016

Golden Boy Promotions:

"Don't count the days, make the days count" #RIP to the greatest @MuhammadAli#boxinglegendpic.twitter.com/1rvboRaPN7

— GoldenBoyPromotions (@GoldenBoyBoxing) June 4, 2016

Pirates star Andrew McCutchen:

Forever a champion. #RIPAlipic.twitter.com/cPjMwSwije

— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 4, 2016

The Phoenix Suns:

Our thoughts are with @MuhammadAli's family. We will miss seeing "the greatest" sitting courtside at @TSRarena. pic.twitter.com/OgYg0Muj1r

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 4, 2016

Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard:

Muhammad Ali has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a child. My father loved him, so naturally, I did too. #TheGreatest

— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) June 4, 2016

Another iconic photo of Ali:

This picture of Ali after having knocked out Cleveland Williams at the Astrodome takes my breath away. pic.twitter.com/JoVdYk8dNc

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 4, 2016

And some of Ali's greatest quotes:

Not just the greatest boxer of all time. The greatest trash talker EVER. RIP Ali ♡ #MuhammadAlihttps://t.co/QJ4EM88DDb

— abdul (@Advil) June 4, 2016