In his illustrious career, Tony Stewart has had plenty of accolades to boast. While he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers this year, Smoke recently joined a stellar club of the world’s topmost sportspersons. Stewart joins the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods in one of the most unexpected ways.

It would not be a stretch to call Jordan and Woods the GOATs of their respective sports. While Stewart too has been outstanding during his Cup Series career, and is still going strong in NHRA Top Alcohol class, there aren’t many common themes that could connect him with these legends. Or are there?

Michael Jordan’s “flu game” sparks up an interesting discussion on Twitter

Winning three NASCAR Cup Series titles is no child’s play. In fact, it is not just NASCAR in which Tony Stewart has shown his brilliance but also in dirt, drag, sprint, and even IndyCar. However, it is difficult that even in his wildest dreams would have Smoke imagined being compared to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

It all started when a well-known Twitter user Dylan Powell popped up with an interesting question. It was related to Jordan’s “flu game” in 1997. For those unaware, it was in game 5 of the 1997 finals when the Chicago Bulls player was struggling with flu.

However, that didn’t stop him from being relentless and despite his not-so-good health, he gave a performance to remember. While playing for 44 minutes, he finished with 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Eventually, his participation played a key role in beating the Salt Lake City-based team, the Utah Jazz.

While the “flu game” earned a lot of recognition for Jordan then, Powell recently got curious and came up with an engaging question. On Twitter, he asked about the athletes who gave impressive performances despite being sick or injured.

Naturally, fans from different sports came up with some interesting answers which included the likes of Tiger Woods and Tony Stewart.

Fans drag Tony Stewart in the same bracket as that with Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods in it

While Michael Jordan and his “flu game” was one to remember, fans pointed out plenty of other scenarios where this context was applicable. One involving Tiger Woods was a no-brainer for golf fans. They were quick to highlight it with their comments.

“Tiger Woods winning the 2008 US Open basically on one leg( 2 stress fractures and a torn ACL)”

“Tiger Woods 2008 US Open. Leg/knee completely shot. Somehow won in an epic 18 hole playoff ?.. and Rocco played well.”

“Tiger woods 2008 US Open 2 stress Fractures and a torn ACL”

Woods’ epic triumph in the 2008 US Open remains fresh in the memories of plenty. However, the one that caught everyone’s attention was that of Tony Stewart. NASCAR fans left no stone unturned in highlighting it.

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“tony stewart, the poop race, 2004”

“Tony Stewart when he had to take a dump at Watkins Glen and won.”

“Tony Stewart winning sick at WGI”

It was in 2004 that Tony Stewart had an upset stomach and soiled himself during the race at Watkins Glen International. However, that didn’t stop him from winning it for Joe Gibbs Racing. This certainly puts him in the same ranks as Woods in 2008 and Jordan in 1997 when it comes to extreme situations like this.

It remains to be seen if such an incident is repeated in the future. What do you think? Does any other NASCAR driver belong in this discussion? Let us know in the comments below.

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