How Tom Brady is making Jon Anik drop Brian Stann's 'Greatest Living American' tag

Jon Anik

UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik has long used the tag of “The Greatest Living American” to describe broadcast booth partner Brian Stann. But that may be coming to an end thanks to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Anik described the circumstances leading to the change during an appearance on MMAjunkie Radio.

“My twin brother actually told me, after watching the prelims, that John Anderson on SportsCenter on ESPN refers to Tom Brady as ‘The Greatest Living American,’” Anik said. “Now, I knew half the city of Boston referred to Tom Brady as ‘The Greatest Living American,’ but I didn’t know John Anderson did it on the air. So, I regret to inform your listeners – I’m not sure if this qualifies as breaking news – I don’t know that I will be able to be able to refer to Brian Stann as ‘The Greatest Living American’ going forward because John Anderson sort of has that. And far be it from me to step on his toes.”

In the case of Brady, the title is pure sports hyperbole – a nickname earned through four Super Bowl titles, three Super Bowl MVP awards, twice being named league MVP and 10 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Stann, however, earned the title through Anik’s admiration for his personal background.

Stann achieved the rank of Captain while serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2003-2008. He earned a Silver Star for his actions during Operation Matador.

“At one point, the enemy massed on his platoon and fired over 30 rocket propelled grenades, machineguns, detonated two improvised explosive devices and attacked the unit with three suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices,” Stann’s Silver Star citation states. “Second Lieutenant Stann personally directed two casualty evacuations, three vehicle recovery operations and multiple close air support missions under enemy small arms, machinegun and mortar fire in his 360-degree fight. Inspired by his leadership and endurance, Second Lieutenant Stann’s platoon held the battle position on the Euphrates River for six days protecting the Task Force flank and isolating foreign fighters and insurgents north of the river.”

Stann left active duty in May 2008. He had already earned a 6-0 record in MMA and captured the WEC light heavyweight championship with a knockout of Doug Marshall at WEC 33.

While he may not be using the nickname on the air in the future, Anik says he isn’t letting go of the designation.

“Brian Stann is now 35 and has a great chance to be the president of our great country,” Anik said. “So I will stick with Brian Stann, even as a Bostonian, and say that he is ‘The Greatest Living American’ over Tom Brady and anyone else.”

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MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.