What are some of your favorite stories of redemption in sports? This can be redemption for individual players or teams.

I'll get the ball rolling.

5. 1987 Miami Hurricanes

A blowout loss against the "Sugar Vols" cost Miami the national title in 1985. We all know the story of the 1986 team and the loss to Penn State. The 1987 team's unbeaten season and third win over Oklahoma in three seasons (Oklahoma's only losses during that time span) gave the Hurricanes their second national title in five seasons, with more soon to follow. It was part of one of the all time great runs in college football, and it was the first championship for Jimmy Johnson, who I consider to be one of the best football coaches of all time.

4. "This one's for John"

I'll admit he didn't play his best. Or even close. But he had that big run on third down, scored a rushing touchdown, and he got his first Super Bowl win in his fourth attempt. The repeat the following year was simply icing on the cake. The perfect way for a legend to end his career.

3. Four years later, Beckham finally gets to take his penalty

I should say that reflecting on David Beckham's career was the inspiration for this thread. In 1998, Beckham was sent off for retaliating against Argentina's Diego Simone. England went on to lose in penalties in one of the most memorable soccer games I've ever seen. Beckham received a lot of hate for that in England, as many fans believe England could have won if not for Beckham's ejection.

There are multiple parts to this redemption story. Beckham won back a lot of hearts after helping Manchester United win the Champions League the following season. His free kick against Greece gave England a spot in the 2002 World Cup should have been redemption enough, but he wasn't quite there yet. It became revealed that England would play Argentina in the group stage at the World Cup, and it seemed Beckham would finally have his chance. An injury less than two months before the tournament began seemed to derail his chances. However, Beckham recovered, and as captain finally got to take his penalty against Argentina. His reaction says it all. That was the only goal of the game. In the end, England advanced, Argentina was eliminated, and Beckham got his redemption. Even some of Argentina's players were happy for him, including Diego Simeone, who made a point to shake Beckham's hand after the goal.

2. The third time is the charm for King James

This is simply the story of the Heat's playoff run last year, and more specifically, LeBron's dominance. I don't think anyone needs me to elaborate.

1. O Fenomeno erases ghosts of France '98

For those of you who don't know (and on this board it's probably most of you) Ronaldo was the best player at the 1998 World Cup in France (or at the very least, won the award for best player). But before the final, he collapsed and was clearly struggling with some health issues. He played in the final, but he was nowhere near full strength, and France defeated Brazil 3-0. It has always been a mystery as to what actually happened before that game.

In 2002, Ronaldo redeemed himself. He led the tournament in scoring with eight goals, including two in the final to bring the cup back to Brazil. Just look at the emotion.

What are some of your favorites? There are obviously many to choose from.