Tiki Barber Crowns Jalen Brunson as New York’s Sports King Over Aaron Judge

NEW YORK — Former NFL running back Tiki Barber declared New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson the new “King of New York” on his WFAN midday show Tuesday, dethroning Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. The proclamation came less than 24 hours after Brunson’s 17-point fourth-quarter performance led the Knicks to a 124-118 victory over the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.

“You can’t argue about it anymore,” Barber said. “A year has gone by, and let’s be fair about what’s happened in that year. Aaron Judge won an MVP, he was amazing. He then proceeded to drop a fly ball in the World Series. Jalen Brunson continued the Knicks’ vibes as they got to the second round of the postseason.”

Judge, who won his second American League MVP award in three seasons, has faced criticism for his postseason struggles. His infamous dropped fly ball in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers contributed to the Yankees’ loss. Meanwhile, Brunson has revitalized the Knicks since joining the team in 2022, leading them to consecutive playoff appearances and reigniting hopes for their first NBA Finals berth since 1999.

Barber highlighted Brunson’s impact, stating, “He came back, and the Knicks have one of the best records in the league.” The Knicks’ resurgence under Brunson’s leadership has shifted the spotlight in New York sports, with fans and analysts alike debating whether 2025 could be the year the team breaks its championship drought.

Despite Judge’s regular-season dominance, including a 58-home-run campaign in 2024, his postseason performance has raised questions about his legacy. Meanwhile, Brunson’s consistent excellence and leadership have solidified his status as a fan favorite and a key figure in New York sports.