Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali, Dwyane Wade
 

More often than not, sports provide joy in American culture. Sunday, Sept. 25, did not feel so enjoyable. After the sports world lost Marlins pitcher José Fernández to a boating accident at age 24, news surfaced that legendary golfer Arnold Palmer passed away at age 87.

The pain goes beyond Sunday. In 2016, the sports world has also lost Muhammad Ali, Pat Summitt, Gordie Howe, Ed Snider and Bud Collins.

Ali and Palmer shared a classic moment as honorary captains at the 2007 Orange Bowl. Palmer, representing his alma mater, Wake Forest, wore a black Demon Deacons jersey. Ali, a Louisville native, showed off a white Cardinals jersey. Dwyane Wade, fresh off his 2006 NBA Finals MVP Award, presented the coin toss.

Louisville won the game, 24-13.

Although Palmer was 12 years older than Ali, both became popular at around the same time, in the 1960s. Both served as ambassadors to their sport long after their playing careers. Their nicknames, "The Greatest" for Ali and "The King" for Palmer, provide an idea of what the two sportsmen meant to their fans.

Like Ali, Palmer is now gone. But their legacies have a long life ahead of them.

-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.