What makes an athlete great?

Across the world of sports, there are hundreds of awards to separate players statistically to determine the 'best' or most 'valuable'. But what really goes into that decision? How much of this is popularity and how much is actual skill? What should be the real factor in determining these awards, and should these awards be a direct reflection of who is actually the 'best'?

Here are a few different categories that I feel can be used to categorize and rank players.

1) Straight up statistical analyses. Look at the numbers each guys produces and base awards and accolades off of stats alone.

2) Intangibles. How well does the player really know the game. There are tons of things in sports that you simply cannot teach (i.e: Reaction after the baseball is hit, passing vision on the basketball court, or a QB feeling pressure behind him). These are things that can't be measured but should be considered.

3) Interaction. How much does the team gain from having the player in the clubhouse or locker-room? If someone doesn't mesh with their teammates it could cause their to be conflict within the team. Vice-versa, if a player makes an effort to help or even spend time with fellow teammates, the team can become much more dangerous from a team's 'chemisty'

4) Off-field events. Too often do we hear about players getting arrested or being involved with a fight or various suspicious or illegal actions. This not only hurts the image of the team, but can cause a player to miss playing time, and ruin the chemisty of a team. Also, players like Ochocinco and T.O are ego-driven and love the publicity. There is a fine line when publicity is a good thing for a team.

On the other-hand, some players manage to stay under the radar and are focused strictly on business without drama. How important then, is a player's actions off the field in terms of their value to a team? Do actions like Ochocinco's make you think less of him?