Manny Pacquiao 4th in Most Influential Athlete Poll by Forbes Magazine

Nielsen and E-Poll surveyed over 1,100 adults about dozens of well-known athletes to measure their likeability and whether they're considered "influential,” an important quality for marketers. The term, among 40 characteristics that respondents could choose from (others: leader, approachable, handsome), can mean slightly different things to different people. As Master notes, some may see an athlete as influential in his sport, while others see him as crossing over and being influential in society at large. Tebow is a perfect example: His clean living and public religious values make him a role model for many, even if they render him polarizing in some quarters. Candidates were limited to pro athletes who are currently active and who score at least 20 percent "awareness” with the general public.

1. Jimmie Johnson (Influential: 25 percent) 2. Tim Tebow (Influential: 24 percent) 3. Peyton Manning (Influential: 21 percent) 4. Manny Pacquiao (Influential: 20 percent) 5. Tom Brady (Influential: 19 percent)