Cam Newton (UP): Newton became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in his first two games – and set an NFL single-season record for rushing TDs by a quarterback with 13. Tim Tebow’s been getting the shine, but Newton deserves his just due.

Venus & Serena Williams (DOWN): 2011 marked the first time in five years a Williams sister hasn’t won at least one Grand Slam. Injuries have slowed tennis’ most recognizable sibling pair but 2012 will see them return to form – including a defense of their Olympic doubles title in London next summer.

Tiger Woods (UP): It’s been a rough road for Woods since his personal life became a circus two years ago over reports of his outrageous infidelity. But the all-time great did win his first tournament earlier this month to break the longest winless drought of his career. It could equal trouble for his foes in 2012…

Skylar Diggins (UP): Diggins got everyone’s attention last season when she led the Fighting Irish to the NCAA title game. The junior point guard has also amassed a loyal Twitter following, including shout outs from the likes of Lil’ Wayne and Chris Brown.

Plaxico Burress (UP): Burress has performed well in his redemption year. His eight touchdown receptions this season is the third-highest single-season mark of his career. His Jets are also close to earning a playoff spot.

Ron Washington (UP): Washington may have lost back-to-back World Series, but for someone who’s been continually counted out, him and his teams have found a way to remain standing come October. He’s also one of just two black managers in major league baseball.

Michael Vick (DOWN): The Eagles are making a late playoff push but the year’s been a disappointment for Vick. Injuries have forced him to miss five games and his overall performance has been underwhelming – which is not a word usually associated with the former Pro-Bowler.

Blake Griffin (UP): There wasn’t a more exciting player to watch than Blake Griffin in 2011. He won the league’s Rookie of the Year award & his spectacular finishes had people actually talking about and watching the Clippers. The Clippers. With the arrival of Chris Paul, ‘Showtime’ now = ‘Lob City’.

Tia Norfleet (UP): The 24-year-old is NASCAR’s only African-American female licensed driver, earning this honor in July. She comes from a racing family and hopes to make her debut on the track in 2012.

LeBron James (DOWN): 2011 didn’t bring a championship ring for King James. The media circus surrounding him and his teammates certainly didn’t help – but James came up short in the Finals when it mattered most. For what it’s worth, Dan Gilbert and the Cavs didn’t fare much better.

Donovan McNabb (DOWN): 2011 was a disastrous year for McNabb. In July, Washington traded the veteran quarterback to Minnesota, where it seemed he could salvage his career. Instead, he was benched after the team’s first six games and is now a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career.

Maya Moore (UP): It’s hard to find a more decorated female college athlete than Maya Moore: two-time AP National Player of the Year, two NCAA titles and four Final Four appearances. Now, Moore’s a WNBA champion, helping the Minnesota Lynx to their best ever record in 2011.

NBA (DOWN): So what was the lockout for again? We still really don’t know. Shortly after it ended, Kwame Brown signed a one-year, $7 million contract. Kris Humphries? $8 million. What did the owners learn? Sure, the NBA season will be exciting – but why put your fans through that?

NFL (UP): Despite its lockout, the NFL is doing better than ever. Nine of the 10 most-watched programs of the fall TV season are NFL games. No one’s thinking about the lockout, anymore. The Packers run for consecutive rings and Tim Tebow are just two stories that have dominated the sports world.

Michael Jordan (DOWN): Air Jordan surprised some folks for his unwavering support for fellow owners receiving a much higher share of the NBA revenue pie —and some NBA stars called MJ out for his “betrayal.” Jordan’s Bobcats will be a .500 team at best this season. There’s always 2013…