Photos: Muhammad Ali reflections from South Florida sports figures

“He changed a lot of things. … He was as huge influence. He’s one of those guys that’s going to be remembered forever, of course, not only for what he did in the ring.”

Dawson, who met Ali when Dawson was in elementary school in Miami: “I was watching the news [Friday] night and heard that his situation was grave. And now you start thinking the worst. And I dozed off, and I turned on SportsCenter, and they were remembering him. And I just got a little numb. I couldn’t go back to sleep. I turned the television off eventually. … I guess you don’t know where to begin. You can never say enough that would reflect what he did, how iconic he was. He touched a lot of people’s lives. For me, personally, he was the most prolific athlete ever, and always will be. You talk about him being a champion, the people’s champion. To me, he championed life.”

“I met him a few times and he was kind and soft spoken. His competitive banter was playful and entertaining, and he was inspirational to all of us in the graceful manner he lived out his life till the end.”

“He believed in his faith he couldn’t go against his beliefs. He believed that what he was doing was right and it was amazing. He lost the better part of his career, he lost millions and millions of dollars and he challenged the establishment. He challenged the boxing world. He challenged the political world. He challenged the civil rights world. And after years of battling, I think he earned the respect of so many people not only in this country, but around the world for fighting for his beliefs. … His conviction and commitment to those beliefs, I think, is the greatest example of anyone in my lifetime.”

Arison on on Twitter: “He was the greatest Muhammad Ali R.I.P.”

Dunn on meeting Ali at the 2012 opening of Marlins Park: “You’re just seeing a historic icon,” he said, “I mean a guy who’s greatest of all time, and what he did for boxing and what he’s done for boxing. I remember growing up and then hearing the stories from my dad and then watching everything I could.”

Deng on Instagram: “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want to be.” - Muhammad Ali #RestInPower”

Whiteside on Instagram: “R.I.P to the Greatest thanks for all you done for the WORLD. Way more then a boxer #Muhammadali #Champ”

Dragic on Instagram: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” RIP #GOAT”

“He was before my time, but his presence will be felt forever. He left a massive imprint on the sports world. His courage, confidence, and work ethic that all athletes look up to.”