Interview with Dakota Jay Hayes, Author of The GOAT of the GOATS

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The GOAT of the GOATS: The Ultimate Ranking of the 100 Greatest Athletes of All Time?

The idea for The GOAT of the GOATS came from countless debates I’ve had with friends, family, and fellow sports fans over the years. Every sport has its legends, every generation has its heroes — but the question always came back: Who truly stands above all others? I wanted to move that debate beyond gut feelings and nostalgia. This book was inspired by the challenge of comparing greatness across different sports, eras, and playing styles — something fans argue about endlessly but rarely see explored in a structured, thoughtful way. What motivated me most was the idea of honoring athletic excellence itself. From dominance and longevity to cultural impact and mental toughness, I wanted to create a ranking that sparks discussion, disagreement, and reflection — while celebrating what makes sports so powerful and universal.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The GOAT of the GOATS: The Ultimate Ranking of the 100 Greatest Athletes of All Time, what would they be?

Since this is a non-fiction book, the “characters” are the athletes themselves — and the soundtrack reflects the culture and energy of sport rather than traditional character themes. Songs like “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes perfectly capture the atmosphere of stadiums, rivalries, and iconic sporting moments, especially in football culture. “Basketball” by Kurtis Blow represents the roots of sports storytelling, where competition, identity, and culture collide. Together, these tracks reflect the passion, intensity, and legacy that define greatness across sports — the same elements that drive the rankings in this book

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is non-fiction, especially books that explore sports, history, psychology, and culture. I enjoy reading work that goes beyond surface-level storytelling and looks at why people excel, dominate, or leave a lasting impact. Yes, it’s very much the same genre I love to write. Writing non-fiction allows me to combine research, analysis, and storytelling — and to turn complex debates into something engaging and accessible for readers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, my TBR pile is a mix of fiction, biography, and short-form storytelling. I’m reading 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster, a biography of LeBron James, and a collection of short stories by Benedict Wells. I enjoy switching between different genres — it keeps the way I think and write fresh.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite part to write was the actual ranking process — weighing athletes from completely different sports, eras, and contexts against each other. That’s where the book really came alive for me, because every decision forced me to question assumptions, challenge my own biases, and make tough calls that not everyone will agree with.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I don’t have many quirky rituals, but I do most of my writing late at night, when everything is quiet, and distractions disappear. That’s when I can focus, think clearly, and really challenge my own arguments without outside noise.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I try to stay curious — open to change, new ideas, and new people. That approach influences both how I think and how I write.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for how complex and subjective greatness really is — and with the curiosity to question their own assumptions about who deserves the title of “greatest of all time.

Dakota Jay Hayes is the author of the new book The GOAT of the GOATS: The Ultimate Ranking of the 100 Greatest Athletes of All Time

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