The end of 2016 brings us a ton of lists about what various people Instagrammed or Tweeted about a lot. What it also brings us is things like “what each state Googled the most.” The end result is a lot of weird search results.
Estately conducted the research by using Google Trends to discover what states searched the most. It’s an interesting thing to look at because there are lots of different people in every state. However, some things did stick out.
Here are some of our favorite sports related results (there were a lot).
Ohio:
Most searched term: 3-1 lead
Other notable searches: The NBA Finals, 2017 NFL Draft, and Senator John Glenn
Ohio was arguably the center of the sports universe in 2016, with the Cleveland Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 lead to win the NBA Title, the Cleveland Indians blowing a 3-1 lead in the World Series, and the Cleveland Browns being laughably terrible. As a result, it’s not surprising to see all three things pop up in Ohio citizens’ Google search results. However, it is hilarious that the most Googled thing in 2016 in Ohio was in fact “3-1 lead.”
Arkansas:
Most searched term: Kobe Bryant retirement
Kobe Bryant never played in Arkansas and the state of Arkansas doesn’t even have an NBA team. Heck they don’t even have an MLB, NFL, or NHL team either. However, they did love Googling Kobe Bryant’s retirement. That’s strange.
Colorado:
Most searched term: Super Bowl 50/Peyton Manning retirement
Colorado enjoyed another Super Bowl victory in 2016 during Peyton Manning’s final year. As a result, it’s not surprising to see both of those events were the most Googled in Colorado in 2016.
Florida:
Most searched term: Zika virus
Other notable searches: Kimbo Slice and Jose Fernandez
The Zika virus was a storyline in the 2016 sports world thanks in part to the 2016 Rio Olympics. While it didn’t play much of a role in sports in Florida in ’16, Jose Fernandez did. The tragic death of one of the best pitchers in baseball shocked the world of sports and especially sports fans in the Sunshine State.
Illinois:
Most searched term: Craig Sager
Other notable searches: Cubs parade route
Craig Sager was a massive Cubs fan and even had a “W” flag at his funeral and was born in the Chicago suburb of Batavia, Illinois. With his sad death occurring on December 15th, it’s surprising to see his name as the most searched term over the historic Cubs’ World Series win.
Kentucky:
Most searched term: Muhammad Ali
The world famous boxer Ali passed away at the age of 74 on June 3rd, 2016. Ali was from Louisville, Kentucky and a notable figure in the area. He was later buried in Louisville and his memorial and funeral was there as well.
Massachusetts:
Most searched term: Ryan Lochte
Other notable searches: Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and Brexit
Ryan Lochte isn’t from Massachusetts, but he was the most searched person and term on Google in Massachusetts in 2016. It’s a little surprising to see Lochte, Biles, Bolt, and Brexit among the most Googled terms in 2016 in Massachusetts during the same year Tom Brady served his suspension for his role in “Deflategate,” but then again, maybe Massachusetts sports fans are tired of that topic.
Michigan:
Most searched term: Gordie Howe
The legendary hockey player Gordie Howe played the majority of his NHL career for the Detroit Red Wings. Howe passed away at the age of 88 on June 10th, 2016. He was nicknamed “Mr. Hockey” during his career and considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Nevada:
Most searched term: Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick had a very controversial year with his decision to kneel during the National Anthem. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback played college football at the University of Nevada.
Oklahoma:
Most searched term: Kevin Durant decision
Rather than turning to Twitter or The Players Tribune, Oklahoma natives went to Google to find out where Kevin Durant would be taking his talents for the 2016 NBA season and beyond. Sadly for Oklahoma City Thunder fans, they didn’t end up liking their Google search results.
Pennsylvania:
Most searched term: Arnold Palmer
The legendary golfer Arnold Palmer passed away at the age of 87 in Pittsburgh and was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Latrobe. The King won the 5th most PGA Tour events of all time with 62 victories.
Other interesting results:
California – 2016 worst year ever?
Delaware – Brangelina divorce
Idaho – How did Trump win?
Missouri – McDonald’s breakfast all day
Montana – Cupping therapy
North Dakota – “Dirty Grandpa” (2016 film)
Rhode Island: Harambe
Once again, you can find the results for all 50 states here.
[Estately]
