Fayetteville has been home to several notable figures in sports, entertainment, and history:
* **Rick Ross:** Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur; owns "The Promise Land," a massive 235-acre estate in Fayetteville (formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield). * **Zac Brown:** Lead singer of the Zac Brown Band, who has strong local ties and previously partnered with the city on the Southern Ground Amphitheater. * **Kelley O'Hara:** Professional soccer player and multi-time World Cup champion with the US Women's National Team; raised in Fayetteville. * **Gary Anthony Williams:** Actor and comedian (*Boston Legal*, *The Boondocks*); born in Fayetteville. * **Calvin Johnson:** Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver; attended nearby Sandy Creek High School.