- Jan 1 Pierce Holt, American NFL defensive lineman (Pro Bowl, All-Pro selection 1992; San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons), born in Marlin, Texas
- Jan 3 Darren Daulton, American baseball catcher (MLB All-Star 1992, 93, 95; World Series 1997; Silver Slugger Award 1992; Philadelphia Phillies), born in Arkansas City, Kansas (d. 2017)
- Jan 3 Gavin Hastings, Scottish rugby union fullback and captain (61 caps Scotland, 6 caps British Lions; Watsonians, London Scottish, Cambridge University), born in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Jan 4 Joe Kleine, American NBA center, 1985-2000 (Olympic gold, 1984; Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, and 4 other teams), born in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Jan 5 Brendon Kuruppu, Sri Lankan cricketer (Sri Lankan batsman, 201* debut v NZ 1987), born in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Jan 5 Danny Jackson, American baseball pitcher (Royals/Phillies/Cardinals), born in San Antonio, Texas
- Jan 6 Philip Brown, English 4x400m runner (Olympic silver 1984), born in Birmingham, England
- Jan 6 Sean Landeta, NFL place kicker (NY Giants), born in Baltimore, Maryland
- Jan 7 Jeff Montgomery, American baseball pitcher, 1987-99, 3X All-Star; AL saves leader, 1993 (Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals), born in Wellston, Ohio
- Jan 7 Ron Rivera, American NFL player and coach (Washington), born in Fort Ord, California
- Jan 10 Jim Lindeman, American baseball outfielder, 1996-84 (St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and 3 other teams), born in Evanston, Illinois
- Jan 11 Donn Pall, American MLB baseball pitcher, 1988-98 (Chicago White Sox, Florida Marlins, and 3 other teams), born in Evergreen Park, Illinois
- Jan 12 Gunde Svan, Swedish cross country skier (4 Olympic gold 1984, 88), born in Järna, Sweden
- Jan 12 Richie Richardson, West Indies cricket batsman and captain (86 Tests, 16 x 100, HS 194, 90 catches; Leeward Islands, Yorkshire CCC, Northern Transvaal, Windward Islands), born in Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda
- Jan 13 Kevin Mitchell, American baseball outfielder (NL MVP 1989; MLB All Star 1989, 90; SF Giants), born in San Diego, California
- Jan 16 Kevin Ross, American NFL safety (Atlanta Falcons, KC Chiefs), born in Camden, New Jersey
- Jan 18 David O'Connor, American equestrian (Olympic gold individual eventing 2000; silver team eventing 1996, bronze 2000), born in Washington, D.C.
- Jan 18 Dito, Portuguese soccer defender (17 caps; Braga, Benfica, Vitória Setúbal) and manager (Portimonense, Moreirense), born in Barcelos, Portugal (d. 2020)
- Jan 19 Chris Sabo, American baseball 3rd baseman (3-time MLB All Star), born in Detroit, Michigan
- Jan 19 Hans Daams, Dutch cyclist, born in Valkenswaard, Netherlands
- Jan 25 Bruno Martini, French soccer goalkeeper (31 caps; Auxerre, Nancy, Montpellier), born in Challuy, France (d. 2020)
- Jan 25 Chris Chelios, American Hockey HOF defenseman (Stanley Cup 1986 Montreal Canadiens, 2002, 08 Detroit Red Wings; James Norris Trophy 1989, 93, 96; IIHF HOF), born in Chicago, Illinois
- Jan 26 Oscar Ruggeri, Argentine soccer defender (97 caps; Boca Juniors, River Plate, Real Madrid, San Lorenzo) and manager (San Lorenzo, Guadalajara, Independiente, Elche), born in Rosario, Argentina
- Jan 26 Tim May, Australian cricket spin bowler (24 Tests, 75 wickets, BB 5/9; South Australia CA), born in Adelaide, Australia
- Jan 27 James F Doehring, shot putter (Olympic silver 1992), born in Santa Barbara, California
- Jan 27 Neno, Portuguese soccer goalkeeper (9 caps; Vitória de Guimarães, Benfica), born in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde (d. 2021)
- Jan 28 Michael Cage, American basketball forward (NBA rebounding leader 1988 LA Clippers) and broadcaster (analyst Oklahoma City Thunder), born in West Memphis, Arkansas
About January 1962
How Old? 62 years old
Generation: Baby Boomer
Leap Year: No
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions