When it comes to male athletics in America—the NFL and NBA are largely considered to be the pinnacle.
Most of the country’s best athletes are funneled into the league’s respective collegiate leagues—and get shot out on the other side as millionaires and celebrities. In some cases, however, there is an overlap on the way up—and an athlete really could’ve played in either the NBA or the NFL—so let’s take a look back and check out 10 NBA players who had a legitimate shot at making it on the gridiron.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson is often one of the first names that get brought up in the NBA NFL debate because of the freakish athleticism that he put on display during his decade-plus NBA career and his actual experience on the football field.
His high school highlights are a spectacle to behold and he was able to earn a football scholarship at the University of Washington. He only ended up playing his freshman year before turning his attention to basketball full-time, but he did turn into a starter as a freshman—and finished his career with a big interception in a bowl game.
Matt Barnes
While Matt Barnes may not be one of the first names that comes to mind, he was actually a phenomenal athlete—and has legitimate football experience as well. In fact, he earned All-American honors at Del Campo High School in California.
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Ben Wallace
Before Ben Wallace became one of the best defensive centers the game has ever seen, he was also one heck of a football player. He’s as athletic as they come and even earned a scholarship offer to play football at Auburn.
Shaquille O’Neal
People may think of him as just “big,” but make no mistake about it, Shaq was one of the greatest athletes we have ever seen. Especially during the early days of his career—there were very few guys that could keep up with him athletically, let alone physically.
Hard to believe that an NFL team couldn’t have found a use for a guy like that!
Metta Sandiford-Artest
Metta Sandiford-Artest, the man formerly known as Ron Artest is 6’ 7” and weighed in right around 260 pounds during his playing days. He was at the top of the charts athletically—and played basketball with the physicality and intensity of a football player.
Watch the intensity as he charged into the stands with during the Malice at the Palace. If that isn’t a Pro Bowl linebacker in the making I don’t know what is.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the first truly freakish athletes to make a name for himself in the NBA. He stood over 7 feet tall and had all of the coordination of a small forward. Plus, growing up, he played nearly every other sport under the sun.
There’s no doubt he would’ve been successful in the NFL, especially at that time, when there were fewer truly elite athletes.
Allen Iverson
One might not initially think it because of his rather diminutive size, but former Philadelphia 76ers superstar, Allen Iverson was actually a legend on the gridiron during his formative days in Newport News, Virginia. At Bethel High School he played running back, defensive back, and returned kicks. He even had a stint at quarterback.
He may have had to bulk up to get to the professional ranks in football, let’s face it, 165 isn’t going to cut—even as a quarterback—but there’s simply nothing A.I. couldn’t do athletically.
LeBron James
At his bulkiest, he was 6’ 8” and 260 plus pounds and an absolute force to be reckoned with because it was like a football player charging down the lane with elite quickness and speed.
For a reference point, Travis Kelce is 6’ 5” and 250. Now picture a defensive back trying to prevent LeBron from securing a catch—or a linebacker trying to stay with him in coverage.
There is a reason that he was an extremely sought-after high school football prospect up until he declared for the NBA draft!
Glen Davis
Before “Big Baby” became solely focused on his basketball career, he was one of the best football players his high school had ever seen, both on the defensive line and as a running back. With that burly 6’ 9” frame, he easily could’ve made it in the NFL as a tight end or on the defensive line.
Darrel Armstrong
Darrel Armstrong played 13 years in the NBA, despite not cracking into the league until an insane five years after he was drafted. Between that work ethic, his athleticism, and the fact that he played high school football—and Division II ball in college—I feel comfortable projecting that he could’ve made it in the NFL.
If not as a position player, as a kicker! He drilled two 48-yarders during his relatively short college career, which is no small feat.
