LeBron James has been dominating the basketball court for over two decades, but that’s not where his talents stop. The 39-year-old NBA legend has always had a soft spot for football, and lately, he’s been turning that passion into serious wins. Partnering with DraftKings, LeBron showed off his NFL knowledge in Week 16 by making some bold touchdown predictions. And, as expected, he nailed it.
In a week loaded with exciting games, LeBron didn’t just get lucky—he did his homework. The four-time NBA champion went 3-for-3 on a touchdown parlay, picking Justin Jefferson from the Minnesota Vikings, James Cook from the Buffalo Bills, and Chuba Hubbard from the Carolina Panthers to score a touchdown. Not only did all three players deliver, but their performances also left bettors who followed LeBron’s picks celebrating big payouts.
LeBron didn’t let the win go unnoticed. With his usual understated flair, he posted a story on Instagram for his 159 million followers. He shared a DraftKings announcement about his clean sweep, adding three emojis: a shrug, a smiling face, and a football. This wasn’t his first time calling it perfectly either—two months ago, LeBron hit another touchdown parlay featuring Jefferson. It’s safe to say the Vikings star might be LeBron’s lucky charm.
LeBron’s love for football goes way back. He’s not just some casual fan—it’s been a big part of his life for as long as he can remember. From setting up a multi-screen setup to catch every NFL game to looking back on his high school days as Ohio’s top football prospect, it’s clear he’s all in. Now, he’s using that passion and turning heads with his football knowledge when he’s not delivering stunning performances on the court.
LeBron James’ Football IQ Is No Joke
When LeBron made his Week 16 picks, he wasn’t just guessing—he was spot-on. Justin Jefferson scored twice in the Vikings’ 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks, James Cook found the endzone in the Bills’ 24-21 victory over the New England Patriots, and Chuba Hubbard came through with two touchdowns in the Panthers’ overtime 36-30 thriller against the Arizona Cardinals. It was a perfect parlay that reminded everyone that LeBron’s football IQ is no joke.
His football background adds even more credibility. Before he chose basketball, LeBron was tearing it up on the football field. As a wide receiver in high school, he was explosive enough to become Ohio’s top prospect. Even during the 2011 NBA lockout, he seriously considered giving the NFL a shot, with the Cowboys and Seahawks offering him tryouts. But basketball won out, and the rest is history.
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Still, LeBron’s love for the game never faded. Whether he’s hyping Saquon Barkley’s 150-yard night for the Eagles or dominating Madden, where he ranks in the top 1,000 globally, LeBron is just as locked in on football as he is on basketball, showing his talents go well beyond the basketball court.
