Professional athletes continue to amaze us with their mastery of sports and their ability to push boundaries, but the ones who excel in multiple sports are truly in a league of their own. While baseball has long been a favorite sport in America, many athletes have found success in other athletic arenas, including the NFL. Major League Baseball (MLB) teams even drafted some of these exceptional athletes before they made their mark in professional football.
Although an MLB team rarely drafts an NFL player, it has happened on several notable occasions. During the MLB draft, Major League Baseball clubs selected some football players twice: once by an NFL team and again by a Major League Baseball club. What’s particularly fascinating is that people consider some of these athletes among the best in NFL history. It raises an intriguing question—what might have been if they had chosen baseball instead of football? Based on their athleticism and work ethic, it’s likely they would have excelled on the diamond as well.
Here’s a look at several NFL stars who were also drafted by MLB teams.
5. Russell Wilson
Drafted by: Colorado Rockies, 4th Round, 2010
Russell Wilson’s baseball career, while brief, was noteworthy. Before becoming an NFL star, the Baltimore Orioles drafted him in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB Draft, but he chose to pursue college football while continuing to play baseball. Wilson later transferred to NC State, where he continued to play both sports, earning a spot in the 2010 MLB Draft as the 4th-round pick of the Colorado Rockies. His minor league career lasted just two seasons, with Wilson playing for the Rockies’ affiliates in 2010 and 2011, where he posted a .229/.355/.356 slash line.
Though Wilson’s baseball career never reached the majors, he did briefly return to baseball in 2018 when his rights were traded to the New York Yankees. He participated in Spring Training with both the Rangers and Yankees, gaining some media attention. However, Wilson had already made his mark in the NFL. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, Wilson went on to become one of the league’s top quarterbacks, winning a Super Bowl and earning numerous awards, including multiple Pro Bowl selections.
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Also Read: 10 NFL Players You Had No Idea Played College Basketball
4. Patrick Mahomes
Drafted by: Detroit Tigers, 37th Round, 2014
Patrick Mahomes’ baseball background is noteworthy, especially considering his father, Pat Mahomes Sr., played in MLB for 11 seasons. The Detroit Tigers drafted Mahomes in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft as a right-handed pitcher. Scouts praised his low-90s fastball and recognized his strength at the plate, with some considering him a better prospect as a hitter. Despite his potential, Mahomes made it clear that football was his first love, committing to play quarterback at Texas Tech.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Mahomes 10th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. His football career has been nothing short of stellar, with two MVP awards, three Super Bowl MVPs, and three Super Bowl rings. Having achieved 31,7722 passing yards and 241 touchdowns in his NFL career, Mahomes’ football achievements have far exceeded his baseball prospects. Though he had the talent to excel in MLB, Mahomes made the right call in choosing football, and his impact on the NFL continues to grow.
3. Bo Jackson
Drafted by: Kansas City Royals, 4th Round, 1986
Bo Jackson stands as one of the greatest two-sport athletes of all time. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 4th round of the 1986 MLB Draft, Jackson was already a standout athlete. His baseball career began in 1986, and he quickly made a name for himself as a powerful and dynamic outfielder. Jackson earned an MLB All-Star selection in 1989, hitting 32 home runs that year while contributing to the Royals’ success. Over eight seasons in the majors, Jackson posted 141 home runs, 415 RBIs, and a 112 OPS+.
At the same time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Jackson No. 1 overall in the 1986 NFL Draft. He initially chose baseball but eventually joined the NFL after the Los Angeles Raiders selected him. A devastating hip injury cut short his football career, but Jackson maintained solid baseball achievements throughout his career, which ended in 1994. Despite his injuries, Jackson remains a legend in both MLB and the NFL, with his career proving that he could have been a Hall of Fame athlete in either sport.
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2. John Elway
Drafted by: New York Yankees, 2nd Round, 1981
John Elway’s athleticism became evident early on, and scouts highly sought him in both baseball and football. The New York Yankees drafted Elway in the 2nd round of the 1981 MLB Draft, and he played one season in their minor league system. In 42 games with Low-A Oneonta, he hit .318 with 12 extra-base hits and 13 stolen bases. The Yankees were so impressed by his potential that they offered him a significant bonus and the chance to join their major league roster by 1985. However, Elway’s commitment to football proved stronger.
Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. He leveraged his baseball potential to force a trade to the Denver Broncos, where he went on to become one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Over a 16-season career, Elway passed for 51,475 yards, 300 touchdowns, and won 2 Super Bowls. Though he could have pursued a career in baseball, Elway’s decision to focus on football led to a legendary Hall of Fame career.
1. Tom Brady
Drafted by: Montreal Expos, 18th Round, 1995
Tom Brady’s MLB draft story is a fascinating “what could have been.” The Montreal Expos saw something special in Brady, drafting him in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. As a high school catcher with a left-handed bat and solid defensive skills, Brady’s potential was clear. He had a .311 batting average with 14 home runs in his senior year, and his ability to hit for power caught the attention of MLB scouts. Former Expos GM Kevin Malone even believed Brady had the tools to become one of the best catchers in baseball.
However, Brady opted to pursue football, attending the University of Michigan and eventually being drafted by the New England Patriots in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. With a remarkable career that included seven Super Bowl titles, over 89,000 passing yards, and 649 touchdowns, Brady’s decision to focus on football proved right. His baseball potential will forever remain a part of his “what if” legacy, but his football career has made him one of the most successful athletes of all time.
Also Read: 10 NFL Superstars You Had No Idea Were Drafted by MLB Teams
