5 NBA players with the talent and athleticism to play in the NFL

4. In the NBA or NFL, LeBron James is a transcendent talent

LeBron James’ high school football days are a little further in the past than those of his young NBA colleagues and are often forgotten due to his greatness on the basketball court. Nevertheless, James was just as much of a football star as a teenager. He played three seasons in high school, one as a quarterback and two as a wide receiver. After switching to wide receiver, he was named an All-Ohio player two years in a row as he seemed much more comfortable in that position.

James’ jumping ability and athleticism are what made him such a good wide receiver and earned him several college offers. Luckily for the basketball world, James did not stick with football and is now showing off that same leap and athleticism when he dunks in opponents’ faces or blocks their shots. During the 2011 NBA lockout, however, he received offers from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.

Even though we will never see LeBron James in the NFL, he surely could have made a successful career out of it. With his physicality, build and strength, he would be almost impossible to contain. James might not have been able to replicate his success as a wide receiver, but he could have made a scary tight end in the NFL. Tight ends are usually chosen for their speed and leaping ability, but also a considerable amount of strength. James checks all those boxes and could’ve been right on track for a successful NFL career back in 2011.