Every so often an athlete comes along with talent so amazing that he can transcend the barriers of other sports like Bo Jackson. This got me thinking about the type of impact certain athletes could make in other sports. I started to make a list of who I think could make the jump and what postions they would play. These are a few of what I came up with:
Lebron James 6'6 240lbs Tight End
Lebron is arguably one of the best in the game already, but if he had played football he could have been the best Tight End to ever play the game. Assuming Lebron runs roughly a 4.6 40 time (not completely out of the realm of possibility) he would be in the upper eschelon in terms of speed. What would make him different is his height and athleticism. Nobody in the NFL that tall has ever been that athletic, this would make Lebron the leagues top redzone target. Plus, with NFL strength coaches he could probably put on another 20lbs making him larger that most NFL linebackers. As far as blocking he would be about as likely to do that as he plays defense in the NBA so that is a wash.
Wes Welker 5'9 185lbs Right Wing
What stands out about Wes Welker is how scrappy of a player he is. His tenacity probably belongs in the National Hockey League where he would get to make a more profound impact. He is extremely quick and has fast feet which would serve him well if he was playing on skates. His soccer backround would probably help him as well. He is considered one of the most physical blocking receivers in the NFL so he likely wouldn't me afraid to jack people up. Plus, that sex offender stash is something that belongs in either MLB or the NHL. On numerous occasions last year I heard him trash talking opponents, In the NHL those would turn into fights. He'd probably get his #### kicked, but it would be a fun ride.
Jamarcus Russell 6'6 269lbs Outfielder
Coming into the combine it was rumored that he could throw the ball 80+ yards. If you think Jeff Francour has a cannon imagine seeing Russell gun down unsuspecting baserunners from Right Field. As far as batting is concerned he definately has raw power. Plus quarterbacks have generally quick releases which would likely translate somewhat to bat speed. Another added benefit would be that Russell would have a much harder time eating himself out of the league, but in either league it will eventually happen.
Allen Iverson 6'0 165lbs Cornerback
Back in high school Iverson was supposedly better than Michael Vick at QB. His resume also included a 7 interception game, I repeat 7 interceptions. He likely would be at CB because of his weight, but he also has a 45" vertical jump and fluid athleticism which would make him like Deion. His change of sirection ability would allow him to return kicks and punts. He would however be a lock for a holdout during training camp every season do to his distaste for "practice".
Richard Seymour 6'7 310lbs Power Foward
This one isn't ideal because he is too short and isn't an insane athlete, but he is probably amongst the strongest and most physically intimidating players in the NFL. if the had 2 more inches he could be as good as Shaq. The NBA has never seen a player quite so strong in the low post. On defense nobody would be able to move within 8 feet of the basket due to his incredible strength. People trying to defend him would be thrown to the side when he elevates. He would become the leagues first enforcer since Oakley, and KG wouldn't do a chest bump within 5 miles of him because of fears of reprocussions.
Those are just a few that I thought of, please comment on whoever you think could make it.
hey pat good article!!!! lebron james hockey??? nahhh kobe bryant tennis?? the next mcenroe!!! crying!!!!! babe ruth football??? yes i could see that!!!! MJ jordan, tryed baseball, for those who dont recall wilt champerlain played volleyball and very well i might ad!!!!!
as i say?? light bulb went off!!!! can you see bob and mike stoops arizona(bob oaklahoma) these two brothers not coaching football but being baseball managers???? kicking dirt at umps!!!! hey these two have problems keeping their butts off the football field!!!!!
Wes Welker would be one of those pesky wingers that would get under the other guy's skin and he'd bait him into taking stupid penalties.
Could you imagine a 6'6", 270-lb. OF with that cannon arm and a huge bat? Better yet, imagine JaMarcus Russell on the mound! He'd have been this generation's J.R. Richard. Richard was a Houston Astros' pitcher BIGGER than Russell (He was 6'8" and 280 in his prime) who had a NASTY fastball that was in the triple digits.
Steve Smith (Panthers' WR): he'd be a speedy OF that would have surprising pop in his bat. Think Rickey Henderson.
I thought about making Russell a pitcher, but I didn't think he would have the killer instinct to be effective. Plus the arm tradjectory is all different. He is tall though and has a lot of heft he could probably throw some heat.
Ali would be a great professional wrestler, he could trash talk so well it wouldn't seem so scripted. Plus, instead of calling the round in which he would win he could tell his opponent the moves he would do. He would still be too fast for them to stop him.
I would like to see C-Webb play any sport in which he is all by himself. Especially Tennis, imagine him calling a timeout mid volley not realizing that its illegal and him screaming, "I wasn't ready!"
patsrock'
And the prototypical guy that started this may well have Bullet Bob Hayes.
Olympic sprint champion and a player on Cowboys' Superbowl winning team.
Bullet Bob Hayes .........Olympic sprint champion.
Showing why the Cowboys had a great deal of faith in him as a player.
I'd like to think I at least partially inspired this with the 'Cross OVer' section of the best male athlete piece, and if so I'm glad--interesting piece, I think about this often.
I saw the highlights of Iverson as a football player, and I think if any of these were realistic, it'd be that one. He is an incredible athlete, but I think he made the right choice just based on the wear and tear difference. Imagine if he played football with the way he plays basketball...he may have been done with his pro-career by now.
Also to think about...Shaq at Tight End or Defensive Line! crazy
Many ATP players started out playing soccer as well as tennis, the top two included. I could see Federer as a striker facing Nadal as a stopper/sweeper. Though they share these athletic qualities: Fed has the vision and the touch; Rafa has the speed and bravery. And they would have both probably been elite.
I think Shaq would be a terrible football player, I could never imagine him playing low enough to make an impact as a defensive lineman, but he could probably block a hell of a lot of passes.
I am a 17 year old kid from Massachusetts who loves football wth an unequivocal passion. During football season between my high school practices and games, BC games, and Patriots games I spend roughly 30 hours per week on football related activities. Thats not quite enough though so I write and comment on basically every NFL blog I can find.