LeBron James believes he could have made the Dallas Cowboys or Seattle Seahawks rosters had he tried out.
There have been plenty of athletes who have played two professionals sports. Deion Sander and Bo Jackson are two that come to mind, as they both took their talents to the NFL and MLB. Given Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ dominance in the NBA, many wondered if he could have had a future playing football. As it turns out, he was on the verge of making the jump.
When the NBA entered a lockout in 2011, James told The Athletic that he was offered tryouts by both the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Had LeBron actually accepted those invitations, he stressed his belief that he could have made either one of those rosters.
“I would have made the team,” James said, via The Athletic. “I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. One thing about it, I don’t mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I’d have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I’d have tried (out), but I would have made the team. I just know what I’m capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age.”
James’ circle talked him out of NFL venture
While James was seriously considering pursuing an NFL career, he was talked out of it by his inner circle. Oh, what could have been.
James actually played football when he was dominating on the court for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. The future NBA superstar played wide receiver for the school, and received offers from the likes of Florida, Ohio State and Michigan. In fact, James himself claimed that Urban Meyer, then receivers coach of Notre Dame, recruited him.
But, it was basketball that won out for James and it turned out to be a great decision for him. Playing for the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, James won four NBA Championships, four NBA MVP awards, 16 All-NBA honors and 16 All-Star team nominations.
While it is a treat to watch James dominate on the hardwood, you can’t help but wonder how he would have fared in the NFL. Cowboys and Seahawks fans are certainly wondering that today after receiving this shocking tidbit.