LeBron James has made a name for himself as the King of the NBA. He now stands alone on the all-time scoring list in the NBA as No.1. Although he is having a rough few seasons with the Lakers, who are struggling to make it to the playoffs. More than a decade earlier, James considered joining the NFL. The most dominating figure in the league was willing to change sports to get his hands on a championship trophy.
In 2011, LeBron James and the Miami Heat faced a humiliating loss against the Dallas Mavericks in the finals. No one saw the Mavericks beating the Heat in 6 games of the NBA finals. Against a star trio of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosch, and LeBron, the Mavs shocked everyone. This caused the King to reconsider his sport when Jerry Jones, General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys offered him a contract.
Just as Michael Jordan had a mid-career dalliance with baseball, LeBron James nearly tried the NFL in 2011.
‘Bron seriously considered an offer to try out for the Dallas Cowboys.
“I would have made the team.” pic.twitter.com/TtR3g6klQM
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 7, 2023
Looking back at the offers from the 2 NFL teams, “I would have made the team,” said James “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.” Said James to The Athletic.
It is hard to question his decision when he considered joining the NFL. King James is one of the greatest athletes today, and it is not hard to see him flying with tackles and touchdowns. However, LeBron has now cemented his name as the All-Time leading scorer in the NBA.
Could LeBron James make a name for himself in the NFL?
NBA players are one of the best athletes in the world, however, in the NFL a certain amount of toughness is necessary. Transitioning from the NBA to the NFL would be a huge step up in James’ training routine. As Robin Lundberg mentioned in Sports Illustrated, argues the point of the NBA. “There was a period of time where the best athletes didn’t necessarily play quarterbacks, and now you see the best athletes playing quarterback. Said, Robin.
Would LeBron James have been a surefire NFL success? pic.twitter.com/qfi7vWmhiZ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 16, 2021
LeBron James did play football in high school, however, it is much different in college and the NFL. It is not certain he would’ve found much success playing at the district level. LeBron James spends $1 million a year on his body to maintain his physical fitness. This shows how dedicated he is to fitness. However, it would be awesome to see it on a football field. If he plays at even half the quality he possesses in the NBA he would certainly make a name for himself in the NFL.