Some NBA players are so athletic that it feels like they were built in a lab. And sometimes, you can’t help but wonder what they would’ve looked like in shoulder pads and a helmet instead of sneakers and a jersey.
From freakish verticals to massive wingspans and the kind of agility that would make NFL scouts drool, these guys had the tools to dominate the gridiron, too. Here are 15 NBA stars who could’ve been great NFL players—if they ever decided to trade the court for the field.
15. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook’s speed and aggression would’ve made him a nightmare as a slot receiver or safety. He already plays like every possession is 4th and 1.
14. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis could’ve been an unstoppable tight end with his size, strength, and long strides. Just throw it up and let the Greek Freak go get it.
13. Zion Williamson
Zion looks like he was born to truck defenders. Put him at fullback or linebacker and just let the destruction begin.
12. J.R. Smith
J.R. actually played football in high school and had real wide receiver potential. His speed and hands would’ve translated surprisingly well.
11. Dwight Howard
Howard’s size and vertical would’ve made him a red zone machine at tight end. Imagine trying to box him out in the end zone.
10. Andre Iguodala
Iggy’s defensive instincts and explosive athleticism scream safety or cornerback. He’d have been picking off passes and flexing all the way to the end zone.
9. Anthony Edwards
Edwards has that rare mix of power, agility, and confidence that would’ve made him a killer running back. He also played football growing up, so the roots are there.
8. Blake Griffin
Griffin could’ve lined up at tight end and jumped over linebackers like hurdles. He had the build and the toughness to take hits and keep going.
7. Vince Carter
Vince, in his prime, was basically a high-flying cheat code. He’d be a deep threat wideout who could out-jump any DB in the league.
6. Jimmy Butler
Butler plays with the grit of a strong safety. He has the mentality to deliver hits and talk trash the whole way through.
5. LeBron James
LeBron was an All-State wide receiver in high school and looked the part. With his size, speed, and hands, he could’ve been an all-time great tight end.
4. Allen Iverson
Iverson was a legendary high school quarterback and could’ve gone D1 for football. His quickness, vision, and swagger would’ve made him a star at just about any position.
3. Charles Barkley
Barkley at running back would’ve been a bowling ball with legs. Good luck tackling him once he got downhill.
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2. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq on the offensive line? Unfair. Shaq as a goal-line tight end? Even worse.
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1. Michael Jordan
MJ might’ve been a wide receiver who could hang in the air longer than most cornerbacks could jump. With his competitiveness and work ethic, it’s hard to imagine him not thriving in any sport he picks.
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