Football and basketball may seem different, but some NFL stars had the size, athleticism, and raw skill to ball out on the hardwood. If things had gone a little differently—or if they’d picked up a basketball instead of a football helmet—these guys might’ve been throwing down dunks instead of touchdowns.
Whether it was their leaping ability, freakish wingspan, or pure footwork, these NFL athletes had all the ingredients to make noise in the NBA. Let’s count down 15 football stars who could’ve made it on the court.
15. Mike Evans
Evans played basketball in high school and had the build of a small forward. His rebounding instincts and vertical would’ve translated beautifully to the hardwood.
14. Antonio Gates
Before becoming a Hall of Fame-caliber tight end, Gates was a standout power forward in college. He never played college football but still became a star—imagine what he could’ve done if he had stuck with hoops.
13. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes may be the face of the NFL, but he grew up playing multiple sports and had fundamental basketball skills. He would’ve made a flashy point guard with elite vision and a fearless approach.
12. Tony Gonzalez
Gonzalez played hoops at Cal and had NBA-level athleticism. He was a matchup nightmare in football and would’ve been just as tough to handle in the paint.
11. Jimmy Graham
Another tight end who went from college basketball to NFL greatness, Graham had serious bounce. He probably would’ve caught lobs in the NBA if he hadn’t been catching touchdowns instead.
10. Allen Robinson
Robinson was known for his vertical and body control. Put him in a fast-paced NBA system, and you’ve got yourself an athletic wing who could soar over defenders.
9. Randy Moss
Moss had the speed, hops, and coordination that would’ve made him a nightmare on a basketball court. Just imagine him running the break or skying for alley-oops.
8. Vernon Davis
Davis had the build of a power forward and the explosiveness to match. He could’ve made a living grabbing boards and bullying people in the post.
7. Calvin Johnson
Megatron with a basketball? Terrifying. His size, hands, and agility would’ve made him a dominant forward in any era.
6. Julius Peppers
Peppers played basketball and football at UNC, and he wasn’t just a body—he could play. He had legit two-sport star potential and NBA-ready size.
5. Terrell Owens
TO could dunk with ease and had a serious game. He played in celebrity and charity hoops games like a guy who missed his true calling.
4. Martellus Bennett
Bennett had handles, creativity, and a natural movement flow that felt more like basketball than football. He could’ve been a highlight reel waiting to happen.
3. Donovan McNabb
McNabb was a two-sport athlete at Syracuse and had the strength and finesse to make it on the court. He would’ve been a crafty, physical point guard who could score and defend.
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2. Russell Wilson
Wilson is listed at just under six feet tall, but his quickness and leadership would’ve made him a floor general in the NBA. He plays like a guy who would’ve loved running pick-and-rolls.
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1. LeBron James
No, LeBron didn’t play in the NFL—but let’s flip it. If LeBron could’ve made it in football, a few football guys could’ve been LeBron-lite in basketball.
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