If LeBron James had pursued football in addition to basketball, he could have been a standout multi-sport athlete in the USA. His brief foray into football during his high school days was inspired by the tragic passing of singer Aaliyah, which motivated him to step out of his comfort zone and give the sport a try. Despite joining the team late, James excelled as a wide receiver, showcasing his natural athleticism and talent by running 1200 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in just 12 games. While basketball ultimately became his focus, one can’t help but wonder how he would have fared in the NFL had he pursued a career in football as well. Perhaps he could have followed in the footsteps of legendary athlete Deion Sanders, who successfully played in both the NFL and MLB.
LeBron James made it clear that his kids would not be playing football anytime soon, expressing concern over the physical risks of the sport. In 2014, he stated that only basketball, baseball, and soccer were permitted in his household, emphasizing the need for his children to understand the intense physicality and demands of the game before considering football.
James did set a temporary limit on those early statements, but we have witnessed Bronny and Bryce James growing up in the spotlight throughout their school years. If either of them decided to give football a try, it would definitely make headlines in the world of sports. Fortunately, they have chosen to focus on basketball, just like their father LeBron, and could potentially make their way into the league in the near future.
Another notable athlete who had to make a tough decision between two sports is Allen Iverson. Back in the last thirty years, he was one of the few elite athletes who excelled in multiple sports. Iverson was highly recruited for football during his high school days, but his mother stepped in and pushed him towards choosing basketball instead, even though he wasn’t particularly fond of the sport.
“I used to dislike basketball, thinking it was too easy. Football was always my sport of choice. But one day, my mom insisted I go to basketball practice. I have to thank her for that push. If she hadn’t told me to go that day, I would never have discovered my love for basketball.”
Iverson had a promising future as a quarterback, even ranking higher than Peyton Manning in the high school class of 1995. He was a rare dual-sport athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. He became the Associated Press High School Player of the Year in both sports and led his team to victory in the Division 5 AAA Virginia state championship in both football and basketball – a feat not seen in a long time.