LeBron James has long said that he could’ve been a successful dual-sport athlete, such as Bo Jackson, and there was a scenario in the past in which it may have actually happened.
James has shown he’s an athletic freak, continuing to push the envelope and dominate the NBA at 36 years of age. He takes great care of his body, and not only spends so much time working on his craft, but also puts just as much attention into recovery — both in terms of nutrition and also body work.
And while playing both baseball and football clearly took a toll on Jackson’s body, resulting in a shortened career, he played in a different era — one that didn’t put an emphasis on recovery and body work.
That’s why many believe James could’ve actually pulled it off — playing both football and baseball, that is. And apparently, he nearly did, as the 2011 NBA Lockout caused him to nearly hold a private workout for NFL teams, after having received invitations to try out for the Cowboys and Seahawks, according to a report from The Athletic.
“I would have made the team. I would have tried out, but I would have made the team,” James said. “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.”
We would’ve loved to have seen it, especially since James played football in high school. At tight end, he would’ve fit with what the NFL has been looking for, from a physical makeup and matchup standpoint.
