NBA Players That Are Built for the Gridiron
LeBron James was an All-State wide receiver in Ohio with real Division I offers. Allen Iverson led his high school to a state championship as a quarterback. Nate Robinson started his college career on a football scholarship at Washington. Glen “Big Baby” Davis was a dominant defensive lineman in high school and a middle school prodigy. Plenty of NBA players didn’t just flirt with football, they thrived in it. And if their careers had gone a different direction, some might’ve made the leap to the NFL.
Plenty of NBA players look the part, but how many could actually hold their own on a football field? Not just run fast or jump high — but line up at real positions, take a hit, and deliver one. In this article, we're building a full NFL team using past and present NBA players with the size, toughness, and skill to actually compete. Some played in high school or college. Some just have the freakish traits that translate. Every pick had to make sense positionally, no highlight-reel dunks pretending to be football tape.
Charlie Ward - Quaterback
Florida State Football - Heisman Winner
6'2 190
Charlie Ward's athletic journey began in Thomasville, Georgia, where he was a standout quarterback at Thomas County Central High School. His exceptional performance on the field earned him a scholarship to Florida State University. At FSU, Ward's football career flourished. In 1993, he won the Heisman Trophy, completing 69.5% of his passes for 3,032 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for 339 yards and four touchdowns that season. His leadership guided the Seminoles to their first national championship in the '93 Orange Bowl.
In addition to his football success, Ward was a four-year basketball player at FSU, setting school records for career steals (236) and single-game steals (nine), and ranking sixth all-time in assists (396). After going undrafted in the NFL, he was selected 26th overall by the New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Draft, where he played as a point guard until retiring in 2005. He played for three teams as point guard before hanging up his high-tops in 2005.
Allen Iverson - Running Back
4-Star Football Recruit - Bethel High School (VA)
6'0 165
Allen Iverson's athletic prowess extended beyond basketball to football, where he was a standout at Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia. As a junior, he led the Bruins to a state championship, showcasing his skills as a quarterback, defensive back, and kick returner. His performance earned him the Virginia Football Player of the Year award, and he was named first-team All-State as a defensive back and kick returner.
Iverson's versatility on the field was remarkable. He tied a Virginia state record by intercepting five passes in a single game and demonstrated a strong arm as a quarterback, capable of throwing the ball over 70 yards. Despite his relatively small stature at the time, standing about 6'0 and weighing around 155 pounds, his athleticism and football IQ were undeniable. Though Iverson initially aspired to play football at the collegiate level, a legal incident during his youth led him to focus on basketball. He went on to play for the Georgetown Hoyas, where he set the school record for career scoring average and won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award both years.
Anthony Edwards - Running Back
Did Not Play in High School
6'4 210
Anthony Edwards showed promise as a football player in his younger years, excelling as a running back, quarterback, and cornerback. He was a standout running back in Pop Warner and earned praise for his athleticism on the field. However, as he entered high school, Edwards began to shift his focus toward basketball after watching his brothers play and deciding it looked more fun. While he was highly touted as a football prospect, basketball ultimately became his main pursuit, and he quickly became a star, leading him to a standout career at the University of Georgia before being selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Matt Barnes - Wide Receiver
5-Star Football Recruit - Del Campo High School (CA)
6'6 225
Matt Barnes was a 5-star football recruit out of Del Campo High School in Sacramento, where he dominated as a wide receiver. At 6'6" and 225 pounds, he earned All-American honors during his senior year and led the nation with 28 touchdowns. Barnes had tryouts with multiple NFL teams, but after much thought, he decided to pursue basketball instead. This decision proved to be a good one, Barnes went on to have a successful NBA career, since entering the league undrafted in 2002. Barnes even held a annual celebrity flag football game in his hometown.
Anthony Black - Wide Receiver
4-Star Football Recruit - Coppell High School (TX)
6'6 220
Anthony Black was a highly touted wide receiver at Coppell High School in Texas. Standing at 6'6" and 220 pounds, he caught 78 passes for 1,327 yards and 16 touchdowns over two varsity seasons. He earned second-team all-area honors as a junior and was a 4-star football recruit with offers from major programs like Arkansas, Baylor, and Texas. Despite excelling in football and having opportunities to play at the collegiate level, Black ultimately chose to focus on basketball.
Quinn Buckner - Wide Receiver
All-American - Thornridge High School (IL)
6'3 190
Quinn Buckner was an All-American wide receiver at Thornridge High School in Illinois, where he led the team in scoring with eight touchdowns on returns during his final two seasons. Along with his football success, Buckner was a standout basketball player, leading his team to two state titles. The 1972 Thornridge team is considered one of the greatest in Illinois state history. Buckner earned All-American honors in basketball from multiple media outlets, further solidifying his status as a dual-sport star.
LeBron James - Tight End / Wide Receiver
5-Star Football Recruit - St. Vincent St. Mary (OH)
6'9 250
LeBron James was a highly touted football prospect before fully committing to basketball. As a standout at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Ohio, he earned All-State honors as a wide receiver and became the star of his team. Over two seasons, he accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the top high school football players in the country.
In his sophomore year, James caught 42 passes for 752 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-State honors. His junior year was even more impressive, with 57 catches for 1,160 yards and 16 touchdowns. By his junior year, college programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida State, and USC were already vying for his commitment. NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss has even speculated that James could’ve been a successful NFL player.
However, James decided to focus solely on basketball, and his football career ended after his junior season. A broken wrist in his senior year kept him off the field, but his decision to step away was also influenced by concerns about his basketball career and the poor quarterback play he had experienced. In an interview on the "Manningcast," James said, “If I would’ve had a better quarterback in high school, I might’ve continued to play football. I took way too many hits.” His choice ultimately paid off, leading to a legendary NBA career, but his football talent remains a major “what if” in sports history.
Reggie Evans - Offensive Tackle
Did Not Play in High School
6'7 260
Reggie Evans didn’t play football in high school, but with his 6'7", 260-pound frame and bruising, physical style of play, it’s easy to imagine him as an elite offensive tackle. Known in the NBA for doing the dirty work like rebounding, setting hard screens, and outmuscling opponents, Evans brought the kind of grit and toughness that translates perfectly to the trenches. If he'd grown up playing football, there’s little doubt he could have anchored an offensive line.
Isiah Stewart - Offensive Tackle
Did Not Play in High School
6'8 255
Isiah Stewart never played football in high school, but his frame and aggressive style would make him an ideal candidate for the offensive line. At 6'8" and 255 pounds, he’d need to bulk up about 40 pounds, but the foundation is already there. Stewart grew up in Rochester, New York, where he boxed and played soccer before turning to basketball full-time in fifth grade. By age 12, he was already around six feet tall.
Stewart’s playing style in the NBA backs it all up. He’s physical, confrontational, and never backs down from contact. That mindset, paired with his size and work ethic, would make him a natural fit as a punishing offensive tackle.
Oliver Miller - Offensive Guard
Did Not Play in High School
6'8 375
Oliver Miller didn’t play football in high school, but with a 6'8", 375-pound frame, he would’ve been a natural force at guard. Known in the NBA for his sheer size and soft touch around the rim, Miller had the kind of mass and strength that offensive line coaches dream about. If he had grown up in pads instead of sneakers, there’s little doubt he could have carved out a lane-clearing role on the interior line.
Robert "Tractor" Traylor - Offensive Guard
Did Not Play in High School
6'8 300
Robert Traylor never played football in high school, but with his size and athleticism, he would’ve been a natural fit on the offensive line. At 6'8" and close to 300 pounds, Traylor combined brute strength with surprising footwork. He once shattered a backboard while playing for Michigan, and his nimble movement made him stand out in the paint. As a pulling guard, his quick feet and physical presence would’ve made him a nightmare for defenders.
Raymond Felton - Offensive Center
Did Not Play in High School
6'1 220
Raymond Felton never played football in high school, but his skill set on the basketball court suggests he could’ve made a solid NFL center. At 6'1" and 220 pounds, Felton was a true floor general, quick on his feet, decisive under pressure, and always thinking one step ahead. With a high sports IQ and a sturdy frame, he had the foundation for the position. Add another 40 pounds, and his combination of awareness, toughness, and leadership would make him a reliable anchor on the offensive line.
DEFENSE
Glen "Big Baby" Davis - Defensive Tackle
LSU Football Offer - University Lab High School (LA)
6'8 330
Glen Davis played both offensive and defensive line, and even tailback, at University Laboratory High School in Baton Rouge. At 6'9" and around 330 pounds, he was a wrecking machine. Jill White, the school’s athletic director, said Davis could drag “four different guys trying to take him down” during high school games. Glen Davis was already a 325-pound defensive line prodigy by eighth grade, overwhelming opponents with his size and raw power before ever stepping onto a varsity field. In his junior season, he led the team in rushing. His coach noted he consistently took low hits around the knees—he was that hard to bring down . That dominance had LSU coach Nick Saban offering him a football scholarship, but Davis chose basketball instead.
On the court, Davis excelled. He was named Louisiana Mr. Basketball, a Parade All-American, and helped LSU reach the Final Four. His footwork and physicality made him a natural fit in football trenches—if he’d stuck with it, he’d likely have been a dominant DT.
Sean May - Defensive Tackle
Did Not Play in High School
6-8, 300
Sean May didn’t play football in high school, but his size and skills could have translated well to the defensive line. Standing 6'8" and weighing around 300 pounds later in his career, May had the physical tools to be a force on the gridiron. His footwork, honed through his basketball career, would have been an asset as a defensive lineman. He wasn’t afraid of contact, and with a bit of added weight, it’s easy to imagine him making an impact on the football field. Growing up in basketball-crazed Bloomington, Indiana, and as the son of Hoosier legend Scott May, he chose basketball — but it’s fun to think about how he would have fared in football.
George McGinnis - Defensive End
All-American - Washington High School (IN)
6'8 250
George McGinnis was a standout football player at Washington High School in Indiana, earning All-American honors as both a receiver and defensive end in 1969. At 6'8" and 250 pounds, his size and athleticism made him a natural for both sides of the ball. McGinnis' physical style of play and versatility would have translated well to the NFL, but he chose to pursue basketball, where he went on to have a successful career in the ABA and NBA.
Kenneth Loften Jr. - Defensive End
Port Arthur Memorial High School (TX)
6'6 275
Kenneth Lofton Jr. played high school football at Port Arthur Memorial High School in Texas, where his size and physicality stood out. Standing 6'6" and weighing 275 pounds, Lofton had the build for a dominant defensive end. However, his height ultimately led him to choose basketball over football. Despite focusing on hoops, his physical presence and strength on the court show how he could have been a force on the football field as well.
Larry Johnson - Outside Linebacker
Did Not Play in High School
6'5 250
Larry Johnson didn’t play football in high school, but his physical style and athleticism would have made him a natural at outside linebacker. Standing 6'5" and weighing 250 pounds, Johnson’s speed and strength would have made him a force in coverage and as a hitter. Growing up in Texas, where football is king, it’s surprising he didn’t take to the gridiron, but his basketball talent was evident from a young age. His combination of size, agility, and power would have made him a dynamic linebacker.
OG Anunoby - Outside Linebacker
Did Not Play in High School
6'7 240
OG Anunoby grew up with football in his background, as his older brother, Chigbo, played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings before shifting his focus to medical school (though he ultimately didn’t attend). Anunoby himself played football at a young age but stopped around eight years old to focus more on basketball, partly due to his height. Despite stepping away from the gridiron, Anunoby’s athleticism and physicality have made him a standout on the basketball court, where he’s developed into a key player with strong defensive skills.
Ben Wallace - Middle Linebacker
Auburn Football Scholarship Offer
6'9 240
Standing 6'9" and weighing 240 pounds, Ben Wallace’s frame made him a natural pass-rushing force. In high school, he earned all-state honors in basketball, track, and football, showcasing his versatility. His football skills were so impressive that Auburn offered him a scholarship, with visions of him playing both offense and defense. But Wallace, who was passionate about basketball, turned down the football offer to pursue hoops. After two years at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, he transferred to Virginia Union, where he eventually caught the attention of the Washington Bullets, signing with them as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1996.
Wallace’s physicality and strength — built from his football background — made him a terror on the court. At 6'9" and 255 pounds, he became known for his toughness and defense. He won an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 2004 and was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Wallace grew up in Hayneville, Alabama, where he was a standout linebacker in football, earning all-state honors in basketball, baseball, and football.
Former NBA player Charles Oakley discovered Wallace at a 1991 basketball camp, and their fierce competition left a lasting impact on Wallace. "He showed me how physical the game of basketball can really be," Wallace said, noting that Oakley taught him how to bring that football mentality onto the court. That mentality, combined with his unmatched work ethic, helped propel Wallace to an outstanding NBA career.
Jalen Suggs - Cornerback
5-Star Athlete - Minnehaha Academy (MN)
6'4 205
Jalen Suggs was a highly touted dual-threat quarterback and defensive back at Minnehaha Academy in Minnesota. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, his athleticism and versatility on the football field made him a standout. He led his team to a state championship and earned scholarship offers from top football programs, including Georgia, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. ESPN ranked him as a four-star dual-threat quarterback, recognizing his ability to both pass and run with ease.
In his senior year, Suggs made history by becoming the first athlete in Minnesota to win both the Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball awards in the same year. Though his football skills were impressive, Suggs ultimately chose basketball, a decision that led him to become a top prospect in the NBA. His football talent, however, remains evident in his athleticism, speed, and physicality on the court.
Nate Robinson- Cornerback
University of Washington Football
5'9 180
Before making a name for himself with Dunk Contest titles, Nate Robinson was already a two-sport star at Rainier Beach High in Seattle. The 5'9", 180-pound speedster excelled as both a football player and a basketball player. In his senior year, Robinson rushed for over 1,200 yards, added 500 yards receiving, and scored 21 touchdowns, earning SuperPrep All-American honors in 2001.
Robinson went on to play both football and basketball at the University of Washington, showcasing his versatility as a wide receiver and point guard. His electric speed and playmaking ability made him a standout on the football field, and he eventually turned his attention fully to basketball, where he became a spark plug for the Boston Celtics. His football background combined with his quickness, agility, and competitive drive made him a natural on the court, and it’s easy to imagine him as a dangerous cornerback with those same traits.
Vernon Maxwell - Cornerback
2-Star Football Recruit - Buchholz High School (FL)
6'4 190
Vernon Maxwell was a standout athlete in both basketball and football at Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida. At 6'4" and 190 pounds, Maxwell excelled as a defensive back, earning all-state honors and showcasing his natural athleticism on the football field. His combination of size, speed, and toughness made him a dangerous player in the secondary.
In addition to his football skills, Maxwell was named Mr. Basketball in Florida as a senior, cementing his status as one of the top athletes in the state. While he went on to a successful basketball career, it’s easy to imagine how his skills as a football player could have translated to a strong cornerback role, where his physicality and agility would have been key assets.
JR Smith - Strong Saftey
4-Star Football Recruit - St. Benedict's Prep (NJ)
6'6 225
JR Smith was a top-ranked receiver at St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey before deciding to focus fully on basketball. Standing 6'6" and 225 pounds, Smith had the physical tools to be a standout on the football field. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for football. As a high school recruit, Smith earned a 4-star ranking as a wide receiver before transferring and reclassifying as a junior.
Despite ultimately committing to basketball, Smith expressed interest in returning to football if the 2011 NBA lockout had extended into the season. He tweeted that he would have played safety for the University of Miami, showcasing just how much his athleticism could have translated to the gridiron.
Danny Ainge - Free Saftey
4-Star Football Recruit - North Eugene High School (OR)
6'5 210
Danny Ainge was a standout athlete at North Eugene High School in Oregon, excelling in both basketball and football. At 6'5" and 210 pounds, Ainge had the size and athleticism that made him a natural fit for the defensive backfield. In football, he was an All-American selection by Scholastic Coach and earned all-state honors as a defensive back in 1977. His ability to read the game and his physicality on the field would have made him a formidable safety.
Though Ainge went on to a successful basketball career, his football skills were well-regarded, and his versatility as a two-sport athlete is a testament to his all-around athleticism.
Darrel Armstrong - Kicker
Played Division 2 Football
Before making his mark in the NBA, Darrell Armstrong was a walk-on kicker for Division II Fayetteville State University in 1989. Standing 6'1", Armstrong twice kicked school-record 48-yard field goals, showcasing his leg strength and accuracy. He had a strong football background, having played as a punter and part-time receiver at Ashbrook High, but didn't start playing basketball until his senior year.
Armstrong’s basketball career saw him play for five NBA teams, including winning the Sixth Man Award with the Orlando Magic in 1999. Despite his success on the court, Armstrong always considered football his first love. He retired from the NBA in 2007, but his football roots remained a key part of his athletic journey.
Honorable Mention
Matt Harpring - QB
At 6'8", Matt Harpring was a highly recruited quarterback at Marist School near Atlanta, drawing interest from top programs like Wisconsin and Northwestern. However, after attending a Big Ten basketball game during his recruiting visits, he shifted his focus to basketball. Harpring convinced Georgia Tech’s coach, Bobby Cremins, of his Division I potential, and went on to become the school’s all-time leader in free throw attempts and makes, ranking second in points and rebounds.
Miles "Duece" McBride - QB
Miles McBride was a standout two-sport athlete at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, excelling in both basketball and football as a quarterback. As a sophomore, he averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the basketball team, which finished as Division I state runners-up. McBride also had a successful football career, but suffered a season-ending foot injury during his junior year. Despite the injury, he returned for the final two games of the basketball season and helped lead Moeller to a Division I state title.
In his senior year, McBride chose to focus solely on basketball, leading Moeller to a perfect 29-0 record and another state championship. He averaged 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, achieving the first undefeated season in Moeller’s division since 1995. Known for his legendary work ethic, McBride was a three-star recruit and committed to play college basketball at West Virginia, but his commitment to excellence would have translated well to the football field.
Luke Kennard - QB
Luke Kennard might have been a football star if he had stuck with the sport. A standout quarterback in high school in Ohio, he was being recruited by Michigan early in his career. However, Kennard decided to fully commit to basketball, giving up football in his junior year. His decision led him to become a McDonald's All-American and a star at Duke University. While his basketball career clearly paid off, it’s fun to imagine what might have been if he had pursued football instead.
Rajon Rondo - QB
Rajon Rondo initially had dreams of playing football, but his mother, concerned about the scrawny youngster taking too many hits, encouraged him to focus on basketball. She made the right call — Rondo went on to become an NBA leader in assists and earned a championship ring with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Though he never pursued football, his athleticism and playmaking abilities might have made him a standout on the gridiron as well.
John Havlichek - WR
John Havlicek, a basketball legend, was actually drafted by the Cleveland Browns, despite having no football experience. Known for his legendary hands and relentless work ethic on the basketball court, Havlicek’s athleticism and ability to catch in traffic made him a natural for the football field as well. While his career in the NBA is iconic, it’s fascinating to imagine how his talents would have translated to the NFL.
Stephen Adams - OT
Growing up, Steven Adams played Australian rules football (also known as rugby), which would have given him a strong foundation for transitioning to American football. With his long wingspan, quick feet, and overall strength, Adams would make an ideal offensive tackle. Though his size might make him tough to see over, his physicality and athleticism would make him a nightmare for pass rushers.
PJ Tucker - OLB
PJ Tucker’s physicality on the basketball court would translate perfectly to the NFL as an outside linebacker. Known for his toughness, defensive prowess, and ability to guard multiple positions, Tucker’s strength and tenacity would make him a nightmare for running backs and tight ends coming across the middle. His agility and lateral quickness would also help him cover sideline-to-sideline, and his sneakerhead mentality shows his attention to detail and preparation—traits that would serve him well on the football field. With his all-around defensive mindset, Tucker could easily make an impact as an NFL linebacker.
Russel Westbrook - S
Russell Westbrook’s explosive quickness and ability to cover ground quickly would make him a perfect fit as a safety in the NFL. His quick-twitch athleticism allows him to close on plays in an instant, giving him the range to cover both the deep ball and short routes. Westbrook’s aggressive playstyle and fearless attitude on the court would translate to him being a ball-hawking safety, not afraid to step up and make a hit. His competitive drive, combined with his high-energy play, would make him a standout on defense, providing excellent coverage across the field.
While these athletes are undoubtedly stars in their respective sports, it’s fascinating to imagine how their skills would translate to the football field. From the sheer physicality of PJ Tucker and Russell Westbrook to the raw athleticism of Steven Adams and Jalen Suggs, these basketball players showcase the versatility and talent that could have made them standout football players. Whether it’s the footwork of a quarterback, the speed of a cornerback, or the strength of a linebacker, it’s clear that the crossover between basketball and football isn't as far-fetched as it seems.
That said, there are a few names that often come up in these conversations, like Draymond Green and Zion Williamson, but upon closer inspection, it’s clear their football potential may not stack up quite as well as others. Watching Draymond Green's spring game footage, for instance, might make you question whether he’d thrive in the NFL as much as he does in the NBA. Zion Williamson, too, though physically dominant, might struggle to adapt his explosive basketball game to the gridiron.
Regardless, the athletes featured here have proven their incredible athleticism on the court, and the possibilities off the court are just as exciting to imagine.
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