Many people believe NBA players couldn’t switch sports and play in the NFL. That’s highly unlikely, and as all athletes know, athleticism translates to every sport when it’s pure. So here is my list of 15 NBA Players who could make an NFL Roster.
Can any of these NBA players have a chance at cracking an NFL roster?
LeBron James
LeBron was a freak athlete on the football field in high school, playing wide receiver and dominating in Ohio. At 6’9″ with a 40-inch vertical, he’s basically a tight end prototype. If he hadn’t picked basketball, he probably still would’ve gone pro, just in the NFL.
Anthony Edwards
ANT played football and baseball growing up, and he’s built like a running back. His explosiveness and quickness would translate well as a slot receiver or even a defensive back. The dude has the mindset and physicality for football—it’s in his roots.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy has the frame, toughness, and competitiveness to be a possession receiver or hard-nosed safety. He didn’t play football seriously, but his mentality fits the NFL culture. You just know he’d find a way to make a roster and contribute.
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Russell Westbrook
Russ is all twitch and explosiveness—he’s got the speed and aggression of a return specialist or nickel corner. While he doesn’t have a football background, his motor and athleticism are undeniable. He’d be the guy no one wants to line up against in a one-on-one drill.
Zion Williamson
Zion is basically built like an NFL defensive end or fullback—power, size, and surprising agility. He played quarterback and D-end growing up, and it shows. If he stayed healthy, he’d wreck people on the line of scrimmage.
Pat Connaughton
Pat was drafted by the MLB and played quarterback in high school, so he’s got real multi-sport chops. His vertical is elite, and he’s disciplined as an athlete. As a slot receiver or safety, he could easily be a utility guy in the league.
Matisse Thybulle
Matisse has that elite defensive instinct, long arms, and lateral quickness—he moves like a lockdown NFL corner. No official football background, but his on-ball defense in the NBA screams “defensive back.” He’d be great in zone coverage and chasing down picks.
Jalen Suggs
Suggs actually played quarterback at an elite level—he was a five-star football recruit and led his high school to a state title. He’s got the vision, toughness, and leadership for the field. If he picked football over hoops, he’d probably be in the NFL right now.
Ja Morant
Ja’s agility and ability to change direction are tailor-made for punt returns or a slot role. He didn’t play football competitively, but he has the instincts and spatial awareness to thrive. Imagine trying to tackle him in open space—nightmare.
Joel Embiid
Okay, this one’s a bit out there, but hear me out—imagine him as a red zone specialist tight end. His sheer size, wingspan, and hands make it a possibility. He’s got soccer and volleyball backgrounds, so he’s used to contact and footwork. A chance at the NFL, maybe?
Aaron Gordon
Gordon was a track star in high school and has the body of a strong safety or linebacker. He’s explosive and physical, and he’s not afraid of contact. Give him some pads and a playbook, and he’d find his way into a defensive rotation.
Derrick Rose
Prime D-Rose was one of the fastest and most agile players ever, like Mike Vick at point guard. He could’ve been a dual-threat NFL quarterback or a shifty receiver with world-class change of direction. Injuries derailed it, but the raw athleticism was all there.
Andre Iguodala
Iggy has the size, intelligence, and elite anticipation to play as a hybrid safety or even a linebacker in today’s NFL. He never played football seriously, but his IQ and physical gifts would make up for it. He’s just one of those plug-and-play athletes.
Josh Hart
Josh Hart is a gritty, physical guard with football DNA—his dad was a college football coach. He rebounds like a linebacker and plays with that grind-it-out energy. As a special-teams gunner or strong safety, he’d be a coach’s favorite.
Blake Griffin
Blake was a high school football star in Oklahoma before focusing on basketball, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got tight end written all over him—big frame, strong hands, and a nose for physical play. In another life, he’s catching passes across the middle on Sundays.
