NBA Players Who Could Play In The NFL

[@jonnyarnett]

Who is an NBA player that you think would do well in the NFL?

[@MalikDiene]

GOAT Chamberlain of course.

[@marcussmith6507]

Kobe in soccer

[@taihenta1780]

You got Charlie Ward but no Grandma ??? C´mon Larry Johnson for sure!

[@BakerBen33]

Karl Malone!

[@DFloMotion]

Rajon Rondo almost pursued a career as a QB and he would have been phenomenal

[@c99kfm]

Steven Adams. No Football experience, granted, but played Rugby before signing up for the NBA. Strength, toughness and perseverance personified.

[@KanyeMeatrider47]

I think every single New Zealander has played rugby.

[@tanaelol]

​@@KanyeMeatrider47 can vouch for that

[@KanyeMeatrider47]

@@tanaelol same lol

[@vanikestewart8578]

It’s in the New Zealand Constitution.

[@squanchy2925]

I love Steven Adams but he is too tall for the NFL.

[@滋榎本]

Before John Havlicek turned pro in the NBA, he was drafted in the seventh round by the NFL's Cleveland Browns. If Havlicek had joined the Browns, he might have become a superstar player in the NFL in the 1960s.

[@smoceany9478]

idk, 7th round? probably wouldnt even play, let alone be a superstar

[@bornonmany2sdays]

yeah most 7th rounders dont make the final roster

[@jadenmoyers837]

@@smoceany9478it was different back then. Players like warren moon went completely undrafted but ended up becoming a hall of fame quarterback

[@smoceany9478]

@@jadenmoyers837 still though, almost no one in the 7th round played well. someone in 50 years could be like, it was different back then, tom brady was barely drafted and he was one of the greatest ever. its an exception to the rule, not the rule itself

[@jamiekelley4076]

I honestly think a lot of NBA players would do well in the NFL as WRs/DBs because I think in general because Basketball as a pro career is so much more enticing that it attracts some of the best and most athletically gifted individuals in the world. That a lot of basketball skills translate well to football in terms of being a wide receiver or defensive back. Imagine a 6'6 Michael Jordan at 213 streaking across the field and jumping 48 inches to get passes. The hardest part is always wondering if NBA players could hold up to the physical demands of the sport because being tall can expose you to some nastier hits imo.

[@Viewingviewer3]

He’s one of those 1 in a million athletes that could’ve been an all time great in any sport he choose. Mainly ball or football

[@noybnoyb356]

I'm not a Lebron James fan, but I honestly think he could have pulled it off by being the modern-day Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders by playing in both the NFL and NBA at the same time if he wanted to and the teams he would have played for allowed it. It would definitely be a true test of his athleticism, but I believe he could have pulled it off.

[@facelessandnameless]

I agree. But of course his career would have ended a long time ago if that was the case 😅

[@jacobfuc827]

That would be so cool, I think he could play a NFL snap in garbage time even now.

[@BitsBlitzPH]

he could. in maybe a season. he ain't that tough

[@theperfectstorm7641]

I think of Larry Johnson! Man he would have made a Crazy Scary Defensive End!

[@jonnyarnett]

That’s a GREAT pick!

[@fortynights1513]

Fun fact: The player with the most carries in a season in NFL history is also named Larry Johnson.

[@theperfectstorm7641]

@@fortynights1513 that is when they actually penalized players for carrying. Now everybody does it. Allen Iverson made a career of of it🤔

[@Poopdedoop2]

@@theperfectstorm7641did I have a stroke?

[@danielv6317]

@@theperfectstorm7641 carries as in running back carries

[@deepwaterrehab7685]

Can you imagine Wilt Chamberlain at receiver? Literally unstoppable

[@jacobfuc827]

I would put him at safety, so he wouldn't get killed by being a mlb he's really fast, tall, jumps high, and strong Derrick Henry wouldn't be able to truck him I'm sure... 😭😭😭

[@duhduhduhdiesel1436]

Bullshit. He'd get sliced up and injured very quickly

[@squanchy2925]

Nope. People don't seem to realize that there is such a thing as being too tall in the NFL. Tall players give up leverage and are more likely to get hurt.

[@yodatscrazy981]

⁠@@squanchy2925Thing is Wilt was a life time athlete quick and shifty by the standards of somebody a foot shorter than him, vertical of a literal Olympian, and extremely strong, I am still confused to how a player of his height and body type managed to be so durable with the horrific gear and medical he was accustomed too.

[@Illinilifer98]

Danny ainge was a first-team all-american in basketball, football and baseball in high school. He also played for the Toronto Blue Jays. I think if he focused on football he definitely had a shot

[@markjackson6431]

ik he played quarterback but AI as a RB and or WR would be awesome to watch for 10 years. John Hondo would’ve made a great player too

[@august6281]

will A.I. be Eyeshield21?

[@Lewishhhh]

loving the daily uploads!

[@damonsonnier34]

Tony Gonzalez, Shannon Sharpe, Antonio Gates, and Jimmy Graham would have all made for great NBA players.

[@akeme25]

There is something about tight ends and basketball lol

[@markjackson6431]

don’t forget about Bo Jackson. he use to play semi pro ball in LA

[@RetroNBA42]

Hell no unless you wanted them to be a 6’5 Center and Shannon a 6’2 PF 😂

[@chrisblau4221]

They all choose football because they are too short to play a 4/5 in basketball and too slow to play a wing Now some of the NFL WRs might be able to hang with NBA 2 guards. Moss, Julio, etc Iverson would have been a sick soccer player

[@fortynights1513]

Gates was actually a college basketball player I think

[@KDRusha]

I couldn’t imagine winning the Heisman then going to the NBA. That’s so elite.

[@GloriousKev]

Magic Johnson comes to mind immediately for me. He would have been a pretty good pocket passing QB.

[@fortynights1513]

If he had the durability he did, I’d say John Stockton would be a pocket passer too.

[@bezllama3325]

​@@fortynights1513Stockton also has the look of a QB so does ant

[@369pendulum]

Based on him being a great passer of a basketball? The video has some of the dumbest comments I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@MJGOAT]

@@fortynights1513i dont know if magic or Stockton have the arm to do it passing a basketball and a football are way different

[@fortynights1513]

@@MJGOATThat’s fair.

[@big8dog887]

Larry Bird's uncanny feel for everything going on around him and his ability to take a hit would have made him one heck of a quarterback.

[@FoxUnitNell]

I saw a video about quarter backs and height and if seems like 62 to 6'5 is ideal but I think he'd be a good safety because he's tall and he can Hussle against a quarter back sneak and direct the D while having a great height sight being 6'10! Not so great for quarter backs but then again they'd just join the NBA at being 6'6 plus though some guys have been that tall and play the QB position but they weren't too great because the talent pool.

[@big8dog887]

@@FoxUnitNell Good point, but I think the biggest issue very tall quarterbacks have is throwing mechanics. However, we all know what a gym rat Larry was, if he works as hard on that as he did on his jump shot, I think he'd be alright.

[@jadenmoyers837]

@@FoxUnitNellhe could bulk up some and play inside line backer like Ted Hendricks. 6’7 and one of the greatest linebackers ever

[@chrisdell5679]

I actually think Larry Bird could have been a decent boxer. A Chuck Wepner like.

[@kevinleetan4078]

YOOOO Ant was too tall and fast for those kids in his age group LOL

[@FoxUnitNell]

Shaq had plans to be a pro footballer because he played that in high school but changed when seeing david Robinson dominateing guys in college which made the sport of basketball a lot tougher. I also think guys like wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell having impressive track feats could handle the nba especially at their time of the 60s. Jason Kidd and Steve Nash arent going to be short guys in the nfl so they could be great quarter backs and their cross court passes are stuff of sorcery and dragons and not this mortal realm. I would go with Jason Kidd because he was honestly faster and tougher than Nash.

[@Peakfreud]

I refuse to believe that there wasn't a position on a NFL field for Shaq People only remember Fat Shaq Not the freakish once in a lifetime athletes Shaq. Who could have be a monstrous D.E or Tackle. And with his footwork an Offensive Left Tackle.

[@Dr._is_sleepy]

Feel like he’d be too injury prone. But the Diesel if he played would be ungaurdable.

[@Peakfreud]

@@Dr._is_sleepy True Definitely injury prone, he'd be vulnerable to chop blocks & wear & tear on the knees, but there have been some 6'7 tackles Dan Skipper for Detroit is 6'10 Orlando Brown 6'8

[@squanchy2925]

Too tall.

[@ucoananh8863]

You never run out of ideas🗣️

[@hardwoodgems]

Great what if with Charlie Ward there. If only more copy cats would be willing to break the mold, we could have seen a star. Thanks for the video Jonny.

[@youngb4422]

hey jonny back again!! just letting you know that you are the best nba channel on youtube pt3

[@michaelthreepeat]

It probably should not but it always feel funny when I hear "Anthony Edwards" and "passing ability" in the same sentence, lol.

[@youngking0704]

wow put sum respect on Charlie Ward fr... I say AI would be exciting to watch that was around the Mike Vick days!

[@oldeskoolnewsreels9927]

When Hank Stram was asked if Jerry Rice was the best receiver he had ever seen, he said, "Second best... I had a guy come to camp one year and ran a 4.4 sec 40yrd dash in dress shoes. He was faster than Rice and had huge hands that could catch a football like nobody I ever saw. He was the greatest leaper I ever saw and he could go up and get a pass that nobody could defend." Hank Stram, "They're Playing My Game" He was talking about Wilt Chamberlain, who had tried out for the KC Chiefs.

[@iansanzari8431]

russell westbrook would’ve been an all-pro level safety and one hell of a running back as well

[@hisownfool1]

MLB Hall of Famer Dave Winfield was drafted by MLB, the NBA, and the NFL Julius Peppers, who made Pro Bowl nine times, played basketball at North Carolina. He was a reserve on a national championship team and scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in an NCAA tournament game. Not bad.

[@hyabberhane]

0:45 RIP DT

[@DtrJr]

i love how u have eric bledsoe and westbrook back to back and only explain westbrook lol

[@williamcorliss9664]

Just wanna help the video

[@jsports2665]

Never would of thought Ward was that good at football but watching him in the NBA

[@markjackson6431]

wasn’t Shaq a football player and leaning towards that sport until he saw the money you could make in the NBA (ex: John Contract)

[@Maximillian200HP]

The money without the physical contact.

[@Boss3Nate]

An easy answer nobody ever gives is Danny Ainge. Without a doubt could've been a WR in the league. He's one of the greatest high school athletes ever. Only athlete to ever be an All American in football, basketball and baseball. Went pro in baseball and basketball. I'm sure if he focused on football he would've made it. In the NBA he was a "small" guy... but NBA height isn't normal height. Hahaha. Ainge is 6'4/6'5... he would've been a problem.

[@MMK77344]

Wilt Chamberlain would’ve been absurd in almost any sport. He could’ve practically played any position in football as he was big enough to play on the line, fast enough to be a nasty WR, and he had the vision in basketball that makes me think he could’ve been a nice QB (plus, who’s going to sack Wilt?)

[@squanchy2925]

Nope, he would be too tall for the NFL. Tall players give up leverage and get injured easier. Why do you think Aaron Donald is able to man handle linemen so easily? He's a freak athlete with lower leverage that tall O linemen can't match. In almost any situation in football, the lower man wins. His best bet would be WR but he would likely lose his knees quite quickly because of his height.

[@Joe-nh8eq]

honestly, I think basically every NBA player could make it in the NFL as a wide receiver, TE, or slot. And I’m a NFL fan who just occasionally watches basketball. But its pretty easy to see that the level of athleticism is just notch above.

[@squanchy2925]

If you're an NFL fan then you know that there's a reason you don't really see too many players taller than 6'7 or so. You definitely don't see 7fters at all. Tall players are more likely to get injured and they give up leverage to the lower man. I'd be willing to bet that MOST NBA players wouldn't be able to make the NFL for several reasons: height, body type, and vastly different skill sets.

[@fielmeria]

i would have wanted you to talk about the flag football game testimony of kevin durant playing with lebron :D

[@booksbricksandboards783]

I believe Jason Williams played some quarterback at the time that Randy Moss attended his high school. Gotta be good for something.

[@pasigiri]

LOL!!!! Kobe (imagine the film study) Jimmy Butler (cause KD's an idiot) Seriously though, I can see Westbrook and Zion.

[@Max-me9ol]

Like 50% of nba players could play in the nfl. Theyre skilled af and very athletic. Its MUCH harder to get into the nba (global sport and only 15 roster spots) than it is to get into the nfl, so the players that do play in the nba are such great athletes (usually, with exceptions) that they would adapt to the nfl.

[@WOWZAWOW-qy5zo]

That nate robinson juke was NASTY

[@marcosmartinez8088]

I don't know anything about football, but Iverson and Havlicek seem like the best two of the list. LeBron and his career as a QB would have been interesting.

[@aswanwilliam]

To make to the NBA is so much harder than to make the NFL you had all time greats like Gates Gonzales Graham Peppers play both and they dominated football but in basketball they were mediocre at best. Man the NBA is special.

[@chrisdell5679]

Everyone says hitting a baseball is the hardest thing in sports - but conversely, I can't see Cecil Fielder, Tony Gwynn, John Kruk suiting up in the NBA backcourt.

[@aswanwilliam]

@@chrisdell5679 I agree. But that had nothing to do with nothing. I think if the best basketball players just played baseball their whole life they would get further than if mlb players tried to play basketball their whole life.

[@chrisdell5679]

@@aswanwilliam That's precisely what I was inferring. So, nothing is always something. Picking battles is also something, so if you take nothing from this -take that - pun intended.

[@celtics17banners84]

Jayson Tatum as a WR

[@fortnitejake850]

Chris Paul would be on injured reserve 24 7 😂

[@nicholasbrown5970]

You could talk about the nfl i would not mind

[@snappatruce]

Answer: any guard in the league would be the best athlete in that league. They all could play at a high level.

[@elivandrisse]

Mark Vital, who was on the Baylor championship team, signed with the Chiefs as a tight end. Never played I dont think

[@rexpatterson5935]

Videos always gas ⛽️

[@jayrich1609]

Zack Randolph would've been a great defensive end

[@rapgodreloaded9259]

I can see Lonzo Ball playing in the NFL as a QB or receiver.

[@daREALtruestory]

I was going to say I think most nba players are too tall to efficiently come into the nfl and dominate at any position most would end up at TE after packing on some muscle but I appreciate you giving the smaller guards in the league some light because they probably had the most realistic chance of making an nfl roster at multiple positions given their size speed and quickness …around 6’4 is when nfl players start to stand out on the field towering over everybody else lol In reverse retrospect the tallest man in the nfl would be considered an undersized forward or center in the nba lol

[@colindooling3954]

Steven Adams would be a freak of a tackle and Westbrook would be Brian Dawkins

[@cadecrusader]

Grant Hill maybe could’ve played in the NFL, his dad Calvin Hill played in the NFL who didn’t let him play football and instead go into basketball.

[@alex4833]

Cool video, Jonny! I've been thinking about which NBA players would have done well in the NFL, but I haven't been able to think of any besides the ones you listed. Nevertheless, I think you have a great list. I especially agree with Allen Iverson. I heard about how he played football before. Plus, he's so quick and agile - and he was crafty as well. Hope you enjoy the NFL season. Have a great day! Take care, Jonny.

[@CiabanItReal]

Tony Gwynn was drafted in the 3rd round in the NBA.

[@StarBoyBooya526]

Tacko Fall would be a crazy WR

[@petiteexplication6249]

Wilt chamberlain too

[@jonnyarnett]

Idk man. Im a big believer in Wilt's athleticism, but his legs are WAAAY too long to be in the NFL. One bad hit at the knees, and he's done

[@petiteexplication6249]

@@jonnyarnett honestly i dont think he would get injured since after seeing a lot of documentaries on how he was able to average 45+min per game in his career he got hard fouled every night and the refs didnt even blow the whistle just to make the game a little more fair i think he could still be a monster he was durable

[@squanchy2925]

@@petiteexplication6249 NBA hard fouls are not even close to the same as getting hit in the knees on a tackle. He absolutely would get injured very quickly. If you tried to put him on the line, he would lose to lower leverage because of his height. There is such a thing as being too tall for football.

[@camaradiop3731]

3:50 YES!!!!!!!

[@whartonarseino8849]

One thing that haunts me is that Allen Iverson was drafted as #1 overall in the NBA draft instead of the NFL draft

[@cursin]

Paolo banchero would of been a starvin NFL right now

[@stevedavidmusic]

I recall Shaq once saying "I'm a football player disguised as a basketball player".

[@jackthompson7874]

I think if Shaq pre-sued a Football career he would be such a dominant player

[@insuchaway]

Persued, my g.

[@davidhutson2846]

Julius Peppers could have carved out a decent career in The NBA...😮

[@rguz333]

I agree, and he played with Ronald Curry who played both football & basketball with Peppers at UNC

[@davymarcelo3901]

Next video in this series: “NBA Players Who Could Play In The NHL” 👀

[@ernel7261]

For a second though, thought this was about NBA players who can bowl, as in bowling not American Football XD

[@zackfolkestad8746]

I bet Chuck would have been a darn good NFL player.

[@HektorMD]

NBA players could easily play in NFL, NHL, MLS, and all major sports. Basketball is such a complete activity that it could translate to almost any athletic activity. I can assure it 'cause I play this wonderfull game, and have no problem playing soccer, football, bycicle and volleyball.

[@nitrox1613]

I agree with that including fighting. Many UFC fighters trained only in their 20s and made it based just of their athleticism. I see no reason why a Lebron James or a Russel Westbrook couldn’t translate with their strength, speed, and explosiveness

[@Virgil191]

i wouldnt say they translate over to MLS/Football very well considering how drastically different the skill sets is to american sports. For example american sports are based around conventional measurements of athletics whereas football you can have someone as unathletic as paul scholes on the same pitch as a freak of nature that is ronaldo and both be as effective where players like traore who are supremely athletic are pretty below average

[@squanchy2925]

Some NBA players, sure. Unfortunately there is such a thing as being too tall for football.

[@jiujester5717]

Best video yet!

[@MrSquaky]

Basically being under 6'10 and freakishly athletic = potential NFL career

[@DemonBlade214]

Do baseball next

[@BLI_80s]

I thought I heard somewhere that Shaq was initially a football player that switched to basketball because of his height

[@pnuttyinthacutty]

Dam I ain’t know that was Suggs cousin when he popped up I was like no fucking way that’s his kid 😂

[@amrwalid04]

9:46 Jimmy Butler because KD is the idiot is wild😂😂😂

[@frankdudek6242]

Why would anyone choose the NFL over the NBA nowadays?? The physical risk compared to monetary reward isn’t even close. NBA=worst run professional sports league (guaranteed contracts) NFL= best run professional league (Can get cut at any time)

[@fortynights1513]

In particular if your best potential position on an NFL team would be a running back. The average salary at that position has declined in recent years, and most of those guys are lucky to get a second contract

[@tillis31]

Anthony Mason & Charles Oakley

[@kodidelasanjayreddy3427]

" Because Kevin Durant is the idiot " is wild 😂

[@Maximillian200HP]

That's savage coming from Johnny, he's usually very reserved.

[@spideysense1847]

I didn't catch him say that lmao what part of the video is it in

[@kodidelasanjayreddy3427]

@@spideysense1847 at the end , honorable mention

[@brandenbyrd5239]

Imagine Ben Wallace as a middle linebacker

[@kd-le5fo]

Steven Adams at left guard

[@JalenPowe9]

High level football isn’t as easy as some make it seem. Edwards and Ward would’ve had a chance but a lot of this is a reach

[@camronmoses8956]

I think Vince Carter would have made a good WR

[@poly_g6068]

Derrick Rose would be a Hall of Fame RB

[@kendahomie]

Ben Wallace at linebacker

[@PrestynMcElhaney]

You should make a NFL channel!

[@andrewmoore4510]

Shaq would kill it in the NFL with his size

[@frankpagel39]

I heard that Shaq could have been an NFL Player, but he decided to do basketball, because he can earn more money.

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

Zion Williamson would have been an unstoppable defensive end

[@MrTrueCaller619]

Kevin Love

[@mosstwig3591]

With his extremely accurate full court passes, he'd be a really good pocket QB

[@juniorwatson7667]

@@mosstwig3591 Seeing over any defense in the pocket at 6’10 as well. 🤔🤔🤔

[@august6281]

A.I. will be Eyeshield21🏈

[@sconartist]

Charlie Ward came up in the wrong era of football…he would’ve been a top pick in today’s game. And AI was Mike Vick before Mike Vick in VA

[@joelman1989]

My take on Lebron flopping as much as I do hate flopping is that every great has used rules in their Erika for an advantage. And Lebron gets fouled so much being a big guy that moves and drives the way he does. He almost has to flop just to make it fair.

[@miles12pega]

Before I watch I better see AI or WR or QB and LBJ at WR

[@mr.kwamid-86_43]

KNEE KOLA!!!

[@Évrard_Elisea]

no John Havlicek?!

[@hamzsportsgaming676]

You shoul do this with other sports

[@soulofamerica]

Why bother with NFL injuries, less money, and more NFL team owner BS, when you can play multiple seasons in the NBA?

[@zachhamilton8024]

I’ll do you one better. What NFL player could play in the nba?

[@prestonasher2291]

Do you have a favorite nfl channel that is similar to yours?

[@joesmoke27]

Ish wainwright 100% could have plaued in the nfl because he literally got drafted by the nfl

[@hidvegizo]

Charles Barkley!

[@CiabanItReal]

But how many players in the NBA could play in the NHL or MLB???

[@neologo1]

goat

[@alejanoelallen1952]

🏀