LeBron James is one of the most gifted athletes of all time, so much so that people can’t help but speculate how great he would have chosen a path other than the NBA. And LeBron added some major fuel to that speculative fire in a recent interview with The Athletic, where he revealed that he came close to trying out for the NFL back in 2011.
LeBron was at a rough point in his career in 2011. After joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, the Heat were upset by the Dallas Mavericks in six games, causing many to wonder if LeBron had what it takes to win it all. Then, the 2011 season was delayed due to the lockout and the Seattle Seahawks sent him a jersey with an offer for a tryout. LeBron admits that he considered switching sports.
“I would have made the team,” he said. “I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. 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.”
Of course, things ended up working out pretty well for LeBron in the NBA, as he has won four championships in the decade since and is widely regarded as one of the best players in league history.
