Exploring legendary multi-sport athletes who nearly traded their iconic careers for another professional league.
Professional sports require exceptional talent and drive, which often leads elite athletes to excel in multiple disciplines during their developmental years. While some stars merely entertain hypothetical scenarios, others have genuine histories of dual-sport prowess that leave fans wondering what might have been.
From high school diamond standouts drafted into the NHL to collegiate basketball stars who dominated the gridiron, these crossroads shaped the landscape of modern sports history. Examining these alternate paths reveals how close several major league legends came to wearing entirely different jerseys, according to information published by bleache.
Whether driven by draft selections, coaching interventions, or personal choices, these athletes ultimately found massive success, yet their near-misses remain fascinating chapters in professional sports lore, according to information published by bleache.
Tom Glavine and Tony Gonzalez Multi-Sport Paths
Tom Glavine made baseball history as a first-ballot Hall of Fame pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, winning two Cy Young Awards and a World Series MVP title. However, he was also a standout hockey player in high school, racking up 94 points in a single season and getting selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1984 NHL draft.
Similarly, Tony Gonzalez solidified his legendary NFL career after starring on the basketball court at the University of California. Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer and general manager Carl Peterson scouted his rebounding abilities in traffic, leading to an NFL career where Gonzalez broke tight end records.
Julius Peppers and Joe Mauer Two-Sport Stars
Julius Peppers achieved greatness in the NFL as a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, registering 159.5 sacks. Before focusing entirely on football, Peppers was a valuable contributor to the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program, even playing on a Final Four team as a freshman.
Joe Mauer achieved greatness in multiple sports while attending high school, earning a 5-star football commitment to Florida State and Minnesota all-state basketball honors. Ultimately, the Minnesota Twins used the No. 1 pick of the 2001 MLB draft on Mauer, leading to an AL MVP award and a Hall of Fame career.
LeBron James and Antonio Gates Gridiron Opportunities
LeBron James collected over 2,000 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in high school football before focusing on basketball. During the 2011 NBA lockout, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll even contacted him about potentially playing in the NFL.
Antonio Gates transitioned exclusively to football during the 2003 draft year after playing college basketball for Kent State and reaching the 2002 Elite Eight. Gates quickly rose to stardom with the San Diego Chargers, finishing his career with 116 touchdowns.
Jeff Samardzija and Russell Wilson Baseball Choices
Jeff Samardzija chose a 13-year MLB career as a pitcher after starring as an All-American wide receiver at Notre Dame, where he finished as the program career leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin and later becoming a Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did LeBron James almost play in the NFL?
LeBron James was an all-state high school football player in Ohio before focusing on basketball, and he revealed that NFL owners and coaches contacted him about playing during the 2011 NBA lockout.
Was Tom Glavine drafted by an NHL team?
Yes, Tom Glavine was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 1984 NHL draft before choosing a legendary baseball career with the Atlanta Braves.
What sports did Joe Mauer play in high school?
Joe Mauer was a star quarterback who won USA Today National Player of the Year, earned all-state honors in basketball, and was selected No. 1 overall in the 2001 MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Why did Antonio Gates switch to football?
Antonio Gates played college basketball for Kent State but made the switch to football in 2003, subsequently enjoying a 16-year career as a star tight end for the San Diego Chargers.
