By all accounts, professional athletes usually love their jobs. They’re getting paid handsomely to perform in a sport that they would probably play for free. However, there are always NBA players with NFL dreams and vice-versa. Fans are bound to find a basketball or football star who is genuinely interested in watching or playing another sport.
The common question is which of those players would’ve actually been successful in the other sport. Some even have pondered the possibility of there being a full-time dual-sport athlete in the future. Who else has wondered which NBA and NFL stars match each other most closely?
5 NFL Stars And Their NBA Counterparts
Aaron Rodgers — Nikola Jokic
Like New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is a passing savant who didn’t make a lot of noise early in his career but has had a rapid rise to the top.
Both Rodgers and Jokic have only been able to win one title, but it’s in an era in which there may be more talent than ever. There are certainly differences between the two as people, with Rodgers being an outspoken conspiracy theorist and Jokic being a gentle giant who just wants to get home to his family and horses. However, in terms of their career arcs and skills, there’s a remarkable similarity. Interestingly, while Rodgers is a four-time league MVP, Jokic is getting a head start on what would be his fourth NBA MVP Award.
Lamar Jackson — LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James entered the NBA with more hype than Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson entered the NFL with. However, both got off to hot starts. Jackson has already won two MVP awards at the age of 27. By the time he was 27, James had won two as well and was on his way to a third. Their success isn’t the only thing that makes them great foils for each other though. To this point, Jackson has yet to win a championship, which he’s been criticized for. James was in the same position eight years into his career.
In terms of their skillset, Jackson is widely considered to be the best dual-threat quarterback ever. James is might have the best combination of athleticism and passing ability in NBA history.
Patrick Mahomes — Stephen Curry
In keeping with the theme of matching career arcs, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent his first NFL season as the backup to Alex Smith. Similarly, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry played second fiddle to Monta Ellis early in his career. Once both Mahomes and Curry were made to be the focal points, their teams didn’t just get better, they started winning rings. The way they won made it all the better, as they delivered highlight after highlight while displaying unique gifts.
Now they both represent a New Age golden standard for players at their position.
Travis Hunter — Giannis Antetokounmpo
Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo are so rare that they’re the only players that match for each other. Though they’re not flawless, there’s hardly anything they can’t do in their respective sport.
Of course, Hunter isn’t in the NFL yet but that should change in the next few months. The favorite to win the next Heisman Trophy, Hunter’s long been an elite two-way player. Antetokounmpo is already a professional and quite an accomplished one at that. However, he’s also the best two-way player in the NBA, enforcing his will at both ends. Outside the lines, both Hunter and Antetokounmpo are nice guys and family men. It’s a wonder how so many people find a way to dislike them.
Justin Jefferson — Anthony Edwards
Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson and Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards both have a knack for making the seemingly impossible look as easy as a Sunday morning, making them two of the most exciting watches in sports. Though both players were elite prospects leaving college, it’s probably fair to say that few thought they would be this good. Now, they’re both tasked with leading a team to their first championship in franchise history.
A recent ESPN feature delved into the two’s personal relationship.
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