NFL Teams Search for New Talent in Other Sports, Should the Seahawks?

I was thumbing through some Seattle Seahawks Web sites and got caught up in an article on Fieldgulls.com. It was about a 6'1" WR named Victor James that Seattle just signed and at bottom of the article it was talking about a professional rugby league player named Greg Inglis.

Greg Inglis is a 6'5", 240-pound rugby league player that has recently won the Golden Boot Award.

The Golden Boot Award is basically voted on by a panel of former and current players. The GB Award is given to the "best" rugby league player currently in the world. It is the rugby version of the league MVP.

My perspective of rugby is a cro-magnon version of American football (can't wait to hear from of all the rugby fans on this one).

It appears that NFL teams are now looking at other sports for their team rosters—in my opinion, that is very smart. Sure, there is going to be a learning curve for these professionals from another sport, but the rewards would be great.

Imagine if Shaq or LeBron James played tight end or wide receiver. Or if Asashoryu Akinori (one of the greatest Sumo wrestler's of modern time) played left tackle. You get the point. 

Greg Inglis is only 23 years old and the Bills and Broncos are looking at him.

If he is the best in the world at 23 years playing a physical sport that resembles NFL football, I have to wonder how good he could really be playing with other NFL professionals. Fieldgulls.com says he would tryout as a LB or KR, but why not try him out at WR or RB.

He is 6'5", 240 pounds of speed, hands, and attitude.

When you watch the upcoming video, pay attention to how well he uses his hands when running with the ball, and how tough he runs. Also watch his speed compared to everyone else on the field. Just watch his intensity.

He probably runs in the 4.5 to 4.6, or even faster then that. Remember that rugby players play for endurance, not speed.

Should Seattle bring him in and give him a try?

You tell me. Check him out .