2011 NFL Lockout: 10 Players Who Could Play Another Professional Sport
Let's face it, there's most likely not going to be pro football in 2011 (I know unless you count the 2010 NFL Playoffs).
So with that being said, many NFL players are going to be looking for jobs elsewhere to utilize their god-gifted athletic ability.
Also the crave of media attention as being world-class athletes will need to be satisfied.
Throughout the history of sports there have been a very select few who have competed (let alone excelled) at being a dual professional sport athlete. Bo Jackson (pictured left), Deion Sanders, and Jim Thorpe are the names that usually come first to mind.
This list of 10 NFL players should cause some debating, and just maybe, we will see some of them in another sport come next season.
So without any further delay, here is the list.
1. Larry Fitzgerald
1 of 10
Position - Wide Receiver
Height - 6'3"
Weight - 218 lbs
40 Time - 4.53
Vertical - 35 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport: Major League Baseball
I know most are wondering why I didn't choose him to go to the NBA. The answer to me is obvious. If he is considered arguably the best WR in pro football, someone is going to want him in the outfield.
Now although he may not start in the majors, he could definitely contribute; Pinch runner, outfield reserve, and/or the occasional at bat.
As long as the major league season is, and as many close games as there are, if I had a chance to get this guy I would. He'd be robbing home runs, and creating "web gems" with his unique athletic ability to win the close games.
Plus if he gets to pinch run, he could contribute to base running and stealing as well. I would suggest using him in specific situations, where an at bat may not be as important as a much needed out or run scored.
2. Adrian Wilson
2 of 10
Position - Free/Strong Safety
Height - 6' 3"
Weight - 226 lbs
40 Time - 4.52
Vertical Jump - 42 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport - Major League Baseball
Just think of him as a better version of Larry Fitzgerald. Plus playing safety in the NFL makes the transition to the outfield in Major League Baseball that much easier.
The current NFL record for Career Interceptions is 81. Held by a man named Paul Krause. Krause was able to do so because of his previous experience playing the outfield for the University of Iowa, where he became a two-sport All-American.
Playing safety is much like playing in the outfield, just waiting for your chance to rob a homerun or the QB of a TD pass. Plus just like his teammate Larry Fitzgerald, I could also see Adrian being used as a situational pinch runner with the occasional at bat.
3. Tony Gonzalez
3 of 10
Position - Tight End
Height - 6' 5"
Weight - 243 lbs
40 Time and Vertical Not Available
Alternate 2011 Professional Sport - National Basketball Association
Tony is one of the select few that I feel will actually pursue another professional sport. He holds five Kansas City Chiefs receiving records, and five NFL Tight End records.
A future Hall of Famer, but without football, this man (for the sake of sports fans) could at the very least be a sixth man in the NBA.
In addition to his football career, Gonzalez also played basketball at the University of California, where he helped the Golden Bears reach the Sweet 16 in the mid-1990s.
With his size, I can see Tony being either a Power Forward, or Center in the NBA. His physical toughness from blocking as a Tight End, will compliment his ability to jump and get rebounds for put-backs or an additional 24-seconds on the shot clock.
Its safe to say that he wouldn't get pushed around inside the paint. Because being in there and going up for a rebound or tip-in, would be comparable to going up for a pass with defenders all around.
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4. Julius Peppers
4 of 10
Position - Defensive End
Height - 6' 7"
Weight - 283 lbs
40 Time - 4.55
Vertical Jump - 38 inches
Alternate 2011 Professional Sport(s): National Basketball Association and/or Track and Field Athlete
This guy can do anything he wants. It doesn't matter. He would dominate in the NBA as a Center or Power Forward with his size and athletic ability.
In addition to his football career at The University of North Carolina, he played basketball for the Tar Heels. Leading them to the final four during his sophomore year (1999-2000), and then back to the dance again in 2001.
Between both years he played in a total of 56 games, averaging 16 minutes per game, and a 60% field goal average.
Even though he didn't participate in track and field while in college, he did in high school like most athletically gifted people.
And with his size and ability now, he could still compete at the very least.
His size and strength would be great for shot put, discus, hammer throw and the javelin. His speed and quickness would be great for the 100m and 200m dashes, and the 4x100 and 200 meter relays. And with his ability to leap, he could compete in the long jump, triple jump and high jump.
5. Calvin Johnson Aka Megatron
5 of 10
Position - Wide Receiver
Height - 6' 5"
Weight - 236 lbs
40 Time - 4.33
Vertical Jump - 43 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport(s): National Basketball Association, Track and Field Athlete
The Wide Receiver version of Julius Peppers.
He's tall enough, fast enough, and can jump high enough to play in the NBA, period.
A natural athlete that makes ridiculous plays look easy. His intelligence combined with his competitiveness creates a synergy that puts him on a level above his opponents.
In the NBA he could play Small Forward or Shooting Guard, and because of his athleticism he would be a great as a rebounder, boxing out, and the outside jump shot.
His leaping ability could give him great looks at the rim, as well as to get rebounds. Not to mention his will to win would spread through the team, which adds to his repertoire of outstanding qualities.
In track and field, Megatron would be very competitive in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes. High jump and triple jump would be just the tip of the iceberg, because the long jump I feel, would be his specialty.
6. Donovan McNabb
6 of 10
Position - Quarterback
Height - 6' 2"
Weight - 240 lbs
40 Time - 4.64
Vertical Jump - 33 inches
Alternate 2011 Professional Sport - National Basketball Association
While at the University of Syracuse, McNabb played as a reserve on coach Jim Boeheim's basketball team for two years.
In his sophomore campaign, McNabb played in 13 games, averaging seven minutes per game, a 46% field goal percentage, and a 28% three-point percentage.
In addition to his contributions, the Orange made it to the 1996 National Championship game only to lose to Kentucky.
Just with his experience on the court alone, McNabb could be a versatile source for many teams. At 6' 2" he could be the sixth-man at Point Guard, as well as Shooting Guard.
When you see him scramble a lot in the NFL, his ability to keep his eyes down field while maneuvering around would transition well in the NBA. He would be able to see everything going on around him, which is much easier because a QB has maybe three seconds to make a decision while in the pocket. A Point Guard, however, has a bit more time, and does not have 11 defensive players looking to destroy him.
7. Brandon Marshall
7 of 10
Position - Wide Receiver
Height - 6' 4"
Weight - 230 lbs
40 Time - 4.52
Vertical Jump - 37 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport: National Basketball Association
Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback Brandon Flowers perhaps said it best when describing Brandon Marshall.
"Brandon Marshall is a defensive lineman playing wide receiver. He wants to inflict punishment on you. He wants you to try to tackle him so he can shove you off of him and get more yards."
This about sums up the toughness that is Brandon Marshall. Which is why he would be a perfect fit for the NBA. His size in combination with his speed he could play anywhere from Point Guard, Shooting Guard, to Small Forward. With his versatility, I believe he could start (being at the right place at the right time) if put in the correct system.
Also his physicality would intimidate players such as Gilbert Arenas (recently faked an injury) and Vince Carter (criticized for being soft).
Marshall could dominate the boards when going up for rebounds, put-backs/tip-ins, as well as driving the lane to the bucket. He should not go overlooked.
8. Randy Moss
8 of 10
Position - Wide Receiver
Height - 6' 4"
Weight - 210 lbs
40 Time - 4.25
Vertical Jump - 39 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport(s): Major League Baseball, Track and Field Athlete
As great an athlete as Randy is, his demeanor does not strike me as a basketball player. I know its odd, but I see him more as a baseball player.
His ridiculously long arms and reach will bode well as an outfielder or third-baseman. So on defense, whether its robbing fly balls, or diving/leaping for line drives, Randy has that quickness to do so.
Then much like I said with Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Wilson, he would be great as a pinch runner. But I can also see him being rather competitive when his turn comes to bat.
Also, baseball season would be great for him since he does not like to go "all-out" every single game. Therefore whenever he wants to take a break, the season is long enough, so he would be able to do that without receiving a lot of harsh criticism.
As a track athlete, I see him being natural at the 100m and 200m dashes. With his long stride, he won't have to bother trying to keep up with the competition. In addition, you can watch him soar over the high jump and pole vault bars, where he can use his great acceleration, agility, and quickness to his liking.
9. Antonio Gates
9 of 10
Position - Tight End
Height - 6' 4"
Weight - 260 lbs
40 Time - 4.6
Vertical Jump Not Available
2011 Alternate Professional Sport: National Basketball Association
The story of Antonio Gates, and his success in pro football is one for the ages.
This is a guy who did NOT play college football, and because of his unbelievable athletic ability, was able to make it in the NFL.
With no college football experience Gates has earned six Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro, and was named to the NFL's All Decade Team for the 2000s.
For one year at Eastern Michigan and two years at Kent State Antonio played Forward, which was a perfect fit for his size and stature in the Metro Athletic Conference. In three years he played a total of 85 games, averaging 30 minutes per game, 16 points-per-game, a 50% field goal percentage, and seven rebounds-per-game.
Gates was also a part of the Golden Flashes Cinderella run in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. They made it to the Elite Eight, finishing with a record of 30-6, and ranked No. 12 in the final poll of the season.
In the NBA Gates would be a great fit as a Small Forward, and in some cases maybe Shooting Guard. His knowledge of the game combined with his previous success (in football and basketball) would translate well.
Not to mention he has three years of college basketball experience, as opposed to some players with only one or even zero.
10. Chad Ochocinco
10 of 10
Position - Wide Receiver
Height - 6' 1"
Weight - 192 lbs
40 Time - 4.57
Vertical Jump - 41 inches
2011 Alternate Professional Sport: Major League Soccer
No. 85 has stated many times that soccer is his favorite sport. Well next year he may being doing just that.
For as much publicity that he craves (and receives), Chad took it to another level during a pre-season game against the New England Patriots in 2009.
With Kicker Shane Graham injured, Mr. Ochocinco took over the kicking duties that night, making the lone extra point of the game for the Bengals. He also had a kickoff that was just as good, if not better.
Transitioning into the MLS for Chad won't be difficult, sure you can't use you hands in soccer... unless you're Keeper.
Not only would he be good for any position on the field because of his speed, agility, and athleticism, but a Keeper would fit the bill almost as if this were meant to happen. His quickness, leaping/diving ability, and hands of gold from being a Wide Receiver would dominate the MLS.
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