LeBron James: The NFL's Ultimate Tight End

You know him as the superstar All-NBA scoring machine for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I think of what he could have been... as a football player.

Blessed with an incredible 6-foot-8, 240-pound frame, LeBron James would be the perfect tight end. He is big, strong, and fast. He was once timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which would give him elite speed for a position in which he would surely excel.

The average NFL defensive back is just 5-foot 11, which gives LeBron a height advantage of nine inches. Coupled with his 40-inch vertical leap, LeBron would catch everything in sight. He reminds me of an Antonio Gates, except better.

Most people don't know that LeBron actually played football back in his high school days. At St. Vincent – St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio, LeBron accumulated over 700 yards and actually made All-State as a wide receiver... as a sophomore. He was even better in his junior year, catching 52 passes for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.

LeBron was recruited by many colleges, but didn't play football his senior year to concentrate on basketball. And now his football career is mostly forgotten (except for a little clip I found on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdMPNIgeuoQ).

I just visualize the damage LeBron would do for my Eagles. Line up him in the slot and he'd burn any linebacker on a slant across the middle. Put him on the outside and he'd outrun and outjump any defensive back on a deep ball. He could block, catch passes, run, and maybe even play defense.

Imagine him as a defensive end, with an impact like Jevon Kearse or Julius Peppers, as a freakishly speedy pass rusher off the edge. LeBron, playing both ways for an NFL team, dominating the league, and taking home Pro Bowl selections and MVP awards.

I take nothing away from his abilities as a basketball player. He is amazing on the court. But I just wish I could see what he could do in the NFL.