LeBron James: 4 Dallas Cowboys Positions Where James Could Play

LeBron James has expressed interest in playing football, so he might want to spend some time with the Dallas Cowboys during the NBA lockout.  On October 11, James tweeted to ESPN football reporter John Clayton, asking, "When is the deadline for a team to sign a free agent?"  This query should at some point trigger a response from Jerry Jones to draw James to the Cowboys.

Jones would be just the person to lure James to the NFL.  Jones is all about ramping up public relations.  Leading crowds through the massive Cowboys Stadium is one of his favorite pastimes.  To no end does Jones relish the attention it receives.

Jones would be even more proud to say that James—one of the marketing dandies of the NBA—plays for the Cowboys.  Surely, Jones would be beaming in the act of crowning the self-proclaimed king in an ancillary fiefdom.  Jones likely wouldn't care where James plays as long as he could market James as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

Following are a few positions where James might fit in.

Emergency Quarterback

The easiest and the best position for James would be emergency quarterback.  This would ensure to a high degree that James wouldn't risk injury.  Delving into the offense, James would learn all of the plays.  James could run plays in practice.  Sitting in on team activities, he could do many of the things that other players do without any pressure.

Nonetheless, James would see little action.  Mainly, James would stand on the sidelines holding a clipboard.  Occasionally, he could throw the football on the sidelines with Jesse Holley or Jon Kitna.

These moments would ensure that James would receive significant exposure as a Cowboys player while shielding him from harm.

Placekick Holder

In another possible low-pressure area, James could be a placekick holder.  James could hold the ball as Dan Bailey tees up on his frequent field goal and extra point attempts.  While fans would primarily see James kneeling down, everyone would see the name on the back of the jersey.

That's the important part.

Also, James might have an opportunity to hold a kickoff if the wind gets out of hand.  Picture the drama of the ball habitually falling off the tee in the wind, followed by James jogging onto the field to keep it in place for Bailey.

Never has a normal kickoff felt that momentous.

Jason Garrett could add to James' token position by giving him a fake field goal play that he could practice.  Perhaps, in a red-zone situation, James could take a fake field goal and run through the defense for a touchdown.  

"Look at that baller Cowboys player," Jones would tell his companions in his luxury box.

Cornerback

Terence Newman could likely use some help in the secondary.  James has the skills to pitch in.  James can backpedal effectively.  Also, James can catch the ball better than any cornerback in the NFL.

Imagine James jumping a route and taking back an interception for a touchdown.

That might not be out of the picture.

Cornerback wouldn't be a bad place to put James.  He can play cornerback without too much risk of injury.  As long as he doesn't try too hard to jam receivers, James can cover them fine.  James doesn't have to tackle too much—all he has to do is cover his man and play for the ball.

With his hands and instincts,  James would be a great cornerback.  Maybe James could even set the interception record in a short stint.

Tight End

Finding a place for James among the offensive skill positions is difficult.  One wouldn't want to place him as a running back since running backs see a great deal of hits, and the wide receiver position is full with all of the talent.

Besides, who would want to take Jesse Holley's job from him?

Tight end might work for James.  Not every tight end has to block.  James could be the type that doesn't block.  He could line up in the slot—then he doesn't have to face the pressure on the line.  

On many of his routes, James could bounce outside of the numbers.  This could protect him from taking some hard hits in the middle of the field.

James is taller than many tight ends.  His height gives him a great advantage against defensive backs.  Posting up on safeties wouldn't be hard for James.  Romo could easily loft the ball into his big hands.  Jump balls wouldn't be difficult either.

Besides, James wouldn't have to go against Dwight Howard in the end zone.