10 NBA Players That Definitely Could’ve Played in the NFL

When it comes to male athletics in America—the NFL and NBA are largely considered to be the pinnacle.

Most of the country’s best athletes are funneled into the league’s respective collegiate leagues—and get shot out on the other side as millionaires and celebrities. In some cases, however, there is an overlap on the way up—and an athlete really could’ve played in either the NBA or the NFL—so let’s take a look back and check out 10 NBA players who had a legitimate shot at making it on the gridiron.

Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks celebrates after being fouled against the Washington Wizards on November 15, 2006 at Madison Square Garden in New York City

Nate Robinson is often one of the first names that get brought up in the NBA NFL debate because of the freakish athleticism that he put on display during his decade-plus NBA career and his actual experience on the football field.

His high school highlights are a spectacle to behold and he was able to earn a football scholarship at the University of Washington. He only ended up playing his freshman year before turning his attention to basketball full-time, but he did turn into a starter as a freshman—and finished his career with a big interception in a bowl game.

Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes #22 of the Los Angeles Clippers waits on the floor in the game the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 88-71

While Matt Barnes may not be one of the first names that comes to mind, he was actually a phenomenal athlete—and has legitimate football experience as well. In fact, he earned All-American honors at Del Campo High School in California.

Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons questions a call to referee Bennett Salvatore against the Miami Heat in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2006 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan

Before Ben Wallace became one of the best defensive centers the game has ever seen, he was also one heck of a football player. He’s as athletic as they come and even earned a scholarship offer to play football at Auburn.

Shaquille O’Neal

Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal (L) takes control of a Magic rebound from Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (R) during the first period of their NBA game at the Orlando Arena 28 February

People may think of him as just “big,” but make no mistake about it, Shaq was one of the greatest athletes we have ever seen. Especially during the early days of his career—there were very few guys that could keep up with him athletically, let alone physically.

Hard to believe that an NFL team couldn’t have found a use for a guy like that!

Metta Sandiford-Artest

Ron Artest #23 of the Indiana Pacers drives around Mark Blount #30 of the Boston Celtics in Game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 29, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Celtics 93-88 in overtime

Metta Sandiford-Artest, the man formerly known as Ron Artest is 6’ 7” and weighed in right around 260 pounds during his playing days. He was at the top of the charts athletically—and played basketball with the physicality and intensity of a football player.

Watch the intensity as he charged into the stands with during the Malice at the Palace. If that isn’t a Pro Bowl linebacker in the making I don’t know what is.

Wilt Chamberlain

NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain is surrounded by media 07 February at a press conference for the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, OH. The NBA All-Star game will take place on 09 February at the Gund Arena in Cleveland

Wilt Chamberlain was one of the first truly freakish athletes to make a name for himself in the NBA. He stood over 7 feet tall and had all of the coordination of a small forward. Plus, growing up, he played nearly every other sport under the sun.

There’s no doubt he would’ve been successful in the NFL, especially at that time, when there were fewer truly elite athletes.

Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives through Jamal Crawford #11 and Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks on November 26, 2005 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York

One might not initially think it because of his rather diminutive size, but former Philadelphia 76ers superstar, Allen Iverson was actually a legend on the gridiron during his formative days in Newport News, Virginia. At Bethel High School he played running back, defensive back, and returned kicks. He even had a stint at quarterback.

He may have had to bulk up to get to the professional ranks in football, let’s face it, 165 isn’t going to cut—even as a quarterback—but there’s simply nothing A.I. couldn’t do athletically.

LeBron James

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California
At his bulkiest, he was 6’ 8” and 260 plus pounds and an absolute force to be reckoned with because it was like a football player charging down the lane with elite quickness and speed.

For a reference point, Travis Kelce is 6’ 5” and 250. Now picture a defensive back trying to prevent LeBron from securing a catch—or a linebacker trying to stay with him in coverage.

There is a reason that he was an extremely sought-after high school football prospect up until he declared for the NBA draft!

Glen Davis

Glen Davis #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 111-107
Before “Big Baby” became solely focused on his basketball career, he was one of the best football players his high school had ever seen, both on the defensive line and as a running back. With that burly 6’ 9” frame, he easily could’ve made it in the NFL as a tight end or on the defensive line.

Darrel Armstrong

Orlando Magic guard Darrell Armstrong (#10) drives past Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Stoudmire (#3) during the second period of the game at the Arena in Orlando, FL, 17 November, 1999

Darrel Armstrong played 13 years in the NBA, despite not cracking into the league until an insane five years after he was drafted. Between that work ethic, his athleticism, and the fact that he played high school football—and Division II ball in college—I feel comfortable projecting that he could’ve made it in the NFL.

If not as a position player, as a kicker! He drilled two 48-yarders during his relatively short college career, which is no small feat.