Davante Adams, a prominent wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, recently sparked a conversation about LeBron James’ athletic versatility as James enters his 23rd NBA season. Adams suggested that the basketball star might have achieved great success if he had chosen a career in football instead of basketball, highlighting James’ impressive high school football record and natural athleticism.
LeBron James’ High School Football Achievements
During his time at St. Vincent-St. Mary, LeBron James excelled on the football field, compiling 103 receptions for 2,065 yards and 23 touchdowns across his sophomore and junior years. His outstanding performance attracted scholarship offers from several Division I college programs, indicating his potential as a football player at a competitive level.
Davante Adams’ Views on James’ Football Talent
On The Dan Patrick Show, Adams praised James’ football skills and speed, stating,
“He would’ve been one of the best receivers, tight ends (of) all time. No question.”
Adams added,
“I don’t know if you’ve ever seen him play football. … He can fly, too. That’s the thing. He’s one of the fastest NBA players, probably, of all time. I’ve never seen somebody cover space on a basketball court — maybe John Wall, Derrick Rose, something like that — but he’s up there with all them.”
Why Basketball Ultimately Won Out for LeBron James
Despite his football potential, James experienced remarkable success on the basketball court, especially in his senior year when he posted averages of 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game, earning Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award. His physical conditioning benefited from not sustaining the wear and tear football might have caused in his final high school year. This led to his selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Insights from LeBron James’ High School Coach on His Choices
James’ basketball coach, Jay Brophy, revealed that while many college football programs showed interest in James, the athlete was largely committed to basketball. Brophy recalled a conversation with James:
“I went over to him and he was in the library and I said, ‘LeBron, hey, let me ask you, are you really interested in playing college football? I’ve got a ton of schools asking about you playing that have called me,’”
Brophy said James replied,
“’Well coach, I’m 99% sure I’m probably going to the NBA. But I wouldn’t rule it out.’”
Brophy continued,
“He started laughing and he said, ‘No coach, I’m kidding. I’m gonna play basketball.’ I said, ‘All right, I just wanted to know.’”
The Broader Impact and Continuing Debate
This discussion around LeBron James football versus basketball ability highlights the remarkable versatility of elite athletes and invites fans to imagine alternate career paths for sports icons. As James continues to make history in the NBA, speculation around what might have been on the football field adds an intriguing dimension to his legacy. Whether on hardwood or gridiron, James’ extraordinary talents remain a testament to his exceptional physical gifts and competitive drive.