11-07-2025
Davante Adams: LeBron James could've been an NFL legend
Many people know that LeBron James was once a star football player in high school. He played wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his native Akron, Ohio, and he was named first team all-state during his second year.
As a junior, he had 61 receptions, 1,245 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was even recruited by some prominent football schools, such as the University of Notre Dame. But he ultimately stopped playing football because of a wrist injury he had suffered during an AAU game just prior to his senior year of high school.
Many have said over the years that had he decided to, James could've excelled in the NFL. Davante Adams, the six-time Pro Bowl wideout who is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, said on "The Dan Patrick Show" that James could've been a legend on the gridiron.
'He would've been one of the best receivers, tight ends of all-time, no question. 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 'em.'
James would've undoubtedly been a nightmare for cornerbacks to cover because of his 6-foot-9, 250-pound frame and otherworldly speed. If he had been asked to play the tight end position, perhaps he would've had a career akin to that of Rob Gronkowski, the powerful and ultra-athletic four-time Super Bowl champion who is considered by many to be the greatest ever to play the position.
However, it is safe to say that James chose the right sport, especially with the perpetual concerns about concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the game of football.
