Is Anthony Edwards the Next Dual-Sport Phenomenon?
Anthony Edwards, the 6-foot-5 NBA superstar, has recently been drawing comparisons to the legendary Michael Jordan. A potent combination of basketball skill and defensive prowess has placed Edwards alongside the likes of MJ, at least in conversations about his potential on and off the hardwood. But it is Edwards’ remarkable affinity for another sport—football—that has sports enthusiasts buzzing.
Throughout sports history, few have successfully maneuvered a path across multiple professional leagues. Michael Jordan famously retired from basketball after winning his third NBA championship in 1993 to attempt a career in professional baseball. However, his time with the Chicago White Sox collection was short-lived and didn't reach the major leagues, leading to his return to the NBA in 1995. Could Edwards, upon accomplishing his basketball dreams, follow a similar dual-sport pursuit?
In an ambitious declaration, Edwards told his friends, "If I win a ring in the next three to four years, I'm going to play football." This statement not only hints at his goal to achieve greatness in the NBA but also speaks volumes about his passion for football—a sport he excelled in during his childhood.
Edwards’ football prowess isn't just an afterthought. He was once the top running back in the nation, excelling at the tender age of 9 or 10. His decision to pivot towards basketball, a choice inspired by watching his brothers play, appears to be a decision fueled more by enthusiasm than any limitation in his football ability. "I could have been a professional football player. I was really good. I was the No. 1 running back in the country at 9 or 10," Edwards recalls.
Remarkably, despite abandoning organized football before high school, video footage from before he turned 12 highlights his extraordinary football skills. The rare transition from basketball to football isn't unprecedented, with figures like Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates successfully making the leap to the NFL. Unlike these former basketball players who enjoyed collegiate careers with uncertain financial outlooks, Edwards is currently secured in a lucrative max NBA contract.
The pathway that former players like Graham and Gates tread offers a tantalizing narrative for aspiring athletes, yet the risk-versus-reward for Edwards is particularly unique. Running backs in the NFL usually stand closer to or even below six feet tall, in contrast to Edwards’ towering frame. While Derrick Henry has reshaped perceptions of what a tall running back can achieve at 6-foot-3, the NFL has seen more frequent success stories for tall wide receivers than running backs of equal height.
Despite the allure of chasing a football dream, NBA teams are typically averse to allowing players to participate in another sport, especially one as physically demanding as football due to the heightened risk of injury. To pursue a football career, Edwards would face a choice between retiring from professional basketball or signing a contract with minimal guaranteed financial security in football, a gamble that few would encourage given his current success.
Yet, these logistical and financial hurdles do little to undermine the whimsical allure of an athlete who feels his potential span multiple sports. For Edwards, who thrives in the limelight of the NBA, the thought of stepping onto the gridiron may one day transcend mere fantasy. Until then, the basketball world watches keenly as he chases his dreams of a championship ring, while the football field remains a compelling "what if" in his sporting narrative.