In honor of Opening Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an intriguing and rare group of athletes—those talented enough to be drafted in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL). While the paths to professional success in either sport are immensely challenging, a select few have demonstrated the unique blend of athleticism and skill to earn draft selections in both leagues. These multi-sport athletes embody versatility and determination, and their stories continue to captivate sports fans everywhere.
Playing at a professional level in just one of these sports is an extraordinary accomplishment. Baseball and football, while both rooted in American sports culture, demand vastly different skill sets and physical attributes. To master one sport is impressive enough, but to excel to the point of being drafted in both requires a rare combination of speed, strength, coordination, and raw talent. Yet, over the decades, a number of athletes have managed to accomplish this feat.
Bo Jackson: The Ultimate Dual-Sport Star
When discussing dual-sport athletes, it’s impossible to overlook Bo Jackson. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first overall in the 1986 NFL Draft, Jackson chose not to sign, opting to pursue his baseball career with the Kansas City Royals instead. The following year, the Los Angeles Raiders selected him in the seventh round, and Jackson ultimately played in both MLB and NFL concurrently, becoming an All-Star in both leagues. His immense power at the plate and electrifying speed on the gridiron made him an unforgettable sports icon.
Deion Sanders: Prime Time on Two Fields
Deion Sanders, also known as “Prime Time,” was another remarkable two-sport athlete. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft and the Atlanta Falcons fifth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, Sanders went on to have a Hall of Fame football career while also playing nine seasons in Major League Baseball. Known for his blazing speed and flashy style, Sanders remains the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
Brian Jordan: From the Diamond to the Gridiron
Brian Jordan is another athlete who achieved success in both leagues. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1988 MLB Draft and the Buffalo Bills in the 1989 NFL Draft, Jordan ultimately chose baseball as his primary career path. He played 15 seasons in the MLB and was an All-Star with the Atlanta Braves, while also playing three seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
John Elway: A Quarterback with a Baseball Glove
John Elway, renowned for his legendary NFL career as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos, was also an accomplished baseball player. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round of the 1979 MLB Draft and then first overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft, Elway used baseball as leverage to shape his NFL destiny. Threatening to play for the New York Yankees, who had his baseball rights after a 1981 draft, he forced a trade to the Broncos and went on to win two Super Bowls and earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ricky Williams: A Heisman Winner on the Diamond
Ricky Williams, best known for his standout college football career at the University of Texas and his time as a premier NFL running back, was also drafted in baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB Draft, and Williams played several seasons of minor league baseball while balancing his football aspirations. Eventually, he pursued football full-time and became one of the most dominant running backs of his era.
The Rare Athletic Phenomenon
What makes dual-sport athletes so fascinating is not just their ability to excel but the sheer dedication and tireless work ethic required to juggle two demanding sports. For many of these athletes, the decision to ultimately focus on one sport was driven not just by talent but by practical considerations, such as the potential for injury or the ability to earn more lucrative contracts.
In recent years, the rise of sports specialization at younger ages has made dual-sport professional athletes even rarer. Yet, the stories of Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Brian Jordan, John Elway, and Ricky Williams serve as lasting reminders of a time when some of the most gifted athletes refused to be boxed into just one pursuit. Their journeys reflect not only exceptional talent but also the courage to follow their passions and challenge the traditional norms of professional sports careers.
As Opening Day unfolds and baseball returns to the forefront of sports conversations, it’s worth celebrating the multi-sport athletes who have left their mark on both the diamond and the gridiron. Their legacies are a testament to the power of versatility and the enduring allure of chasing greatness wherever it may lead. Fans of both sports can only marvel at what these athletes achieved and wonder if we might ever see their likes again.
Today, as we cheer on our favorite baseball teams, let’s not forget the unique individuals who defied the odds and excelled at both the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd on the football field. These legends deserve to be remembered and honored for their unparalleled achievements and the inspiration they continue to provide to aspiring athletes everywhere.