LeBron James, known primarily for his remarkable basketball career, was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in both basketball and football. His athleticism, size, and skills have long sparked discussions about what might have been if he had chosen football over basketball. Recently, a college football analyst raised an interesting point: that LeBron James would have surpassed one of Ohio State’s football legends, further fueling the conversation about the legendary athlete’s potential on the gridiron.
LeBron James’ Athletic Background
LeBron James’ high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, were marked by dominance in basketball, where he became a national sensation. However, what many may not realize is that LeBron was also a star on the football field, playing wide receiver for the Fighting Irish.
James was known for his physical attributes—standing 6’9″ and weighing around 240 pounds during his high school years—giving him the kind of size and athleticism that coaches dream of in any sport. His combination of strength, speed, and agility made him a serious threat on the football field, and his ability to make spectacular catches, along with his after-catch skills, caught the attention of scouts from several major football programs, including Ohio State.
Despite his prowess in football, James opted to pursue a career in basketball and entered the NBA Draft in 2003, where he was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. That decision ultimately defined his career and led him to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, it has remained an intriguing “what if” scenario: what if LeBron James had chosen football over basketball?
The Ohio State Connection
Ohio State University, one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, has had a long history of producing elite NFL talent. Some of its football legends include Archie Griffin, the only player to win two Heisman Trophies, and recent stars like Chase Young and Nick Bosa. Ohio State has always prided itself on developing top-tier athletes, and it is no surprise that LeBron James, a top high school football recruit, would have been welcomed with open arms.
In fact, it’s widely known that Ohio State’s former head coach, Jim Tressel, tried to convince LeBron to play both football and basketball at Ohio State, which would have been a rare and unprecedented feat. Tressel offered James the opportunity to pursue both sports at the collegiate level, allowing him to potentially become a dual-sport athlete. But while the idea seemed tantalizing, LeBron ultimately chose the NBA, where he has now established himself as a global icon.
What Would Have Happened if LeBron Had Played Football?
The speculation around LeBron James’ football career has always been a hot topic, with many analysts and former players debating how successful he could have been. According to one college football analyst, had LeBron James chosen to pursue football, he would have undoubtedly surpassed some of Ohio State’s most legendary players.
An Unmatched Physical Presence
James’ combination of size and athleticism would have made him a game-changer in college football. Standing at 6’9” and weighing over 240 pounds, LeBron James would have been one of the largest and most physically imposing wide receivers in college football history. His speed and agility—characteristics that made him an NBA superstar—would have made him a matchup nightmare for opposing cornerbacks and defensive backs.
Comparing him to Ohio State’s own football legends, James would have brought a unique blend of size, athleticism, and finesse to the game, similar to how players like Cris Carter (who went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL) dominated at the wide receiver position. James’ physicality would have allowed him to overpower defenders, while his agility and hands would have helped him make spectacular catches. If James had been able to channel his basketball skills into football, his vertical leap alone would have allowed him to dominate in the air, making catches that few other players could even dream of.
A Heisman-Winning Candidate
One of the most interesting aspects of this hypothetical scenario is the potential impact LeBron James could have had on the Heisman Trophy race. The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in college football, has traditionally been given to running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers, with only a handful of players from other positions ever winning the prestigious award. LeBron’s athleticism, combined with his ability to perform on the big stage, could have made him a serious contender for the Heisman during his hypothetical college football career.
In fact, the analyst suggests that James would have been the first player to win the Heisman Trophy three times, surpassing the likes of Archie Griffin, who won the Heisman twice for Ohio State in the 1970s. His dominance on the football field, coupled with his ability to electrify crowds and change the course of games, would have likely made him one of the most talked-about players in college football history.
A Legacy Beyond Ohio State
The potential for LeBron James to become a legend at Ohio State is undeniable. However, his impact would likely have extended beyond the college football scene, shaping the entire landscape of college athletics. A player of his caliber would have raised the profile of Ohio State’s football program, potentially leading to even more national championships and transforming the way we view multi-sport athletes in modern college sports.
While the idea of a two-sport athlete playing both football and basketball at Ohio State remains a fascinating “what if,” the reality is that LeBron James’ football career is something we will never get to see. Instead, we have witnessed his unprecedented success in basketball, where he has become a four-time NBA champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most influential athletes in the world.
LeBron James vs. Ohio State Legends
Even though James ultimately chose basketball, it’s still interesting to imagine how he would have stacked up against some of the Ohio State football legends. Would he have surpassed them in college football? The question brings us to several of Ohio State’s greatest players, including:
- Archie Griffin – Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice. He became a symbol of Ohio State football during his time, known for his toughness and consistency on the field. Would LeBron have surpassed him in terms of college football greatness? It’s possible, given James’ unique skill set.
- Chris Carter – One of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history, Carter played at Ohio State before going on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. James would have had the size, speed, and skill to match or even surpass Carter’s achievements on the field.
- Eddie George – Another Ohio State great who went on to have a successful NFL career, George was a force as a running back. However, LeBron’s physicality and versatility may have made him even more of a dynamic threat, potentially setting records as both a receiver and a return specialist.
LeBron’s Legacy in Sports
While we’ll never know how LeBron James would have performed on the football field, what’s certain is that his legacy in sports transcends any single sport. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron has already left an indelible mark on the world of athletics, but the idea of him playing football and surpassing some of Ohio State’s football legends only adds to the mystique of his talent.
James’ athleticism, work ethic, and passion for the game have allowed him to thrive at the highest levels of competition, whether on the hardwood or on the football field. His “what if” football career serves as a reminder of the greatness that could have been—and just how talented LeBron James truly is as an athlete.