Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Davante Adams Gets Real On Whether LeBron James Could Play in The NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 10:06 AM ET

Long before he became a basketball sensation, LeBron James was a stud on the football field.

He was a two-sport superstar in high school, and he's still an avid football fan to this day.

Given his size, speed, and athleticism, some argued that he could've also been a superstar tight end if he had chosen to walk that path instead.

In a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Los Angeles Rams star Davante Adams agreed, stating that James could've been one of the greatest pass-catchers the game had ever seen:

"He would've been one of the best receivers, tight ends of all time," Adams said. "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 someone cover space on a basketball court [like him], maybe John Wall or Derrick Rose, something like that. But he's up there with all of 'em."

Even so, the former Green Bay Packers star also took a friendly jab at James, poking fun at him for his flopping and saying that he didn't help his case with the way he acted on the court at times:

"I do think it's a little bit strategy in there. I don't think he's actually banged up every time," Adams said, laughing.

Davante weighed in on if LeBron could handle playing football

(via The Dan Patrick Show) pic.twitter.com/RlIiW9fOYG
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 10, 2025

James even admitted that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wanted to sign him during the 2011 NBA lockout, and he even considered the offer.

Gladly for him and his fans, but not for the rest of the basketball scene, James chose the hardwood over the gridiron, and judging by his résumé, he made the right call.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: