30+ Sports Stars You Never Knew Were Professional In Other Sports

1. LeBron James - Icon of basketball .... made a great quarter back!

Image source Marca

Hail LeBron, possibly the most talented 'baller' on the planet!  He was snagging passes as a quarter back when he wasn't grabbing balls off the board!  Besides 3 years as a receiver when he was in high school, LeBron teased us all of what could have been in his State Farm commercial 2 years ago!

2. Charlie Ward - Basketball legend .... excelled at everything!

Image source NBA Sport

As a Heisman Trophy winner, you might not have thought Charlie Ward have chosen the hardwood where he would accomplish an amazing 11 year NBA career.  Ward was drafted twice in the MLB draft, even though he never played baseball in college and he also shined on the tennis court, taking part in the Arthur Ashe Amateur Tournament.  Talented guy!

3. Michael Phelps - Olympic Swimmer .... did wonders on the golf course

Image source Golf.com

Michael Phelps literally smashed it in the pool at the Olympics, gathering a bunch of gold medals and making the other competitors look like amateurs!  Swimming was his life but that was until he fell in love with the sport of golf where he has been reported as hitting some incredible shots.

4.  Tim Duncan - NBA Legend .... a natural in the water

Image source Getty Images

Just like Michael Phelps, Duncan enjoyed success in the pool but not achieving the same accolades as Phelps.  However, he was drawn away from the water and it was his best decision, with his 4 NBA titles and Hall of Fame career.  We bet he has no regrets about leaving the pool behind.

5. Matt Holliday - Baseball's best hitter .... won football scholarship

Image source Beyond The Box Star

Holliday is one of baseball's best hitters and there's no one who would argue against that.  Before he decided his career path he won a scholarship to play football in his home state of Oklahoma for the Cowboys of OK State.  At 6 feet 4 inches and build like he is, he was going to succeed at anything!

6. Michael Jordan - Greatest NBA player EVER .... Brilliant at teeing off

Image source talkSport

Arguably the greatest player in NBA history, we were shell-shocked when 'the Jordan'  walked away from the game in 1993 at the age of 30.  What was even more surprising was his choice to hit the diamond instead of hitting game-winners!  Had he chosen a bat instead of the baggy shorts, who known what might have been!

7. John Smoltz - Best baseball pitcher .... Good golfer

Image source Sporting News

As a 200 game winner and the runner-up in post season wins in a career, John Smoltz should be inducted into Cooperstown..  However, not one for waiting around, he's been perfecting his swing on the golf course and making waves on turf.  He even got the thumbs up from Tiger Woods!

8. Nyjer Morgan - Hockey to baseball was seamless ....

Image source Milwaukee Record

It's rare to see a professional athlete switch sports after starting their professional career but that's exactly what Nyjer Morgan did.  After becoming the first African American player in the Western Hockey League, one of three major junior hockey leagues in Canada, he hung up the skates and grabbed a baseball glove.  Love all his nicknames!

9. Tony Gonzales - Changed balls ....left basketball for football

Image source Kansas City Chiefs

There's nothing more to add when discussing the skill of Tony Gonzales and his numerous NFL records are testament to his vast talent in the sport.  Before his esteemed career, did you know he was a forward for the Golden Bears basketball team, putting up pedestrian numbers but still contributing!

10. Jeff Samardzija -  Footballer turned epic baseball pitcher

Image source Sports Illustrated

We're sure you'll remember watching Samardzija every Saturday afternoon playing for Notre Dame.  Some of those catches were breath taking.  However, when you can toss heat as a pitcher and get drafted by the Cubs in the fifth round, you know you're a winner!

11. Joe Mauer - Toss up between baseball and football ....

Image source CBS Sports

In his senior year, Mauer became the only athlete to ever be selected as USA Today's Player of the Year in not one but two sports, baseball and football!  With all the achievements he received as a quarterback in football, you'd think we were talking about the next Joe Montana, but when you get drafted No. 1 overall by your hometown Twins, the choice is already made!

12. Carl Crawford - juggled basketball and football

Image source ESPN

A former All-Star for the Ray but plagued by injury,  Carl Crawford received scholarships to UCLA for basketball and to Nebraska for football.  Though his career in Boston didn't go quite the way he hoped after signing a 7-year, $142 million contract in 2010, we're sure he doesn't regret his past!

13. Todd Helton - Close call with football or baseball

Image source The Denver Post

Looking at Helton's baseball career and thinking he could have been a Hall of Famer if he hadn't got hurt as a  quarterback of Tennessee's football team, who knows if that sport would have been football or baseball?  After committing to the Vols on a baseball and football scholarship, Helton actually beat someone called Peyton Manning (!!) to get the starting nod in the mid-90's.

14. Tony Romo - seamless switch from football to golf

Image source Sky Sports

Even though he was one of the best ever quarter backs, Tony Romo's skills didn't end there.  Once he has a driver in his hands, his scratch golf game is brilliant.  He has even attempted (and narrowly missed) qualification for the US Open several times over the past three years.  Keep a look out for him!

15. Jim Brown - Football to ....lacrosse ..........and damn good at it!

Image source Wikipedia

Brown is respected by everyone as the greatest running back in NFL history. That's what happens when you lead the league in 8 of the 9 years you have played!  Maybe more impressive than his football career though, was his dominance in other sports during his college career at Syracuse.  He played a mean game of lacrosse, ranking second in the league!  He was also a talented runner on the track.

16. Dave Winfield - Hall Of Fame Baseball .... could have been a footballer

Image source Jays Journal

Dave Winfield is out on his own!  Before his Hall of Fame baseball career started, he was drafted by no less than four teams in three different sports, and almost made the decision to become a professional footballer.  Who knows how he well he would have succeeded but we reckon he would have owned it

17. Denis Compton - Transformed from cricketer to footballer ....

Image source The TimesDenis Charles Scott Compton CBE was an English cricketer who played in no less than 78 Test matches, spending his entire career with Middlesex.  This is only half the story of Compton's illustrious career.  He made 54 appearances for Arsenal and was a firm favourite with the fans.

18. John Surtees - Left motorsport for F1!

Image source Sunday Times DrivingJohn Surtees, CBE was a British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and Formula 1 driver, winning 7 Grand Prix motorcycle world championships.  Always hungry for more success he went and did it again, this time in Formula 1 when he took the world title in 1964.  True legend!

19. Renaldo Nehemiah- Sprinted from athletics to NFL ....

Image source Track & Field NewsRenaldo Nehemiah was a former American track and field athlete who specialized in the 110 m hurdles.  Ranked number one for 4 years in a row, he was also the world record holder.  He made the decision to quit when he got the chance to play NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.

20. Ian Bothan - Cricket Legend with a Captal 'L' ....played footie!

Image source Sky SportsIan Botham, also known as Baron Botham, OBE was an English cricketer known and loved throughout the cricket world.  He now spends his time in the House of Lords and fundraising for charity but did you know he also made 11 appearances for Scunthorpe Town F.C.?

21. Clive Allen - Swapped one ball for another .... football for American football

Image source Evening StandardClive Allen was a great footballer and one of the most prolific strikers in the country in the 1980s, signing for seven top clubs during his career.  When he hung up his football boots, he felt he still had something left in him and he tried out for London Monarchs as a place kicker where he proved to be a success.  We never doubted him!

22. Hershel Walker - When one sport isn't enough .... succeed at loads more!

Image source ESPNHershel Walker was a star running back in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys,  Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He swapped the gridiron for the high speed danger of the US Bobsled team at the 1992 Winter Olympics.  Aged 47 and not ready to retire, he turned his hand to MMA, winning both his bouts for Strikeforce.  That's what you call a sportsman!

23. Tim Buzaglo - From Woking to cricket professional ....

Image source Birmingham LiveWoking striker Buzaglo wrote his name in FA Cup history when he scored a hat-trick and knocked West Bromwich Albion out in 1991.   The crowd went crazy and he was their hero! After retiring from the game, he moved to Gibraltar to play ICC Trophy cricket where he also made his mark.

24. Liam Botham - juggled cricket and rugby .... talented son!

Image source The MirrorSon of legendary Ian Botham, it appeared that Liam would follow in his father's footsteps as a cricketer as he showed obvious talent and many clubs wanted to pick him up.  After a short spell with the bat he decided to deflect to rugby, carving out a career in the Super League with Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos.

25. Curtis Woodhouse - Premiership footballer .... punching it out as a welterweight!

Image source Sky SportsProfessional footballer Woodhouse played Premier League football for Birmingham City and them moved around a few different clubs until 2006 when he said that he had fallen out of love with the game.  Bring out the boxing gloves and the light welterweight 'the Driffield Destroyer' was born!

26. Brock Lesnar - Wrestler to Ultimate Fighting Club

Image source UFC.comBefore finding fame in the WWE, Lesnar was a powerful amateur wrestler in college.  He  tried out for the Minnesota Vikings NFL team and joined the UFC, becoming the heavyweight world champion.  When he lost his title he returned to WWE to entertain the crowds.

27. Rebecca Romero - GB rower gets on her bike!

Image source Sky SportsOne of GB's most successful multi-sports athletes, Rebecca Romero was a world champion and Olympic silver medal-winning rower.  The gruelling training  of rowing made her think about a change of sport and that was cycling.  Great move as she became a track cycling world and Olympic champion!

28. Alistair Overeem - Dutch MMA launches into kick boxing!

Image source MMA NewsOvereem has won world titles in MMA and against the odds, transitioned to the world's biggest kickboxing tournament, the K-1 World Heavyweight Competition, defeating three of the best kick boxers in the world in one evening, granting him the coveted Grand Prix title.

29. Ronda Rousey - Rolled over from judo to MMA!

Image source MMA FightingAmerican judo athlete Ronda Rousey claimed bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and then decided to have a change of career.  That came in the form of MMA and Rousey became the Strikeforce women's MMA champion. In 2013 she was the first female fighter to headline a UFC event.  Girl power!

30. Alex Zanardi - Motor racing accident didn't stop him

Image source Sky NewsItalian motor racing star Zanardi raced in many championships including Formula 1 and he won the Champ Car title in the States.  Unfortunately, a horrific crash meant he lost both his legs.  Incredibly and unbelievably, he fought back and participated in motor racing again, winning two golds and a silver in hand cycling at the London 2012 Olympic Games.  We salute you.

31. Usain Bolt: Fastest Man Chooses Running Instead Of Running For The Ball

Image Source / OlympicsUsain's speed means he's probably gonna do well with most sports, but apparently he took a high interest in playing for the Premier League. He's a Manchester United fan, and while he was originally considering playing, he changed his mind, jokingly saying he doesn't want to play anymore because of the cold weather.

32. Cristiano Ronaldo: That Man Can Jump

Image Source / 90minCristiano Ronaldo is an impressive football player, and he's also handy when it comes to his vertical leap potential if he's headering a ball. Apparently his jump is higher than a lot of NBA players, which means his athletic prowess could make - as well as his small body fat ratio - could make him a great sprinter or hurdler. But he's always stuck to football.

33. Michael Vick: Footballer Drafted Into Baseball

Image Source / VarietyMichael Vick is a talented quarterback, but his talents also lie with baseball - so much so that he was even chosen for the 2000 MLB draft by Colorado. Vick actually hadn't played baseball since 8th grade at this time, but was still selected based on his sharp arm and athletic capabilities. He didn't gave baseball a thought though, clearly not looking for a career switch.

34. Steve Nash: Basketball To Midfielder?

Image Source / GQSteve Nash is a particularly memorable NBA player, and his moves on the court are impressive. Despite his success with basketball, he's never kept it a secret that he loves soccer. He previously trained with football team Tottenham Hotspur, and would have great potential as a midfielder if he wasn't into basketball.

35. Julius Peppers: American Football With A Side Of Basketball

Image Source / Live 5 NewsJulius Peppers was the exceptional defensive linesman for the Green Bay Packers, and won plenty of awards for his talent on the field, but he was also a walk-on for the basketball team. He was also on a reserve team and entered into a tournament the following season. Despite his prowess for NFL, he could most likely have made his career out of basketball, too.

36. Jeff Samardzija: The Baseball Pitcher Was So Close To Joining The NFL 

Image Source / WikipediaThe pitcher for the White Sox, Samardzija, received an athletic scholarship which led him to an impressive bout of football performances, winning awards, setting records and eventually having his name in the NFL draft. Instead, he chose to be drafted by the Cubs baseball team.

37. Antonio Gates: Football Or Basketball?

Image Source / NFL.comWhen he was younger, it seemed that Gates would go into NBA - but as he excelled in both football and basketball, he had plenty of options, especially when he was the runner up for Mr Basketball of Michigan. He originally wanted to play both sports, but decided to pursue basketball instead. He later met with NFL scouts and signed with the Chargers.

38. Charles Burgess Fry: Cricket And Football

Image Source / MirrorA very multi-skilled sportsman, CB Fry played more than one sport during his career. He was known for representing England in both cricket and football, and also took part in an FA Cup final. But that wasn't all - he also played rugby union for Oxford Uni AND held the (joint) world record for the long jump.

39. Jim Thorpe: Multiple Sports And Lots Of Gold Medals

Image Source / MirrorFor Jim Thorpe, one sport just isn't enough. He was known for playing professional American football, and then baseball, and then basketball. If that wasn't impressive enough, he also competed in the pentathlon and decathlon, taking away Olympic gold medals. But to put a bit of a dampener on it, the medals were eventually taken off him after it turned out he'd broken the amateurism rules.

40. Jeff Wilson: Made A Switch From Rugby To Cricket

Image Source / MirrorWilson played 60 appearances for the New Zealand rugby team, All Blacks, and then switched to play cricket - still for New Zealand - playing 6 games in one-day internationals. He scored 234 points for football, and a batting average of 20.60 for cricket.

41. Adam Hollioake: Hitting The Cricket Ball To Hitting His Opponent

Image Source / MirrorHollioake had a very successful career as a cricketeer for England before he decided to instead taking up Mixed Martial Arts. He made a majority draw in his very first MMA fight. He's the only international cricketer to also compete in MMA.

42. Bo Jackson: All The Balls!

Image Source / MirrorBo Jackson is a pro in multi-sporting, as he's also the first athlete to go down in history to be named an all-star in two of the biggest American sports: baseball and American football. Unfortunately, a hip injury ended his football career, and his baseball one followed soon afterwards.

43. Deion Sanders: NFL & Baseball

Image Source / USA Today's FTWDeion Sanders is an accomplished sportsman also known as 'Prime Time', a nickname he was given by his friend after he scored 30 points in a high school basketball game. During his career, Sanders has played for the NFL as well as for Major League Baseball.

44. Anthony Mundine: Rugby To Boxing

Image Source / MirrorAustralian sportsman Anthony Mundine had already made a hugely successful career out of the National Rugby Leave before he decided to switch sports completely. Surprisingly, it wasn't football or basketball - he actually decided to become a professional boxer.

45. Sonny Bill Williams: Rugby Union To Heavyweight

Image Source / MirrorAnd Anthony Mundine isn't the only one who decided boxing was more for him than rugby. Sportsman Sonny Bill Williams made the same switch; after he'd played for the All Blacks in the rugby union, he decided to continue this career whilst also pursuing a career as a professional heavyweight boxer.

46. Adam Gemili: Sprinting The Football Field To Sprinting In General

Image Source / MirrorAdam Gemili was originally a football player for the Chelsea academy, and played for Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two, before decided that he wanted to switch to sprinting rather than running after the ball. He now has a promising future in track and field.

47. Donovan McNabb: Football And Basketball Success

Image Source / Bleacher ReportMcNabb was a football player who held the most records at Syracuse, so the idea of another sport might seem strange when he was clearly building a successful future in football. But McNabb did have a dabble at basketball, too, when he was chosen as a walk-on for The Orange Team.

48. Russell Wilson: He Chose NFL Instead Of Baseball

Image Source / The GuardianWilson became one of the most impressive quarterbacks for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, but he also could have had a career in baseball. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles after high school, but he decided to attend a different university and play football as well, ultimately choosing that as his career.

49. Stephen Curry: Shooting Hoops To Hole In One

Image Source / Sports IllustratedStephen Curry is a formed NBA player and two-time champion, but he also decided to give golf a go after he grew up across the street from a golf course. He played a professional golf tour back in 2017 and finished fourth in the American Century Championship pro-am.

50. Tim Tebow: Ditching The Ball For The Bat

Image Source / Southern LivingTim Tebow was first known as an NFL star, but when it didn't work out, he decided to switch to baseball. He signed a contract and played in the MLB's, but got off to a rocky start but has since been playing (relatively) well. After being such a pro at football, the switch has left him learning to dominate a whole new sport.