LeBron James reveals which NFL players resemble him the most: "We have that same stature, as far as the build goes"

Yahoo

4 days ago

Even at 40, LeBron James continues to do things we've never seen before. He just wrapped up his 22nd NBA season, made the All-NBA Second Team, and played 70 games while averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds.
In an era where players are sitting out left and right, LeBron keeps moving like he's in his prime. It's his legendary conditioning, discipline, and otherworldly genetics that make it possible — a 6'9", 250-pound train with a 40-inch vertical and the basketball IQ of a savant.
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However, before he became one of the greatest hoops players of all time, "The King" was terrorizing high school football fields in Ohio. In just two years at St. Vincent-St. Mary, LeBron racked up 103 catches for 2,065 yards and 23 touchdowns — numbers that made him an All-State wideout and a walking mismatch every time he lined up.
Although we didn't get the pleasure of watching him on the football field, during a candid conversation on the "New Heights" podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, "The Akron Hammer" broke down the NFL players he sees as closest to his unique athletic profile.
"Probably like a mix between, you know, Gronk [Rob Gronkowski] or Randy Moss a little bit. He is a lot smaller than me, but he runs faster, but he is a lot smaller. Like, 'Megatron' [Calvin Johnson], we have that same stature, as far as the build goes or whatever the case may be…" the four-time NBA Champion said.
Three players, same beast
Rob Gronkowski was a dominant tight end who turned simple plays into bulldozing touchdowns. At 6'6" and 265, Gronk was too big for safeties, too fast for linebackers, and strong enough to carry two defenders on his back. While Moss was a walking highlight reel, just like Bron is on the basketball hardwood. And then there is Calvin Johnson, aka "Megatron," who combined rare size and agility at 6'5 ", 237 pounds, making him a constant deep threat and a nightmare for defenses.
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LeBron's right in the middle of that triangle. Bigger than all of them, faster than most big men, and blessed with hands, hops, and vision. If you handed him a helmet, shoulder pads, and a week of practice, there is no doubt in mind that the 21-time All-Star would not be able to hold his own on the football field. Maybe even dominate in his own right.
Related: "I just got tired of hearing it and just thought it was best for me to move on" - Patrick Ewing admits he regrets leaving the Knicks out of spite
LeBron almost suited up in the NFL
Most NBA players played other sports growing up, but few had the talent to go pro outside basketball. Wilt Chamberlain was once offered a deal by the Kansas City Chiefs, and LBJ nearly did the same during the 2011 NBA lockout.
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By then, James had two MVPs and a move to the Miami Heat under his belt, but with the NBA paused, the best athlete in American sports found himself itching to play football with two teams reportedly ready to make the offer — the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
"The Chosen One" ultimately stayed on the court, and the league came back before we got to see Bron in the wide receiver or tight end position. But the fact that it was even a real conversation shows just how different he is and what a rare athlete we had the pleasure to witness.
Related: Michael Jordan warned the NBA about pushing the "next MJ" narrative: "There's a danger to that, the credibility of the game can take a hit"