Photo via Sun-Sentinel.
I’m having flashbacks.
Not good flashbacks, either. Bad ones. Really, really bad ones. Suddenly I find myself thinking about the 2011 NBA lockout. That was when this whole LeBron James playing in the NFL thing started. When he was unemployed—for want of a better word—jokes that seemed too serious were being made about him going pro as a football player. Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll recruited him over Twitter and everything. He even had a jersey made for him.
It was all in good fun of course, but it got me thinking: What if life was always like this? What if NBA players had so much free time that they decided to dabble in the NFL, where the pay is significantly lower and the risk of injury significantly greater? That would suck. Big time.
While that’s irrational fear at its best, and one I’m pretty much kidding about, the LeBron-to-the-NFL jokes live on.
The Chosen One spent the first Sunday of the football season watching the Dallas Cowboys win a game the New York Giants did everything in their power to lose. And it was the Cowboys who almost lost. But that’s not the point. The point is LeBron was there, living it up with Dallas’ owner, Jerry Jones.
The pair took pictures together and just had what seemed like a pretty awesome day overall. Prior to their publicized man date, though, Jones said that he wished LeBron could suit up for him instead of the Miami Heat. True story.
According to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel, Jones told a Dallas radio station the previous week that he would love for LeBron to play tight end for him.
“I just wish I could suit him out,” Jones said.
When asked what position he would play, that’s when Jones responded with “tight end.”
Well isn’t that quite the mental image; LeBron in a Cowboys jersey, pads, helmet and all.
He’s certainly built like a tight end, that’s for damn sure. His 6’8″, 240-pound frame would be great for blocking. And his explosion would look amazing—and also out of place—in the open field. Let’s make it happen…said no one ever.
I’ll shamelessly admit it would be awesome to see LeBron go through one week as an NFL player. I’d even hazard he may have some success, provided he knows how to catch. And block. And run complex routes. And clip Tony Romo’s toenails.
However, I’d also guess that not even he himself would jump at the opportunity to switch careers for a week, unless he had no choice. He’s slated to make over $19 million next season while Jason Witten, the Cowboys starting tight end, is earning a cool
$940,000 base salary this year, according to Fox Sports. That’s a lot less, even if there are some subtle incentives included. There’s no way LeBron passes up tens of millions to make even a few million.
Doesn’t matter anyway since this would never happen. It’s all in the spirit of Jones and LeBron’s relationship. Not too mention Cowboys fans booed LeBron at the game. Seems just about everyone not named Jerry Jones isn’t quite over him taking down the San Antonio Spurs in the finals.
Consider your prized player safe, Miami.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
