"Accelerate and crush" - MLB analyst thinks Bryce Harper would've succeeded in NFL, compares Phillies 8x All-Star to legendary NFL safety Ronnie Lott
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has taken the baseball world by storm since stepping into the batter's box as a rookie in 2012. He has done nothing but turn heads with his violent, but successful swing, easily launching balls left and right.
One reason for this is Harper's frame. He stands six-foot-three and weighs 210 pounds. That's the type of frame that could be successful outside of the baseball field and perhaps the football field.
The topic was brought up on the Phillies Show podcast with Todd Zolecki, Jim Salisbury, and Ruben Amaro Jr. Salisbury believes Harper could have been somebody like Ronnie Lott in the NFL.
"I think Bryce Harper, especially in his 20's, could have been like a Ronnie Lott ... Just like accelerate and crush people," - said Salisbury.
Lott, most notably as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, had a marvelous career in the NFL. He was known for being aggressive and a hard-hitting defensive back, striking fear into those who lined up against him.
"Yeah, he would definitely throw his body at somebody. He would be aggressive" - Amaro Jr. confirmed.
Amaro Jr. came in to confirm Salisbury's suspicions. With the way Harper carries himself, I don't think there would be a single sport where he would not be aggressive.
Phillies star Bryce Harper wanted to play in the NFL a few years ago
Bryce Harper was a big NFL fan growing up. He rooted for the Dallas Cowboys, but quickly converted to being a Philadelphia Eagles fan after moving to Philadelphia.
He was not just a fan, as he also played the sport growing up. Outside of preparing to be an MLB superstar, Harper played fullback and outside linebacker in Las Vegas.
When the baseball season was in question because of COVID-19 in 2020, Harper was getting restless. He hit up the Eagles, seeing if they might be interested in his talents.
However, nothing came of it as the baseball season kicked off with a condensed season. Harper went on to have a solid year in Philadelphia that season.
Harper would have become the first player since Drew Henson to play both in the MLB and NFL. He played third base for the New York Yankees from 2002-2003 and quarterback for both the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions in 2004 and 2008.