"Put LeBron in the red zone" - 2x Super Bowl champ breaks down LeBron James' perfect role on NFL squad
Over the years, many have speculated about how LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James would have fared had he pursued a professional football career. Former Philadelphia Eagles star safety Malcolm Jenkins recently weighed in on the subject, highlighting James' ideal NFL position.
Before being drafted No. 1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers out of high school in the 2003 NBA draft, James was lauded as a multi-sport athlete. In addition to being a generational basketball prospect at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he was the star wide receiver on the school's football team.
James was the No. 1-ranked football prospect in the state of Ohio. Thus, he reportedly garnered college football offers from numerous premier schools, including Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama and Ohio State.
James ultimately sat out his senior high school football season, directing his full attention to basketball, eventually becoming arguably the NBA's greatest player ever. Nonetheless, James' pro football potential has become a popular what-if debate among sports fans.
On Sunday, NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson asked Jenkins which NBA player "could seamlessly transition to football." The two-time Super Bowl champion named James, citing his immense athleticism.
"I would say LeBron. I think you put LeBron in a red zone, I don't know how many guys are going to jump with him," Jenkins said.
Jenkins later confirmed that James would ideally serve as an NFL tight end. However, he noted that the four-time MVP's height (6-foot-8) may limit his effectiveness.
"But only in a red zone. He's going to get tackled in an open field. He's not going to be able to protect himself," Jenkins said. "I think that's the hard part about being tall in football. You can't protect yourself. That's a hard thing. But in a red zone, you're not getting tackled. Just go up, catch the ball."
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LeBron James' former high school football teammates reflect on his dominance
In a 2017 Bleacher Report interview, LeBron James' former St. Vincent-St. Mary football teammates Matt McDonald and Chris Wooley reflected on his dominance.
McDonald recounted that James regularly used his size to his advantage, allowing him to make difficult receptions.
"You look around the field, and it doesn't matter if he's double-covered. It doesn't matter if he's triple-covered. That's where the ball is going," McDonald said. "... It's at a point where he was so much better than everyone else that not even the big guys could hurt him."
Wooley added that James' standout play and leadership elevated his teammates.
"It was like watching him with subpar NBA players now," Wooley said. "He makes everybody on the field believe in themselves more."
Despite playing only two full seasons of high school football, James recorded 27 career touchdowns and 99 career receptions, earning all-state honors in both years. Nevertheless, to what extent his success would have translated to the NFL remains debatable.
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