Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has set his sights on achieving greatness in the NBA, but he recently stirred up excitement and surprise by suggesting that if he wins an NBA championship within the next 3-4 years, he will switch sports and pursue a career in the NFL, during an ESPN feature alongside Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
“Football players can’t go play basketball. No way. I told my buddies, if I win a ring in the next 3-4 years, I’m going to play football.”
"If I win a ring in the next 3-4 years, I'm going to play football."
Anthony Edwards says he could play in the NFL if he wins a ring in the next few years 👀
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The two athletes discussed the differences between basketball and football, and Anthony Edwards casually mentioned his desire to transition to football if he secures a championship ring in the near future. While the conversation seemed playful, Edwards’ words have left fans and analysts buzzing about the possibility of the star athlete making a radical shift in his career.
It’s important to note that Edwards’ love for football is not a new revelation. Growing up in Atlanta, Edwards was a talented football player, excelling as a running back and cornerback before deciding to focus solely on basketball.
He even claimed to have been ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country at the age of nine or ten. Edwards often talks about his football roots, and it is clear that his passion for the sport never truly left him. In interviews, he has mentioned that he believes he could have gone pro in football if he had stuck with it.
However, the path from the NBA to the NFL is not one that has been traveled before. There have been athletes who transitioned from college basketball to the NFL, such as Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, both of whom became NFL stars at the tight end position. But no professional basketball player has ever switched sports to pursue an NFL career after already establishing themselves as a top-tier NBA player.
Edwards’ hypothetical NFL journey would undoubtedly come with significant challenges. At 6’4″ and 225 pounds, Edwards has the physical attributes that could translate well to positions like wide receiver or tight end in the NFL.
His speed, agility, and athleticism—on display every night in the NBA—would be invaluable assets on the football field. Yet, the leap from professional basketball to football is not just about physical ability. It involves learning the intricacies of a new sport at its highest level, something that would be extremely difficult, even for a gifted athlete like Edwards.
Additionally, financial considerations may ultimately deter Edwards from pursuing an NFL career. The NBA offers its top players guaranteed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, while the NFL is known for its shorter careers and higher injury risk. For a player like Edwards, who is on track to secure a lucrative NBA contract and could earn $80 million or more annually in basketball, leaving the sport to chase an NFL dream might not be financially wise.
Despite the obstacles, Edwards’ remarks underscore his fearless mindset. His confidence in his abilities, whether on the basketball court or the football field, is what sets him apart from his peers. However, fans shouldn’t hold their breath for Edwards to suit up in an NFL uniform anytime soon.
His primary focus is still leading the Timberwolves to an NBA title. His recent stellar play, including leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last season, proves that Edwards is serious about taking his NBA career to new heights.
In the end, Edwards’ comments reflect the dream of an athlete who believes anything is possible. Whether or not he ever steps onto an NFL field remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Anthony Edwards is not afraid to set bold goals, both in basketball and beyond.
For now, Timberwolves fans can rest assured that Edwards’ priority is bringing a championship to Minnesota, and if he accomplishes that goal, who knows what he might attempt next?
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