Although the worlds of the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) rarely overlap, athletes with the talent to pursue both often emerge. These two versatile players have the rare athleticism to stand out on the soccer field while also getting the attention of professional baseball scouts. In some cases, baseball teams drafted these players while they were in high school or college, recognizing their speed, arm strength or potential on the diamond. Ultimately, many of them chose soccer as their primary career path and went on to become stars at the professional level.
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The list of NFL players drafted even by MLB organizations reads like a collection of elite athletes from various eras. Legends like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson have played both sports professionally and proven just how physically impressive they are. Others, including Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray, were talented enough to be drafted by MLB teams but ultimately committed to football before playing in the major leagues. Even quarterbacks like Russell Wilson spent time in minor league baseball before fully committing to the NFL.
This story highlights an interesting intersection between America’s two largest professional sports leagues. It also serves as a reminder that many of the NFL’s most recognizable names were once elite multi-sport athletes whose talents extended far beyond the field. From Heisman Trophy winners to Hall of Famers, these players represent some of the most versatile and talented athletes in modern sports history.
deion sanders
Deion Sanders is one of those rare athletes who has successfully played both professional football and baseball. The Atlanta Falcons drafted him fifth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, and the New York Yankees drafted him in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft. Sanders played nine MLB seasons, including time with the Yankees and Atlanta Braves, and also appeared in the 1992 World Series. Meanwhile, his NFL career made him a Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the most electrifying playmakers in league history.
Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray has been one of the most highly regarded dual sport prospects in recent memory. The Oakland Athletics selected the outfielder ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft after starring at Oklahoma. Murray chose football over baseball after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018. The Arizona Cardinals then selected him first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, beginning his NFL career as a dynamic quarterback.
tom brady
Before becoming the most decorated quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady was also drafted by Major League Baseball. The Montreal Expos selected him as a catcher coming out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Brady ultimately chose football and went on to play at Michigan before entering the NFL. The New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, where he went on to win seven Super Bowls.
patrick mahomes
Patrick Mahomes grew up around baseball thanks to his father, Pat Mahomes, a former MLB pitcher. The Detroit Tigers drafted him as a pitcher and outfielder in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Mahomes decided to pursue football instead and played at Texas Tech before entering the NFL draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the first round in 2017, and he quickly became one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
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Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson actually played professional baseball before becoming an NFL star. The Colorado Rockies selected him as a second baseman in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, and he spent time in the minor league system. Wilson later shifted his focus entirely to football and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He went on to become a franchise quarterback and lead Seattle to a Super Bowl victory.
AJ Brown
AJ Brown was an outstanding multi-sport athlete during his time at Ole Miss. The San Diego Padres drafted him as an outfielder in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Brown ultimately chose football and quickly emerged as one of the best receivers in college football. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he later became a star with the Philadelphia Eagles.
bo jackson
Bo Jackson remains one of the most famous dual sport athletes in sports history. The Kansas City Royals drafted him in 1986, and he became an MLB All-Star outfielder known for his incredible power and speed. In football, Jackson starred as a running back for the Los Angeles Raiders after being selected in the 1987 NFL draft. His legendary athleticism has created unforgettable highlights in both sports.
james winston
Jameis Winston was a standout two-sport athlete at Florida State, where he excelled as both quarterback and pitcher. The Texas Rangers drafted him in the 15th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Winston ultimately focused on football and won the Heisman Trophy in 2013. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers later selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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John Elway
John Elway was considered a strong baseball prospect even before he entered the NFL. The New York Yankees drafted him as an outfielder in the second round of the 1981 MLB Draft. Elway chose football and became the first overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft before being traded to the Denver Broncos. He went on to lead Denver to two Super Bowl championships and became one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel was drafted by Major League Baseball before beginning his NFL career. The San Diego Padres recognized his athletic ability and selected him as a shortstop in the 28th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. After an exciting career at Texas A&M, Manziel focused on football, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012. He was later drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 2014.
Dan Marino
Before Dan Marino became an NFL legend, he was also drafted by Major League Baseball. The Kansas City Royals selected him as an outfielder in the fourth round of the 1979 MLB Draft. Marino chose football and went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, and he became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams caught the attention of Major League Baseball before his football career took off. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted him as an outfielder in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Williams chose football and became a star at Texas, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1998. He was later selected 5th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and went on to have a productive NFL career.
conclusion
While most athletes specialize in one sport long before they reach the professional level, these athletes have proven they have the ability to compete in two sports. Whether they pursued baseball for a while or simply had the option to do so, their MLB draft selections reflect how incredible their athletic potential is. Ultimately, football became the stage where many of them made their greatest impact, but their connection to baseball remains an interesting part of their stories. They represent a unique group of athletes whose talents once sat at the intersection of two major professional sports.
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