Many of today’s iconic athletes didn’t start out in the sports where they eventually made their mark. This article explores the fascinating journeys of sports stars who began their careers in entirely different athletic arenas before finding their true calling. From soccer fields to basketball courts and beyond, learn how these athletes made surprising transitions that led to legendary successes.
Michael Jordan
Before becoming an NBA legend, Jordan briefly pursued a career in professional baseball. After retiring from basketball in 1993, he signed with the Chicago White Sox and played for their Double-A team, the Birmingham Barons, in 1994. His baseball career was short-lived, and he returned to the NBA in 1995.
Antonio Gates
Gates originally played college basketball at Kent State University and did not play college football at all. His basketball skills translated well to football, leading him to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history with the San Diego Chargers.
Jimmy Graham
Similar to Gates, Graham played four years of basketball at the University of Miami before playing one year of college football. His athletic prowess helped him transition to the NFL, where he excelled as a tight end for multiple teams.
Russell Wilson
Before his NFL fame, Wilson played both football and baseball at North Carolina State University. He later transferred to Wisconsin but continued to pursue baseball, even playing professionally in the minor leagues for the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Tim Duncan
Known for his basketball career, Duncan was originally an aspiring swimmer in the Virgin Islands, aiming for the Olympics. After a hurricane destroyed his training facilities, he turned to basketball, which led him to become an NBA superstar with the San Antonio Spurs.
Tom Glavine
Before his Major League Baseball career, Glavine was drafted by the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings in 1984, four rounds before the NHL legend Brett Hull. He chose baseball instead and went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves.
Julius Peppers
Peppers played both basketball and football at the University of North Carolina. Although a talented basketball player, he excelled at football and became one of the most feared defensive ends in the NFL.
Tony Gonzalez
At the University of California, Berkeley, Gonzalez played both college football and basketball. His athletic skills on the basketball court helped him become one of the most athletic tight ends in NFL history.
Jeff Samardzija
Known for his pitching in Major League Baseball, Samardzija was also a standout wide receiver at Notre Dame. He chose to pursue a career in baseball over a potential NFL career.
Brock Lesnar
Before becoming a WWE star and later transitioning to the UFC, Lesnar was a competitive amateur wrestler, winning the NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling championship in 2000. His wrestling skills laid a strong foundation for his careers in entertainment and mixed martial arts.
Bo Jackson
One of the most famous multi-sport athletes, Jackson starred in both the NFL and MLB. Despite his success in professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals, he is perhaps best known for his explosive athleticism as a running back for the Los Angeles Raiders.
Deion Sanders
Sanders is another notable athlete who excelled in two sports: NFL and MLB. He is the only individual to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
Ronda Rousey
Before becoming a star in MMA and the UFC, Rousey was an Olympic judoka for the United States, winning a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. Her judo skills were critical in her successful transition to mixed martial arts.
Paige Spiranac
While Spiranac is now known as a golf influencer and professional golfer, she initially gained athletic training in gymnastics, which she pursued before focusing on golf during her high school years.
Ricky Williams
Before his NFL career, Williams was also a minor league baseball player. He played for teams affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies and was as versatile in baseball as he was in football.
Rebecca Romero
Romero achieved rare success in two different Olympic sports. She won a silver medal in rowing at the 2004 Athens Olympics before switching to cycling, where she won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Chris Hogan
Hogan played lacrosse at Penn State for three years before transferring to Monmouth University to play one year of football. His lacrosse skills contributed to his agility and fitness, helping him carve out a successful career in the NFL.
John Smoltz
Known for his baseball career, Smoltz was also a talented golfer and has even attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open. His competitive nature and focus have been evident in both sports.
Nate Robinson
Before his NBA career, Robinson was a standout athlete in both basketball and football at the University of Washington. He initially went to Washington on a football scholarship but made his mark in the NBA with his incredible athleticism and leaping ability.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Originally gaining fame in track and field by winning two gold medals in the 1932 Olympics, Zaharias later became a pioneering female golfer, helping to found the LPGA and winning numerous major championships.
Conor McGregor
Before dominating the UFC, McGregor was a skilled boxer in Ireland. His striking skills have been central to his success in mixed martial arts.
Herschel Walker
Walker competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics as a bobsledder while still playing in the NFL. His diverse athletic skills have been demonstrated across multiple sports platforms.
Jackie Robinson
Before breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, Robinson was a standout athlete at UCLA, excelling in basketball, football, track, and baseball, proving his versatile athletic ability across various sports.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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