Anthony Edwards: From the Hardwood to the Gridiron?
At 6-foot-5, Anthony Edwards is turning heads not just for his formidable presence on the basketball court, but also for his ambitions off it. Comparisons between Edwards and the legendary Michael Jordan have become almost commonplace, given Edwards’ dazzling basketball skills and his notable defensive capabilities. It’s quite the accolade, considering Jordan's storied legacy as the face of the NBA's golden era.
Yet, Edwards envisions a future that could see him stepping away from the basketball court and onto the football field, a career path intriguingly once mirrored by Jordan himself, albeit in reverse. While Jordan famously took a break from basketball in 1993 to pursue professional baseball—a stint that was short-lived—Edwards’ dalliance with a different sport occurred much earlier in his life: football.
There was a time when Edwards was the top running back in the nation, a standout at just 9 or 10 years old. His remarkable prowess in organized football before high school has been well-documented, and Edwards even believes he could have pursued a professional career. As he reflects on this formative period, he says, "I could have been a professional football player. I was really good. I was the No. 1 running back in the country at 9 or 10."
However, it was Edwards' brothers who ultimately shifted his focus to basketball, a decision that has led him to a lucrative career in the NBA. Currently, Edwards boasts a max NBA contract, a testament to his talent and the high regard in which he is held within the league. Despite the financial security this offers, it seems the allure of the gridiron has never fully dissipated.
In private conversations with friends, Edwards has revealed an audacious plan: "If I win a ring in the next three to four years, I'm going to play football." This statement not only underscores his confidence in his abilities but also hints at unfinished business in the world of football.
The NFL, after all, has seen other athletes make successful transitions from basketball to football. Consider the careers of Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates, both of whom excelled in the NFL after initially gearing towards basketball. Edwards’ physical attributes, underscored by his height and speed, are reminiscent of successful tall running backs like Derrick Henry. This could potentially bode well for his transition, should the NBA champion decide to pursue it.
Nevertheless, Edwards' potential switch from the NBA to the NFL would not be without its challenges. Financially, it could mean a significant reduction in earnings, as basketball contracts typically offer greater financial security compared to those in the NFL. Furthermore, NBA teams generally frown upon their players participating in other sports due to the inherent injury risks—a sentiment that's understandable given the investment teams make in their elite athletes.
For now, the NBA community watches with keen interest as Edwards continues to ascend the ranks of basketball stardom. His possible move to football remains a tantalizing "what if" scenario, thick with the promise of excitement and the shadow of risk. As he embarks on the next phases of his basketball career, only time will reveal whether Edwards' dynamic feats on the court will eventually diversify to include the football field.