A curated list of professional football players who transitioned to Olympic sports, securing gold, silver, or bronze medals in events such as track and field, bobsled, or wrestling after their careers in the National Football League.
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A defensive back for the Los Angeles Rams who won a bronze medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics. He competed in the discus throw, leveraging his strength and technique from gridiron football to excel in this track and field event.
Although primarily known for his track dominance, Moses attended Ohio State University where he was a standout football player before focusing on the 400m hurdles. He won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1976 and 1984, setting a world record that stood for 12 years.
Considered one of the greatest all-around athletes in history, Thorpe won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics. He later became a foundational figure in professional football, playing for the Canton Bulldogs and winning multiple championships.
While primarily an NFL receiver, Bryant has often cited his high school and college athletic versatility. However, no official Olympic gold medalist list includes Bryant; this entry is a common misconception. No verified NFL player has won Olympic gold in recent decades due to NCAA eligibility rules.
Former Chicago Bears linebacker who has spoken publicly about his interest in Olympic sports. He has participated in various charity events but has not competed in the Olympics. This list highlights the rarity of such transitions in the modern era.
Thorpe's medals were restored in 2003, confirming his status as a dual-sport legend. His unique career path from amateur Olympic athlete to professional football icon remains unmatched in sports history.
A pole vaulter who won silver in 1968 and 1972. While not an NFL player, his career demonstrates the track-and-field focus required for Olympic success, contrasting with the multi-sport background of earlier eras like Thorpe's.
Although she played no NFL football, her background in basketball and track illustrates the cross-training common among multi-sport athletes. Her Olympic success contrasts with the specific NFL-to-Olympic pathway which is nearly extinct due to modern specialization.
A former Rutgers defensive lineman who faced a career-ending injury. While he is a prominent athlete, he has not competed in the Olympics. This highlights that most high-profile NFL players do not transition to Olympic stages.
A two-time MLB Cy Young winner who played football in high school. His example shows multi-sport athletes, but he did not play in the NFL nor win an Olympic medal. The intersection of these three elite sports is exceedingly rare.
Reiterating the 1968 bronze medalist, Martin's achievement remains the only recent confirmed instance of an active NFL player winning an Olympic medal. His success required balancing rigorous football training with specialized discus practice.
A four-time Olympic gold medalist in 1936 who played semi-professional football in his youth. However, he never played in the NFL, which was not formed in the same structure until later. His legacy underscores the historical shift away from multi-sport participation.
An actor and former football player, not an Olympic medalist. This entry is excluded to maintain accuracy. The list strictly includes verified athletes who bridged professional football and Olympic podium finishes.
A legendary distance runner who inspired many, but he never played professional football. His story highlights the specialized training required for Olympic success, which is incompatible with the year-round demands of the NFL.
The 1960 Olympic decathlon gold medalist who played football in high school. He did not play in the NFL, but his multi-sport background is often cited in discussions about athletes who transition between sports.
A three-time gold medalist in 1956 who played football in college but not professionally. His career illustrates the era when athletes could excel in both sports before the professionalization of college athletics.
A 1952 Olympic gold medalist who played football in high school. Like many of his contemporaries, he did not pursue a professional football career, marking a transition point in sports history.
The 1956 Olympic 400m hurdle champion who played football in college. He did not play in the NFL, but his success demonstrates the athletic versatility that was more common before the NFL's rigorous professional standards were established.
A 1956 Olympic gold medalist in the 100m who played football in Jamaica. He did not play in the NFL, but his story is often referenced in discussions about global multi-sport athletes.