A comprehensive list of legendary American football players from the National Football League who also pursued professional careers in Major League Baseball. This collection highlights the rare athleticism required to compete at the highest levels in two distinct major professional sports.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
The quintessential dual-sport icon, Bo Jackson was a Heisman Trophy winner in college football and a Pro Bowl fullback in the NFL, while also serving as an All-Star outfielder for the Kansas City Royals. His extraordinary speed and power earned him the title of 'The Rocket' in both sports.
Prime Time was a Hall of Fame cornerback in the NFL and a dynamic center fielder in MLB, earning Gold Glove awards and hitting home runs at the major league level. His charismatic personality and elite defensive skills made him one of the most recognizable athletes of his generation.
Widely considered one of the most versatile athletes in history, Thorpe won Olympic gold medals and played football for the Canton Bulldogs before briefly playing outfield for the New York Giants in 1913. His athletic prowess in track, football, baseball, and basketball set a standard that remains unmatched.
Nevers was a dominant fullback for the Providence Steamrollers and the Chicago Bears, scoring all 40 points in a single NFL game. He also played professional baseball for the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds during the 1920s, showcasing his incredible athletic range.
Known as 'Bullet Bob,' Hayes won an Olympic gold medal in the 100 meters before becoming a Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. He also briefly played baseball, signing with the Chicago White Sox organization and demonstrating his elite speed on the diamond as well.
While primarily known as an NFL Pro Bowl linebacker, Ware competed as a pitcher in the independent baseball league during the off-seasons. His involvement in baseball was more recreational and developmental, highlighting his athletic versatility beyond the gridiron.
Although primarily an MLB Hall of Famer, Henderson briefly signed with the San Diego Chargers as a wide receiver and return specialist in 1989. He played in three preseason games, offering a rare glimpse into a baseball legend attempting to transition to professional football.
The legendary quarterback for the Baltimore Colts also played professional baseball for the Boston Braves organization after his college career. Though he did not appear in a major league game, his time in the Braves' minor league system underscores his early athletic prominence in multiple sports.
A Heisman Trophy-winning linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, Nobis also attended spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a shortstop. His baseball talent was recognized by scouts, though he ultimately pursued his professional career in the NFL.
A founding father of the NFL and a three-time champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Van Buren also played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies organization. His dual-sport background was common in his era, as many athletes did not specialize until college.
An NFL wide receiver who competed in professional baseball as a pitcher during the offseason. Pettis pitched for independent league teams, showcasing the trend of modern NFL players maintaining their baseball skills as a secondary athletic pursuit.
The Hall of Fame running back for the New York Jets and New England Patriots also played professional baseball in the independent leagues. His participation highlighted his competitive spirit and athletic adaptability beyond his primary career in football.
Primarily known as an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Elway had a significant baseball background before his football career took off. He was a first-round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1981 but chose to pursue football, never playing professionally in MLB.
The four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers also played professional baseball, pitching for the New York Mets organization. He participated in spring training and minor league games before focusing exclusively on his legendary NFL career.
The Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback for the Washington Redskins also played baseball at Princeton University. While he did not play professional baseball, his collegiate success in both sports contributed to his reputation as a versatile athlete.
Before becoming an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Young played professional football and had a brief stint in baseball during his college years at BYU. He pitched in independent leagues, demonstrating the athletic flexibility common among multi-sport college athletes.
The Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts also had a background in baseball, playing in the minor leagues during his youth. Though he did not pursue a professional baseball career, his athleticism and hand-eye skills were honed in both sports.
A Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Chargers, Alworth also played professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs organization. His speed and athletic ability made him a standout in both sports during the 1950s and 1960s.
The NFL quarterback for the Washington Redskins and other teams also played professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs. He pitched in the minor leagues and participated in spring training, illustrating the multi-sport nature of athletes in that era.
A Hall of Fame wide receiver and return specialist, McDonald also played professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs organization. His dual-sport career exemplified the athletic versatility valued in mid-20th century professional sports.
Primarily an NBA Hall of Famer, Rice had a brief interest in professional football but did not play in the NFL. This entry serves as a note on multi-sport athletes generally, though Rice did not play in the NFL or MLB professionally in a significant capacity.