Every few years, a rare athlete emerges who forces scouts, executives, and fans to ask the same question: which sport should he choose?
With the rise of NIL money and increased flexibility for elite prospects, that question is more relevant than ever. As the next wave of dual-sport stars approaches the draft spotlight, it’s worth revisiting the rich, fascinating history of athletes who have bridged both Major League Baseball and the National Football League.
Because while the list is long, only a select few have truly mastered both worlds.
The Gold Standard: True Two-Sport Legends
at Royals Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports
Any conversation about baseball-football crossover greatness begins with Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.
Jackson remains the ultimate “what if” and “what was.” An All-Star outfielder and Pro Bowl running back, his combination of speed and power felt almost mythical. His 1989 MLB All-Star Game home run is still one of the sport’s most iconic moments, while his NFL dominance with the Raiders made him a cultural phenomenon.
Sanders, meanwhile, didn’t just play both sports—he thrived under the brightest lights. “Prime Time” appeared in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, bringing elite shutdown cornerback skills to the NFL while contributing as an outfielder in MLB. His charisma helped redefine what a two-sport athlete could look like in the modern era.
Then there’s Brian Jordan, a Pro Bowl safety who walked away from football entirely to become an MLB All-Star. His career proves that success in both leagues wasn’t limited to just two iconic names.
Modern Dual-Sport Stars: Choosing Between Millions
Fast forward to today, and the stakes are even higher.
Kyler Murray represents the modern blueprint. Drafted ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in MLB before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Murray ultimately chose football—but not before forcing MLB front offices to seriously consider how to retain elite talent. Similarly, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies and later had his rights held by the Yankees, even appearing in spring training games. While his NFL career took priority, his baseball ability was legitimate.
Even stars like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady were drafted by MLB teams, underscoring just how common elite crossover talent has become.
NFL Stars Who Nearly Chose Baseball
The crossover pipeline runs deep. Several NFL legends were legitimate MLB prospects:
- John Elway was drafted by the Yankees and seriously considered baseball
- Dan Marino was selected by the Royals
- Barry Sanders had MLB potential before becoming an all-time great running back
- Colin Kaepernick was drafted as a pitcher by the Cubs
These cases highlight a key truth: baseball often drafts athletic upside, even when football seems like the more obvious path.
MLB Stars With Football Roots
The crossover goes both ways. Many MLB standouts were high-level football players before committing to baseball:
- Jeff Samardzija was a dominant wide receiver at Notre Dame with NFL potential
- Adam Dunn was once a highly touted quarterback prospect
- Todd Helton famously backed up Peyton Manning at Tennessee
Even today’s superstars often have multi-sport backgrounds, reinforcing how intertwined the development pipelines remain.
The NIL Era: A New Two-Sport Frontier
Now, everything is changing. With NIL opportunities allowing college athletes to earn significant income, the pressure to choose one sport early is beginning to ease. In previous generations, MLB teams could lure athletes away from football with signing bonuses. Today, a top quarterback or wide receiver can earn comparable—or greater—money staying in school.
That shift could open the door for more athletes like Travis Hunter, who are actively pursuing multiple sports at a high level.
For MLB, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Teams must now compete not just with the NFL, but with NIL collectives and the evolving economics of college athletics.
Why Two-Sport Stars Still Matter
Two-sport athletes captivate fans because they represent something rare: versatility at the highest level. They challenge the modern trend of early specialization and remind us that elite athleticism isn’t confined to one field.
From the explosive dominance of Bo Jackson to the strategic decision-making of Kyler Murray, these athletes have shaped both leagues in unique ways.
And as the NIL era reshapes the sports landscape, don’t be surprised if the next great crossover star isn’t just choosing between MLB and the NFL—but thriving in both.
If history tells us anything, it’s this: the next legend might already be playing two sports right now.
(Top Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports)
