Just Like Patrick Mahomes’ MLB Dream, Jackie Robinson Had an NFL Dream He Failed to Pursue

As MLB celebrates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, there are some lesser-known facts to know about the remarkable talent. Ever wondered what it would have been like to see him play football? 

Born in 1919, Robinson’s athleticism manifested early. He did great in baseball, basketball, and track. However, his brilliance in football truly shone. Back in high school, he morphed from a scrawny freshman into a star quarterback and punt returner. Had he continued, it’s unimaginable what could have been. Doesn’t this remind you of Patrick Mahomes’ career path? 

Jackie Robinson could have been a football player

Despite his skills, racial prejudice curbed his opportunities. A rival team intentionally made brutal hits. That is one of the many harsh realities of the era. Despite challenges, Robinson’s grit couldn’t be ignored. He shone at Pasadena Junior College, showcasing his versatility. Moreover, he led them to conference and state championships. With that, he became a junior college All-American. His path was coming into shape.  

UCLA became his next stop, and he was alongside future NFL stars Kenny Washington and Woody Strode. Together they formed a formidable team. Robinson went on to be a top prospect in today’s NFL. However, back in the 1930s and early 1940s, opportunities for black athletes were scarce. And so the tables gradually started to turn. 

While Robinson briefly played in the semi-pro league, he grappled with injuries and racial discrimination. Then, World War II disrupted his career. With that, he finally moved to baseball which offered a more promising path.

Robinson’s transition from football to baseball 

Various factors played a part in Robinson’s decision to pursue baseball. First, baseball was a more established sport and offered better financial stability. Next, the allure of becoming the first black player in Major League Baseball was too strong to resist. Moreover, chronic ankle injuries were a persistent issue throughout his football career so baseball could have seemed like a better option. 

Acknowledging the world’s celebration of Jackie Robinson for breaking baseball’s color barrier, it’s crucial not to overlook his exceptional prowess in football. He was a multi-sport superstar, much like Patrick Mahomes Sr., who could have dominated any sport. This brings us to a great segue, similar yet different from Robinson; Mahomes gave up the diamond for the gridiron. Their stories are proof that those with potential eventually become legends, irrespective of the sport.