An endless debate could have its first true specimen. There has been an age-long argument. Which athletes can transition to the opposition sport – NFL or NBA? Anthony Edwards, a spirited and willful Timberwolves guard, is among the best athletes in the NBA. When speaking to Justin Jefferson, a blossoming receiver, the hooper’s audacious confidence was evident in his claims. “If I win a ring in the next 3-4 years, I’m going to play football,” he said with dauntless certainty!

In his youth days, Anthony Edwards did play football, and if it helps, he was just as mesmerizing as he is on the hardwood. However, he switched his attention to basketball full-time because of his raging competitiveness. He wanted to beat his brother, and hence, dedicated his life to becoming a basketball meteor. However, the hooper has always spoken about his potential as a multi-sport athlete, trying to replicate the likes of Michael Jordan.

The Run It Back crew reacted to his comments. They did show some positivity over his potential transfer, but Vince Carter did raise some concerns. “Like one thing Justin Jefferson said when you get hit one time hard, what happens next?” he questioned.

That’s among the notorious aspects of being on the football field. The brute physicality and merciless hits can cause irreversible physical damage. Still, Lou Williams feels NBA players are more “likely” to earn a spot on an NFL roster than their counterparts, with no strings attached to the statement, and Vince Carter nodded along as well.

Despite his previous warning to Anthony Edwards, the newly inducted Hall of Famer continued, “I mean, like you said, he’s one of those athletes like LeBron, even like T-Mac, even like MJ. Guys can leave a sport and go play another sport professionally… You may not be a pro bowler or an All-Star, but if you can compete at the level, you can compete at the level,” Vince Carter said about the topic. But just how possible and feasible is it for Anthony Edwards, who didn’t even play high school football?

It won’t be easy for Anthony Edwards to realize his ‘persistent’ goal

It isn’t fair to simply say Anthony Edwards or any NBA athlete can’t transition to the NFL. However, the body of work and experience play a huge factor. The best prospect to consider is LeBron James. The Akron Hammer was a true multi-sport star. In high school, he was ranked as the number one football player. As a junior, he compiled 16 touchdowns for 1200 yards, astounding numbers for sure.

However, among the reasons he does state to remain loyal to the hardwood are the “hits” he took. The 39-year-old claims he didn’t have an accurate QB to supply him with passes. Hence, he had to run over a few defenders before gaining yards. Over the long run, there would have naturally been plenty of physical tolls that he would have to suffer.

Furthermore, having experienced the shrewdness of defenders, he even set a rule in place for his two boys. They weren’t allowed to play football until old enough to understand the severity that the sport demands. “Safety reasons” did play an influence on his decision for his sons. That was when they were kids. The pros are a completely different story.

Even though Anthony Edwards was remarkably good, even earning comparisons to Michael Vick, he hasn’t felt the impact of a heavy blow from a tank linesman. Of course, with his work ethic and laser vision toward an objective, his athleticism can bend to fit the play style of the NFL. However, the brutal physical demands of the game at times are hard to realize until they are actually felt.

Anthony Edwards, however, has reiterated the same interest multiple times. In November 2023, the Wolves star affirmed the NBA to NFL notion, saying, “I think I might be the first one.” Two years before that, he had mentioned that he could get it done in any sport – even cooking!

Still, the hooper will be young enough to give his dreams a shot if Ant can drive the Timberwolves to an NBA title. However, it will require an unparalleled degree of devotion and endurance to swivel between the two sports. Despite the rough facets remaining the same, the nature of the NFL and the NBA vastly differ. Not to mention, financially. He would have to become a colossal NFL threat before earning the figures he could fetch in a long NBA career.

With that in mind, do you think it would be wise for Anthony Edwards to change sports? Let us know your views below.