“It’s Gonna Be Easier”: Former Tight End Rob Gronkowski Once Sparks Debate by Suggesting NFL Players Can Excel in the NBA

Can NFL players play in the NBA? It is a debate that will bring out many answers from different individuals. Specifically, from the different fan bases of both sports. While some fans will agree on the fact that NFL players can play top basketball, others will agree to disagree on the same. The NFL has seen dual sports athletes perform at the highest level, for example, Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. But most of these relations are between football and baseball. When it comes to playing both in the NFL and NBA, only two players have achieved that feat, Otto Graham and Bud Grant. 

But now, Tom Brady’s former teammate and TE Rob Gronkowski has added fuel to this fiery debate once again. And he is of the belief that NFL players can have illustrious careers playing at the highest level of basketball as well.

Rob Gronkowski believes in NFL players excelling in the NBA

The retired Rob Gronkowski has had quite a successful career in the NFL. Having played in five Super Bowl finals, Gronkowski has managed to win four of them with the NFL GOAT Tom Brady. The duo was one of the best aerial combinations in NFL history. And now, the TE has sparked a debate after claiming that it is easier for NFL players to transition into the NBA and not vice versa.

During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Jason Kelce fired this question to Rob Gronkowski. And the retired TE, without any hesitation, said, “It’s gonna be easier for an NFL player to play in the NBA.” This brought in the support of fellow TE Travis Kelce. Gronkowski went on to back his claim by talking about Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, stating that he’s seen him play basketball and was amazed at the professionalism he carried while playing basketball. He felt that if Evans focused on basketball, he could play professionally in the NBA.

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While Gronkowski stands by his claims, another former NBA star too made a shocking statement regarding this heated debate six years ago.

Dwyane Wade believes in the opposite of Gronkowski

Around six years ago, the former NBA star appeared in the Dan Patrick show. During this, he was questioned about what his opinion was about NBA players playing in the NFL. While keeping NBA legend LeBron James, who played football in college in mind, Wade said that many basketball players could thrive on the NFL field. He went on to talk about how he feels, “It’s not a talent thing at all in vice versa.” They only need to work on the physically demanding nature of the sport in order to excel in the NFL. 

While this heated debate continues, who do you think has a better chance of excelling? NFL players in the NBA or vice versa? Let us know in the comments below.

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