It’s rare to find athletes talented enough to be drafted by both the NFL and MLB, yet some of football’s biggest stars once had the option to step up to the plate instead of the gridiron.
These players showcased elite athleticism, versatility, and work ethic that made them coveted across two of America’s biggest sports leagues.
From Tom Brady’s catcher days to Kyler Murray’s near baseball career, these stories reveal just how close the world came to losing some NFL icons to baseball diamonds.
Here’s a countdown of 10 NFL players who were also drafted by MLB teams — and how their dual-sport journeys unfolded.
10. Jameis Winston – Drafted by the Texas Rangers (2012)
Before becoming a Heisman-winning quarterback, Jameis Winston was an impressive baseball player. The Texas Rangers selected him in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, but Winston chose to attend Florida State University, where he played both baseball and football.
As an outfielder and pitcher, Winston posted a .235 batting average, a .723 OPS, and a 3.00 ERA across two college seasons.
Despite a clear promise on the diamond, his football excellence took precedence. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers later made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and Winston quickly made history as the first rookie QB in franchise history to earn a Pro Bowl selection.
9. Russell Wilson – Drafted by the Colorado Rockies (2010)
Long before his Super Bowl win, Russell Wilson was lighting up baseball fields. Initially picked by the Baltimore Orioles in 2007, Wilson turned them down to attend college.
His collegiate performance later caught the attention of the Colorado Rockies, who drafted him in the 4th round of 2010.
Wilson played two seasons in minor-league baseball, hitting .230 with two home runs and 11 RBIs.
In 2012, he switched full-time to football — a decision that paid off when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round, leading him to become one of the most successful dual-sport athletes of his generation.
8. Deion Sanders – Drafted by the New York Yankees (1988)
Deion “Prime Time” Sanders stands as one of the most successful two-sport athletes in history. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 30th round, Sanders played baseball while also carving out a legendary football career.
He hit .304 during his best MLB season (1992 with the Braves) while leading the league in triples. Meanwhile, he became a two-time Super Bowl champion and the only athlete to play in both the World Series and Super Bowl. Few athletes have ever matched Sanders’ combination of flair, speed, and showmanship.
7. Dan Marino – Drafted by the Kansas City Royals (1979)
Before his Hall of Fame football career, Dan Marino was a baseball standout in high school, earning a 4th-round selection from the Kansas City Royals.
However, Marino’s heart belonged to football, and he committed to playing quarterback for the University of Pittsburgh.
That decision changed NFL history — the Miami Dolphins drafted him 27th overall in 1983, and he went on to become one of the most prolific passers in the sport, throwing for over 61,000 yards and earning nine Pro Bowl appearances.
6. Patrick Mahomes – Drafted by the Detroit Tigers (2014)
Baseball is in Patrick Mahomes’ blood — his father pitched for over a decade in the majors. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Mahomes became a 34th-round pick for the Detroit Tigers in 2014.
However, football ultimately won his heart. After a standout career at Texas Tech, Mahomes entered the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select him 10th overall.
The rest is history — multiple MVP awards, Super Bowl rings, and a legacy still being written.
5. John Lynch – Drafted by the Florida Marlins (1992)
Before becoming an NFL Pro Bowl safety and a Super Bowl-winning executive, John Lynch was a professional pitcher.
The Florida Marlins drafted him in the 2nd round of 1992, and he even threw the franchise’s first-ever pitch in the minor leagues.
However, Lynch’s football instincts were undeniable. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993, where he became a cornerstone of their dominant defense and later earned nine Pro Bowl selections.
His baseball jersey now hangs in the Baseball Hall of Fame, a tribute to his rare two-sport journey.
4. Brian Jordan – Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (1988)
Brian Jordan uniquely thrived in both leagues. Drafted in the 1st round by the St. Louis Cardinals, he played MLB while simultaneously starting an NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.
From 1989 to 1991, he starred on the Falcons’ defense before committing fully to baseball.
Over his 15-season MLB career, he tallied 1,454 hits, 184 home runs, and an All-Star selection, proving that his talent transcended both sports.
3. Bo Jackson – Drafted by the Kansas City Royals (1986)
Perhaps the most iconic dual-sport athlete ever, Bo Jackson was a human highlight reel in both the NFL and MLB.
Drafted 4th overall by the Kansas City Royals in 1986, Jackson quickly became an All-Star outfielder — but also went No. 1 in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Due to NCAA complications, he refused to join the Bucs and instead joined the Raiders in 1987, where his unmatched speed and power made him a legend.
His baseball stats — 141 home runs and 415 RBIs — are impressive, but it’s his sheer athletic dominance that remains unmatched.
2. John Elway – Drafted by the New York Yankees (1981)
Before his Hall of Fame NFL career, John Elway was a legitimate baseball star. The New York Yankees selected him in the 2nd round of the 1981 draft, after he had also been picked by the Royals two years earlier.
Elway used his baseball leverage to engineer an NFL trade, refusing to play for the Baltimore Colts unless moved.
The Denver Broncos acquired him in one of the most famous trades ever, and Elway rewarded them with two Super Bowl titles and an enduring legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.
1. Tom Brady – Drafted by the Montreal Expos (1995)
Before he became the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady was a standout left-handed catcher.
The Montreal Expos selected him in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft, praising his athleticism and leadership.
However, Brady chose football — a decision that defined a generation. Drafted 199th overall by the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady went on to win seven Super Bowls, five Super Bowl MVPs, and rewrite the record books. Baseball may have missed out, but football gained its GOAT.
FAQ
Who Is The Most Successful Two-Sport Athlete Between Football And Baseball?
Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders are widely regarded as the most successful dual-sport athletes, excelling at both professional football and baseball during their careers.
Did Russell Wilson Play In The MLB?
Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010 and briefly played in their minor league system before dedicating himself to football full-time.
Has Any Athlete Ever Played In Both The Super Bowl And World Series?
Yes. Deion Sanders is the only athlete in history to have played in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, achieving success in both leagues.
Why Do So Many NFL Players Get Drafted By MLB Teams?
Top NFL prospects often showcase elite athleticism, speed, and hand-eye coordination that translate well to baseball, leading MLB scouts to draft them as potential dual-sport talents.
Which Sport Pays More — MLB Or NFL?
Generally, MLB contracts are larger and fully guaranteed, while NFL contracts often have higher bonuses but less long-term security. However, star NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes can rival top MLB salaries.