Jackie Robinson, drafted by the NFL's Los Angeles Bulldogs in 1940, famously shattered MLB's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, becoming a six-time All-Star. He's best remembered for baseball, not football, despite his earlier Gridiron success.
TL;DR
Kyler Murray made history in 2019 as the first person drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB. While Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders actually played both sports simultaneously, others like Russell Wilson and Tom Brady were drafted by MLB teams but chose to focus primarily on professional football careers.
Which NFL Stars Were Drafted by MLB Teams?
Many legendary quarterbacks and star athletes began their professional journeys on the baseball diamond before committing to the gridiron. These players often used their baseball draft status as leverage during NFL contract negotiations or simply pursued a passion that started in childhood.
The following table highlights notable NFL players and the MLB teams that drafted them:
Sources:MLB History
How Does Dual-Sport Success Impact an NFL Career?
Playing professional baseball often provides NFL prospects with unique financial security and physical skills that translate well to the football field. Quarterbacks specifically benefit from the arm strength and different throwing angles developed while playing infield positions or pitching on the mound.
- Pitching experience improves a quarterback's ability to throw off-platform.
- Outfielders develop elite tracking skills for catching deep passes.
- MLB signing bonuses can provide financial leverage during NFL rookie contract talks.
- Multidisciplinary training reduces the risk of some repetitive motion injuries.
Sources:Pro Football Hall of Fame
How to Decide Which Sport Suit a Two-Way Athlete?
Determining which professional path to follow requires a careful look at long-term health and earning potential.
- Check if the athlete's physical build suits the specific demands of each position.
- Compare the average career length in the MLB versus the NFL.
- Evaluate the guaranteed money offered in the initial professional contracts.
- Assess the risk of long-term injury associated with heavy contact in football.
- Review the path through the minor leagues versus immediate NFL playing time.
Final Thoughts
The crossover between the NFL and MLB highlights the rare athleticism required to master two distinct professional disciplines. While few players continue to play both sports, the dual-draft legacy remains a prestigious badge of honour.