Sports

Notable NFL player who were drafted to MLB

admin March 4, 2026

The worlds of the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) rarely overlap, but every so often an athlete comes along with the talent to pursue both. These multi-sport standouts possess the kind of rare athleticism that allows them to excel on the football field while also attracting attention from professional baseball scouts. In some cases, baseball teams drafted these athletes while they were still in high school or college, recognizing their speed, arm strength, or raw potential on the diamond. Ultimately, many of them chose football as their primary career path, where they went on to become stars at the professional level.

The list of NFL players who were also drafted by MLB organizations reads like a collection of elite athletes from different eras. Legendary figures such as Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson famously managed to play both sports professionally, demonstrating just how extraordinary their physical gifts were. Others—including Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray—were talented enough to be drafted by MLB teams but ultimately committed to football before ever playing in the major leagues. Even quarterbacks like Russell Wilson spent time in minor league baseball before fully dedicating themselves to the NFL.

These stories highlight a fascinating intersection between two of America’s biggest professional sports leagues. They also serve as a reminder that many of the NFL’s most recognizable names were once elite multi-sport athletes whose talents extended far beyond the gridiron. From Heisman Trophy winners to Hall of Famers, these players represent some of the most versatile and gifted competitors in modern sports history.

Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders is one of the rare athletes who successfully played both professional football and baseball. The Atlanta Falcons selected him fifth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, while the New York Yankees drafted him in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft. Sanders went on to play nine MLB seasons, including time with the Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, even appearing in the 1992 World Series. Meanwhile, his NFL career turned him into a Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the most electrifying playmakers in league history.

Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray was one of the most highly regarded dual-sport prospects in recent memory. The Oakland Athletics selected him ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft as an outfielder while he was starring at Oklahoma. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018, Murray chose to pursue football instead of baseball. The Arizona Cardinals then selected him first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, launching his NFL career as a dynamic quarterback.

Tom Brady

Before becoming the most decorated quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady was also drafted in Major League Baseball. The Montreal Expos selected him in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft as a catcher out of high school. Brady ultimately chose football and went on to play at Michigan before entering the NFL. The New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, where he went on to win seven Super Bowls.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes grew up around baseball thanks to his father, former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes. The Detroit Tigers drafted him in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft as a pitcher and outfielder. Mahomes chose to pursue football instead and played at Texas Tech before entering the NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the first round in 2017, and he quickly became one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson actually played professional baseball before becoming an NFL star. The Colorado Rockies selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft as a second baseman, and he spent time in their minor league system. Wilson later shifted his focus entirely to football and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He went on to become a franchise quarterback and led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory.

A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown was a standout multi-sport athlete during his time at Ole Miss. The San Diego Padres drafted him in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB Draft as an outfielder. Brown ultimately chose football and quickly emerged as one of college football’s top receivers. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he later became a star with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson remains one of the most famous dual-sport athletes in sports history. The Kansas City Royals drafted him in 1986, and he became an MLB All-Star outfielder known for his incredible power and speed. In football, Jackson starred as a running back for the Los Angeles Raiders after being selected in the 1987 NFL Draft. His legendary athleticism produced unforgettable highlights in both sports.

Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston was a two-sport standout at Florida State, excelling as both a quarterback and a pitcher. The Texas Rangers selected him in the 15th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Winston ultimately focused on football and went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2013. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers later selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.

John Elway

John Elway was also considered a strong baseball prospect before entering the NFL. The New York Yankees drafted him in the second round of the 1981 MLB Draft as an outfielder. Elway chose football and became the first overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft before being traded to the Denver Broncos. He went on to lead Denver to two Super Bowl championships and became one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.

Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel was drafted by Major League Baseball before beginning his NFL career. The San Diego Padres selected him in the 28th round of the 2014 MLB Draft as a shortstop, recognizing his athletic ability. Manziel instead focused on football after his exciting career at Texas A&M, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2012. He was later drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 2014.

Dan Marino

Dan Marino was also drafted in Major League Baseball before becoming an NFL legend. The Kansas City Royals selected him in the fourth round of the 1979 MLB Draft as an outfielder. Marino chose football and went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, and he became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.

Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams attracted interest from Major League Baseball before his football career took off. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted him in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB Draft as an outfielder. Williams chose football and became a star at Texas, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1998. He was later selected fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and went on to have a productive NFL career.

Conclusion

While most athletes specialize in a single sport long before reaching the professional level, these players proved they had the ability to compete in two. Whether they briefly pursued baseball or simply had the option to do so, their MLB draft selections reflect just how extraordinary their athletic potential was. Ultimately, football became the stage where many of them made their greatest impact, but their connection to baseball remains an intriguing part of their stories. Together, they represent a unique group of athletes whose talents once placed them at the crossroads of two major professional sports.

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