In a world where athletic specialization starts young and competition is fierce, it’s rare to find athletes who not only compete but excel at the highest level in more than one professional sport. These multi-sport stars defy the odds, showcasing extraordinary versatility, adaptability, and raw talent. From football fields to baseball diamonds, basketball courts to hockey rinks, here’s a look at some of the most remarkable dual-sport professional athletes in history.
Bo Jackson: The Gold Standard of Dual-Sport Dominance
Bo Jackson is often the first name that comes to mind when talking about multi-sport greatness. He was an All-Star in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL)—a feat no one else has accomplished. Known for his jaw-dropping speed, power, and athleticism, Jackson played for the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Raiders, wowing fans with highlight-reel plays in both sports. A hip injury ended his football career early, but not before he changed the way people think about athletic potential.
Deion Sanders: Prime Time in Two Sports
“Prime Time” Deion Sanders might be the most charismatic dual-sport athlete ever. He played in both the NFL and MLB, even famously suiting up for a baseball and football game on the same day in 1992. As a cornerback, Sanders was one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls. In baseball, he had a solid MLB career as an outfielder, playing for teams like the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. Sanders remains the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
Jim Thorpe: The Original Multi-Sport Legend
Decades before Bo and Deion, Jim Thorpe set the standard. A gold medalist in the 1912 Olympics for the decathlon and pentathlon, Thorpe also played professional baseball, football, and even basketball. His achievements came during a time when professional sports were just beginning to develop, and yet his name still echoes in any conversation about all-time great athletes.
Michael Jordan: From the Hardwood to the Diamond
Michael Jordan is universally recognized as the greatest basketball player of all time. But during a brief retirement from the NBA, he pursued a childhood dream of playing professional baseball. In 1994, he played for the Birmingham Barons, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Though his baseball career was short-lived and not as successful as his time in the NBA, it demonstrated Jordan’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone and chase greatness on his own terms.
Kyler Murray: Drafted Twice, Starred Once
Before Kyler Murray became an NFL starting quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick, he was selected ninth overall in the MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics. Murray was a standout in both sports at the University of Oklahoma, and for a while, it seemed he might choose baseball. Ultimately, he chose football, where he became the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Although he hasn’t played professionally in both sports—yet—he remains one of the few athletes in recent memory with the talent to do so.
Other Notable Mentions
- Danny Ainge: Before winning NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, Ainge played baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Charlie Ward: A Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Florida State, Ward chose to play professional basketball and had a successful NBA career with the New York Knicks.
- Tony Gonzalez: Though he stuck with football, Gonzalez was drafted by the NBA and played college basketball at Cal alongside playing tight end.
Why Don’t More Athletes Go Pro in Multiple Sports Today?
Modern professional sports demand full-time commitment and year-round training. Contracts often include clauses preventing athletes from playing other sports due to injury risk. Additionally, the pressure to specialize from a young age limits opportunities to develop elite skills in multiple disciplines. That’s what makes multi-sport pros so rare—and so impressive.
The Takeaway: Legends Beyond Labels
Athletes who conquer multiple professional sports redefine what’s possible. Their stories inspire young athletes to think beyond the boundaries of one field or one ball. Whether it’s Bo Jackson breaking bats over his knee, Deion Sanders returning a punt for a touchdown, or Michael Jordan stepping into the batter’s box, these moments remind us that greatness isn’t confined to one arena.
Their journeys challenge the notion of limits and expand the definition of what it means to be a truly elite athlete.
Learn more at: https://www.mlb.com/news/list-of-top-athletes-to-play-2-or-more-sports-c215130098
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!