Much has been made of LeBron James’ past football career—he was an all-state receiver in high school—with many debating whether the Lakers star would have been a successful pro had he chosen that path over basketball. It’s easy to envision LeBron as a tight end or even a pass-rusher for his beloved Cleveland Browns (he’s certainly big enough at 6’9”/250), but what about Joel Embiid lining up in the Eagles’ secondary?
“I always said that if I played American football that I’d be a cornerback,” the All-Star center said after leading the Sixers to a comeback victory Monday night in Boston. On top of his 41 points including 17 in the fourth quarter, Embiid also starred defensively, preserving Philadelphia’s 108-103 win by intercepting Marcus Smart’s pass in the closing seconds. “I used my ball-hawking abilities and I got the steal.”
Embiid grew up playing soccer and volleyball in his native Cameroon and wasn’t introduced to football—or basketball, for that matter—until later in life. Height is usually a requirement of quarterbacks (Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson must have missed the memo) and offensive linemen, but we’ve yet to see a defensive back with measurements anywhere close to Embiid’s listed seven feet and 280 pounds. That’s a full foot taller and 90 pounds heavier than Eagles Pro Bowler Darius Slay.
While it’s doubtful Embiid would have the speed to match up with opposing wide receivers downfield (no word on his 40 time), a creative coach could still make good use of his length, perhaps employing him as an extra DB on Hail Marys like Calvin “Megatron” Johnson back in his Detroit heyday.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
