We’re much closer to the end of LeBron James’ NBA career than the beginning, but that doesn’t mean he’s leaving the world of sports forever.
While we know James has ownership stakes in several franchises and could add more, there may be a world where he can explore the possibility of competing in a different sporting arena. According to a recent Instagram story, the four-time NBA MVP could be making a return to the gridiron.
Inspired by Arkansas wide receiver Monte Harrison, James took to Instagram to joke about retiring from the NBA to play college football. And since every good joke has some truth in it, it’s worth going back to James’ football history to understand why the aspiration actually isn’t so far-fetched.
LeBron James jokes about playing college football
As the start of college football quickly approaches, James took to Instagram to share a post from Harrison on his story.
Beneath the post, which read: “29-year-old rookie wide receiver was in the MLB two years ago,” James wrote: “Me when I retire from the league! Haha!”
To top it off, James included a thinking emoji.
“Me when I retire from the league!”
LeBron James’ Instagram story jokes about playing college football when his NBA playing days are over ? image.twitter.com/CEEZfoI99O
— PuntosDeClutch (@PuntosDeClutch) August 16, 2024
While James has won almost a half a billion dollars During his 21-year NBA career, it is highly likely that he will still be eligible to play college football. James still has amateur player status as a football player.
In recent years, James’ former teammate, JR Smith, returned to college to play golf after enjoying a 16-year NBA career. It’s unclear when James plans to retire from the NBA, but he will turn 40 in December.
While James is a pioneer in many ways, perhaps he could follow the path blazed by the former South Carolina State Bulldog. Joe Thomas Sr.who at 55 years old became the oldest football player in the history of Division 1 during the 2016 season.
Considering James’ athleticism, is this really out of the realm of possibility?
Did LeBron James play football?
It’s been more than 20 years, but James was a standout WR at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Although he only played during his sophomore and junior years, James averaged over 20 yards per reception and scored 23 touchdowns. He was selected to the all-state team in both seasons and was even recruited by major college programs. including Notre Dame.
James’ stats and highlights illustrate just how good he was on the football field.
| Season | Captures | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Sophomore | 46 | 905 | 7 |
| Junior | 57 | 1.160 | 16 |
| Total | 103 | 2.065 | 23 |
Who is Monte Harrison?
Harrison is a 29-year-old freshman wide receiver at the University of Arkansas.
A member of the 2014 Recruiting ClassHarrison committed to play football at Nebraska, but was also selected 50th overall by the Brewers in the 2014 MLB Draft. He opted to begin his professional career in baseball rather than play college football.
Most notably, Harrison was one of the prospects included in the 2018 trade that sent Christian Yelich from Miami to Milwaukee. Yelich would be named MVP 10 months later.
Harrison’s MLB debut came in 2020 and he appeared in 50 games with the Marlins and Angels over three seasons. In May 2024, Harrison committed to play for Arkansas and will resume his football career during the 2024 season.
