We have all heard the rumor about LeBron James wanting to play football on more than one occasion. Unlike a lot of basketball players, LeBron is built like a beast. From a purely physical standpoint, it would be easy to imagine King James lighting people up as a linebacker or coming over the middle to catch a pass and picking up 30 yards after contact. While activities like going back to school, playing beach volleyball, or joining a video game league are probably more realistic ways of passing time during the NBA lockout, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says LeBron would have no problem transitioning to football.
“Listen, if that guy was on the New Orleans Saints, he would break records,” Graham told NFL.com’s Jeff Darlington.
Graham’s opinion is worth more than the average NFL star because he was a scholarship basketball player at the University of Miami. He made the transition to football three years ago, and judging by his 100-plus yards per week average I’d say the change has suited Graham well.
However, Graham’s encouraging words for LeBron and how he would fare in the Saints offense should be taken with a grain of salt. Jimmy openly admits he is one of the biggest LBJ fans out there. He watches LeBron’s high school highlights to get pumped up before Saints games and even hosted a party the night of the infamous “Decision.” When LeBron chose the Heat, Graham says he went nuts and immediately purchased Heat season tickets, even though he can’t attend most games during his season.
“During the (NFL) preseason last year, I actually flew back on my days off to go to the Heat games,” he said. “I also go to every game when it’s my offseason.”
If Graham ever wants to be able to call LeBron a teammate, he’ll probably have to get through Pete Carroll first.
