Arguments about which professional athletes excel in different sports have persisted for years. For instance, could LeBron James have made it as an NFL tight end? Might Patrick Mahomes have thrived in MLB, like his father? The scope of athletic versatility raises intriguing questions.
Despite American football’s immense popularity domestically, soccer reigns as the most-played sport globally. Recent studies suggest that hundreds of millions play soccer worldwide, while billions engage with it in various forms.
With teams gearing up for spots in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, it begs the question: how competitive would a soccer team of NFL players be? We will not delve into that, but surely, there are several NFL talent capable of translating their skills to soccer.
Here’s a theoretical soccer team composed of NFL players:
Strikers (2):
- Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
- Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams)
These athletes need to be formidable playmakers, and Jefferson and Nacua represent some of the league’s finest.
Midfielders (4):
- Saquon Barkley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
- Antoine Winfield Jr. (S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Detroit Lions)
These roles require vision and speed, strengths observed in these stellar athletes.
Defenders (4):
- Pat Surtain II (CB, Denver Broncos)
- George Kittle (TE, San Francisco 49ers)
- Kyle Hamilton (S, Baltimore Ravens)
- Derek Stingley Jr. (CB, Houston Texans)
This lineup of defenders combines reach and adaptability, essential for stifling opposition.
Goalkeeper:
- Myles Garrett (Edge, Cleveland Browns)
Garrett’s impressive athletic prowess and imposing presence make him the ultimate goalkeeper, ready to guard the net effectively.
