Anthony Edwards Expresses Confidence in Potential to Become First NBA and NFL Dual Athlete

Anthony Edwards has signed a five-year maximum contract extension


worth at least $205.9 million (potentially closer to $260 million if he earns a spot on an All-NBA team this season) that will take effect next season.

One stipulation of the contract would prevent Edwards from pursuing professional football, as the Timberwolves are wary of the injury risk. Nevertheless, during a recent interview, Edwards expressed his desire to attempt it after the Timberwolves secure a title. Edwards made an appearance on


Marco Summers’ “Open Thoughts”


show (


hat tip ESPN


) and Summers inquired about Edwards’ interest in playing in both the NBA and NFL.

Edwards: “I think I might be the first one.”

Summers: “Are you gonna do it?”

Edwards: “I’m gonna try… First I gotta handle my business in the NBA … Minnesota organization, we want to win a championship. After that, we’ll figure that out.”

Don’t doubt for a second that Edwards possesses the confidence to believe he can pull this off. Nobody exudes the swagger that Edwards does.

Edwards — like LeBron James and many other NBA players — was a remarkable athlete who excelled in youth football before focusing on basketball. However, that’s different from competing in football at a high level.

The only player who perhaps came close to combining the NBA and NFL was Nate Robinson, the 5’9″ point guard and


Slam Dunk Contest champion


who


received an NFL workout/tryout with the Seahawks


. Robinson played in parts of 11 NBA seasons, but he initially arrived at the University of Washington on a football scholarship and started six games for the Huskies as a cornerback before fully committing to basketball. While playing Division I football is impressive, by the time Robinson almost concluded his NBA career and attempted an NFL workout, he had lost some of his athleticism, was over 30, and was unable to keep up with NFL wideouts.

Edwards is still youthful and at the peak of his athleticism. A Jordanesque mid-career transition for Edwards is unlikely, but it’s intriguing to contemplate.