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Best All Round Athlete


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I would have to say Deion Sanders. I mean the guy did it all. He Played 10 seasons in MLB and 11 years in the NFL ( I may be aff by a year or two in both categories) He is the only player to not only play in a World Series and a Super Bowl, but to also hit a home run in MLB and score an NFL touchdown in the same week. In college, Sanders played football, baseball and track. On one occasion, on a day with a double header baseball game he played the first game, then went and competed in the schools 4x100 relay and then returned to play the second baseball game!

 

I don't think there is another athlete that comes close. He also "allegedly" ran a 4.16 40 yard dash. Also, remember the Pizza Hut commercial where he responds to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones questions ("Football or baseball?" and "Offense or defense?") with "both!!"

 

 

I am interested in everyones take on this.

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I would have to say Deion Sanders. I mean the guy did it all. He Played 10 seasons in MLB and 11 years in the NFL ( I may be aff by a year or two in both categories) He is the only player to not only play in a World Series and a Super Bowl, but to also hit a home run in MLB and score an NFL touchdown in the same week. In college, Sanders played football, baseball and track. On one occasion, on a day with a double header baseball game he played the first game, then went and competed in the schools 4x100 relay and then returned to play the second baseball game!

 

I don't think there is another athlete that comes close. He also "allegedly" ran a 4.16 40 yard dash. Also, remember the Pizza Hut commercial where he responds to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones questions ("Football or baseball?" and "Offense or defense?") with "both!!"

 

 

I am interested in everyones take on this.

 

Bo Jackson was a superstar in both baseball and football. Deion had a journeyman type baseball career and was essentially a KR/ cover specialist. Bo played the most grueling position in football and had some of the most amazing talent ever to step on a baseball field. If he probably devouted his time to one or the other, he could have had a HOF type career.

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Yes I understand but Bo Jackson only played 3 NFL seasons

 

Yeah, but..

 

The reason for the short football career was a debilitating injury. He quickly became the stud of the league and his last game put his team in a conference championship -which I think they lost... :rolleyes:

 

I'd give the nod to Bo over Deion as he was a monster player in both sports. Then again, there's that Thorpe guy..

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I know he is over-marketed and constantly fawned over at ESPN, but Lebron James is a freak. He could be a successful NFL player if he chose to switch professions. I like the Bo Jackson selection as well. Deon Sanders was good at what he specialized in but wasn't well rounded in either sport.

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Yes I understand but Bo Jackson only played 3 NFL seasons

 

In my opinion, longevity has no place in a "best all round athlete" discussion. You can make the claim that it's important, but I feel as though circumstances outside the capability of the athlete should be left out.

 

I am way too young to have seen him, but from what I understand, Jim Brown was a vicious two-way lacrosse player, who famously averaged over 5 yards a carry in the NFL. I'd like to toss his name into the discussion. Again, if longevity is a factor, then you'd obviously discredit him, but I truthfully believe he was the greatest athlete the NFL ever saw.

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I know he is over-marketed and constantly fawned over at ESPN, but Lebron James is a freak. He could be a successful NFL player if he chose to switch professions. I like the Bo Jackson selection as well. Deon Sanders was good at what he specialized in but wasn't well rounded in either sport.

 

He isn't even the best player in the NBA...

 

Also, if we're bringing in other sports, James doesn't hold a candle to Roger Federer. Now that guy is a freak. Consistency, precision, endurance, and strength. If you put those two players in a sport neither plays, such as soccer or anything where being born incredibly tall doesn't give you a distinct edge, Roger will beat LeBron in every category.

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How about Brandon Inge, 3B for the Tigers? He is a HELL of an athlete. He can play pretty much every position on the baseball diamond, including pitcher (he pitched at VCU).

 

He can also do a rim-shattering dunk, and I've heard he could easily be a point guard in the NBA if he ever wanted to change sports. He can also hit a golf ball over 400 yards.

 

Best all around athlete, probably not...but maybe the most versatile?

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He isn't even the best player in the NBA...

 

Also, if we're bringing in other sports, James doesn't hold a candle to Roger Federer. Now that guy is a freak. Consistency, precision, endurance, and strength. If you put those two players in a sport neither plays, such as soccer or anything where being born incredibly tall doesn't give you a distinct edge, Roger will beat LeBron in every category.

What does best player have to do with best athlete?

Federer isn't even the best player in tennis. He would get smoked by Lebron in most sports. They are not even close in strength or explosiveness.

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He would get smoked by Lebron in most sports.

 

I disagree. Tennis requires more athleticism than basketball. You see lanky, nonathletic people become successful basketball players, but anyone with out enough athleticism can't last a minute in a tennis match. I'm not calling Lebron that, clearly the guy is very talented...I'm just saying I'm much more impressed with Fed.

 

Also, I really don't feel as though you watch tennis, do you? Not the best player? He has consistently (20 consecutive times) attended a major semi-final, and at the age of 27 has more grand slam finals than any one mens singles player. Not to mention, the man just took home a career grand slam, and has consistently gotten to the french finals, which is beyond remarkable, considering it doesn't correlate with his style at all. He's just that good. Maybe because you've watched on ESPN Nadal highlights, so you're a little confused, but Roger Federer will arguably go down as the greatest tennis player of all-time.

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Bo Jackson was a superstar in both baseball and football. Deion had a journeyman type baseball career and was essentially a KR/ cover specialist. Bo played the most grueling position in football and had some of the most amazing talent ever to step on a baseball field. If he probably devouted his time to one or the other, he could have had a HOF type career.

 

The only thing stopping Bo was his injury. The same injury today, IIRC, can be fixed. It would have been awesome to see him continue.

 

I know he is over-marketed and constantly fawned over at ESPN, but Lebron James is a freak. He could be a successful NFL player if he chose to switch professions. I like the Bo Jackson selection as well. Deon Sanders was good at what he specialized in but wasn't well rounded in either sport.

 

Sanders was one of the best players in the NFL. He was a great CB and a great KR. JMO

 

Some other mentions:

 

Jim Thorpe

Babe Ruth - (questionable) He also pitched a 20 win season.

Rob Johnson (just kidding)

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I know he is over-marketed and constantly fawned over at ESPN, but Lebron James is a freak. He could be a successful NFL player if he chose to switch professions. I like the Bo Jackson selection as well. Deon Sanders was good at what he specialized in but wasn't well rounded in either sport.

 

Not well-rounded in football? He was one of the best, if not THE BEST to EVER play his position in the NFL. Please save the crap about run support. There aren't too many shoe-in HOFers that aren't 'well-rounded' in the game.

 

GO BILLS!!!

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I know he is over-marketed and constantly fawned over at ESPN, but Lebron James is a freak. He could be a successful NFL player if he chose to switch professions. I like the Bo Jackson selection as well. Deon Sanders was good at what he specialized in but wasn't well rounded in either sport.

 

And this is based on that commercial where he's dreaming I suppose?

 

The greatest basketball player ever tried to switch professions to baseball and never made it even in triple-A. Just because someone is a great athlete in their sport doesn't mean the skills transfer at all. You have no idea if LeBron could deliver and take consistent NFL hits. You have no idea if he has the heart to catch balls in traffic or if he would avoid being buried in the pile. You also have no idea if he could memorize a playbook and read offenses and defenses.

 

I vote Bo. He was amazing and though it happened in Rich Stadium in one of the best parties to ever take place in Buffalo, I wish he'd not been hurt.

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I disagree. Tennis requires more athleticism than basketball. You see lanky, nonathletic people become successful basketball players, but anyone with out enough athleticism can't last a minute in a tennis match. I'm not calling Lebron that, clearly the guy is very talented...I'm just saying I'm much more impressed with Fed.

 

Also, I really don't feel as though you watch tennis, do you? Not the best player? He has consistently (20 consecutive times) attended a major semi-final, and at the age of 27 has more grand slam finals than any one mens singles player. Not to mention, the man just took home a career grand slam, and has consistently gotten to the french finals, which is beyond remarkable, considering it doesn't correlate with his style at all. He's just that good. Maybe because you've watched on ESPN Nadal highlights, so you're a little confused, but Roger Federer will arguably go down as the greatest tennis player of all-time.

 

Agreed, Federer is still far and away the best. However, I don't think you've watched enough basketball this season if you don't think Lebron is the best player in the NBA.

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The best all round athlete would probably be Warren Sapp. For a fat @$$, that man could play.

 

Some of the best all around athletes IMO would be:

 

Michael Jordan - Obviously one of the best NBA players to ever play the game. So he didn't put up the best numbers in minor league baseball (.202 with 51 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 127 games), but still impressive since he was in his 30's when joining the team. He is also a very good golfer.

 

Bo Jackson - What a sad day when he got hurt! Awesome athlete, IIRC he made the NFL pro-bowl and MLB all-star teams. That's an incredible accomplishment.

 

Dave Winfield - the only player ever to be drafted by 3 different professional sport leagues.

 

I have also heard stories of Jim Thorpe and Jim Brown, but that was before my time.

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I disagree. Tennis requires more athleticism than basketball. You see lanky, nonathletic people become successful basketball players, but anyone with out enough athleticism can't last a minute in a tennis match. I'm not calling Lebron that, clearly the guy is very talented...I'm just saying I'm much more impressed with Fed.

 

Also, I really don't feel as though you watch tennis, do you? Not the best player? He has consistently (20 consecutive times) attended a major semi-final, and at the age of 27 has more grand slam finals than any one mens singles player. Not to mention, the man just took home a career grand slam, and has consistently gotten to the french finals, which is beyond remarkable, considering it doesn't correlate with his style at all. He's just that good. Maybe because you've watched on ESPN Nadal highlights, so you're a little confused, but Roger Federer will arguably go down as the greatest tennis player of all-time.

Tennis isn't a can't miss event for me but I will tune into the big matches. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Federer, the guys accomplishments are comparable to Tiger Woods. I was under the impression that Federer has slipped a little. Is he definatively the best player in tennis right now?

 

As for tennis requiring more athleticism than basketabll, that is impossible to say. They are two vastly different sports. Any time you have a team sport, you are going to have role players who can only do certain things. Obviously, an athlete can't be a role player in an individual sport. This doesn't mean one sport is more athletically superior. It's just an opinion question so their is really no right or wrong. Lebron is just the first name that came to thought for me.

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Not well-rounded in football? He was one of the best, if not THE BEST to EVER play his position in the NFL. Please save the crap about run support. There aren't too many shoe-in HOFers that aren't 'well-rounded' in the game.

 

GO BILLS!!!

IMO, tackling is an important aspect of football.

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I'll still go with Randy Smith. Three sport All American in college? That cannot be ignored.

 

As an aside, I think we shouldn't confuse 'athletics' with 'sports' when doing these kind of lists. It's just a matter of time before some Bass Pro angler makes the list.

 

GO BILLS!!!

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And this is based on that commercial where he's dreaming I suppose?

 

The greatest basketball player ever tried to switch professions to baseball and never made it even in triple-A. Just because someone is a great athlete in their sport doesn't mean the skills transfer at all. You have no idea if LeBron could deliver and take consistent NFL hits. You have no idea if he has the heart to catch balls in traffic or if he would avoid being buried in the pile. You also have no idea if he could memorize a playbook and read offenses and defenses.

 

I vote Bo. He was amazing and though it happened in Rich Stadium in one of the best parties to ever take place in Buffalo, I wish he'd not been hurt.

Relax, it's just an opinion. You don't know he couldn't either. Their are plenty of athletes today that could play other sports professionally. I wouldn't bet against him that's for sure.

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As for tennis requiring more athleticism than basketabll, that is impossible to say. They are two vastly different sports. Any time you have a team sport, you are going to have role players who can only do certain things. Obviously, an athlete can't be a role player in an individual sport. This doesn't mean one sport is more athletically superior. It's just an opinion question so their is really no right or wrong. Lebron is just the first name that came to thought for me.

 

I'll agree with that point. The two, because of their sports are difficult to compare. The individualism of tennis of course does bring up an entirely separate category of athleticism that Lebron does not have to deal with and that's the mental aspect. Sure there is pressure in the NBA, especially when you're a franchise player. But to win 7 matches in order to take a title, and to have time to think in between each point is intense. It usually can make or break athletes. Andy Roddick as probably more physical tools than Federer, but you can't compare them athletically because Roddick can't just get into a rhythm the way Fed can.

 

As for Federer slipping. Yes, he was the world number one for 4 years running, but he lost to Nadal at Wimbledon and then all those French Opens, that's it. Really though, He's much more complete than Nadal and having won the French (albeit avoiding , though he took him on clay in Madrid two weeks before the French) he has proven he's on top. He seems the most poised for a victory at Wimbledon, which I assure you will be the BEST tournament in sports this year. So many stories, it's really exciting. All this typing makes me feel biased as hell though, considering I watch almost as much tennis as I do hockey or football.

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IMO, tackling is an important aspect of football.

 

Not arguing that. But Sanders was more than adeqaute in that regard anway. He didn't have any problem turning plays into the pursuit. I can't recall any runner turning the corner on him though. And I don't recall him getting run over that often, if at all. If I'm the coach of someone as athletically gifted and intelligent as Sanders was as a CB, and who is also a valuable weapon on STs, I don't want him coming up and knocking the snot out of people anyway. Turn the run back into the pursuit and he's done his job.

 

Simple fact is that NOBODY before or since has done what Sanders did in terms of coverage. He single handedly took away a third of the field. I don't have to explain how much of a luxury that is for the other 10 guys out there. Ever wonder why he had so many INT returns for TDs? He baited more QBs into making throws to what they thought were open receivers than any CB of his era. That's why he will be a first ballot HOFer.

 

Do I even NEED to mention his artistry as a punt/kick returner?

 

I have a simple question for you: who do you want on your team more, Sanders or the greatest tackling CB in history?

 

GO BILLS!!!

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He isn't even the best player in the NBA...

 

Also, if we're bringing in other sports, James doesn't hold a candle to Roger Federer. Now that guy is a freak. Consistency, precision, endurance, and strength. If you put those two players in a sport neither plays, such as soccer or anything where being born incredibly tall doesn't give you a distinct edge, Roger will beat LeBron in every category.

 

 

He clearly is the best all around player in the NBA and I find him annoying.

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He clearly is the best all around player in the NBA and I find him annoying.

 

That is correct. James is in rare and elite company in terms of statistical history as well. Only the Big O and Jordan share the same all around measures. He's also extremely intelligent on the floor.

 

On another note, I remember an NFL scout years ago saying that all the great tightends were playing power forward in the NBA. I agree.

 

GO BILLS!!!

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Yes but that wasnt a tracked statistic until 2001

 

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic but regardless whether tackles are tracked as a stat or not, tackling has been and always will be a basic fundamental aspect of football. If you play defense, you have to know how to tackle. End of discussion.

 

GO BILLS!!!

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Not arguing that. But Sanders was more than adeqaute in that regard anway. He didn't have any problem turning plays into the pursuit. I can't recall any runner turning the corner on him though. And I don't recall him getting run over that often, if at all. If I'm the coach of someone as athletically gifted and intelligent as Sanders was as a CB, and who is also a valuable weapon on STs, I don't want him coming up and knocking the snot out of people anyway. Turn the run back into the pursuit and he's done his job.

 

Simple fact is that NOBODY before or since has done what Sanders did in terms of coverage. He single handedly took away a third of the field. I don't have to explain how much of a luxury that is for the other 10 guys out there. Ever wonder why he had so many INT returns for TDs? He baited more QBs into making throws to what they thought were open receivers than any CB of his era. That's why he will be a first ballot HOFer.

 

Do I even NEED to mention his artistry as a punt/kick returner?

 

I have a simple question for you: who do you want on your team more, Sanders or the greatest tackling CB in history?

 

GO BILLS!!!

I would never try to downplay Sanders ability to help a team. He is one of the all-time great cover corners. Personally, I think he is a bit overhyped and mythical, but that doesn't mean he wasn't great. I'd take him on my team that's for sure. However, I do think he was a liability in regards to the run. It was well documented that Sanders loathed physical contact. His defensive partners knew this and had to compensate to his side.

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I would never try to downplay Sanders ability to help a team. He is one of the all-time great cover corners. Personally, I think he is a bit overhyped and mythical, but that doesn't mean he wasn't great. I'd take him on my team that's for sure. However, I do think he was a liability in regards to the run. It was well documented that Sanders loathed physical contact. His defensive partners knew this and had to compensate to his side.

 

Please provide evidence from a former teammate or coach and not some reporter spewing an opinion and I'll take it under advisement.

 

GO BILLS!!!

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Please provide evidence from a former teammate or coach and not some reporter spewing an opinion and I'll take it under advisement.

 

GO BILLS!!!

I must admit I can't provide a linky. I just finished reading the book "Boys Will Be Boys" by Jeff Pearlman. His distain for physical play was touched on a few times. The book is comprised of stories and accounts from players and coachs during the Cowboys last dynasty. I don't recall the specific players who were quoted or interviewed on the subject but it was no secret amongst the team. Take it for what it's worth, I apologize for not having more.

 

Even during Sanders playing days, it was no secret he was sheepish against the run. It was something the opposition tried to exploit. I guess the only real proof is in the game film.

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Bo Jackson was a superstar in both baseball and football. Deion had a journeyman type baseball career and was essentially a KR/ cover specialist. Bo played the most grueling position in football and had some of the most amazing talent ever to step on a baseball field. If he probably devouted his time to one or the other, he could have had a HOF type career.

Deion did have a few good years early on in baseball. I can remember him taking a helicopter from the football game he played in for the Falcons, to Fulton County Stadium to join the Braves for a playoff game. If memory serves me right he homered in the game that night. He was a decent leadoff man his first couple years. He was an incredible cover corner for the begining of his career as well. I think alot of people forget what he did those first 3-5 years out of FSU. Due to the fact that he continued to play football for so long.Bo was good dont get me wrong. But my money is on Deion. Part of being a great athlete is longevity. IMO

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IMO, tackling is an important aspect of football.

 

 

For a CB, it certainly is, and Deon sucked at it.

 

But that really doesn't address his athleticism. As much as I don't like Sanders, I'm sure he was athletic enough to tackle, he just avoided all contact when possible. While his coverage was as bold as it comes, he was a huge kitty when it came to contact. But he was very athletic.

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Deion did have a few good years early on in baseball. I can remember him taking a helicopter from the football game he played in for the Falcons, to Fulton County Stadium to join the Braves for a playoff game. If memory serves me right he homered in the game that night. He was a decent leadoff man his first couple years. He was an incredible cover corner for the begining of his career as well. I think alot of people remember what he did those first 3-5 years out of FSU. Due to the fact that he continued to play football for so long.Bo was good dont get me wrong. But my money is on Deion. Part of being a great athlete is longevity. IMO

 

And Tim McCarver called him "selfish" for whatever reason. Sanders got him back with a post-series Champagne shower.

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Just doing a little research on Primetime and found the following:

 

From SI columnist Jeff Pearlman.

 

here's a bit from the article:

 

For all his Jim Thorpe-esque skills, Sanders was sleeping-dog lazy. In practices, he went all-out every third or fourth play and refused to wear shoulder pads because, he would say, “I’m not gonna tackle anyone anyway.” In meeting rooms, he was known to doodle and doze off. Told early on that Cowboys who refused to participate in the team’s weight training regiment would be fined, Sanders dramatically whipped out his checkbook and jotted down a five-digit figure.

 

 

I just found it interesting and don't intend to bash the guy, because he was a great athlete. I was a the Bills game when he took a kick-off back and started to high step into the end zone from about the 15 yard line, he was definitely a cocky SOB. Luckily the Bills were up something like 28-0 at the time, still was a cool thing to see...

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For a CB, it certainly is, and Deon sucked at it.

 

But that really doesn't address his athleticism. As much as I don't like Sanders, I'm sure he was athletic enough to tackle, he just avoided all contact when possible. While his coverage was as bold as it comes, he was a huge kitty when it came to contact. But he was very athletic.

It all depends on your definition of athletic. I think physicality and strength should be a factor in judging athletes. Lawrence Taylor just came to mind. :thumbsup:

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Just doing a little research on Primetime and found the following:

 

From SI columnist Jeff Pearlman.

 

here's a bit from the article:

 

 

 

 

I just found it interesting and don't intend to bash the guy, because he was a great athlete. I was a the Bills game when he took a kick-off back and started to high step into the end zone from about the 15 yard line, he was definitely a cocky SOB. Luckily the Bills were up something like 28-0 at the time, still was a cool thing to see...

 

And speaking of Jeff Pearlman, he may be a good writer, but he sure doesn't have game.

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