Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rising NBA star, shocked fans recently with a bold declaration. In an interview with ESPN, Edwards shared that if he ever wins an NBA championship, his next move could be switching to the NFL. While such a transition is rare, Edwards’ confidence and athletic prowess have sparked the imagination of fans across two sports. Could we soon see the explosive Timberwolves guard sprinting across an NFL field as a wide receiver?
A Dream Move: Edwards’ Ambitions Beyond the Court
Edwards, known for his high-flying dunks and impressive scoring ability, has never hidden his love for football. Before dedicating himself to basketball, he played football for much of his youth. This connection, combined with his athleticism, makes the idea of him transitioning to the NFL an intriguing one.
As rare as the switch from NBA to NFL is, it’s not unprecedented. Legends like Michael Jordan tried their hands at different sports during their careers, and Edwards could be the next to take on that challenge. But which NFL teams might be interested in the basketball star?
We’ve highlighted five NFL teams that could benefit from having a dynamic wide receiver like Edwards, should his dream of switching to football become reality.
1. Minnesota Vikings: A Hometown Hero Stays Home
The most obvious option for Anthony Edwards, should he step onto the gridiron, is the Minnesota Vikings. The Timberwolves guard has a deep connection with the city of Minneapolis and its sports fans. After all, if Edwards does win an NBA championship for the Timberwolves, it would be historic for the city.
Teaming up with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson could make Edwards’ transition easier. Not to mention, fans in Minnesota already love him. Keeping him in-state, but in a different uniform, would create a media frenzy. If Edwards can find chemistry with Kirk Cousins, the Vikings might be the perfect fit to make his NFL dreams a reality.
2. Atlanta Falcons: A Return to His Roots
Another natural fit for Anthony Edwards would be the Atlanta Falcons. Edwards hails from Atlanta, and before his rise as a basketball star, he played football in his hometown. In fact, Edwards played for a team called the “Atlanta Vikings” during his childhood—how fitting would it be for him to return to the city as a professional football player?
Joining the Falcons’ offense, led by emerging stars like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, would not only give Edwards the chance to play close to home but also put him in an exciting young team on the rise. The homecoming story would likely generate significant buzz, and Edwards’ physicality could add a new dynamic to the Falcons’ offense.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones Loves a Bold Move
Although Dallas might not seem like an obvious destination at first, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, is known for his willingness to take risks.
Jones has always been one to seek out big-name signings that generate headlines, and Edwards would certainly bring that. With the Cowboys looking for any edge in their pursuit of a Super Bowl, taking a chance on an athletic freak like Edwards could be the sort of gamble Jones is willing to take.
Imagine Edwards catching passes from Dak Prescott under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium!
4. New England Patriots: Help Needed for a Struggling Offense
The New England Patriots have struggled offensively in recent seasons, and they’re in desperate need of playmakers. Bill Belichick and the Patriots are known for their willingness to think outside the box, and signing Edwards could be an opportunity for them to inject some much-needed talent into their roster.
If the Patriots land top quarterback prospect Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft, surrounding him with a dynamic wide receiver like Edwards could be just what the team needs to turn things around.
The Patriots have a history of turning unconventional signings into success stories, and Edwards could become the next chapter in that book.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid’s Playground for Creativity
If there’s one coach in the NFL who loves to experiment with unconventional players, it’s Andy Reid. The Kansas City Chiefs have already tested the waters by giving Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit a tryout in 2024. While Rees-Zammit didn’t make the team, Edwards could fare differently.
Edwards’ explosive athleticism, combined with Patrick Mahomes’ ability to extend plays, could make for some highlight-reel moments. Imagine Edwards running deep routes while Mahomes scrambles out of the pocket—the possibilities are endless.
Playing under Reid, a coach known for maximizing his players’ unique abilities, would give Edwards a real shot at success in the NFL.
Could Anthony Edwards Truly Make the Jump?
While it’s still a long shot, Anthony Edwards’ bold claim about switching to the NFL has generated plenty of excitement. His natural athleticism and competitive nature make the idea tantalizing, even if the odds are stacked against him.
From staying in Minnesota with the Vikings to making a splash with the Falcons or Cowboys, there are a handful of NFL teams that could make sense for Edwards. Whether or not he ever makes the switch, it’s clear that Edwards has the confidence and drive to push himself beyond basketball, and fans from both the NBA and NFL are eager to see what he’ll do next.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.