Who Are The 10 Best Multi-Sport Athletes in History?

National Football League: Who Are The 10 Best Multi-Sport Athletes in History?

Updated Aug. 4, 2025, 6:28 p.m. ET

Playing multiple sports at a professional level is not as common today as it was in the past. However, the history of athletes excelling in various sports is nothing short of incredible. Professional athletes possess extraordinary abilities on the field, court, or ice, showcasing talent that is truly remarkable. While figures like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates narrowly missed inclusion on this list, they serve as prime examples—they both had impressive basketball careers before focusing on football.

With that in mind, FOX Sports Research has put together a list of the 10 best multi-sport athletes in history. So, who made the cut?

10. Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on January 5, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona ph dream casino online. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Murray has shown exceptional skills on the football field, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018 and being drafted first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Notably, he was also an outstanding baseball player, being selected ninth overall by the Athletics in 2018 before choosing to pursue football. With this decision, he became the first player selected in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts.

9 ph365 online casino legit. Gene Conley

Conley was a top-tier athlete dating back to high school, excelling in both basketball and baseball while also being a state champion in long jump. His talents translated well into professional sports, allowing him to play 11 years in MLB and six years in the NBA, where he earned three championship titles. vip ph bet

8. Dave Winfield

Winfield is one of a kind and had a wealth of options for his professional career. He became the first athlete ever to be drafted by four different sports leagues. Ultimately, he chose Major League Baseball, where he amassed over 3,000 hits, 465 home runs, and a place in Cooperstown.

7. Bob Hayes

Bob Hayes #22 takes a punt during the first quarter and runs it back 64 yards to the Cleveland Browns’ 13-yard line. Hayes was not only a star football player but also a track and field champion, winning a gold medal in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His impressive accomplishments, including 11 NFL seasons and an eventual induction into the Hall of Fame, highlight his status as one of the most decorated athletes ever.

6. Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, renowned for breaking baseball’s color barrier, is a figure whose legacy transcends any single sport. A Hall of Famer after an 11-year MLB career, Robinson was also an NCAA long jump champion and uniquely lettered in four sports at UCLA, the only Bruin ever to achieve this distinction.

5. Jim Brown

Jim Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. Regarded as arguably the greatest NFL player ever, Brown’s influence extended beyond football; he also became a Lacrosse Hall of Fame member with outstanding performances in high school and college. His talents in basketball and track and field further showcased his incredible speed and power okebet.

4. Charlie Ward

Charlie Ward #21 of the New York Knicks took to the court against the Washington Wizards on December 7, 2002. A prodigious athlete, Ward’s exceptional season in 1993 for Florida State led him to win numerous awards, including the Heisman Trophy, before being selected 26th overall in the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He enjoyed an impressive 11-year NBA career.

3. Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson speaks during his induction into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame at Kauffman Stadium on June 29, 2024. Widely recognized as one of the greatest multi-sport athletes, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 and was the first overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft, playing for the Raiders while excelling with the Kansas City Royals in MLB.

2. Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe was a true triple threat. An Olympic gold medalist in both the decathlon and pentathlon, he played eight years in the NFL and earned a spot on the NFL All-Decade team. His stellar performances led to induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, alongside a six-year MLB career.

1. Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders #21 of the Cincinnati Reds warms up during a workout on February 23, 1997. jili casino login Sanders is undoubtedly a top choice when discussing multi-sport athletes. His incredible speed and dominance in the NFL over 14 seasons include Defensive Player of the Year honors and two Super Bowl titles. Additionally, he played nine seasons in MLB and ran track for Florida State during his college days.

Honorable Mentions:

Marquise Goodwin, Shaun White, Kirk Gibson, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, John Elway, Danny Ainge, Jeff Samardzija, Babe Didrikson-Zaharias, Tony Gwynn.

Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams, and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

What are your thoughts on this list of multi-sport athletes?