LeBron James’ Shocking NFL Confession Stuns Fans During Kelce Bros. Podcast!

It’s not often Travis Kelce admits to feeling nervous, but the 10-time Pro Bowl tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion shared his excitement during the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother, Jason.

“I’m nervous but pretty pumped,” Travis confessed. The cause of his excitement? A long-awaited guest: NBA legend LeBron James.

The Kelce brothers, Cleveland natives, welcomed fellow Ohioan LeBron James for an engaging conversation spanning sports, family, and career milestones. From LeBron’s almost NFL career to his thoughts on playing alongside his son Bronny, the episode delivered plenty of memorable moments.

LeBron Seriously Considered the NFL in 2011

The idea of LeBron James playing in the NFL has long been a topic of speculation. But did it ever come close to reality? According to James, yes—at least once.

“The only time I really took it super-duper seriously was in 2011 during the NBA lockout,” James revealed. “I didn’t know when we’d make a deal with the owners and get the league back up, so I thought about it then.”

James, 26 at the time, even received offers from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Ultimately, the NBA resumed, and James went on to win his first championship with the Miami Heat that season.

NBA vs. NFL: Which Transition Is Easier?

LeBron tackled a hotly debated topic: Is it easier for an NFL player to transition to the NBA, or vice versa?

“I think it’s easier for a basketball player to try the NFL,” James said after some thought.

He cited the physicality adjustment basketball players would face but emphasized the greater skill coordination required for NFL players attempting basketball.

James also noted NBA players like Russell Westbrook and Anthony Edwards as athletes who could make a seamless transition to football. “Russ would be an unbelievable strong or free safety,” he added.

NFL Dominates Christmas Viewership

The NBA has long claimed Christmas as its day, with marquee matchups since 1947. But in recent years, the NFL has staked its claim with holiday games.

Reflecting on Christmas 2023, James admitted, “From a viewership standpoint, y’all kicked our ass.”

The NFL’s Christmas games, featuring Beyoncé as a halftime headliner, broke viewership records. Still, the NBA saw its best Christmas ratings in five years, with LeBron’s Lakers narrowly defeating Steph Curry’s Warriors.

Playing With Bronny: LeBron’s Biggest Accomplishment

One of the most heartwarming segments of the episode was LeBron’s thoughts on playing alongside his son, Bronny James.

“When it comes to the titles, that’s one separate thing,” James shared. “But being able to play in this league alongside Bronny, that’s one of the biggest accomplishments—and probably the No. 1 accomplishment—I’ve ever had.”

LeBron reflected on how this time with Bronny makes up for years lost while he was on the road. “Watching him grind, seeing him go through the process to become who he wants to be, it’s pretty special,” he said.

The father-son duo made history on opening night when they became the first to share an NBA court. While Bronny splits time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate, LeBron remains a proud dad.

“Bronny doesn’t have to play basketball at all,” James said. “He doesn’t need the money. But he loves the game, and that’s what I love about him.”