The National Basketball league is a stage for athletes to showcase their skills. And in 2003, one of the best players, LeBron James walked through the doors. A super athlete, it didn’t take long for the King to solidify his throne. Rising among the ranks, he slowly turned himself into an all-time legend of the game. But before pursuing basketball, James was a multi-sport athlete.

From a young age, the Akron Hammer was a man among kids. With an already tall stature by fourth grade, James had the potential to fly through the roof. At this time, a coach, Bruce Kelker, was in search of football talents. Likewise, he was tipped off by James’ godfather. Going into a group of kids, just a mere look at the King shocked Kelker.

He had never seen a fourth grader built like LeBron James. Likewise, Kelker was filled with thrill. James became his new football subject and started his journey to dominate yet another sport.

LeBron James nearly became a football player

At just the age of nine, James was already tall and strong. Ready to unlock his potential, Kelker took him to his first football game. The four-time MVP impressed when he ran for an 80-yard touchdown. However, the unfair advantage of his body prompted fellow parents to raise complaints. It got to a point where they demanded LeBron James show his birth certificate.

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However, such adversity did not stop Akron Hammer from testing out his love for football. Notably, James was a wide receiver for two years in high school. And just like his basketball career, he was the number one choice. The Los Angeles Lakers star was ranked as the number one prospect in Ohio. A 6’8″ figure, James was able to dominate plays with his almost unworldly ability to catch the ball, combined with his amazing jumping ability.

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So what happened to his desire of playing football? In an interview, LeBron James revealed the number of hits he took as a receiver made him stick to his dream of basketball. However, a better quarterback would have perhaps gotten the four-time champion to change his mind. During the 2011 NBA lockout, LeBron James received offers from NFL teams. He was confident to even make it on some of the teams. However, destiny didn’t call for it.

But who made the all-time basketball great realize his true dream?

Who gave birth to the Chosen One?

Surprisingly, the same man who had hopes for LeBron James in football, Bruce Kelker instilled the basketball dream in his head as well. After being subject to adversity for playing football, he put James into a one-on-one. New to the game, the youngster lost. However, the story flipped the next time he faced off against the same opponent.

All it took was one loss for a future icon of basketball to take his first steps in the sport. In his second game, the Akron Hammer was a different player. He had learned how to finish at the rim with both hands. From there, the story of the Chosen One was set.

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Now, LeBron James is pitted head to head against Michael Jordan to be the greatest basketball player in the history of the sport. Heading to 38 years old, the King is arguably still sitting atop his throne at the peak of his powers.

Chasing a fifth championship, do you think he will make history and become the oldest Finals MVP? Let us know your views in the comments below.