NBA Icon Charles Barkley’s Football Fumble: A One-Day Stint on the Gridiron
Former NBA superstar charles Barkley recently revealed a little-known chapter from his athletic journey during an appearance on “Inside the NFL.” Despite enjoying a storied basketball career, Barkley once tested the waters in football, only to swiftly realize it wasn’t his calling.
Recalling his brief stint on the gridiron, Barkley recounted his single day as a defensive lineman. However, the physical demands of football quickly became apparent to the towering athlete, leading him to hang up his cleats after just one practice session.
Barkley candidly shared his experience, stating, “I played football for one day. It wasn’t my cup of tea, man. They put me on the defensive line and I ran into a guy full speed for like two-and-a-half hours. I was like, ‘There’s zero talent in this thing right here.’”
Despite his short-lived football career, Barkley’s decision to pivot to basketball proved to be the right one. With his imposing stature and remarkable athleticism, he became a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, earning accolades such as the 1993 MVP award and 11 All-Star selections.
Nicknamed the “Round Mound of Rebound” early in his career, Barkley showcased his versatility by excelling as both a dominant rebounder and scorer. His impact transcended traditional positions, earning praise from basketball luminaries like Bill Walton, who compared him to legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Despite never capturing an NBA championship, Barkley’s individual brilliance solidified his place among the basketball elite. His illustrious career culminated in his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Barkley’s foray into football serves as a captivating footnote in his remarkable journey, underscoring the divergent paths athletes may explore in pursuit of their passions.
Thus, he quit after his first day.
Charles Barkley tried football for one day and went right back to basketball the next 🤣
@RealRClark25 | @InsideTheNFL pic.twitter.com/yLPBSAMLba— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) February 7, 2024
“I played football for one day,” Barkley said. “It wasn’t my cup of tea, man. They put me on the defensive line and I ran into a guy full speed for like two-and-a-half hours. I was like, ‘There’s zero talent in this thing right here.’
“I remember the last thing the coach said to me was, ‘I’ll see y’all tomorrow.’ I was like, ‘Yo, I’m not doing this tomorrow.’”
The 11-time All-Star often got the best of players taller than him while making an all-around impact on the game.
“Barkley is like Magic [Johnson] and Larry [Bird] in that they don’t really play a position,” NBA legend Bill Walton said of Barkley. “He plays everything; he plays basketball. There is nobody who does what Barkley does. He’s a dominant rebounder, a dominant defensive player, a three-point shooter, a dribbler, a playmaker.”
