If you're a multi-sport athlete, it might be tempting to specialize in your best sport during your recruiting process. But is that the right move? 2aDays sat down with three NFL players to get their take. Their answers might surprise you.
Q: How did you get started playing football and did you play any other sports?
Will Yeatman, Former Miami Dolphins OT:
Yes, I always played lacrosse and football. When I was weighing out my options and was like well I should probably want to figure out if I want to play one or the other or both. The best piece of advice I can give to someone who has an opportunity to play two sports in college is: do it, go to the school that lets you, if there is a D1 school that lets you,do it–you won't regret it.”
Troy Polumalu, Former Pittsburgh Steelers Safety:
I played a lot of baseball, actually more baseball than football because the season went from springtime all the way through the summer, until football season began again. When I was going through the recruiting process for football, I took four official and two unofficial. I went on official [visits] to USC, Colorado, Illinois, and Washington State, and then two unofficial [visits] to Oregon and Oregon State. Even though I went to those schools on unofficial visits didn't mean I wasn't really considering them, which I think is an important point for recruits to understand.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Jerome Bettis, Former Pittsburgh Steelers LB:
Yes, and I strongly support multiple sports because what kids have to realize is you don't know what your best sport is. You know what you like, but you don't know what your best sport necessarily is. My son is playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf. I want him to have a well-rounded athletic career, and I would encourage him to play multiple sports through his senior year.
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* Originally published on January 11, 2023, by 2aDays Staff
