Ex Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe and Rams WR Davante Adams discuss NFL vs NBA players, saying the comparison is “not even close”

Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams just gave spicy ragebait to cyberspace. They argued that NFL players are superior athletes to their NBA counterparts, vehemently insisting the comparison is “not even close.” From speed and strength to playbook complexity and the demands of playing on grass, the two laid out why they believe football requires a more complete athletic skill set. Some pointers: “Y’all got like four plays in basketball. We got 150 we have to remember. And a dude trying to knock your block off.” “These boys don’t even be going to college for more than five minutes half the time in the NBA.” “I think football players are the most athletic. They can jump the highest, they can run the fastest, they’re the strongest, they’re the toughest. If you talking athlete for athlete, it’s football. We vertical jump standing still. They get a running jump for the combine. As far as flat out speed and ability, oh no.” “It’s not even close. The physical aspect is just one piece. Then when you get into the speed, they are agile, but being able to move on grass is different”

Shannon Sharpe and Davante Adams believe football players are more athletic than basketball players

It is a given that NFL players will think they are better than NBA players, and vice versa. However, when those claims come with backed-up pointers, there is a legitimate discussion to be made.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe recently sparked this ongoing debate on an episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, which featured Davante Adams as his guest.Explaining why he believes NFL players are superior, Adams argued that the physical and mental capabilities required in the NFL are on another level. He added that most basketball players would struggle to endure the physical punishment of a football game.Sharpe agreed, arguing that football players are more all-rounded athletes in terms of speed, strength, agility, explosiveness, toughness, and mental demands. He noted that NFL players must master massive playbooks with hundreds of plays while enduring constant physical contact. He also asserted that very few basketball players could successfully transition into football. Though he believes LeBron James and Russell Westbrook could have easily succeeded had they started playing at a young age.Now, this takes the narrative in a completely different direction! Following his recent free agency news, this NBA legend is reportedly being recruited by NFL teams. What a surprising transition!

LeBron James NFL landing spots

CBS Sports’ John Breech reports that NFL teams recruiting LeBron James include the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers. These teams had playfully posted photoshopped photos of the NBA legend wearing their respective jerseys on their social media accounts. Following this, Breech suggested potential landing spots: the Los Angeles Chargers or Los Angeles Rams, the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Kansas City Chiefs.But first, what position would he play? James played wide receiver in high school, but he might not play the same position in the NFL. Some teams could view him as a tight end, though the wide receiver role cannot be ruled out completely. Would that mean Davante Adams and LeBron James could play side by side in Los Angeles [put some wide-eyed hopeful reaction]? That remains a discussion for another day. For now, what else did Shannon Sharpe discuss with Davante Adams?

Davante Adams talks about his difficult childhood

After NFL vs. NBA discussion, Adams was asked about his upbringing. He said that his biggest motivation was escaping poverty. He wanted to give his family a better life. He had a wakeup call in high school, which pushed him to take his life seriously. The wakeup call pushed him to qualify for college football. He always believed he had the talent; all he needed was discipline and opportunity. Adams grew up with a difficult childhood surrounded by gang violence, drugs, and the deaths of friends and relatives. He is grateful to his parents for keeping him away from all that exposure by enlisting him in a safer school environment. They taught him the difference between right and wrong. They steered him toward sports.His parents’ timely guidance helped him avoid legal trouble despite difficult surrounding circumstances. When he entered the NFL, he did not forget his first goal: to give back to his family. He partnered with CBS series Secret Celebrity Renovation in Sept. 2023. And he got his grandmother’s East Palo Alto house, where he slept on a tiny red couch as a child, renovated. He calls his family the ultimate driving force behind his successful NFL career.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams 2025 season stats

According to PFF, the 33-year-old Los Angeles top receiver recorded 60 receptions on 111 targets for 789 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2025 NFL season. He averages 13.2 yards per reception on the season. He earned an 85.2 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, ranking 11th among 81 qualified wide receivers. His PFF receiving grade of 84.1 ranked 13th among 81 qualified wide receivers.