Tom Zbikowski (right) makes his living as a safety for the Baltimore Ravens. But he's never lost the taste for boxing, and he won a pro fight during the lockout. Provided to China Daily

Many of the NFL's top players excelled at other sports before committing to football

It's always interesting for fans to consider some of the more far-fetched hypothetical scenarios in sports. Of all these big "what-ifs", the one that almost never gets answered is what an athlete in one sport could have done if given an opportunity to compete in another.

There is no denying that LeBron James, who was an all-state wide receiver in high school, is athletic enough as an NBA superstar to be an interesting tight end prospect in the NFL. James, however, isn't the only star athlete who has the build and athletic makeup to cross over.

Success in the NFL calls for the perfect storm of strength, size, speed, vision, hands, and aggressiveness. As such, NFL players are some of the best pure athletes in sports, and it is no surprise that many of them ventured into other sports before deciding on the gridiron:

Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans - Track & Field

During the NFL lockout, Chris Johnson told media he received an invitation from the US track team. Johnson was a track star at Olympia High, and in his senior year he finished second in the 100 meters at the 2004 Florida 4A state championships behind future Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix. In addition, Johnson also finished his senior season posting personal best of 10.50 (the nation's 10th fastest in 2004) in the 100 meters. Johnson's 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash is the fastest official time in the history of the NFL Combine.

Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots - Baseball

Before Tom Brady starred as a quarterback at University of Michigan, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos straight out of high school. While most would think Brady, who has a great, accurate arm, would naturally be a pitcher, he was actually a catcher. His quick thinking, game vision, and competitiveness led him to be drafted by the Expos in the 18th round.

Antonio Gates, Tight End, San Diego Chargers - Basketball

Gates was an All-Conference player at Kent State. He averaged 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his senior season. He even has his No 44 jersey retired with the Golden Flash. After being told by scouts he was too small to make the NBA, Gates arranged a workout for NFL scouts. As many as 19 teams were believed to have contacted Gates about a tryout. Gates chose to work out first for the Chargers, who immediately signed him as an undrafted free agent.

Tom Zbikowski, Safety, Baltimore Ravens - Boxing

In Zbikowski's case, he is still a multi-sport athlete. During the NFL lockout this summer, Zbikowski returned to his roots as a boxer, and defeated pro boxer Richard Bryant in 1 minute 45 seconds by TKO. Zbikowski debuted as a pro boxer in 2006 and won his first fight in 49 seconds. He put his boxing career on hold when he came on as a safety for the Ravens in 2008. In his boxing career, Zbikowski has a perfect 4-0 record.

Some of today's biggest stars in other sports were at one point football standouts in their youth, where they learn to hone the athleticism, harness the strength, and build the confidence that are vital in making them elite in their respective fields. Some of the greatest athletes were those talented enough to play multiple sports. As fans, we tip our hats to these crossover stars.

Allen Iverson, Point Guard, Multiple NBA teams

The 14-year NBA veteran, who won the 2001 MVP award and claimed four scoring titles, was a touchdown machine on the gridiron in high school. He led both the football and basketball teams at Bethel High School in Virginia to state titles before heading to Georgetown for hoops. Some fans have even claimed that Iverson was the best high school football player in Virginal history. The fact remains that Iverson could have been a world-class athlete in multiple sports.

Pat Riley, President, Miami Heat

The six-time NBA champion (five as a coach, one as a player) and current Miami Heat president also happened to be a stellar wide receiver out of Kentucky. So stellar, in fact, that he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 11th round in 1967. But after also being picked by the San Diego Rockets in the first round of the NBA draft that same year, Riley chose to utilize his basketball skills, helping the Lakers to the 1972 championship as a player. He later became one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history and, most recently, masterminded Miami's unprecedented free agent haul in 2010 that landed the team LeBron James.

CHina daily

NOTES:

NFL games broadcast live next week (all beijing time):

* Monday, 8:20 am

Indianapolis Colts vs New Orleans Saints

Guangdong Sports Channel, Shanghai Great Sports, QQ Sports

* Tuesday 8:30am

Baltimore Ravens vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Guangdong Sports Channel, Sina Sports