“We make a vertical leap while standing still”: Shannon Sharpe argues why NFL players are more athletic than NBA players

The debate over whether NFL players can make the jump to the NBA and hold their own has been a hot topic for ages. Both leagues boast incredible athleticism. But for former tight end Shannon Sharpe, nothing beats football.

On the ‘Club Shay Shay‘ podcast, Unc gave his take on the NFL players who are dominating the charts against NBA players when it comes to athleticism. During his conversation with Davante Adams, the former tight end concluded that the physical demands of football are greater than those of basketball and that NFL players are known for their exceptional physical feats:

Further into the comparison he added: “Football! We jump vertically while standing still, they get a step, they run and jump.”

Well, who better than the best podcaster in the NFL to put an end to the NBA vs. NFL debate? Sharpe’s comments aren’t new to this debate, though. On the Nightcap podcast, Unc with Ocho previously said how football ‘Wemby’ referring to NBA star Victor Wembanyama.

He suggested that despite his excellent skills, he would struggle in the NFL due to the intense physical demands of the sport. While he had a strong stance, it was a spark that reignited the debate on social media about the superiority of one sport over another.

Fans react to Sharpe’s pragmatic approach in NFL vs NBA

Fans were quick to respond, with many aligning themselves with Sharpe’s vision, especially those who look forward to the entertainment of intense football games. Some joined the discussion, suggesting that while some NBA stars could transition to football relatively easily, the reverse (NFL stars fitting into an NBA lineup) would be a much harder sell, and vice versa.

So, what is Unc really trying to point out? Well, he says that football players are on a different level when it comes to physicality. They’re not just good at one thing; they do everything: jumping, running, and just being animals. He emphasized that football players are out there making explosive movements from a standing start, while basketball players have a bit of an edge with their jumping.

Meanwhile, NFL players also endure intense competition, supported by physical and mental training that is difficult to match.

At the end of the day, while Sharpe’s view may ruffle some feathers, both sports require extraordinary athleticism. The argument comes down to the unique physical demands of each game. But to say that the NBA’s stars stand a chance against the NFL’s rugged players or vice versa seems a bit of a stretch.