NFL star JJ Watt responded to Austin Rivers’ comments about NBA and NFL players on Tuesday. Rivers had claimed that he could take 30 NBA players and throw them into the NFL, but it wouldn’t work the other way around.
Watt didn’t hold back in his response, saying, “You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it.”
You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it… https://t.co/9C5Y4oZyXZ
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 7, 2024
While Rivers may have confidence in NBA players’ athleticism, it’s unlikely that he would actually attempt to switch sports. He had an 11-year NBA career and seems content in his post-playing career of making bold statements.
“I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.” —@AustinRivers25
What NBA players could you see playing in the NFL? 👀 @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/nY8SJRfwX8
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 7, 2024
Rivers’ comments sparked a debate about the abilities of NBA and NFL players, with many NFL athletes and fans criticizing his dismissive attitude towards the level of athleticism in the NFL. On social media, Watt challenged Rivers to try out for an NFL team to prove his claims.
However, Watt himself admitted that he couldn’t play in the NBA, stating that he could only give six hard fouls before calling it a day.
While some fans agreed with Rivers and believed that NBA players could excel in football, others mocked his statement and pointed out the unique skills required for each sport.
The debate highlighted the ongoing discussion about which league has the best athletes.
Fans reacted as follows:
for the record, I could absolutely not play in the NBA.
6 hard fouls is about all I could give you and call it a day.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 7, 2024
He said 30 players, he didn’t say himself.
Players built like LeBron, Paolo, Anthony Edwards.. not like Austin Rivers.
— The Lando (@TheLando__) May 7, 2024
I don't think 30 NBA players would survive the physicality an NFL training camp.
— Bobby (@Bobbythegreat) May 7, 2024
THANK YOU!! FINALLY somebody speaking up!! TIRED OF THE BS J!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) May 7, 2024
I mean he is right tho, some NBA players could be long or short snapper but nothing more
— Jonathan Edwards (@JonEdwards099) May 7, 2024
Sorry, not buying it.
Hoops players might not ever get used to falling down hard and bouncing back up play after play after play.
Especially, with 300lb guys falling on top of them.— Ron (@Ronzabonza) May 7, 2024
I was going to say, I can def name 30 NFL players or Ex NFL players that could have played in the NBA haha
— Anthony Daniel (@ImAnthonyDaniel) May 7, 2024
Most of the NBA players are too sensitive to play in the NFL
— Blind World of Sports (@djdorsey_) May 7, 2024
I agree that there at least 30 players, I always wondered what an athletic 6’7” wingman could do in the NFL. On the flip side are they tough enough to handle the brutality of a crossing route over the middle of the field if they were a WR.
— shookUup (@Kamuka_B) May 8, 2024
this makes sense, because IF you are good at both…you're (most likely) going to go to the NBA because there's way more money
So all the best dual-sport players are gonna be in the NBA, not the NFL.
NFL hoopers are in the NFL because they weren't good enough to play in the NBA— Dunkademics (@Dunkademics) May 7, 2024
You could take 30 you got to look at it many world be wr maybe some QB’s and TE. These are dudes who are 6’3” and above who could definitely put on more weight if they wanted to. Basketball is a more difficult sport than football
— Influential Culture (@Aqil64611760) May 8, 2024
Ummm are we serious right now? Has dude WATCHED some of the NFL players play basketball? Go watch some DeVonta Smith Basketball highlights or Cooper DeJean Dunking on people as an All American. Austin would get broken in half in the NFL 🤣.
— Benz (@ChadillacBenzZ) May 7, 2024
this is one horrrible take. he's forgetting that 3/4 of the nba couldnt play the game that was played in the 1990's because it was far 2 physical. how on earth would they handle getting hit in the nfl.
some of those nba players might play a game or 2, but they'd never last
— rick marsonet (@RMarsonet) May 7, 2024
That's an interesting perspective! It really highlights the unique skill set and athleticism required in both sports. It's fascinating to consider the adaptability and talents needed to potentially excel in such different arenas.
— Aiyana Wilkinson (@aiyana53902) May 7, 2024
