Football players are easily the most athletic/strongest/toughest athletes out there. Take Andre Johnson for example: insane leaping ability, insane strength, insane coordination, insane quickness, insane speed, and did I mention he is one strong mofo? <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gpWqMqrZwTU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gpWqMqrZwTU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>
In short bursts, they might be. And depending on their position, they might possibly be some of the most cerebral. But I think they're so battered and broken that they would do poorly in any non-football competition.
I think basketball players might be the most physically remarkable specimens. But decathletes, top-level sprinters and soccer players, and perhaps even competitive cyclists are all better athletes.
It depends on your definition of athlete. Basketball players are without a doubt unparallel talents. LeBron could quite possibly be one of the greatest athletic specimens in the world.
A play that lasts a minute is probably twice as long as the longest play ever recorded from scrimmage. If strength and conditioning are involved, you have to look at soccer players. In the NBA, you have your overweight lazy players. Same goes for the NFL. Show me one professional soccer player is that is overweight or that cant run miles on end without getting tired. Not to mention, there is incredible skill involved with the sport as well...its not just an endurance test.
Differences in the sports though. Soccer players are outstanding athletes all around because they play on a field that's like 3000 yards long and wide. NFL has a line of big men to stop a slightly smaller men with ridiculous athletes for their size. That's how the sport is. As for the NBA, unless you're talking about Thomas Hamilton, there's quite a bit big men that are amazing athletes. Sure you have the lesser of the bunch, because like the NFL, the sport is different. But Shaq in his prime was about as athletic of a man as you could possibly be at his size, let alone players like Dwight, Amare, etc. I don't think you can make a statement like "such and such players are the best athletes in the world."
Probably, but I just can't get the images of him missing the bar on three straight attempts at the '92 trials out of my head.
Well, since the title of the thread is saying "basketball players...", we are kind of forced to group all players within their respective sports. Yes, basketball and football have different positions and roles than a sport like soccer. But, since we are talking about which sport has the best athletes, you cant overlook the DT in football. The best athletes in any given sport are all on par with one another.
well, how about goalkeepers, they dont do alot, just kick a ball, or jump to block it. a lot of the DT, and offensive line, are quick for their dimensions, with over 300 pounds, they can run. I dont think people having the size of a member of the offensive/defensive line, have the agility to move like them. The practice sesions in football, I think they are the most complete, with the most discipline. Also you have to memorize all the plays, and you have to mix mind and body to do well.
The performers in Cirque du Soleil may be the world's best athletes. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U7tfyVbyD08&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U7tfyVbyD08&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N2K243bKTbM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N2K243bKTbM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Huh? You must not watch a lot of soccer...goalkeepers are still ridiculously athletic...its true that in games they dont do a lot of running, but catch them during practice or check them out during drills. The guys are very good atheletes. Not to mention, theyre reaction times are incredible. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oEUiKTtR5SM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oEUiKTtR5SM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
I give you Rugby League: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnjA0aMhoDg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnjA0aMhoDg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Speed, Strength, Endurance, Skill passing and kicking the ball. The ability to take a hit, dish one out, effectively tackle. Jumping for the high ball, performing under pressure.....
Basketball players require the most genetic gifts out of all the sports. If you weren't blessed it, you ain't going pro. In terms of physical conditioning and enduring pain, cyclist have to be near the top.
