LeBron: I would have made NFL if I tried out during 2011 NBA lockout

LeBron James was once very close to taking his talents to a football field.

The Los Angeles Lakers star says he almost tried out for the NFL during the NBA's 2011 lockout, and he's confident he would have caught on with a team.

"I would have made the team," James said, according to The Athletic's Christopher Kamrani and Bill Oram. "I would have tried out, but I would have made the team."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones offered him an opportunity to play, while Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll sent James an invitation along with a custom jersey.

"One thing about it, I don't mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I'd have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I'd have tried (out), but I would have made the team. I just know what I'm capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age," James added.

Then-26-year-old James was coming off a frustrating NBA Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks as a member of the Miami Heat. The versatile forward gave the NFL serious consideration, even going as far as practicing route running and changing his training routine.

James, who last played football in high school, didn't end up giving the NFL a try but added he "always thinks about it."

The four-time MVP returned to the Association following the lockout and won back-to-back championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013. James later added two more NBA titles to his trophy case, winning with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers.

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