Summary: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, what many people do not know is that he was also a talented football player. In his freshman year at UCLA, he played on the varsity football team as a running back. This article will explore Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s brief stint as a football player and how it impacted his basketball career.
1. Abdul-Jabbar’s Football Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, enrolled at UCLA in 1965, where he played both basketball and football. He started off playing all nine games of his freshman year as a running back on the varsity football team. During his first game against University of Washington, he rushed for two touchdowns, which helped UCLA secure the victory with a score of 28-24. In his next eight games, he rushed for a total of 220 yards and another touchdown.
However, Abdul-Jabbar’s football career was cut short due to an injury. In the ninth game of the season, he suffered a cracked bone in his hand, which forced him to sit out the rest of the season and focus on basketball instead.
Despite only playing for one year, Abdul-Jabbar impressed college football coaches with his athleticism and potential. He was even offered a contract by the Dallas Cowboys, but he declined in order to focus on basketball.
2. Impact on Abdul-Jabbar’s Basketball Career
Abdul-Jabbar’s brief stint as a football player had a significant impact on his basketball career. Playing football helped him develop his physical attributes, such as strength and endurance, which he could then apply to basketball. It also taught him valuable skills such as discipline, teamwork, and strategy, which translated well to the court.
Abdul-Jabbar’s injury during his freshman year also led him to focus solely on basketball. With more time to dedicate to the sport, he was able to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He went on to win six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and was named an All-Star 19 times throughout his career.
Abdul-Jabbar has credited his brief time playing football for contributing to his success in basketball. In fact, he once said, “Football is the ultimate team sport, and that’s what I love about basketball.”
3. Abdul-Jabbar’s Legacy
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy as a basketball player is already cemented in history, but his time as a football player is often overlooked. However, it is worth noting that he was a talented athlete in multiple sports. His dominance on the basketball court may have overshadowed his football career, but it is important to acknowledge his versatility as an athlete.
Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extends beyond his sports career. He is an author, activist, and philanthropist. Throughout his life, he has used his platform to advocate for social justice and equality. He has written books, spoken at events, and contributed to various organizations that promote education and racial harmony.
For his contributions on and off the court, Abdul-Jabbar has been awarded numerous honors and accolades. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s time as a football player may have been brief, but it had a significant impact on his basketball career and his overall legacy. His athleticism and skills on the football field helped him become the legendary basketball player he is today. Abdul-Jabbar’s achievements extend beyond the realm of sports, and he continues to inspire future generations with his activism and philanthropy.