It’s a very rare thing when a man can excel at two distinct career paths, and it’s even rarer when those career paths require incredible feats of athleticism, skill and intelligence. Perhaps that’s why El Rey’s new television show, Matador, looks so appealing to us. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch a professional athlete moonlighting as a spy?
So, to tide you over until the series premiere on July 15th at 9pm ET/PT, we’ve compiled a list of awesome athletes who not only play two different professional sports, but play them both incredibly well.
Brought to you by El Rey’s Matador
Best Two-Sport Athletes of All-Time
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Bo Jackson
Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson seem to be kindred spirits. Both great sportsmen, both played professional baseball and football, and the Kansas City Royals drafted both of them. The difference? It seemed that Bo Jackson saw baseball as his first sport, choosing to suffer through baseball in the minor leagues even though he had been the first pick in the NFL draft. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images) -
Deion Sanders
Did you know that Deion Sanders played football and did gymnastics? Just kidding… About the gymnastics, I mean. Deion Sanders did play football (and quite well for those of you who don’t know that), but he also played professional baseball, part-time. I mean, it makes sense right? A guy has to make a living and obviously a stellar NFL career can only buy you so many Bentleys. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) -
Wilt Chamberlain
No, Wilt’s second sport didn’t have to do with his impressive record with the ladies. Wilt “the Stilt” was actually a phenomenal volleyball player. He was so good that he was even named to the volleyball hall of fame. What can’t that guy do? (Photo By The Denver Post via Getty Images) -
Dave DeBusschere
In a list primarily made up of football/baseball players, this man is a bit of anomaly. DeBusschere was a professional basketball player who also played baseball. Not only that, but he was a pitcher with a career 2.9 ERA! Granted, he only played 7 games in the major leagues, that’s still impressive. -
Brian Jordan
After playing just a few years as a safety in the NFL – including a season where he was voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, Jordan switched over to baseball and had a very long and prosperous career. He even made the all-star team in 1999. Pro Bowler and all-star? That’s a pretty incredible feat. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images) -
Bob Hayes
“Bullet Bob,” as he was known, was an Olympic sprinter who happened to find his way into the NFL as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. He had a 10 year career, playing for two teams and earning himself 3 Pro Bowl selections. Oh, and he got two gold medals during the 1964 Olympics too. (Photo Credit: 1974 Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images) -
Ed 'Too Tall' Jones
The man with the least inventive nickname ever was an incredibly talented football player and was also touted as a good boxer. Why “touted,” you ask? Well, it seems that when Ed took a sabbatical from football to box, all six of his bouts were against journeymen nobodies. That’s not to say that his 6-0 record with five knockouts isn’t impressive. It is. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) -
Jim Thorpe
If you haven’t heard of this guy, you’re in for a treat, Thorpe might be one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. Not only was he a gold medal athlete in the pentathlon and decathlon, but he also played professional football, baseball and basketball. (Photo by Branger/Roger Viollet/Getty Images) -
Walter Ray Williams, Jr.
And finally, the crème de la crème of this amazing list, we finally arrive at the unfathomable Walter Ray Williams Jr. If you haven’t heard of this guy, you must living your life with blinders strapped to your face. Not only does he hold the record for career PBA tour titles (that’s bowling, by the way), but he is also a 9-time world champion in horseshoes. Say hello to your new hero. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage for ESPN)
