“I always wanted to be better than him” – Anthony Edwards explains why he switched to basketball from football

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It is difficult to envision modern-day basketball without Anthony Edwards, a star who has left a impression on many with his ability to match his words with actions, formidable two-way presence, athleticism, and strength.

However, had it not been for his intense competitive spirit in beating his elder brother in basketball, Ant-Man might never have pursued a career in basketball. He was also that good at football as a kid and bound to feature in the NFL.

Edwards claimed to be a football superstar

Anthony was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick after he averaged 19.1 points and 1.3 steals per game during his lone season for the Georgia Bulldogs. However, while one would assume that the 6’4″ shooting guard might be a natural looking at his playing style, he mentioned how it had not been long before he had shifted his focus towards basketball.

Moreover, he gushed about how, as a 10-year-old kid, he was so talented at football that he was regarded as the most elite running back in the country.

“I could have been a professional football player,” Edwards said in an interview with SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell in 2019. “I was really good. I was the No. 1 running back in the country at 9 or 10.”

Focus on besting his brother brought him to basketball

Even in a recent interview with Jalen Rose, the 23-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves star reaffirmed how NFL-bound he was as a player. But his drive to outshine his older brother pushed him to train tirelessly in basketball, eventually falling in love with the sport.

“I was super good at football like growing up. So, that was the only thing in my mind. Growing up with older brothers in the house, you always want to be like your older brother… My middle brother – he was super good at basketball. And I always wanted to be better than him. Then, I just started training for basketball and I then never could beat him,” Edwards said. “I finally beat him in the 10th grade, and then I just kept training.”

Even more impressively, while the two-time All-Star may dedicate all his time to basketball now, he confidently claimed that he was still good enough at football that he’d even be willing to challenge Kevin Durant on the field. That shows just how much he believes in his skills as a running back, even to this day. Considering his speed, strength, and agility, he does seem to have all the traits necessary to reach the NFL.