Being a professional athlete is one thing; excelling at an All-Star level is another. But what about dominating in multiple sports? While legends like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders made it seem effortless, many have navigated successful careers across various athletic disciplines. Here’s a look at six athletes who thrived in multiple sports.
Ellyse Perry
Cricket and soccer
Ellyse Perry demonstrated her exceptional talent in both cricket and soccer from a young age, debuting for the Australian women’s national cricket team at just 16 and joining the Australian women’s soccer team by 17.
- Cricket: She excelled in Test cricket and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), becoming one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket with over 300 international wickets and selection to the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.
- Soccer: Perry played professionally for Canberra United in Australia’s W-League and represented the Matildas, participating in major tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her ability to excel in both sports at such a high level has solidified her reputation as one of the greatest female athletes of all time.
Jim Thorpe
Track & field, football, baseball, and basketball
Jim Thorpe stands as one of history’s most versatile athletes. His Olympic gold medals in 1912 launched him into stardom, with successful careers in football, baseball, and basketball further cementing his legacy.
- Track & Field: Thorpe won gold in the decathlon and pentathlon during the 1912 Summer Olympics, a performance that remains legendary, marking him as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.
- American Football: He was a dominant force in early NFL history, playing for teams like the Canton Bulldogs and the Oorang Indians while also taking on coaching roles.
- Baseball: Thorpe played six seasons in MLB as an outfielder for teams including the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds.
- Basketball: He also played professional basketball for a few seasons, though this aspect of his career was less notable than his achievements in other sports.
Jackie Robinson
Baseball and football
Growing up in Pasadena, CA, Jackie Robinson attended UCLA and showcased his talent across four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. Despite his prowess in football, he chose to pursue baseball, making history in 1947 as the first African American to play in modern Major League Baseball, forever impacting society both within and beyond sports.
- Baseball: Robinson shattered MLB’s color barrier with his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers. A six-time All-Star and 1949 NL MVP, he played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series championship and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
- Football: At UCLA, Robinson was an outstanding halfback, leading the Bruins to a victory in the 1939 Rose Bowl. He briefly played semi-pro football before his career was interrupted by World War II.
Beyond athletics, Robinson was a trailblazer, breaking down racial barriers and becoming a civil rights icon. His legacy thrives through the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the annual Jackie Robinson Day in MLB when players, coaches, and umpires wear his uniform No. 42 on April 15.
Herschel Walker
Football and mixed martial arts
Herschel Walker was a formidable football player at every level. His Heisman Trophy-winning season at Georgia established him as one of the greatest college players ever.
His unexpected transition to MMA showcased his commitment to fitness and competition.
- Football: Walker is celebrated as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, playing for teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, and earning two Pro Bowl selections while rushing for over 13,000 yards.
- MMA: He made his MMA debut at age 47, surprising many, but successfully achieved a 2-0 record through his athletic ability and mental fortitude.
Kerri Strug
Gymnastics and track & field
Kerri Strug was a leading gymnast who trained at the renowned Bela Karolyi’s gymnastics camp, quickly becoming one of the nation’s best. While gymnastics was her main focus, her athleticism in track and field bolstered her ability to succeed on the international stage.
- Gymnastics: Strug’s heroism in helping the U.S. women’s gymnastics team win the 1996 Olympic gold medal in Atlanta remains iconic, especially her courageous vault despite a serious ankle injury. She also earned several World Championship medals and was a U.S. National Champion.
- Track & Field: Besides gymnastics, Strug found success in high school track and field, competing in sprinting events as a well-rounded athlete.
Kyler Murray
Football and baseball
Kyler Murray is among the few athletes to excel at the highest level in both football and baseball. His journey as a dual-sport talent enhances his impressive resume, as he not only serves as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals but was also drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
- Baseball: Before focusing solely on football, Murray was a promising baseball player, showcasing his skills as a shortstop and outfielder at Oklahoma, which led to his selection as the ninth overall pick by the Athletics.
- Football: As Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, he won the 2018 Heisman Trophy, confirming his potential and making him a coveted prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, resulting in his selection by the Cardinals as the No. 1 overall pick.
