Rajon Rondo Speculation: What Other Sports Could Rondo Excel At?

Rajon Rondos is a special athlete.

When I think of Rondo, I think of a lanky freak of nature with quick hands and quicker feet, a true defensive demon on the court, the kind of player that can plague an opposing point guard the entire length of the floor.

What I also think of is how awesome he could have been in roles in other sports.  Imagine three scenarios and we’ll elaborate on each:  major league baseball center fielder, football free safety, and soccer goalie.

1) MLB Centerfielder

Rondo brings a lot of Ken Griffey Jr.-like athleticism to a position that would require it.

Center fielders are usually among the quickest on the team, along with shortstops of course.  Rondo would be able to make the athletic catches, the home run saves, the slides, the dives.  He would be awesome in center fielder.  On offense, if he took a while to develop, he could work on his bunt game, as I figure a good bunt by Rondo would get him on base most of the time.  From there, he could steal second base a lot, aided by his long and quick stride.  I would love to see Rondo in Major League Baseball.

2)  Football Free Safety

Could you imagine the things Rondo could do in the backfield?  I also think he would make a good receiver, but that is a whole different topic.  What I envision is a guy who would intercept every long pass, make every saving tackle, and prevent big plays from being even bigger.  He could also play cornerback most likely, even better than receiver.  There are so many positions Rondo could play in football that would utilize his great length and quick, big hands.


3)  Soccer Goalie

Could you imagine Rondo’s quick feet and long arms in a soccer goal?  Would any one score at all?  Even on penalty shots I think Rondo would be so quick he wouldn’t be left guessing like most GOOD goalies.  Yes, I am suggesting Rondo would be a great goalie.  Moreover, as a special specimen as he is, he gets to wear whatever colors and kind of jersey he wants as goalie, so he could go out in style.  He would definitely propel the U.S. World Cup team into the second round.  I don’t think I am exaggerating.  He would be quick enough, long enough, and smart enough to make a lot of great saves.

We’ve looked at what Rondo could do in other sports, but what he is doing in basketball is pretty great in its own right.  His coordination enables him to make a lot of moves other point guards are incapable of.  His huge hands enable him to palm the ball and thus make better one-handed passes.  He is an exceptional athlete and I feel he would excel in so many different facets in sports as a top flight versatile athlete.  Rondo, in short, is pretty amazing, and I’m glad he got his chance to be in the NBA.  He is the kind of player that would rise to the top anyway, but a lot of bad things can go wrong along the way.  Here’s to hoping Rondo has an injury-free impressive career…!