Before LeBron James was “King” on the NBA basketball court, he also excelled on the gridiron as a high school football standout.

James played wide receiver for two years at St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio) under then-head coach and athletic director Jim Meyer.

Meyer, a guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast, recalled James’ rapid ascent to dominance in football.

Like most high school football players, James started on the freshman squad before quickly transitioning to varsity once he started doing things that most high school players—let alone ninth-graders—are usually not capable of.

“LeBron James started making some unbelievable catches and doing spectacular things with the ball as a freshman,” Meyer said.

Once basketball season came around, James was unstoppable on the court. He led St. Vincent-St. Mary to a state championship that season—the first of three he’d claim during his high school career. Meyer recalls being in the arena and watching greatness unfold.

“The usher was sitting with us watching the game. LeBron throws an interception under the basket and the star guard [on the other team] gets to half court, headed to a lay-up and LeBron wheels around. As the guy is laying up, he slams the ball against the backboard, knocks it down and gets a big dunk [on the other end],” said Meyer. “The usher said he’s never seen that ever… and he’d been there 20-some years watching basketball.”

After that, James went on to play football his sophomore year, catching between 45-50 passes and earning All-State recognition. He turned down offers to play football in college, choosing the NBA instead.

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James has attributed his toughness on the hardwood to his time playing high school football. Meyer also looks back at James’ time playing football with positive memories.

“He was a pleasure to coach, very coachable kid,” Meyer said. “He was a good 16-year-old, having fun and playing ball.”

Listen to the full interview with Jim Meyer on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator below:

 

Video: LeBron James high school football highlights: