Some football players are great at one position. Others are so talented that they can play—and dominate—at multiple spots on the field. Whether switching between offense and defense, playing different roles in the same unit, or excelling in both college and the NFL, these ten players showed a rare level of versatility. Their unique skill sets made them legends of the game.
These ten players didn’t just play multiple positions—they dominated them. Their rare ability to excel in different roles helped shape the game and left a lasting impact on football history.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe was one of the greatest athletes in history, excelling in football, baseball, and even track and field. In the early days of pro football (1915-1928), he played multiple positions, including running back, defensive back, and kicker. Thorpe was also the first president of what became the NFL. His all-around talent earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963.
Deion Sanders
Deion “Prime Time” Sanders was a superstar in both football and baseball. He played cornerback, wide receiver, and return specialist in the NFL from 1989 to 2005, suiting up for teams like the Falcons, Cowboys, and 49ers. Sanders was a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best shutdown corners ever. He also played Major League Baseball, making him the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson was a rare blend of power and speed, excelling in both the NFL and MLB. As a running back for the Raiders from 1987 to 1990, he ran over defenders and outran defensive backs. He also played professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals, earning an MLB All-Star selection in 1989. A devastating hip injury cut his football career short, but his impact on both sports remains legendary.
Chuck Bednarik
Chuck Bednarik was one of the last true two-way players in the NFL. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962, dominating as both a center and a linebacker. Known as “Concrete Charlie,” he was a fierce tackler who helped the Eagles win two NFL Championships. His famous hit on Frank Gifford in 1960 is one of the most memorable plays in league history.
Sammy Baugh
Sammy Baugh revolutionized the game in multiple ways. Playing for Washington from 1937 to 1952, he excelled as a quarterback, punter, and defensive back. In 1943, he led the league in passing, punting, and interceptions, a feat that may never be matched. Baugh’s passing ability helped shape the modern NFL, and he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Kordell Stewart
Nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to play multiple positions, Kordell Stewart was one of the most unique players of the 1990s and early 2000s. He played quarterback, wide receiver, and even running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stewart’s athleticism allowed him to make big plays whether he was throwing, running, or catching the ball. He later became a full-time quarterback and led Pittsburgh to an AFC Championship appearance in 2001.
Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman started his career as a college quarterback but became one of the best wide receivers in New England Patriots history. Drafted in 2009, he played wide receiver, punt returner, and even emergency defensive back. He was named Super Bowl MVP in 2019 after making clutch catches to help the Patriots win. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure made him a key part of three Super Bowl titles.
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Gordie Lockbaum
Gordie Lockbaum was a two-way star at Holy Cross in the 1980s, playing both running back and defensive back. Though he never had a long NFL career, he was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, a rare feat for a two-way player. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball made him one of college football’s most unique athletes. He proved that versatility could lead to greatness at the highest levels of the game.
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Bronko Nagurski
Bronko Nagurski was a true powerhouse, playing both fullback and defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1930 to 1937, and briefly returning from retirement for the 1943 season. His size and strength made him nearly unstoppable on offense and a force on defense. He helped lead the Bears to multiple championships and was one of the original Hall of Fame inductees in 1963. His physical dominance set the standard for future generations.
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Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill has become one of the most versatile modern NFL players. Since joining the New Orleans Saints in 2017, he has played quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, and even special teams among other positions. His ability to switch roles on the fly makes him a unique weapon for the Saints’ offense. Whether running, passing, or catching, Hill continues to redefine what a Swiss Army knife player can do in today’s NFL.
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