Before fulfilling a lifelong dream to play in the NFL, the 2016 Rio Olympics had caught the attention of then-Florida State and now Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Ramsey was a dual-sport athlete during his college days competing in the long jump for the Seminoles’ track and field team. He even finished fourth in the nation in the event at the indoor NCAA track and field championships.
Of course, Ramsey wound up spending the summer preparing for the 2016 NFL Draft and was ultimately taken fifth overall. While the decision worked out for the four-time Pro Bowler, it appears his love for track and field has yet to wane.
Ramsey took to Twitter to congratulate those that qualified for this year’s Olympics in Tokyo while also reminiscing on what could have been:
I miss track. I used to be able to do a lil sum sum 😂..I really wonder if I would have dedicated my all to track, what if? Track athletes some of the best in the world FR❕Congrats to all the athletes who made the Olympics, especially my dawg @MCJR__ https://t.co/MLicyHxCpp
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) June 28, 2021
It is hardly unusual for professional athletes to think back on how their career would have played out had they chosen a different sport. However, few actually garner some merit when it comes to the prospect of succeeding in a different sport at the highest level.
There is no question that Ramsey is one of those athletes. He recorded the third-longest jump in school history at 26 feet, 1 3/4 inches at Florida State.
The winning jump at the 2016 Summer Olympics was just over 27 feet. Had Ramsey made efforts to focus solely on his other craft, there is a strong chance that he returns home with some Olympic hardware.
However, it was not to be for the Rams’ superstar. Although there is seemingly some regret in hindsight, there is no telling how much differently his football career would have played out.
Ramsey was part of a blockbuster trade that sent him to L.A. and would go on to sign a five-year, $105 million extension to become the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. As enticing as Olympic gold is, it is safe to say that move worked out for him.
