Known for his grit and toughness, Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem , the Miami Heat legend, recently shared a hilarious story about his short-lived football career. During an episode of the OGs Show, Haslem revealed how a brutal hit on the field led him to switch sports for good.
The former Heat star stated that he played tight end and defensive end in high school and he recalled how he initially thrived on the gridiron. He was forced to quit because he chose to keep his ‘business’ intact to maybe be a superstar like Shannon Sharpe.
I could really catch a fade. I ain’t just saying that s*** on TV… and a slant. Now with defense, you’d get your ass lit up… I played tight end…defensive end and tight end in high school. Until I got hit in my s*** and quit. Udonis Haslem said on the OGs Show
The experience was enough to push him towards basketball, a sport where he eventually made his mark as one of the most beloved players in Miami Heat history. Haslem’s decision to switch sports clearly paid off, as he went on to have a storied 20-year career with the Miami Heat.
He won three NBA championships, and most importantly, was a key contributor to the team’s famed ‘Heat Culture.’. He announced his retirement on the 28th of July last year after the Heat lost the NBA Finals to the Denver Nuggets.
Udonis Haslem reveals LeBron James’ extraordinary work ethic
Sharing the court and winning a ring with LeBron James is all it takes for Udonis Haslem to share insights into the four-time NBA champion’s exceptional work ethic. He made this known during an episode of “The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone.”
We both had a front-row seat to watch the best to ever do it. When he talks about how to last and how to stick around in this league, we both had a front-row seat to Bron. Udonis Haslem said on the Pat Bev Podcast
Additionally, Haslem recalled James’ dedication to improving every aspect of his game. Notably, LeBron James set a high standard for his team by consistently pushing himself to new limits.
Moreover, Haslem recounted a conversation with James in which James promised to ensure his teammates got their money’s worth after they took pay cuts to bring him to Miami. This attitude clearly demonstrates why many consider James one of the greatest players in NBA history.
