Getty Image / Brandon Sloter
There is a long history of crossover between the NFL and MLB.
Deion Sanders played in both leagues.
So did Bo Jackson.
Tom Brady was the last athlete drafted by the Montreal Expos to still be playing any sport professionally.
There are also a number of players currently in the NFL who were previously drafted to play baseball.
Patrick Mahomes was drafted by the Tigers before he went to college.
Jameis Winston was a 15th round pick in the MLB.
Kyler Murray was the 9th overall pick for the A’s back in 2018 despite the expectation that he’d continue playing football.
Russell Wilson even played some minor league baseball while he was in college.
Now there’s a notable college quarterback that could be the next player to end up getting drafted in both the MLB and NFL.
Earlier today, Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was selected in the 20th round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have selected current Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei in the 20th round of the MLB Draft. pic.twitter.com/ScKdLu6bG9
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) July 11, 2023
Uiagalelei played baseball in high school, but never did during his time at Clemson before transferring to Oregon State.
It is unlikely he’ll ever actually end up playing baseball for the Dodgers, but a pretty good one that he’ll be yet another QB that heads to the NFL after previously being drafted by an MLB team.
His stock has taken a pretty big hit over the past couple of seasons as he has struggled to keep the Clemson offense operating at a high level after taking over for Trevor Lawrence.
However, he has a chance to turn things around at Oregon State next season and there should be teams enticed by his potential.
DJ Uiagalelei’s first time being selected may have been in the MLB Draft, but it probably won’t be the last time.