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Dec 5, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (33) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 5, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (33) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
NFL franchise Cincinnati Bengals are counting their lucky stars with the athletes they have currently on their roster. But recent footage from college and high school of two unexpected Bengal players has shaken the internet. QB Joe Burrow and WR Tee Higgins have an impressive highlight reel that showed their potential in basketball.
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Both the Bengals players have some history on the hardwood floor, and it makes for an enticing ‘what if’ scenario.
Burrow, as a basketball player, was one of the best prospects during his high school years. His high school coach, Jeff Skinner, who oversaw his development, isn’t too surprised with his rise in football. Skinner recognizes how Burrow has reinvented himself and his calm demeanor in front of the media.
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Bengals WR Tee Higgins was also one of the top prospects when he was with the Oak Ridge High School. As a Wildcats player, he exceeded all expectations on the hardwood and had physical attributes that helped him jump out of the gym. With an excellent basketball IQ to match his physical abilities, it was clear he was the best the team had to offer.
Could Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins have headed to the NBA?
Both players were sensational during their time playing basketball. But when it came down to choosing between basketball and football, both chose the latter as a career. With some really impressive performances and a highlight tape to match it, both Burrow and Higgins could have potentially made it to the NBA.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
It’s a stretch and quite improbable to say what could have been for their basketball careers. But both have been crucial for the Bengals team and their run in the NFL in 2021. The biggest evidence of their importance to the franchise came during the AFC Championship game.
Higgins and Burrow combined when the Bengals needed them, as they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to reach Super Bowl LVI. Both of their efforts resurrected a franchise in slumber to make it to the Super Bowl. Watching them in the NBA might have been special, but their NFL career is not so bad either.
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