5 Top Athletes Who Switched Sports

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 27 March 2023

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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• Athletes Who Switched Sports
• Which Athletes Changed Sports And Why?
• Why Do Athletes Change Sports?
• Michael Jordan
• Conor McGregor
• Greg Hardy
• Victoria Pendleton
• Andrew Flintoff
• Frequently Asked Questions

Switching sports is a daunting task, even for professional athletes. But some athletes have defied the odds and successfully made the transition. Whether it’s due to injury, burnout, or simply seeking new challenges, these athletes have shown remarkable athleticism and versatility in mastering different sports. Today, we’re going to look at athletes who switched sports – some of whom may come as a complete shock to you!

Athletes Who Switched Sports

In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of professional athletes who switched sports. We will explore the reasons behind their decisions and the challenges they faced, as well as their achievements and successes.

From football players turned MMA stars to swimmers turned cyclists, these athletes demonstrate that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Read on to discover the incredible stories of these sports legends.

Which Athletes Changed Sports?

Which athletes changed sports and why? On this page, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable athletes who have made the switch to a different sport. We will examine the motivations behind their decisions, the challenges they faced, and how they adapted to their new athletic endeavors.

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Why Do Athletes Change Sports?

Athletes may change sports for various reasons, ranging from personal motivations to physical limitations or professional aspirations. One common reason is the desire to explore new challenges and test their abilities in different arenas.

Elite athletes often possess a strong competitive spirit and a drive for self-improvement, which can lead them to seek fresh opportunities outside their primary sport. This pursuit of new challenges can ignite an athlete’s passion for sports and help them develop a more comprehensive skill set.

In some cases, athletes may switch sports due to injuries or physical limitations that prevent them from competing at the highest level in their original discipline. Transitioning to a new sport can allow these athletes to continue their careers while reducing the risk of aggravating existing injuries.

It can also provide an opportunity to use their athletic talents in a different context, potentially leading to bigger success in their new sport. Furthermore, athletes may change sports for professional or financial reasons. A switch to a more lucrative or high-profile sport can lead to increased earnings, endorsement deals, or media exposure.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s switch from basketball to baseball, albeit brief, was a testament to his relentless pursuit of athletic excellence and his impact on the sports world. In 1993, after winning three consecutive NBA championships and achieving immense success as a basketball player, Jordan shocked the world by announcing his retirement from the sport to pursue a career in professional baseball.

He cited his late father’s influence and his own childhood dream of playing baseball as reasons for this unexpected decision. Signing with the Chicago White Sox organization, he played for their minor league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons, as an outfielder.

While his baseball skills were understandably pretty poor, Jordan showed remarkable determination and commitment to improving. He batted .202 with 3 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases during his single season with the Barons.

Though Jordan never reached the major leagues, his attempt to master a completely different sport inspired other athletes to explore their abilities beyond their primary disciplines.

In 1995, Jordan returned to basketball and continued his dominance, winning three more championships with the Chicago Bulls. His venture into baseball underscored his fearless and versatile approach to sports, proving that even the greatest athletes can challenge themselves in new arenas.

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor’s transition from MMA to boxing garnered significant attention and showcased his adaptability as an athlete. The Irish fighter’s charisma, trash-talking, and undeniable fighting skills had already established him as a global superstar in the world of MMA.

In August 2017, McGregor took on boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly anticipated and lucrative bout, aptly named “The Money Fight.” Though McGregor had no professional boxing experience, his confidence and fighting spirit were on full display during the event.

He entered the ring with a unique style, attempting to implement his striking techniques from MMA. Despite ultimately being defeated in the 10th round by technical knockout, McGregor’s ability to hold his own against a seasoned boxer demonstrated his commitment to pushing the boundaries of combat sports.

The fight generated enormous revenue, and it created a bridge between the worlds of MMA and boxing, encouraging other fighters to explore cross-disciplinary matchups. This crossover event also expanded McGregor’s personal brand, solidifying him as a versatile and daring athlete unafraid to take risks.

Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy’s transition from the NFL to the world of MMA exemplified the potential for athletes to reinvent themselves after leaving their initial sport.

Once a feared defensive end in the NFL, Hardy’s career was damaged by off-field issues, including a domestic violence conviction. In 2016, after his NFL career ended, Hardy turned to MMA, where he found a new outlet for his athletic prowess. 

Hardy’s rapid rise in the sport showcased his impressive physical abilities and the dedication required to adapt to a new discipline. In just a few years, he went from an MMA novice to competing in the UFC, the most prestigious organization in the sport. Hardy’s switch to MMA proved that even athletes with troubled pasts can find redemption and new opportunities in a different arena.

However, his transition to MMA has been controversial, as many critics argue that his past actions should disqualify him from competing at the highest level. Hardy’s story highlights the complexities of athletes switching sports and the various factors that can influence public perception and acceptance.

Victoria Pendleton

When thinking of pro players who changed sports, Victoria Pendleton may not be a name that would immediately come to mind. She’s also not one of the sportsmen that switched sports – being the only female on this list.

Victoria Pendleton, a British track cyclist who won multiple Olympic gold medals, made an impressive switch to horse racing in 2015. Pendleton took on the challenge to compete in the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, after only a year of training.

Her journey from novice to jockey was documented in a series called “Switching Saddles,” which showcased her dedication to learning a new sport and the challenges she faced along the way. Under the eye of renowned trainers, Pendleton quickly developed her riding skills, demonstrating the same determination and focus that had brought her success in track cycling.

Pendleton’s transition to horse racing was initially met with skepticism from some in the equestrian community. However, her perseverance and commitment to the sport eventually won over critics. In March 2016, she competed in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing in an impressive fifth place.

Andrew Flintoff

Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, a former English cricketer and a key player in England’s 2005 Ashes victory, made a switch to professional boxing in 2012. Known for his powerful batting and aggressive bowling, Flintoff retired from cricket in 2010 due to a persistent knee injury. Looking for a new athletic challenge, he embarked on a journey to become a professional boxer.

Flintoff’s transition to boxing was documented in a television series called “Flintoff: From Lord’s to the Ring.” Over several months, he trained under the guidance of former world champion Barry McGuigan and his son Shane, learning the fundamentals of the sport and the physical conditioning required for boxing success.

In November 2012, Flintoff made his professional boxing debut in a four-round heavyweight bout against American Richard Dawson. Despite being knocked down in the second round, Flintoff managed to secure a victory by points decision. His foray into boxing, though short-lived, demonstrated his resilience and adaptability as an athlete.

If you’d like to find out about other sportswomen and sportsmen that changed sports, check out the table below!