Nationals Players Who Could Thrive in the NFL

Four Washington Nationals stars who may have found success on the gridiron

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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With the Super Bowl tonight, the author examines four Washington Nationals players who could have excelled in the NFL due to their elite athleticism and physical attributes. The players discussed are Elijah Green, Trea Turner, CJ Abrams, and Joey Wiemer, each of whom possesses the size, speed, and skills to potentially translate their talents to the football field.

Why it matters

The article highlights the incredible athletic ability of some Nationals players, showcasing how the organization has produced a number of freakishly talented athletes who could have found success in other professional sports like the NFL. It provides an interesting hypothetical look at how these players' skills might have translated to the gridiron.

The details

The author believes Elijah Green, with his 6'3" 225-pound frame and elite speed and power, could have been a dominant safety or linebacker in the NFL, drawing comparisons to Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori. Former Nat Trea Turner's blazing speed and smooth athleticism could have made him an effective NFL wide receiver, potentially similar to Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba. CJ Abrams' lean build, speed, and movement skills are seen as ideal for an NFL cornerback, while the size and athleticism of Joey Wiemer could have translated well to linebacker.

  • The Super Bowl is tonight (February 8, 2026).

The players

Elijah Green

A current Nationals prospect who is a 6'3", 225-pound outfielder with an elite blend of power and speed, which the author believes could have made him a dominant safety or linebacker in the NFL.

Trea Turner

A former Nationals player who is now 32 years old but still one of the fastest players in MLB, with the author believing his speed and athleticism could have translated well to being an NFL wide receiver.

CJ Abrams

A current Nationals infielder who, at 6'0" and 191 pounds, has the lean build, speed, and movement skills that the author thinks would be ideal for an NFL cornerback.

Joey Wiemer

A new Nationals outfielder acquisition who, at 6'4" and 226 pounds, has the size and athleticism that the author believes could have made him a formidable NFL linebacker, similar to the 49ers' Fred Warner.

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The takeaway

The Washington Nationals organization has produced a number of incredibly talented athletes who, in another life, could have found great success in the NFL due to their elite physical attributes and natural abilities. While they chose to pursue baseball, it's fascinating to imagine how players like Elijah Green, Trea Turner, CJ Abrams, and Joey Wiemer might have fared on the gridiron.