Which Washington Nationals Players Could Thrive in the NFL?

Several Nationals stars possess the athleticism to potentially excel in professional football.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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With the Super Bowl captivating the nation, it's natural to wonder which athletes could excel in different sports. The Washington Nationals roster features several players with the raw speed, size, and athleticism to potentially make the transition to the NFL. Names like Elijah Green, Trea Turner, CJ Abrams, and Joey Wiemer consistently surface as potential NFL converts, each offering a unique skill set that could translate well to the gridiron.

Why it matters

The crossover between baseball and football is more common than many realize, as teams increasingly value multi-sport athletes who can transfer their skills across disciplines. This analysis highlights the broader trend of recognizing the value of diverse athletic backgrounds and the potential for Nationals players to find success in the NFL.

The details

Elijah Green, despite some struggles in professional baseball, stands out as a truly exceptional athlete at 6'3" and 225 pounds, with the size and speed to potentially excel as a safety or linebacker. Trea Turner's blazing speed and smooth athleticism could make him a valuable asset as a wide receiver, while CJ Abrams' quickness and agility suggest cornerback potential. The newest Nationals addition, Joey Wiemer, is a physical specimen at 6'4" and 226 pounds, with the size and strength to potentially thrive as a linebacker.

  • The Super Bowl captivated the nation on February 8, 2026.

The players

Elijah Green

A Nationals player with a combination of power and speed, and a family history in football as the son of former Pro Bowl tight end Eric Green.

Trea Turner

A Nationals player known for his elite speed and smooth athleticism, which could translate well to the wide receiver position in the NFL.

CJ Abrams

A Nationals player with the speed, agility, and ability to change direction quickly, suggesting potential as a lockdown cornerback in the NFL.

Joey Wiemer

The newest addition to the Nationals, a physical specimen at 6'4" and 226 pounds, with the size and strength to potentially excel as a linebacker in the NFL.

Jacob Young

Another Nationals player who possesses the athleticism to potentially play cornerback in the NFL, drawing comparisons to successful white cornerback Cooper DeJean.

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What they’re saying

“The crossover between baseball and football is more plausible than many realize, and a recent gaze at the Washington Nationals roster reveals several players with the raw athleticism to potentially excel in the NFL.”

— Chief Editor (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

This analysis highlights the increasing recognition of the value of multi-sport athletes, as teams increasingly seek out players with diverse athletic backgrounds who can transfer their skills across different sports. The Nationals roster showcases several players with the potential to make the transition to the NFL, underscoring the broader trend of athletes exploring opportunities beyond their primary sport.