Everyone knows LeBron James is one of the most recognizable and respected names in the NBA. But in the NFL? That was close to reality.

King James shared his story about almost being recruited by the NFL teams back in 2011 on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli.”

“That’s true,” James said. “Jerry Jones [Dallas Cowboys owner] offered me a contract. Also, Pete Carroll [Seattle Seahawks Executive VP] did as well in Seattle during our lockout time. It definitely got my blood flowing again. Got my mind racing again thinking about the game of football, being out there on Sundays.”

The four-time NBA champion even kept the jerseys from both teams.

“We were able to get a deal done in the NBA and I was back on the court in no time,” said James. “But I definitely thought about it. Still got the jersey too that Jerry and Pete Carroll sent me from 2011.”

After hearing LeBron’s story, Peyton Manning was certain he would’ve thrown many TDs to James.

“I would’ve thrown so many touchdowns to LeBron… down there in the end zone, put ’em out wide, throw the fade, jump ball…[throwing] 75 touchdowns,” Peyton said.

LeBron agreed, simply saying, “Yeah… absolutely.”

Back in February, the 17-time All-Star also expressed his confidence to be able to thrive on the field just as on the basketball court.

“I would have made the team,” James told The Athletic. “I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. One thing about it, I don’t mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I’d have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I’d have tried, but I would have made the team. I just know what I’m capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age.”

James, 26 at that time, eventually stayed in the NBA to play for the Miami Heat, where he won two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013.