In the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, aired on October 16, NFL legends Travis and Jason Kelce had a fascinating discussion about a bold hypothesis: how would Connor McDavid, the NHL superstar and widely regarded as the league’s best player, fare in the NFL
The conversation kicked off with Travis Kelce, a 4-time All-Pro tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, expressing admiration for McDavid’s exceptional ice hockey skills. He quickly raised the question of whether the Oilers captain could transition from skating on ice to running on grass, comparing McDavid’s smooth movements on the ice with the agility of NFL players. “He moves on the ice like a running back. He has vision like a running back,” Travis shared enthusiastically.
However, Jason Kelce, a former center for the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed skepticism. While acknowledging McDavid’s impressive speed, he highlighted the significant differences between skating techniques and running on the field. “Skating is way different. I’ve seen people who are great skaters, but running on the field is a whole different thing,” Jason noted.
Despite his doubts, Jason agreed that McDavid possesses qualities that could make him shine on the football field, emphasizing McDavid’s dexterity and agility as potential assets. “It’s not that NHL players lack fitness, but the muscle groups you activate when skating versus running are totally different. But the dexterity, the agility—that’s there. Maybe…” he pondered, leaving room for interesting speculation.
The conversation became even more engaging as the Kelce brothers discussed McDavid’s recent success, particularly as the NHL season approaches alongside the release of Amazon’s new documentary, “Faceoff: Inside the NHL.” The trailer reveals scenes of McDavid in intense competition during the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers, showcasing his passion and fierce determination.
McDavid shared his unexpected experience in the documentary: “I never thought I’d be the show’s centerpiece. We just wanted to give it a try, but now we’re in way deeper,” he told The Athletic.
With the NHL season about to begin, the hypothesis of McDavid joining the NFL might be just a fun side story, but it has certainly sparked lively debate among fans and analysts alike.
