Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Recalls Moment When He Realized He Has "No Chance" Of Making It In The NFL

In the world of basketball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has staked his claim as one of the most talented players today. The reigning MVP knows, however, that athletic gifts in one sport don't necessarily translate to another.

Appearing on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" last Friday, SGA was asked if he could ever try a new venture by joining the NFL. Gilgeous-Alexander did not hesitate with his response.

"No chance, no chance," he said, shaking his head. "I wouldn't disrespect them like that. Just like they can't come on the basketball court, I can't go on the football court. We just stay in our lanes."

When Fallon asked if the 6-foot-6 guard ever played football in his younger years, Gilgeous-Alexander replied that he "very quickly" ditched the sport.

"I played running back, so I got hit a lot," he explained. "I fell on the ball when I got tackled a couple of times."

NBA fans will take note of this comment on physicality, as the Oklahoma City Thunder star has thrived on seeking contact and drawing fouls from opposing defenders.  Last season, only Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged more free throws attempts than SGA, who took 8.8 foul shots per game.

Apparently, the younger version of Gilgeous-Alexander was not up for the rigor of football, making it an easy decision for him to turn his back on the gridiron.

"I fell on the football and got the wind knocked out of me," he recalled. "I didn't like that at all, so I quit right away."

And the rest, of course, was history as SGA thrived in basketball at the high school, college, and professional levels. This past season, Gilgeous-Alexander declared his arrival as an elite NBA star by winning the NBA MVP award, leading the Thunder to the NBA championship, and bagging Finals MVP honors.

To punctuate the conversation on his dashed football hopes, SGA had one last punchline to drop in front of Fallon.

"I never got the wind knocked out of me while playing basketball," the reigning NBA MVP said with a straight face.