What If They Never Played Football? Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes & NFL Stars Reveal Dream Careers
For NFL superstars like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, football isn’t just a career—it’s a calling that’s brought fame, fortune, and the chance to live out childhood dreams. But what if things had turned out differently? What would these athletes be doing if they hadn’t made it to the gridiron’s biggest stage? Recently, several NFL stars shared their alternative career choices, offering fans a fascinating glimpse into their lives beyond football.
Josh Allen: Birdwatcher and Pistachio Farmer
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is known for his rocket arm and fearless play, but his off-field interests are a world apart from football. Allen revealed that if he weren’t an NFL quarterback, he might have embraced a quieter life as a birdwatcher. “I’d be a nature boy,” Allen joked, clarifying he didn’t mean Ric Flair’s wrestling persona. With his family owning a large pistachio farm in California, Allen also has a ready-made fallback—working the land and enjoying the outdoors.
Patrick Mahomes: Law and Steakhouses
Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes has already started building his legacy off the field. Alongside teammate Travis Kelce, Mahomes recently opened the 1587 Prime Steakhouse in Kansas City, hinting at a future in the restaurant business. But if football hadn’t worked out, Mahomes says he would have pursued a career in law. “I would’ve gone the legal route,” Mahomes shared, showing a side of himself that’s as analytical as it is competitive. With his business ventures thriving, it’s easy to imagine Mahomes opening more restaurants or even stepping into the courtroom.
Other NFL Stars: From Swimming to Science
Not all alternative career choices are as serious—or as realistic. Keon Coleman, the rookie wide receiver, quipped that he’d be a “professional swimmer,” a tongue-in-cheek answer that highlights the playful side of NFL locker rooms. Jameis Winston, known for his humor, claimed he’d become a podiatrist, though fans are left to wonder if he’s joking or genuinely interested in feet.
Life After Football: The Tom Brady Example
While most players are focused on the game, some have already begun their second acts. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady, for instance, has seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a Fox Sports commentator. Brady’s move proves that even the biggest stars eventually find new passions and careers once their playing days are over.
The Takeaway: More Than Just Athletes
These revelations remind fans that NFL players are more than just athletes—they’re individuals with diverse interests, talents, and dreams. Whether it’s running a farm, opening a steakhouse, studying law, or even birdwatching, the league’s brightest stars have plenty of options outside football. For now, fans can be grateful these talents chose the gridiron, but it’s fun to imagine what might have been.
Josh Allen might be watching birds or harvesting pistachios. Patrick Mahomes could be arguing cases in court or serving steaks in Kansas City. And while some answers are just for laughs, others show the real-life ambitions of football’s biggest names. Whatever their paths, these NFL stars prove that greatness isn’t limited to the football field.
