Linebacker Brandon Magee has seen time in 17 NFL games over the past two years, mostly on special teams. But after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, Magee already had a nice fallback option lined up for Wednesday: Spring training with the Boston Red Sox.
The former Arizona State two-sport athlete went undrafted in football, but was selected in the 2008, 2011 and 2012 MLB drafts. He participated in extended spring training with the Red Sox last season, and planned to join the team at its camp in Fort Myers, Fla. on Wednesday regardless of his NFL employment status.
MLB.com has the story:
Oh yeah, I’m very curious, Magee said. Hey, that’s why I’m out here, trying to make the best of my opportunities. I’m blessed to play two sports. Anything I put my mind to, I could become successful at. We’ll see how it goes.
Though it’s a tough balancing act, Magee has a certifiable expert on the subject on speed dial in Bo Jackson….
He’s a great guy, Magee said. He’s been here before and he’s an encouragement all the time I’ve talked to him. He’s just encouraged me to stay humble and keep working hard. Try to outwork everybody out here. That’s his main key.”
So that’s cool. If you’re endeavoring a career as a two-sport athlete, there’s probably no one better to be talking to than Bo Jackson.
Magee’s chances at reaching the big leagues appear slim, especially if he’s still committed to playing in the NFL. Due in part to his football schedule, he saw only limited playing time at Arizona State and hit only .103 in his time there. But then, NFL-caliber athleticism isn’t something you can teach.
And the linebacker/outfielder helps underscore, yet again, just how phenomenal Bo Jackson was. It’s pretty hard to be a star pro athlete in one sport.