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The Rare Double Draft: How Bryce Boettcher Chose Football Over Baseball

Bryce Boettcher has etched his name into the record books—not once, but twice. While most athletes specialize in a single sport, Boettcher defied expectations by being selected in two major professional drafts: first by a Major League Baseball team, then years later by an NFL franchise.

This kind of dual-career achievement is a rarity, a testament to his extraordinary versatility and dedication to excellence.

A Dual-Sport Journey at Oregon

Boettcher’s collegiate career at the University of Oregon was nothing short of remarkable. He arrived in 2021 on a baseball scholarship, but his athletic ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2022, he made the bold decision to walk onto the football team as a linebacker—a move that stunned many.

Most athletes commit fully to one sport, but Boettcher thrived in both.

• Baseball: Spent three seasons in the outfield, earning recognition for his power at the plate.
• Football: Started as a linebacker, earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team by 2024 and racking up 12 home runs in baseball.

His ability to balance both sports was a display of sheer determination.

The NFL Calling

By 2024, Boettcher had a unique opportunity: a special arrangement with his baseball team allowed him to play one final football season before fully transitioning to the NFL.

At the NFL Combine, his priorities were clear. Football, he declared, was where his passion now lay.

"You can’t tackle someone in baseball," he said, summarizing his bold choice. His sights were set on something baseball couldn’t offer—a Super Bowl ring.

Standing at 6’2” and 232 pounds, Boettcher’s physicality made him a dominant force on the field. But his baseball stats spoke for themselves—hitting .276 with a .372 on-base percentage and .500 slugging mark in 56 games was no fluke.

Why He Chose Football

In the end, Boettcher’s decision wasn’t just about talent—it was about purpose.

Success, he proved, isn’t just about skill; it’s about knowing what truly drives you. And for now, that drive leads to the NFL, where he aims to leave an indelible mark.

The story of Bryce Boettcher is one of unmatched versatility, relentless ambition, and the courage to choose one’s own path.