Boxer Jake Paul has stated that multiple National Football League teams have reached out to him regarding a potential playing opportunity. Paul, who has a professional boxing record of 12 wins and 2 losses, expressed confidence in his athletic abilities, claiming he possesses superior hands, speed, and strength compared to many current NFL players.
"I think there is a lot of super mediocrity in the NFL. A lot of not good athletes. Lot of people dropping passes on a consistent basis. I have better hands than them, I’m faster than them, I’m stronger than them, I work harder than them," Paul told Front Office Sports. He added that the transition to football should be "quite easy" and that he has already spoken with interested coaches and teams.
Paul drew parallels between the skepticism surrounding his NFL aspirations and the reaction he faced when he began his boxing career. "Just like when I started boxing, it’s funny to see the tweet-and-deleters out there, the nonbelievers, the naysayers," he said.
When asked about a preferred team, the Cleveland native expressed a desire to play for his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns. "I mean I’d love to go to the Cleveland Browns, been a Browns fan my whole entire life. My mom is a diehard Browns fan and I think they could use some good receivers over there. No. 17, Browns, reserve the jersey now," he stated.
Paul's most recent boxing match was in December 2025, where he was defeated by Anthony Joshua via knockout in the sixth round. Despite suffering a broken jaw in that fight, Paul has indicated on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" that he would consider returning to the ring for a sufficiently large financial offer.