When we think about the best baseball players, we usually think of MLB stars. But some of the best baseball players in the NFL may be hiding in plain sight—inside the New York Giants’ quarterback room. Surprisingly, three of their current QBs have deep roots in baseball and once looked destined for careers on the diamond. Now, they’re showing that elite athleticism can stretch across two sports.
In a league where multi-sport athletes are becoming more common, the Giants may have the most baseball-heavy quarterback group in the NFL. While their focus is now on reading defenses and throwing touchdowns, their pasts on the baseball field reveal the unique paths that led them to the NFL.
Let’s take a closer look at the talented trio of Giants quarterbacks who could easily fit into an MLB lineup.
1.Best Baseball Players in the NFL: Daniel Jones’ Shortstop Past
Daniel Jones, the starting quarterback for the Giants, might be known for his strong arm and dual-threat play style but long before he led an NFL offense, Jones was a standout shortstop and pitcher in high school baseball.
Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jones starred for Charlotte Latin School’s baseball team. Coaches praised his quick hands, smooth footwork, and powerful throwing arm all skills that easily translated to the football field.
Jones eventually chose football full-time when he went to Duke University, but many believe he had real potential as a college-level baseball player. His natural leadership and athletic build made him an asset in both sports.
While he never played baseball at the college or pro level, the mechanics he learned like throwing from different angles and adjusting his balance mid-play—still help him make off-platform throws under pressure in the NFL.
2. Best Baseball Players in the NFL: Tommy DeVito’s Diamond Days
Tommy DeVito, who turned heads last season with his breakout performances for the Giants, is another QB with a baseball background that deserves attention.
Born in New Jersey, DeVito was a standout baseball player in his early teens. As a right-handed pitcher and infielder, he was known for his strong arm, competitive edge, and ability to handle pressure. His fastball was clocked in the mid-80s during high school, and some scouts thought he could be a serious D-I baseball recruit if he stayed with the sport.
DeVito ultimately chose football as his focus, playing at Syracuse and later Illinois before making the leap to the NFL. Still, he credits baseball with helping him stay mentally sharp and composed during tense moments on the field.
That same baseball confidence has shown up in the NFL. Last year, DeVito famously led the Giants to several key wins, earning praise for his pocket awareness and gutsy decision-making. In many ways, his background on the baseball field has helped shape his mental toughness and field vision.
3. Nathan Rourke: Canadian Quarterback, Baseball Roots
The newest addition to the Giants QB room is Nathan Rourke, a Canadian-born quarterback who is also no stranger to baseball. Rourke grew up playing multiple sports in Ontario and excelled as a catcher and outfielder in his early athletic career.
Known for his quick reflexes, strong arm, and high IQ, Rourke was a natural baseball leader often managing pitchers and calling plays from behind the plate. These skills have carried over well into his football career, especially his ability to read defenses and communicate under pressure.
Rourke eventually focused on football full-time and became a college standout at Ohio University. He later played in the CFL for the BC Lions, where he earned the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and now the Giants.
Though football became his professional path, Rourke has spoken in interviews about how baseball taught him discipline, reaction timing, and game strategy all critical skills for any quarterback.
Why Baseball Backgrounds Help NFL QBs
So, what makes a good baseball player turn into a great football quarterback?
It comes down to transferable skills. Baseball teaches players how to:
- Read and react quickly, especially in high-pressure situations
- Throw with precision from different body angles
- Maintain mental focus and confidence even after mistakes
- Understand game strategy, including how to read opposing players
For quarterbacks, those skills are gold. Whether it’s delivering a deep pass under pressure, scrambling outside the pocket, or scanning a defense, the athletic instincts sharpened by years of baseball can give them a real edge.
This crossover isn’t new either. Some of the NFL’s top stars including Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson also have strong baseball backgrounds. Mahomes was even drafted by the Detroit Tigers, and Wilson spent time with the Yankees’ minor league system.
The Giants’ Unique Advantage
The Giants’ quarterback room may not have the biggest names in football, but their shared baseball experience could be a hidden strength. In a league where tiny advantages can make big differences, having QBs with baseball instincts could give the Giants a unique edge.
This background might help them throw with better mechanics, escape pressure more effectively, or simply stay calmer in the pocket. And while none of them are suiting up for MLB anytime soon, the crossover skill set is something fans and coaches alike should not ignore.
It’s also a great story for young athletes who love both sports proof that you don’t have to give up one dream to chase another, and that playing multiple sports can make you better in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The best baseball players in the NFL aren’t always who you expect. For the New York Giants, their quarterback room is full of athletes with serious baseball talent, even if they never went pro on the diamond. Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Nathan Rourke all bring baseball intelligence, toughness, and technique to the field and that may help them lead the team in ways that don’t always show up in the stat sheets.
As the new NFL season approaches, keep an eye on the Giants’ QB room not just for what they do on Sundays, but for the multi-sport skill sets that helped shape them into top-level athletes.
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