John Havlicek’s name is synonymous with basketball greatness.
As one of the greatest winners the sport has ever seen, capturing an NCAA National Championship along with eight NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, Havlicek cemented his name as one of the most legendary figures ever to grace the hardwood during his playing career. However, he nearly wound up enjoying his professional athletic years on the gridiron rather than on the court.
A native of Martins Ferry, Ohio, Havlicek was a three-sport athlete at Bridgeport High School, competing in baseball, basketball and football before enrolling at Ohio State. While with the Buckeyes, he became a key cog on the hardwood for legendary coach Fred Taylor.
During Havlicek’s time in Columbus, which coincided with fellow Ohio State basketball great Jerry Lucas, the Buckeyes went an astounding 78-6 while appearing in three consecutive NCAA National Championships and emerging as the 1960 national champions.
While Lucas was the star of the show, Havlicek was the perfect complement, which made Ohio State a near-unstoppable powerhouse. Across 84 games, Havlicek posted averages of 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 50.8 percent from the field. He earned several honors for his play, including a pair of All-Big Ten recognitions and a consensus All-American nod following his senior season.
Known for his constant off-ball motion and overwhelming athletic ability, Havilcek was a highly sought-after prospect ahead of the 1962 NBA Draft. The Buckeye great caught the eye of legendary Boston Celtics head coach and general manager Red Auerbach, who selected Hondo with the ninth pick.
But, Auerbach wasn’t the only professional general manager with an eye on Havlicek.
Despite ending his football career several years prior, Havlicek’s outstanding athletic ability drew the attention of another all-time great executive; this time, it was Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns.
Using a seventh-round pick to select Havlicek, Brown pegged Havlicek as a wide receiver, giving the former Buckeye a chance to make the transition to the gridiron before he could fully commit to a career in the NBA.
In a surprise move, Havlicek elected to attend Browns training camp, marking the first time he appeared on the gridiron since playing quarterback at Bridgeport High School.
During this brief stint with the Browns, Havlicek appeared in a single exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he did not record a reception, Havlicek left his mark on the game in the form of a crucial block to free up running back Jim Brown en route to a 45-yard touchdown.
Ultimately, Havlicek did not crack the Browns’ roster. He was the last player to be cut by the organization in 1962, with the Browns ultimately deciding to retain all-pro flanker Gary Collins.
While Havlicek began his illustrious career with the Celtics later that year, the NFL remained engaged with the former Buckeye later on in his professional athletic career.
In 1966, Havlicek was, once again, approached by the Cleveland Browns. Team owner Art Modell offered him a $40,000 contract to return to the team.
But, the Browns weren’t the only team interested in pulling Havlicek away from the dynastic Celtics — which had just won their eighth consecutive NBA title in 1966, their ninth overall — several other teams also threw their hat in the ring for the star forward. It is speculated that three franchises, including the then-Washington Redskins, also bid for Havlicek’s services.
The NFL’s interest in Havlicek was so prominent that it caused Auerbach and NBA commissioner Walter Kennedy to intervene and meet with NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle regarding allegations of tampering. Ultimately, teams backed off of Havlicek, and he continued his incredible NBA career.
In the end, Havlicek made the right choice by sticking with basketball and the Celtics. In Boston, Havlicek won eight NBA titles and became an 11-time All-NBA player with 13 All-Star Game nods. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, cementing him as one of the 75 greatest players in league history.
