A former MLB player is leaving baseball to pursue his NFL dream. Former Phillies outfielder Dylan Cozens recently announced on Twitter that he’s stepping away from the sport to make a run at professional football.
“I’ve decided it’s time to chase my dream of playing in the [NFL],” Cozens wrote. “I want to thank the [Phillies, Rays, and Brewers] organizations for giving me the opportunity to play professional baseball but more importantly the people, experiences, and memories I’ll keep forever.”
Cozens was a second-round pick back in 2012, and he earned his MLB debut in 2018. He saw time in 27 games through two seasons with the Phillies, batting only .154 with a homer and two RBIs. The 27-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers late last year, and he saw time in 31 games this season for their AAA affiliate in Nashville.
His connection to football isn’t completely random. Cozens’ father was a four-year player at the University of Pittsburgh, and he was drafted by the Broncos in the 17th round of the 1976 draft. The younger Cozens was a defensive end in high school, and he committed to play football at Arizona before signing with the Phillies.
From Tim Tebow to Jordan Matthews, there have been plenty of athletes looking to reinvent their careers via the NFL this offseason. Obviously, the difference with Cozens is that he hasn’t played organized football since high school. For what it’s worth, he is still only 27, and his body naturally hasn’t taken the same kind of physical beating as a 27-year-old NFL player. He’s also listed at six-foot-six and 245 pounds, so while he may have to put on some weight to compete as a defensive lineman, he certainly possesses the height.
Over/under on how many millions he makes in the NFL? At 0.5, I’d have to take the under…
Opinions? Do you think it’s easier going from the NFL to MLB or vice versa?
Probably not, but I can tell you as a Phillies fan this guy has raw athleticism through the roof. presuming it all stayed through the injury, he could do it.
I’m pulling for him! Would love to see it.
NFL to MLB… hitting major league pitching is one of the hardest things to do on the planet
The NFL rookie minimum is like $660,000, which is way more than he would make over the next few years in the minors. Plus, the path to free agency and potential big money is far shorter in the NFL than in MLB. It’s a gamble with long odds, but it’s now or never, right?
If he works his butt off and manages to make a roster, he could set himself up a little financially for the next facet of his life beyond sports. A lot easier to start over with a little money in the bank.
He hasn’t played in like 10 years and it was against high school boys. There’s many hungry men out there that have been playing major college or pro football in that time that will make him wish he was playing a laid back game like baseball. When he bombs out at this he should try baseball in Korea or somewhere else overseas.
Him not playing football for the last ten years isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a physically brutal sport like football. It’s not like he’s been lounging around, he’s been in peak athletic condition for baseball. There are plenty of guys who catch on based on potential alone.
Do I think it’s likely? No. But him not making it isn’t a sure thing, either. Can always use special teamers.
You’re right as far as banging up the body, it’s more about coaching or lack there of. Getting coached up in high school by your buddy’s dad and getting major college or pro coaching from a true position coach is night and day. He’s going to have to blow them away with athleticism as they can’t slow down coaching just so his football development catches up. Good luck to him.
You should be a GM
It seems unlikely but, it’s pretty cool that he’s trying.
Still think he should try hockey, he’s already the Sabres’ top prospect.
Didn’t we see this before didn’t Nate Rob try to go from nba to nfl. Than Tebow to nfl than mlb back to nfl and now this
Michael Jordan, of course, and two infamous “two sport” players in Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson…
Brian Jordan.
Antonio Gates.
Brian Jordan should get more love. His athletic career was impressive.
Worked out OK for Kyler Murray, no?
I’d love to see the kid make it.
Breaking news! This was on MLB TR 5 days ago…
More like Drew Henson, Brandon weeden or Hayden hurst. Kinda thing happens once every few years.
Of course, in those cases, they did get to get college position coaching on before going pro. I’m rooting for Cozens, but he’s quite a way from being even workout ready for teams. I’d expect him to nab one or two for intrigue’s sake, but it’s doubtful that it happens before the start of the season.
Great another player attempting to play in the NFL that will piss of Stephen A Smith off.