From NBA champion with LeBron James to #1 quarterback in the United States: the incredible career change of this newly-retired player dreaming of 2028 Olympics

Away from the courts since 2022 and officially retired since 2024, Rajon Rondo (39) has found a career change that’s as surprising as it is exciting. The former Celtics and Lakers point guard, known for his exceptional passing abilities and crowned champion twice (in 2008 with Boston, and 2020 with Los Angeles), has taken up flag football where he successfully plays as quarterback.

Rajon Rondo is officially the top ranked flag football QB in the United States.

Yes, you read that right.

(h/t @LeagueAlerts, via @Frankie_Vision) pic.twitter.com/47lDEfaGDC

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 26, 2025

This variant of American football, played five-on-five without contact, where tackling is replaced by pulling off fabric strips (the « flags »), seems to perfectly suit the former All-Star. Apparently, Rondo has simply become the country’s number one flag football quarterback, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his athletic adaptability.

NBA skills transferred to flag football

This success isn’t really surprising since Rajon Rondo was a gifted football player in his youth, having played quarterback at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky, before his mother steered him toward basketball. His physical and technical abilities, particularly his long passes made possible by his large hands, are perfectly suited to the discipline.

The four-time NBA All-Star fully utilizes his basketball IQ and exceptional game vision, qualities that were among the strongest in NBA history. Rondo is apparently also an excellent cornerback on defense, demonstrating his versatility in this new sport. He has previously stated that he could have tried his luck in the NFL if he had fully dedicated himself to football.

This career change comes at a particularly opportune time, as flag football will join the list of sports at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the first time. This prospect could allow Rondo to dream of an Olympic future after 40, even though the American federation hopes to convince some NFL players to participate in the Olympics and has named Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as ambassador for the discipline in 2028.