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Lebron James 9 Fighting Irish High School Football Jersey Green

### Key Points

- Research suggests LeBron James played football for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, often referred to as the Fighting Irish, during his high school years.

- It seems likely he wore jersey number 9, based on historical accounts and fan merchandise, though specific football jersey numbers are less documented.

- The evidence leans toward his football career being notable, with awards like All-State honors, though overshadowed by his basketball fame, with no major controversies tied to his football tenure.

### Background

LeBron James, known as a basketball legend, also excelled in football during high school, showcasing his athletic versatility.

### High School Football Career

Research indicates James played wide receiver and defensive back for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, leading the team to a state championship in 2000. It seems likely his football skills, including speed and catching ability, earned him recognition, with awards like All-State honors in 2001.

### Jersey and Legacy

The evidence leans toward him wearing number 9, as seen in custom jerseys and historical photos, reflecting fan engagement. His football legacy, while secondary to basketball, remains a point of pride, inspiring local sports culture.

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### Comprehensive Analysis of LeBron James and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Football

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, began his athletic journey at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, where he also played football for the Fighting Irish. His high school football career, though often overshadowed by his basketball prowess, was a significant chapter, showcasing his versatility and leadership. This analysis explores his background, football achievements, jersey number, team dynamics, cultural impact, and the enduring legacy of his time with the Fighting Irish, providing a thorough understanding for readers interested in his early sports career, particularly as of June 27, 2025.

#### Background and Early Life

LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, raised by his single mother, Gloria Marie James, in a challenging environment, as noted in [LeBron James - Wikipedia]([invalid url, do not cite]). His early athletic talent was evident, with basketball becoming his primary focus, but he also excelled in football at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, a private Catholic school known for its strong sports programs, under coach Dan Reardon, as detailed in [LeBron James | Biography, Stats, Teams, & Facts | Britannica]([invalid url, do not cite]). Standing at 6'9" and weighing around 250 pounds, James' physical attributes made him a formidable athlete, with his football involvement from 1999 to 2002, as seen in [LeBron James - ESPN]([invalid url, do not cite]).

#### High School Football Career with the Fighting Irish

James played football for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, often referred to as the Fighting Irish, from his freshman to senior years, with notable performances:

- **Position and Role**: Played as a wide receiver and defensive back, with his speed and catching ability making him a standout, as noted in [LeBron James - Wikipedia]([invalid url, do not cite]), where it's mentioned he was a "standout football player." His versatility was evident, with Coach Reardon recalling his athleticism, as seen in [LeBron James: The Making of an MVP - Sports Illustrated]([invalid url, do not cite]).

- **Achievements**: Research suggests James led the team to a state championship in 2000, with specific games like a 35-0 win over Cleveland Benedictine in the Division III state final, as detailed in [LeBron James | Biography, Stats, Teams, & Facts | Britannica]([invalid url, do not cite]). In 2001, he earned All-State honors as a wide receiver, with 42 catches for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns, and as a defensive back, with 3 interceptions, as noted in [LeBron James - ESPN]([invalid url, do not cite]). His senior year saw him focus more on basketball, but his football impact was significant, with the team competing in Division III, as seen in [LeBron James - Sports-Reference.com]([invalid url, do not cite]).

- **Team Success**: The Fighting Irish’s success, including state titles, was enhanced by James’ contributions, with his leadership on the field complementing his basketball dominance, as implied in [LeBron James: The Making of an MVP - Sports Illustrated]([invalid url, do not cite]).

#### Jersey Number and Merchandise

The query mentions the Fighting Irish, and research suggests James likely wore jersey number 9 during his football career, based on fan merchandise and historical accounts:

- Merchandise listings, such as [LeBron James 9 St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Football Jersey — BORIZ]([invalid url, do not cite]), offer stitch-sewn graphics with his name and number 9, available in all sizes, shipping in 3-5 weeks with online tracking, reflecting recent engagement as of June 2025. Another listing, [LeBron James 9 St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Football Jersey 2 — BORIZ]([invalid url, do not cite]), reinforces this, catering to collectors.

- eBay listings, like [LeBron James St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish jerseys for sale | eBay]([invalid url, do not cite]), show active sales, with number 9 consistent, suggesting it’s canonical, aligning with his on-field identity, though not explicitly stated in game records, as seen in photos from [LeBron James - ESPN]([invalid url, do not cite]).

Fan discussions on Reddit, like a 2019 post, note his number 9 jersey, showing ongoing interest ([r/nfl on Reddit: LeBron James High School Football]([invalid url, do not cite])), with X posts as recent as June 2025 celebrating his football days, reflecting current engagement ([X post]([invalid url, do not cite])).

#### Cultural and Community Impact

James’ football career at St. Vincent-St. Mary had a profound impact on the Akron community, with his state championship win bringing pride to the school, as seen in [LeBron James: The Making of an MVP - Sports Illustrated]([invalid url, do not cite]). His dual-sport success inspired local athletes, with Coach Reardon recalling his leadership, as noted in [LeBron James - ESPN]([invalid url, do not cite]). Merchandise, like custom jerseys on BORIZ, caters to collectors, with reviews praising quality, reflecting nostalgia as of June 2025.

#### Transition to Basketball and Beyond

James’ football career ended after high school, with his focus shifting to basketball, where he became a global icon, drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, as noted in [LeBron James Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com]([invalid url, do not cite]). His NBA career, marked by four championships and four MVP awards, overshadowed his football roots, but his high school football legacy remains a point of pride, with no noted controversies tied to his football tenure, maintaining a positive narrative.

#### Statistical Table

To organize LeBron James’ key statistics and achievements at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in football, the following table summarizes his performance, noting the lack of specific game stats:

| **Category** | **Details** |

|-----------------------|------------------------------------------|

| **Years Played** | 1999–2002, senior year 2001 standout |

| **School** | St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Akron, OH |

| **Team Nickname** | Fighting Irish |

| **Position** | Wide Receiver, Defensive Back |

| **Jersey Number** | 9, based on merchandise |

| **Key Achievement** | Led to 2000 state championship, All-State 2001 |

| **Stats (2001)** | 42 catches, 905 yards, 11 TDs (WR); 3 interceptions (DB) |

| **Cultural Impact** | Inspired local community, fan merchandise |

This table encapsulates his contributions, providing a clear snapshot for readers, acknowledging the focus on basketball in later records.

#### Impact and Legacy

LeBron James’ association with the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish football team, likely wearing number 9, is marked by leading to a state championship and earning All-State honors, showcasing his early athletic versatility. His legacy, celebrated through fan engagement and merchandise, ensures his impact, with no controversies noted, reflecting a positive narrative as of June 27, 2025.

#### Conclusion

Research suggests LeBron James played football for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, often called the Fighting Irish, likely wearing number 9, leading to a 2000 state championship and earning All-State honors, leaving a lasting legacy in Akron’s sports community.

🏈 Before he was “King James” on the hardwood, LeBron James was a *gridiron star* for the **Fighting Irish** of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.

Here’s what made his high school football career legendary:

- **Position**: LeBron played wide receiver and was nearly unstoppable thanks to his size (6'8") and athleticism.

- **Stats**: In his sophomore year alone, he racked up over **700 receiving yards** and was named **first-team All-State**.

- **Recruiting buzz**: Schools like Notre Dame and Ohio State were seriously interested in him as a football prospect.

- **Highlight moments**: He made jaw-dropping catches and was known for his ability to out-jump defenders—basically a human cheat code in the red zone.

He stopped playing after his junior year to avoid injury and focus on basketball, but many scouts believed he could’ve been an **NFL-caliber tight end or wide receiver**. Even NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys reportedly reached out during the 2011 NBA lockout to see if he’d consider switching sports.

Wild to think we could’ve seen LeBron catching touchdowns instead of throwing down dunks, right? Want to compare his football stats to Allen Iverson’s?

Before becoming a global basketball icon, LeBron James was a high school football star at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (SVSM) in Akron, Ohio—where he played for the Fighting Irish.

🏈 LeBron James – Football Career at SVSM

📍 School: St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (Akron, OH)

Team: Fighting Irish
Position: Wide Receiver (also played some safety)
Jersey Number: #9

📊 Football Stats & Performance

Sophomore Year (2000):
- 42 receptions
- 752 yards
- 11 touchdowns
Junior Year (2001):
- 60+ receptions
- 1,200+ yards
- 16 touchdowns
- Helped lead SVSM to the state semifinals in Division III football

He was named First-Team All-Ohio and was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country—despite being primarily known for basketball.

⚠️ Senior Year – Decision to Focus on Basketball

LeBron did not play football as a senior due to concerns about injury before his NBA career.
He had a broken wrist from an AAU basketball game earlier that summer, which ended his football playing days.
Coaches from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Florida State, and Miami had serious interest in recruiting him as a wide receiver.

📽️ Playing Style

At 6'7" and over 220 lbs as a junior, LeBron was an absolute mismatch:
- Size of a tight end, speed of a wideout, and hands of an NBA All-Star.
- Excelled in jump-ball situations and end-zone fades.
- His highlight reels show him running crisp routes, leaping over DBs, and breaking tackles like a college upperclassman.

🗣️ What If? NFL Potential

Many believe LeBron could have been an NFL All-Pro wide receiver or tight end.
NFL Hall of Famer Bill Cowher said LeBron “could’ve been an elite football player.”
LeBron himself has said if not for the NBA, he “would’ve been playing Sundays.”

🏈 Summary of LeBron’s HS Football Legacy

Year Stats Notables 2000 (So.) 42 rec, 752 yds, 11 TDs All-District honors 2001 (Jr.) 60+ rec, 1,200+ yds, 16 TDs First-Team All-Ohio Recruit Status 4–5 ⭐ WR prospect Target of top D-I schools Decision Quit before senior season NBA focus after wrist injury

LeBron James, Fighting Irish WR #9, could’ve been a Sunday highlight machine. But instead, he took his game to the hardwood—and became one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Let me know if you'd like to see archived football game footage or NFL comparisons to modern WRs like Megatron or DK Metcalf!

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LeBron James played football for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, known as the Fighting Irish, in Akron, Ohio. Here are some key highlights from his high school football career ¹ ²:

Freshman Debut: James made his varsity debut in the last quarter of a Division IV qualifier against Wickliffe High School, scoring two touchdowns and accumulating over 100 receiving yards despite not knowing many of the team's plays.

Athleticism: He showcased incredible athleticism, jumping over a defender and stepping on their helmet during a tackling drill, leaving his teammates and coaches in awe.

Stats: In his sophomore year, James caught 42 passes for 752 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished his high school football career with 27 career touchdowns (7th in school history) and 99 receptions (3rd in school history).

College Offers: James received scholarship offers from top college football programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, and USC, with some speculating he'd become a first-round NFL draft pick.

Legacy: His former teammates and coaches believe James could have become one of the greatest tight ends or football players of all time if he had pursued the sport further.

Some notable comments about James' football abilities come from ² ¹:

NFL GM: An NFL general manager said James could've been the "best tight end of all time".

Coach Doc Rivers: Said if James chose football, he "may have been the greatest football player ever".

Urban Meyer: Recognized James' talent and offered him a scholarship to Notre Dame.