“Basketball Was My First Love”: Jordan Love Reveals the Sport He Almost Chose Over Football

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s rising stars, but in a revealing interview, he shared a surprising truth about his early ambitions: basketball, not football, was his first love. Growing up in Bakersfield, California, Love dreamed of dominating the hardwood like his NBA idols, a passion that nearly steered him away from the gridiron. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the journey of a young athlete whose heart was torn between two sports before football claimed his future.

As a child in the early 2000s, Love was captivated by the NBA’s golden era. “Basketball was everything to me,” Love told The Athletic. “I wanted to be out there crossing people up like Allen Iverson or hitting game-winners like Kobe.” He spent hours perfecting his jump shot in his driveway, dribbling through imaginary defenders, and envisioning himself in an NBA jersey. His natural athleticism—speed, agility, and a knack for clutch plays—made him a standout in local youth basketball leagues, fueling his belief that the court was his calling.

Love’s passion for basketball was nurtured by his family, particularly his father, Orbin Love, a police sergeant who shared his son’s love for the game. “My dad and I would go one-on-one at the park,” Love recalled. “He’d block my shots, talk a little trash, and make me earn every bucket. Those moments made me love the game even more.” These father-son battles not only honed Love’s skills but also instilled a competitive fire that would later define his football career.

By middle school, Love was a two-sport athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. On the court, he played point guard, using his vision and quick reflexes to set up plays. On the field, he was a quarterback, showcasing a powerful arm and calm under pressure. “I loved both sports, but basketball felt like my thing,” he said. “I thought I’d play in college, maybe even go pro.” His basketball dreams persisted into high school, where he continued to play both sports at Liberty High School, drawing attention for his versatility.

However, as Love progressed through high school, the realities of pursuing two sports at an elite level set in. Football began to take precedence as college scouts took notice of his quarterback potential. “I started getting letters from schools like Utah State for football, and it hit me that this could be my shot,” Love explained. “Basketball was still my first love, but football was opening doors I couldn’t ignore.” By his junior year, Love made the difficult decision to focus on football, a choice that paved the way for his NFL career.

Even as he committed to football, Love’s basketball background shaped his game. The footwork and spatial awareness he developed on the court translated to the pocket, where he maneuvers with a point guard’s finesse. “Basketball taught me how to read situations fast,” he noted. “Whether it’s a defense blitzing or a pick-and-roll, you’ve got to think two steps ahead.” Packers coach Matt LaFleur has praised Love’s athleticism, crediting his multi-sport background for his ability to evade defenders and make split-second decisions.

Love’s journey wasn’t without hardship. The loss of his father at age 14 left a void, but it also strengthened his resolve. “My dad was my biggest fan, whether I was shooting hoops or throwing passes,” Love said. “After he passed, I knew I had to keep pushing for him.” This determination carried Love through challenges, from being a backup to Aaron Rodgers to becoming the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2023.

Now 26, Love occasionally indulges his basketball roots, joining teammates for pickup games during the offseason. “I still got a little game,” he joked, admitting he sometimes imagines hitting a buzzer-beater. While his NBA dreams didn’t materialize, they laid the groundwork for his success. “Basketball was my first love, and in a way, it’s still part of me,” he reflected. “It taught me how to compete, how to dream big.” For Love, the sport he almost chose wasn’t a detour—it was the foundation of a path that led him to NFL stardom, proving that sometimes, the dreams we leave behind shape the ones we achieve.