Paul Claims He Could Play NFL Tomorrow

Jake Paul believes he could step onto an NFL field tomorrow and catch a touchdown pass despite having no football training.

The boxer made the claim during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast with NFL veterans Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, according to MMA Fighting. Paul, 29, argued that his athletic background would allow him to transition seamlessly into professional football while maintaining that no NFL player could survive two rounds in a boxing ring.

Hokit Fires Back At Paul's Claims

Paul doubled down on social media Sunday, writing that he could perform the feat with "zero training" and that any quarterback could deliver him a catchable ball. "Patrick sends me perfect pass and I catch it lol what are we talking about here?" he posted.

The comments drew a response from UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit, who signed NFL practice squad contracts before switching to mixed martial arts. Hokit told Paul he could beat him in boxing and any other sport. Paul replied by inviting Hokit to Puerto Rico for a boxing match, saying he would "gladly embarrass" the heavyweight.

Paul holds a 12-2 professional boxing record but has not fought since losing by knockout to Anthony Joshua in December, a bout that left him with a broken jaw. He is targeting a return to the ring before year's end and an MMA debut in 2027.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Jake Paul argues boxing far more difficult than football, Josh Hokit responds | MMA Fighting