The Worst First Pitch Ever Thrown By A Player From All 32 NFL Teams
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The skills of NFL players are on display every week. Games are filled with examples of elite speed, precision passing, agility, athleticism, explosive power, balance, coordination, endurance, and stamina. Despite those abilities, football players certainly have trouble throwing a baseball 60 feet and 6 inches. It looks like they’ve never thrown anything in their life, quarterbacks included!
The ball sails high, wide, bounces before the plate, or sails into the stands. So, let’s have some fun and look at one NFL player from each team who threw the worst first pitch at an MLB game.
Which NFL players have no talent as a pitcher in baseball?
Arizona Cardinals – David Johnson, 2017
By his sophomore season, David Johnson was the lead running back in the Arizona backfield and looked like a future star player in the NFL. He wasn’t, and he would be relegated to a backup role within a few seasons. Trying his hand at baseball for a day also revealed that he can’t pitch, uncorking one so far outside that only someone in the on-deck circle could catch it. The video shows some skillful batting. Maybe he could DH or give cricket a try.
Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan, 2016
You would think that a potential Hall of Fame quarterback would be able to throw a baseball to a stationary target, but if you’re talking about Matt Ryan, you’d be wrong. Give him a football, and he could put up MVP-like numbers, winning MVP honors in ‘16, but give him a baseball and stand back. It was like Ryan was trying to lead a left-handed batter across the plate like he was on a crossing pattern.
Baltimore Ravens – Justin Tucker, 2013
Justin Tucker has built an outstanding resume, which includes multiple awards, honors, and, as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, probably a future Hall of Fame induction. Sadly, his ceremonial first pitch was even from the mound. It was from in front of the mound, and he still couldn’t reach the plate. Maybe he should’ve kicked the ceremonial first pitch! Good thing Tucker has a lot of time on the sidelines to practice throwing a baseball.
Buffalo Bills – Trent Edwards, 2009
People can never take away the fact that Trent Edwards played professional football. He had a brief 5-year run as an NFL quarterback, which amounted to a lackluster career. You know what else they can’t take away from Edwards? The fact that he’s another NFL player who’s paid to throw a football, yet can’t toss a baseball. His pitch went about 5 feet up the first baseline, proving that skill in one sport doesn’t translate to another.
Carolina Panthers – Kawaan Short, 2016
It’s one thing to poke fun at a quarterback who can’t throw, but when it’s a defensive lineman, it can be a whole other level of funny. Enter Kawaan Short, who was one helluva interior defensive tackle. He spent 8 years as an anchor on the Panthers defense, but his pitching mechanics definitely need some work. While his pitch wasn’t too far outside, it was just a bit high. That might’ve been a strike on the Jolly Green Giant.
Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, 2024
Although he’s only been in the league for 2 seasons, Rome Odunze has established himself as a reliable receiving option with immense capabilities, which works out well because wide receiver is a skill position in the NFL as a player. However, that skill doesn’t necessarily translate to throwing a baseball. After all his pre-pitch hype and jumping around, Odunze followed it with a pitch high and outside to a righty batter. He can say it “cut,” but we all know it was a dud. Maybe his dad can also critique that one?
Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Gesicki, 2025
There was a fair bit of hype when Miami drafted Mike Gesicki in 2018. While he’s been a steady tight end, he hasn’t lived up to it, which is why there was no hype when he threw out the first pitch at a Reds game. At least his pitch was over the plate, and over the catcher, and the ump, and all the way to the backstop. Well, that’s what happens when an NFL player throws a baseball like a shot put.
Cleveland Browns – Denzel Ward, 2018
Denzel Ward was drafted 4th overall by the Browns in 2018 and would go on to earn Pro Bowl honors in 5 of his first 8 seasons. It’s a good thing that he chose a career playing football, because the man has zero baseball skills. He has botched not one, but two ceremonial first pitches. One in the dirt and the other heaved into the stands. Are we really surprised this came from a Browns player?
Dallas Cowboys – Micah Parsons, 2022
One thing to say about linebackers in general, they like to hit another NFL player. They like to hit people a lot. Looking at Micah Parsons pro football resume reveals someone who is making a really great career out of hitting people. Clearly, that urge to hit extends to the baseball field. The linebacker’s pitch would’ve clocked a lefty batter in the head and sparked a bench-clearing brawl, which would’ve really allowed Parsons to hit people.
Denver Broncos – Von Miller, 2016
Von Miller will be an NFL Hall of Famer when his career is over. He will not, however, be an MLB Hall of Famer. That’s clear from his first pitch at a Rangers game. He’s one of the only NFL players on our list who didn’t bounce it, throw it into the dugout, or heave it out of the stadium. In fact, Von Miller threw a borderline strike. It took an overhand softball pitch to do it, but it worked.
Detroit Lions – Terrion Arnold, 2024
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2024 and wanted by the police in 2026, Terrion Arnold’s once-promising NFL career is currently on hold. The cornerback is currently facing robbery and kidnapping charges that led the Lions to release him. He’s also wanted in Detroit for breaking hearts when he failed to throw out a decent first pitch at a Tigers game. He threw it down the middle, but he did have to bounce it there.
Green Bay Packers – Jordan Love, 2025
Here we go with another quarterback, with a little bit of baseball in his background, who can’t throw a strike. While Jordan Love is used to being on the news, being the closing bit on a segment is never a good sign, especially when they focus more on the crowd’s chants than the actual pitch. Actually, the Brewers have invited the Packers quarterback to throw out the first pitch several times, so Love should be better. He’s not.
Houston Texans – JJ Watt, 2017
When JJ Watt stepped onto the field at Minute Maid Park before Game 3 of the 2017 World Series to throw out the first pitch, he was clearly physically impaired. Despite being in a cast and on crutches, he still made a valiant attempt. Sure, it was a bad pitch, but if he were healthy, maybe it’s a good pitch. That the announcer said “on the corner” might be the funniest thing about the video. “On the corner,” yeah, the outside corner of the batter’s box!
Indianapolis Colts – Jonathan Owens, 2026
Jonathan Owens worked his way from undrafted free agent to starting safety in the NFL as a player and got to throw out the first pitch at a Cardinals game. Not only did he make a bad pitch that was way outside, but he also followed it by making the strike call. In what world was that a strike! A bad pitch is one thing, but it’s another to embarrass yourself in front of one’s partner as Owens did, especially when she’s recording it. Bless his heart.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Arik Armstead, 2026
According to the video, Arik Armstead stated that he had thrown out the first pitch at that stadium once before, for a minor league game. That time he threw a strike. This time, he didn’t. However, he might be the most realistic NFL player on our list when it comes to the first pitch. He simply doesn’t want to embarrass himself. Well, Mr. Armstead, it was low and off the plate, but you definitely didn’t embarrass yourself.
Kansas City Chiefs – Travis Kelce, 2023
Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the NFL and will end up in the Hall of Fame when he’s done playing. He’s made 11 straight Pro Bowls, is the Chiefs’ all-time leading receiver, and is marrying Taylor Swift. Is there anything he can’t do? Yup, throw a baseball; his pitch barely made it off the mound. It looks like he tried to spike it. Kelce better hope Taylor doesn’t see this video.
Las Vegas Raiders – Marshawn Lynch, 2017
Marshawn Lynch spent his career playing for the Bills, Seahawks, and Raiders. His borderline Hall of Fame career spanned 12 years and included Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl, and three retirements. Between his first two retirements as an NFL player, the A’s invited him to throw out the first pitch. He wasn’t bad. Lynch made the throw from the rubber, and if he spent a little less time making weird hand gestures, perhaps he’d make a good pitch.
Los Angeles Chargers – Derwin James, 2018
A five-time Pro Bowl safety for the Chargers, Derwin James has carved out an excellent career. His blitzing ability, coverage skills, and mastery of tackling have helped make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions on a football field and possibly one on a baseball diamond. James’ talents are evident in his first pitch. James may not have thrown a strike, but at least he hit the plate… literally.
Los Angeles Rams – Jalen Ramsey, 2021
Over a 10-year pro career, Jalen Ramsey has established himself as one of the most versatile and dominant defensive backs in the National Football League. He’s carved out a nice NFL career for himself, which is great because a baseball one is out. Who was he pitching to? Was trying to throw it up to the press box? At least the catcher had good jumping ability. Apparently, Ramsey doesn’t care or know what a strike zone is.
Miami Dolphins – Malik Willis, 2026
After finally cutting ties with Tua Tagovailoa this offseason and embarking on a long-needed rebuild, the Dolphins have given quarterback Malik Willis the first chance to lead the team to better days. He’s shown promise in a very limited sample, but hopefully Miami hasn’t scouted his baseball skills. Tossing out the 1st pitch at a Marlins game this year, Willis tossed it high into the backstop. If Willis is the chosen one, good luck to the Dolphins!
Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, 2024
J.J. McCarthy had a very inconsistent rookie season in 2025, and based on his performance, the Vikings clearly are not sold on him going forward; why else would they have brought Kyler Murray in this offseason? McCarthy better hope football works out because clearly, he’s not a pitcher. Uncorking a throw well behind the opposite batter’s box surely won’t bring the Twins calling. But hey, at least he looked good skipping off the mound.
New England Patriots – Tom Brady, 2015
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Tom Brady has won 7 Super Bowls, holds numerous passing records, and is considered one of the greatest players ever in the NFL. However, Brady also has a baseball background. In fact, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. A lot of good his arm did him when he threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park in 2015. Perhaps if they deflated the baseball a bit, Brady might’ve thrown a strike.
New Orleans Saints – Alvin Kamara, 2025
Since 2017, when Alvin Kamara made his NFL debut, he’s heard a lot of cheering. That’s to be expected since he emerged as one of the best dual threats out of the backfield. A lot of cheering and very little booing, until… It’s one thing to make one really bad pitch, but it’s another to ask for the ball back and immediately make a second bad pitch. I guess one round of booing wasn’t enough, and Kamara wanted another.
New York Giants – Saquon Barkley, 2018
A multiple award-winning running back, Saquon Barkley is an absolute beast on the football field. Despite battling injuries early in his career, he’s been healthy and helped lead the Eagles to a win in Super Bowl LIX. One thing that’s clear: Barkley didn’t spend any of his rehab time throwing a baseball, as his pitch bounced before the batter’s box. The Yankees’ bullpen is already a mess, so don’t count on Saquon to bail them out.
New York Jets – Mark Sanchez, 2009
We all know the Mark Sanchez story. A high draft pick with some early success who then battled injuries and inconsistency as a player, only to see his NFL career eventually “fumbled” away. However, as far as quarterbacks on a pitching mound go, Sanchez wasn’t that bad. Sure, his pitch sailed high, but at least it was over the plate, and best of all, no butt-fumble. Be honest, were you expecting him to back into the catcher and drop the ball, weren’t you?
Philadelphia Eagles – Dallas Goedert, 2018
A veteran tight end out of South Dakota State, Dallas Goedert has spent his entire career, so far, with the Eagles. Currently, he has amassed 4,676 receiving yards on 409 receptions with 35 touchdowns. He’s a pretty good tight end, but he’s not a good pitcher. Granted, his first pitch was not as bad as some others on this list, but it also wasn’t good. However, throwing from 2 feet in front of the mound does make it worse.
Pittsburgh Steelers – James Conner, 2016
As part of their day honoring him, the Pirates brought out James Conner to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Perhaps they could’ve found a better way to pay tribute, because this was not the way to do it. First, let’s give him some credit; at least he threw from the mound. In fact, it was almost from the pitching rubber. Yet Conner looked better, almost taking out the cameraman afterward, than he did making the pitch.
San Francisco 49ers – Fred Warner, 2024
A fun afternoon at the ballpark: beautiful blue sky, a full grandstand, and two local NFL stars on the mound to throw out the first pitch. The 49ers players take the mound (that sounds weird) and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is blaring over the speakers to pump everyone up. Here’s the pitch. Deebo Samuel uncorks one that easily could’ve made this list, but luckily, he was overshadowed by Fred Warner, who spiked the ball in front of him like it just bit him. Hope he doesn’t get rabies.
Seattle Seahawks – Tyler Lockett, 2022
Tyler Lockett spent a very successful 11 years in the NFL as a player, including 9 seasons with Seattle. Career totals of 8,885 receiving yards with 62 touchdowns reveal a consistent presence in the Seahawks passing game. Did you know he’s a licensed real estate agent, a published author, and an Emmy Award-winning producer? You know what he’s not, a baseball player. Lockett’s first pitch, and several practice ones, didn’t even come close to their intended target.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rueben Bain Jr, 2026
Rueben Bain Jr. was the Buccaneers 1st round pick in this year’s draft, so we have no idea what kind of NFL player he’ll be because he’s yet to suit up for the Bucs. We do know what kind of baseball pitcher he is – a bad one. His form was horrible. He looked like my grandma trying to step into a bathtub, and the actual pitch… However, Bain headhunting the Rays mascot certainly makes this Yankees fan feel pretty, pretty good.
Tennessee Titans – Taylor Lewan, 2025
For 9 seasons, Taylor Lewan was a consistent presence in protecting the blind side of several Titans quarterbacks. On the gridiron, he was a force to be reckoned with, but on the diamond was another story. The 6’7” southpaw unleashed a pitch that almost hit onlookers standing in the on-deck circle. Talk about one that’s high and outside! Yes, this pitch occurred after Lewan’s career ended, but it was too good, or bad, to pass up.
Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, 2024
Jayden Daniels had a great rookie season and an injury-riddled second one, so he is still a bit of a question mark. But have you seen Daniels throw a baseball? Invited by the Nationals, he tossed a rainbow pitch that would’ve hit a left-handed batter on the back foot. This pitch occurred in 2024, and Daniels missed most of the following season with an elbow injury. Maybe his poor pitching form had something to do with it.
