Jake Paul makes bold Cleveland Browns claim, says NFL move will be ‘quite easy’ after boxing (Image via Getty) Jake Paul sets his sights on the NFL after boxing, saying the move will be ‘quite easy’ despite several major hurdles. Speaking at Fanatics Fest, the YouTuber-turned-boxer claimed he has already spoken with teams and coaches interested in giving him a chance. He also said he wants to play wide receiver for his hometown Cleveland Browns. While Paul is confident, his plan still faces big obstacles, including NFL competition, college eligibility questions and his recovery from a broken jaw.
Jake Paul says joining the Cleveland Browns will be ‘quite easy’
Jake Paul believes his next career move could come on an NFL field.During an interview at Fanatics Fest, the 29-year-old boxer said he wants to leave boxing behind and become a wide receiver. Paul, who grew up in the Cleveland suburbs, said playing for the Cleveland Browns is his goal and insisted the switch would not be difficult.“I mean, it’s pretty simple,” Paul said. “Really all it’s gonna take is just me, after boxing, practicing some routes. I have a couple teams and coaches that I’ve already talked to that are interested in bringing me on to the team. It’s really going to be quite easy.”According to USA TODAY, Paul has built a 12-2 professional boxing record since turning pro in 2020, with seven knockout wins. His latest fight ended in a loss to Anthony Joshua, who knocked him out and left him with a double jaw break.Even with that setback, Paul believes he has what it takes to compete in the NFL.“I think there’s a lot of super mediocrity in the NFL,” Paul said. “A lot of not-good athletes. A lot of people dropping passes on a consistent basis. I have better hands than them, I’m faster than them, I’m stronger than them, I work harder than them.”
Jake Paul’s NFL dream faces Stanford eligibility and Browns competition
This is not the first time Paul has spoken about playing football.In June, during an interview on the a16z Podcast Network, he said he first wanted to join Stanford as a walk-on before chasing his NFL dream.“I do have NFL aspirations after boxing,” Paul said in that interview. “I want to play slot receiver, and so I think to get that experience, in college first would be good so I could walk onto the Stanford team.”However, that path is far from simple.According to USA TODAY, the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model could stand in Paul’s way because it gives athletes a five-year window after high school graduation or their 19th birthday. Paul would also need to be admitted to Stanford and reduce his weight to fit the role of a slot receiver.Even if he skips the college route, earning a place with the Browns would still be a challenge. Cleveland already has several receivers competing for roster spots, including Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is also expected to be part of the passing game.Paul is also still recovering from the broken jaw he suffered against Joshua. During an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on July 15, he said he expects to be cleared for sparring soon. He added that he is talking to several possible opponents, although no new boxing fight has been announced yet.