[recursivedoubts]

There are different types of athleticism. Quarterback in the NFL is the most difficult and important position on the field. Without taking anything away from him, like most humans, Ronoldo wouldn't last a single NFL game.

[AnimalMuppet]

True. But equally, Mahomes wouldn't last a single top-level soccer game. The running is much more continuous, and far longer than NFL players run in a game. NFL players have tuned their bodies for a different activity profile, one that fits the NFL but doesn't fit professional soccer.

[recursivedoubts]

agree entirely, that's my point

[fear91]

And Mahomes wouldn’t last a 3 minute round with a boxer.

[recursivedoubts]

agree entirely

[exceptione]

I would rather associate athleticism with very fine motion control than raw power.

Otherwise we would look at kick boxing.

[lukas099]

Throwing a football accurately to a moving receiver whilst evading tackling giants surely qualifies, right?

[exceptione]

To me that looks less impressive, as most humans do have very fine hand control. But that shouldn't take away any of your pleasure. I assume that the sport is competitive enough to have a high bar for entry.

[recursivedoubts]

baseball players and golfers have some of the most extreme fine motor control in sports

i love both sports, but wouldn't call the players universally "athletic"

[exceptione]

I think you are right. An even better counter example imho would be darts :)

Although... fine motion control is more natural for hands then for legs. In football, running on full speed, while keeping the ball close to the foot, then evading defenders (still on full speed), making an accurate pass to a team player. Almost any boy on the planet dreams about those skills, some are able learn a few of these skills somewhat. But it requires abnormal leg control.

In football there is a harsh filter of it not only being the global #1 sport, so insanely competitive, but also because it requires an insane fine control where we normally don't have that.

Does not take away from other sports like tennis, or base ball. For most sports the elite level will be unreachable for most humans.

[recursivedoubts]

When michael jordan can't make the pros in baseball, you know it's a different thing.

[yencabulator]

You think kickboxing doesn't include very fine motion control? Stand on the ball of your foot and kick to your forehead height, please. Deliver power while doing that. No, you need to control your hands at the same time. Your target is about half an inch in size. Sorry, you were too slow. Sorry, you telegraphed your movement so your opponent evaded you.