Wed Jan 01 23:30:00 UTC 2025: **Oregon Star Bryce Boettcher Faces Two-Sport Dilemma After Record-Setting Season**

EUGENE, OR – Oregon Ducks star Bryce Boettcher is facing a decision that would make even Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders proud: which professional sport to pursue. After a standout season that culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance, the two-sport athlete is weighing offers from both the MLB and NFL.

Boettcher, a 13th-round draft pick of the Houston Astros, excelled as an outfielder for the Ducks, even earning All-NCAA regional honors. Simultaneously, his football career blossomed. Initially a walk-on, he transitioned from safety to linebacker, recording a career-high 87 tackles this season and contributing significantly to Oregon’s top-10 scoring and total defense rankings. His impressive performance has garnered attention from NFL scouts.

His journey to this point has been remarkable. After transferring from Central Florida and Oklahoma, Boettcher chose to forgo a guaranteed scholarship at Utah to walk-on at his hometown Oregon baseball team. He later gave up a baseball scholarship to pursue his passion for football. This unwavering dedication earned him the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding college football player who started as a walk-on. He also won a Rawlings Gold Glove as a center fielder.

“He’s a guy who could do both at an elite level,” raved Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. Coaches echo this sentiment, praising Boettcher’s relentless work ethic and leadership. Oregon inside linebackers coach Brian Michalowski credits Boettcher’s success to his “prove-it mentality.”

Now, with spring training and the NFL offseason approaching, Boettcher must decide whether to pursue a professional career in baseball, football, or both. While he’s currently focused on the Rose Bowl, the future holds exciting possibilities for this exceptional athlete.

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