In a surprising turn of events, former professional baseball player Monte Harrison has decided to return to his first love, football. After a successful high school career as a multi-sport athlete, Harrison pursued a career in baseball, but now he is seeking a fresh start on the gridiron.

Harrison, who had a standout performance as a wide receiver for Lee's Summit West in Missouri, caught the attention of his high school football coach, Royce Boehm, when he expressed his desire to return to the sport. Boehm, known for his successful coaching career, including his son Evan's NFL journey, had a bold idea and reached out to the Kansas City Chiefs to inquire about opportunities for Harrison.

However, due to Harrison's lack of experience beyond high school and a decade-long break from football, the Chiefs were not able to offer him a spot on their roster. At 28 years old, he is older than every wide receiver currently on the Chiefs' roster and even slightly older than their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

Undeterred, Harrison decided to explore a collegiate opportunity and recently confirmed that he will walk on at the University of Arkansas this fall to play football. With his impressive athleticism and physicality, his high school coach, Boehm, believes that Harrison could make a significant impact for the Razorbacks.

"He's a Bo, a Bo Jackson," Boehm exclaimed, drawing a comparison to the legendary two-sport athlete. Harrison's former defensive line coach, Limbo Parks, who played for the Razorbacks in the 1980s, helped facilitate the connection with the SEC program.

Harrison's journey to Arkansas has been long and winding. After being sought after by several college football programs, he ultimately chose to play football at Nebraska under coach Bo Pelini. However, his promising football career was put on hold when he was selected in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, who paid him a reported $1.8 million to sign.

Throughout his nine-year stint in the minor leagues, Harrison showcased his speed and power, stealing 210 bases and hitting for an average of .240. He made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2020 and last played at the MLB level with the Los Angeles Angels.

Now, as Harrison prepares to start a new chapter in his athletic career, his former baseball coach at Nebraska, Will Bolt, recalls his exceptional athleticism and untapped potential during his high school days. Harrison's physicality has remained intact, with the Nashville roster listing him at an impressive 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.

Harrison, currently residing in Kansas City, plans to head to Fayetteville at the end of this month to begin his football journey once again. His decision to give football another shot has drawn attention and admiration, with many rooting for his success at Arkansas.

As one door closes and another opens, Harrison's determination and natural talent may lead to a remarkable comeback story on the college gridiron. Only time will tell if football can reignite the fire that once burned brightly for this exceptional athlete.

Subscribe to The Athletic for exclusive coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues, and clubs.