Jake Paul has announced a career-altering plan to pursue a future in the NFL, revealing on June 23, 2026, that he intends to enroll at Stanford University and walk onto the football team.
The 29-year-old social media personality and professional boxer made the announcement during an appearance on the a16z podcast, stating he wants to play as a slot receiver for the California-based university. This move follows a severe medical setback in the ring that has left his fighting future in doubt.
Jake Paul targets Stanford University to build NFL game film
The catalyst for this pivot is a devastating sixth-round knockout loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025. That bout, which was streamed live on Netflix, resulted in a double fracture of Paul’s mandible, requiring surgeons to install titanium plates to stabilize his jaw.
Paul also lost at least one tooth in the exchange. Due to the structural damage, he is currently under an extended medical suspension and admits that his professional boxing days may be over.
Speaking on the a16z podcast, Jake Paul explained that the idea to pursue collegiate football “happened today” after he visited the Stanford University campus. He believes that enrolling in college is a necessary developmental step because professional teams require recent footage before evaluating undrafted free agents.
“I was originally thinking I’ll just go straight to the Cleveland Browns or Dallas Cowboys, but they’re probably going to want to see me play first,” Paul said.
By attempting to join the Stanford University football team, Paul hopes to use his physical maturity to his advantage. Standing 6-foot-1 and typically fighting at weights near 200 pounds, he argued that his “man strength” would give him an edge over younger collegiate defensive backs.
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Despite his confidence, Stanford University officials have not yet confirmed any contact with Paul or his representatives regarding a spot on the roster.
Transitioning from the ring to the slot receiver position
Paul’s interest in football is not entirely new, as he played the sport at Westlake High School in Ohio before his rise to internet fame. However, the transition from heavyweight boxing to the technical demands of a slot receiver at a major program is a significant leap.
He emphasized his serious intent during the podcast, noting that the move is part of a childhood dream he still wishes to fulfill.
The physical risks of football are notable, but they differ from the specific hazards of combat sports. While Usyk raises brain health concerns regarding heavy impacts in boxing, Paul’s immediate problem is the double fracture of his jaw that could make taking another punch to the face medically impossible.
Football helmets and different impact profiles might offer a path for him to remain an athlete without the same direct structural risks to his mandible.
The professional boxing record of the ‘Problem Child’
If Paul does leave the ring behind, he exits with a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, including seven knockouts. His career began in early 2020 and featured several high-profile victories against former UFC champions like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley.
He also secured a points win over Mike Tyson in late 2024, a bout that generated substantial mainstream attention for the influencer-turned-athlete.
His only two defeats came at the hands of established boxers. The first was a split-decision loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023, and the second was the career-threatening knockout by Joshua.
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Some industry veterans have praised Paul’s work ethic in the past, much like how Jarrell Miller backs Filip for success in his own heavyweight endeavors. However, the severity of the Joshua injury has forced a reassessment of what Paul’s body can endure.
Academic and athletic hurdles at Stanford University
To successfully walk onto the team at Stanford University, Paul faces both athletic and administrative challenges. Stanford is known for its rigorous academic requirements, meaning Paul must first secure enrollment as a student before he can step onto the field. At 29, he would be significantly older than his teammates and opponents, a factor he views as a physical benefit rather than a hurdle.
The “Stanford-to-NFL” plan has been met with skepticism by some analysts who cite the years of specialized training required for elite route running and ball security. Paul remains undeterred, repeating on the podcast, “I’m being serious.”
Whether this results in a genuine second act in the NFL or remains a viral ambition, the move signals the likely end of one of the most polarizing eras in modern boxing history.
