Drafting the Perfect Team - Where the 1D Boys Would Be On The Football Field
One Direction’s original five members, (left to right) Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson (Kevin Mazur | WireImage)
Depending on what side of the internet you’re on, you might be seeing content about the 15th anniversary of the creation of boy band One Direction, or about what’s going on at the National Football League’s training camp… or both. In honor of the NFL season barreling in, we’re drafting the OG One Direction boys to the perfect NFL team, where each of them will get a moment to shine in the perfect position based on their roles in the band.
Kicker - Harry Styles
Harry Styles for NPR in 2020 (Photo Courtesy of Helene Marie Pabrum)
We’re drafting Harry Styles as the team kicker - he has the natural leadership and ability to perform under immense pressure needed to be a kicker for the NFL. Harry’s not afraid to stand out, and he definitely will with a whole stadium watching him kick for a two-point conversion. Harry is also allegedly able to run a five-minute mile according to a personal trainer, and his athleticism will benefit him in the kicker position.
Wide Receiver - Zayn Malik
Although Zayn’s departure from One Direction in 2015 caused ripples in the fandom, the love for him as an OG member of One Direction has always been strong. From his leather jackets to his “bad boy” stage persona, Zayn fits the flashiness and agility of a Wide Receiver, who is responsible for quickness, ability to catch the ball in compromising scenarios, and confidence.
Running Back - Niall Horan
Famously cheery, energetic, and always on the move, Niall Horan makes the perfect Running Back for our team. A Running Back needs to be quick, balanced, physical, and versatile, all while remaining in-tune with the energy of the game and play. Niall’s vibrant and energetic stage presence, even through his solo career, has always been notable to his concert-goers, making him the perfect RB to keep in touch with the game.
Tight End - Louis Tomlinson
(Dave Bennett | Getty Images)
While he might be a bit on the shorter side to play Tight End, Louis Tomlinson’s authenticity, resilience, and passion will make him a great Tight End for our dream team. Tight Ends need to be able to block, stay tough and resilient through tackles, and have a high “Football IQ” to play their part in the offense effectively. We felt that Louis’s toughness and intelligence, as he navigated his career, made him our perfect TE in the group.
Quarterback - Liam Payne
Liam Payne performing for a crowd in Wales in 2018 (Ben Birchall | AP)
Although one of One Direction’s original members, Liam Payne, tragically passed away in October 2024, his legacy as a band member is just as important as the rest of the boys, and we wanted to include him on our dream team as the perfect Quarterback. Liam is remembered as a philanthropic and supportive band member known for always sticking by his “teammates” (a.k.a., bandmates), even during difficult times, making him a great contender for Quarterback. A quarterback’s ability to decide on the best plays, support their team, and run the offense is a perfect role for Liam.
Offensive Coordinator - Simon Cowell
Musical talent TV show Judge Simon Cowell (Gavin Bond | NBC)
Just to be funny, we’d like to hire Simon Cowell as our perfect team’s Offensive Coordinator. Credited with creating One Direction by meshing together the boys from solo auditions into a generational legacy of a band, Simon Cowell is the perfect OC to see the vision of this dream team and keep them winning on the football field for the entire season. Hey, maybe we’ll even win the Super Bowl.