" People put football players up there for being tough, but if you look at the schedule and the actual minutes played, NBA players are among the greatest athletes on the planet. There’s no question about it. "
- Montel Vontavious Porter

The quote suggests that despite football players often being recognized for their toughness, NBA players endure a grueling schedule that demands exceptional physical and mental endurance, making them some of the greatest athletes globally. It emphasizes the rigorous nature of an NBA player's career compared to other sports like football.

Underlying this statement is the acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by professional basketball players. The intensity of their training regimens and game schedules requires constant readiness and recovery, which places a significant strain on both their bodies and minds. This contrasts with perceptions that may favor the physical toughness displayed in contact sports such as American football but overlooks the sustained effort required over an entire NBA season. By highlighting this aspect, the speaker underscores the undervalued resilience and skillset of professional basketball athletes.

Montel Vontavious Porter is a former American football player turned actor and television personality known for his roles on various TV shows and talk programs where he often discusses health, fitness, and personal development topics. His background in sports gives him insight into the rigorous demands faced by professional athletes across different disciplines.