Daniel Craig thinks Steven Gerrard could play James Bond

Even though Daniel Craig is just past halfway into his run as James Bond, the rumor mill is already churning about potential replacements for 007. Craig himself could see the role going in a more athletic direction.

The Liverpool soccer fan was asked whether he'd rather be captain of his favorite team or Bond. He answered and then threw in an unsolicited suggestion about which Liverpudlian could fill his shoes.

"Well I don't think I could keep up any more so Bond will do but Steven Gerrard would make a good Bond," Craig said. "He is a good leader so you know what, seriously, who knows?"

Gerrard is the captain of the English national team and has played for Liverpool since 1997. He's widely regarded as one of the premiere football players in the world.

The initial impulse is to laugh at the suggestion of an athlete playing Bond. Then you remember how George Lazenby portrayed the character in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and realize that it can't get much worse.

Which athletes in other sports would be the best Bond replacements?

NFL -- Robert Griffin III (elusive)

Golf -- Rory McIlory (has the accent down, need a haircut)

MLB -- Mike Trout (you were expecting Pablo Sandoval?)

NBA -- Dwyane Wade (would spend most of his time in haberdasheries)

Tennis -- Roger Federer (James Bond needs no modesty)

NHL -- [N/A, would never be able to negotiate contract]

Thanks to Dirty Tackle for alerting us to this story.