Athletes from the NFL who demonstrated exceptional skills on the basketball court as well
Approaching is the convergence of football season and basketball season – the ultimate favorite time of year for diehard sports fans. During this time, several current and former players have successfully dabbled in both sports. Let’s take a look at the NFL players, past and present, who showcased their skills on the basketball court as well.
You’ll notice a common trend: many former college basketball forwards, ranging between heights of 6-4 to 6-7, swiftly transitioned into playing tight end, utilizing their physical attributes and exceptional catching abilities. Additionally, several players opted to play football in their final year of college eligibility after spending four seasons on the basketball court. They made the most of their senior year, thriving before leaping to the NFL.
NFL Athletes with Advanced Basketball Skills
Unfortunately, the sport of NFL Basketball has not yet been invented, but some athletes have realized themselves to some extent in both sports. It must be said that it is impossible to be a professional in two areas at once, but they certainly did not lose their skills in basketball after moving to the NFL. Furthermore the basketball
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#1 Julius Peppers
Julius Peppers, a unanimous All-American on the North Carolina gridiron, also walked on for basketball coaches Bill Guthridge and Matt Doherty. These coaches bridged the gap between UNC coaching legends Dean Smith and Roy Williams. Despite that, Peppers played for two successful Tar Heel teams.
UNC had a 22-14 record in 2000, reaching as high as No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll. As a No. 8 seed, they even made it to the Final Four. In the next season, the Tar Heels went 26-7 and claimed the top spot in the poll, securing a No. 2 seed During his sophomore year, Peppers ranked fifth in scoring and rebounding for North Carolina.
#2 Vincent Jackson
Jackson, a walk-on forward, achieved notable basketball career highlights. In 2004, he had a career-high of 18 points against Rutgers and secured 11 rebounds earlier in the season against Denver. He was honored with NCAA Division-I All-Independent second-team recognition during that same season.
During the 2015 NFL season, Jackson encountered setbacks due to injuries. He suffered an MCL injury in late December, after previously missing time due to a knee injury earlier that year. Despite his challenges in staying on the field, Jackson consistently performed well in each game he played, with only a slightly negative grade in Week 4 against Carolina. His impressive stats include 33 receptions, three touchdowns, and a significant number of missed tackles forced.
#3 Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates, renowned for his successful transition from college basketball to the NFL, has been a prominent figure in the league for over 15 years. If you’ve followed the NFL during this time, chances are you’ve heard broadcasters mention Gates’ collegiate basketball background. Following his exceptional performance in leading Kent State to the Elite Eight in 2002 and achieving an average of 20 points per game in subsequent seasons, Gates swiftly established himself as the NFL’s top tight end. He earned First Team All-Pro honors in his second, third, and fourth seasons. Below, you can access the replay of the game where Gates and the Golden Flashes competed against Indiana, vying for a spot in the Final Four.
#4 Jimmy Graham
During the 2007-2008 season, Graham’s basketball career highlights include averaging six points per game for the Hurricanes and recording 1.2 blocks. With Graham on the roster, the Canes made two appearances in the big dance.
In the 2015 NFL season, Graham played as the second tight end for the Seahawks. Although his performance did not match the expectations set during his time in New Orleans, his overall grade for the year was still positive. By the way, you can even watch those games now, although you will need Edge free VPN or its equivalent for another browser. Among tight ends, Graham finished with the seventh-best receiving grade, one spot behind Gates, despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12.
#5 Darren Fells
Darren Fells, a standout basketball player in the Big West during his time at UC Irvine, achieved impressive records. He led the conference in field goal percentage, ranked third in rebounds per game, and placed ninth in points per game. The Anteaters secured a second-place finish in the conference in his sophomore year, and during his senior year in 2008, they reached the Big West conference championship game but fell short.
Following his graduation, Fells pursued a professional basketball career overseas, playing in Argentina, Belgium, Finland, France, and Mexico. In the spring of 2013, he transitioned to the NFL, beginning his journey in the sport. Fells started 12 games for the Cardinals in 2015 and 13 games for the Lions last season. Notably, his most impressive statistical season occurred in 2015 with Arizona, where he recorded 21 catches for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
Conclusion
Considering the amount of time it takes to stay in top shape in the NFL, it is simply impossible to also be a successful basketball player. However, it is quite possible to play at the semi-professional or amateur level and these athletes prove this statement.
