Key Takeaways:
– Former NFL star, Devin Funchess, signed a pro basketball contract with the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball League.
– Funchess is making history as the first NFL player to sign a professional basketball contract.
– The former Green Bay Packers wide receiver’s switch to basketball stirs the debate on whether NFL or NBA players are more adaptable at switching sports.
The New Turf of Devin Funchess
Devin Funchess, previously known for his impressive stints with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, is leaving the football grounds and venturing into a whole new world of professional sports. The 29-year-old athlete has made the surprising pivot to basketball, signing a professional basketball contract with the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball League.
Rediscovering Love for Basketball
Funchess’ endeavour into basketball is influenced by his love for the sport, reawakened during his time away from football. He found solace in the game during his absence from the NFL, which cultivated a fresh passion for the sport. “This was an outlet for me to think of all the different possibilities,” Funchess shared with the Panthers.
Achieving a Milestone
Funchess’ sports switch isn’t simply a personal feat; it’s a landmark moment in the sports industry. According to the Carolina Panthers, Funchess is the first NFL player ever to ink a professional basketball agreement. At 29, his athletic career is far from over, fueling excitement about his journey in the sport of basketball.
Stepping Away from a Stellar NFL Career
Prior to his formative leap into basketball, Funchess etched an interesting path within the NFL. Starting his career as a tight end in Michigan, he evolved into a competitive wide receiver. He stood out during his time in college, leaving with two second-team All-Big Ten selections and 15 career touchdowns. His performance caught the attention of the Panthers, who drafted him in the NFL with a successful shift to the wide receiver position.
Despite the absence of accolades, his career took an upward trajectory, with 21 touchdowns in his four seasons with Carolina. His association with the NFL stretched further with a contract with the Indianapolis Colts and later, a stint with the Packers. However, after opting out of a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a short hiatus due to injury, Funchess’ NFL career took a pause. But rather than a setback, this break led him back to his love for basketball.
Fueling the NFL vs NBA Debate
The switch by Funchess inadvertently intensifies the ongoing debate over whether NBA or NFL athletes are more equipped to successfully transition between sports. This discussion recently hit headlines when former NBA guard Austin Rivers claimed NBA players have a higher likelihood of succeeding in the NFL than vice versa. However, with Funchess now donning his basketball jersey, the argument has taken an interesting pivot towards the NFL camp.
Undoubtedly, Funchess’ performance in the Professional Colombia Basketball League will be viewed with great interest and could significantly influence future opinions in this sports crossover debate. As he embarks on this exciting journey, the sports world will be watching closely, making this not just a personal quest for Funchess, but a pivotal moment for NFL and NBA fans alike.