Players transitioning from basketball to football is nothing new. Antonio Gates did it, and so did Jimmy Graham -- both experiencing a great deal of success in doing so, too.
Making the jump from the NBA to the NFL is a different story. In fact, it's never been done. Three-time slam dunk champion Nate Robinson is trying to change that and become the first NBA player to make it in the NFL.
Robinson, who's currently a free agent after being waived by the Pelicans, announced his intentions in a video for The Lead Sports. In it, he receives a vote of confidence from the likes of Jamal Crawford, Glen Davis, Marcedes Lewis, and former Washington football coach, Rick Neuheisel.
Robinson going from the NBA to the NFL is crazy, especially at the age of 31. Furthermore, he's only 5-foot-9, 180 pounds. Those aren't exactly NFL-type measurable, but he does have a history in football.
A little-known fact about Robinson is that he originally enrolled at the University of Washington to play football -- not basketball. In 2002, his first year with the Huskies, Robinson played 13 games, starting the final six at cornerback. That season, he picked off two passes and made 34 tackles.
That was more than a decade ago, however. Returning to a sport that you haven't played in that long of a period of time is nearly impossible, never mind at the highest level possible.
"I haven't played in 11 years, 12 years." Robinson said. "But I know how to play. I know how to hit. I know how to catch -- I can get picks, I can get deflections. I know all techniques -- bump, seven yards off, five yards off. I know it all."
At the very least, Robinson has speed. According to Bullets Forever, Robinson posted the fastest full-court sprint time at 2.96 seconds. Granted, Robinson isn't as fast as he once was, but his quickness was unmatched at one time in the NBA.
His path to the NFL won't be easy, but it sure will be fun to follow.
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