Former NFL wide receiver Devin Funchess has made history by becoming the first NFL player to sign a professional basketball contract. The 29-year-old has agreed to join the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball league. Funchess made a promise to his grandfather when he was younger that he would win a Super Bowl, play professional basketball, and become a farmer.
Devin Funchess has agreed to a deal in the Professional Colombia Basketball league 🏀 pic.twitter.com/OapaIwI8sk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 8, 2024
Although he never won a Super Bowl, he came close when he played in the big game with the Carolina Panthers. Funchess attributes his work ethic, discipline, and understanding of challenges to the experience of reaching the Super Bowl. He played in the NFL until 2022 but opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He finished his career with 164 receptions, 2,265 yards, and 21 touchdowns.
#Packers WR Devin Funchess makes a diving catch across the middle.
Love 4-for-4 on this drive. Gains of 34, 8, 10 & 15. pic.twitter.com/et3CN0FZEP
— Steve Frederick (@SteveFrederick_) August 15, 2021
Funchess always intended to transition to basketball and made his professional debut in November 2022. He played for the Statham Academy and recorded 10 points and seven rebounds in his first game. The decision to pursue basketball was reignited by his cousin, Aden Holloway, who encouraged him to play again. Funchess described basketball as an outlet and a way to explore different possibilities. He now looks forward to open tryouts with the L.A. Clippers G League team, the Ontario Clippers, and the Charlotte Hornets G League team, the Greensboro Swarm. Funchess aims to bring his family along on his journey and provide them with new experiences.
Cole Teal, the Swarm GM, applauds Funchess for pursuing his passion and taking the risk of playing in a professional league in Colombia. Teal believes Funchess’ athleticism will translate well to basketball.
Funchess had a unique experience with the Green Bay Packers, signing with the team in 2020 but opting out due to COVID-19. He played in the preseason in 2021 but went on injured reserve and ultimately got released. Funchess’ decision to go to Colombia is a step towards fulfilling the promises he made to his grandfather, who he holds as his biggest motivator. He plans to continue playing professionally in the United States while appreciating the value of his experience abroad. Funchess had a successful career in the NFL, playing for multiple teams, but injuries cut his career short.
Switching sports between football and basketball has recently been a topic of discussion. Austin Rivers stated that it is more realistic for NBA players to play football, while JJ Watt countered by noting the rarity of individuals drafted in both the NBA and the NFL. Bud Grant, the only person in history to achieve this, played basketball and football before becoming a successful NFL coach.
You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it… https://t.co/9C5Y4oZyXZ
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 7, 2024
He aims to fulfill the promises he made to his grandfather, pursue his passion for basketball, and provide his family with memorable experiences. Funchess’s decision to play in Colombia marks a new chapter in his life and career.
Fans reacted as follows:
We gonna find out if Austin Rivers is right or wrong
— GG Era (@ClipNation74) May 8, 2024
Austin Rivers immediately wrong
— OG (@OG389) May 8, 2024
All that talk about nfl players can’t play in the nba got him doing side quests
— Fausi (@thatguyfausi) May 8, 2024
He saw what Austin Rivers was talking about and said “hold my beer, watch this.”
— Hayden Wheatley (@WheatleyHayden) May 8, 2024
First person to be professionally mid in 2 sports
— Tom Holland Oates (@Gam3rdudeJ) May 8, 2024
@AustinRivers25 a new development in the NBA vs NFL argument
— Chuck (@ChuckSportsApp) May 8, 2024
Austin Rivers changing the game .
— BiggBreeze (@BigBreezy29) May 8, 2024
That’s new, good luck Devin.
— BiggBreeze (@BigBreezy29) May 8, 2024
Devin Funchess has agreed to a deal in the Professional Colombia Basketball league
— Jacob skully (@JacobSkully) May 8, 2024
Austin Rivers really got em in their feelings
— ቶማስ ካሳሁን 🇪🇹✊🏾 (@TomasKassahun) May 8, 2024
Otto Graham played pro football for 10 years. He went to the title game all 10 years and won SEVEN championships.
He also played pro basketball and won a championship there too with the organization that is now the Sacramento Kings. pic.twitter.com/LiMHJLd93f
— CLEVELAND ROCKS (@CLEVELOVE1) May 8, 2024
