Former NBA guard Nate Robinson, who once played basketball and football for the University of Washington, has taken another step toward becoming the first player to transition from the NBA to the NFL.
According to the Washington Post, Robinson is working out for the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.
Back in March, Robinson expressed his desire to play in the NFL. He last played in the NBA during the 2015-16 season, seeing action in just two games with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Asked about his interest in making a run at a NFL roster, Robinson gave a clear answer.
“Serious as a heart attack,” Robinson said, via ESPN. “Totally serious. As soon as I get the opportunity, if it comes my way, I’ll take full advantage of it.”
A former first-round pick of the Phoenix Suns, Robinson played 11 seasons with eight different teams in NBA. He averaged 11.0 points and 3.0 assists per game, but he became famous as a three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion at just 5’9″.
Robinson’s last experience with upper level football came in 2002, during his freshman year at Washington. He played 13 games with one interception, but his rising basketball career and the dismissal of head football coach Rick Neuheisel eventually led him to ditch the gridiron for the hardcourt.
If the workout with the Seahawks doesn’t go well, Robinson may have other suitors, including the New England Patriots or Arizona Cardinals. The defensive back told ESPN that he connections with both teams.
Either way, he’s cleared the first hurdle.
“That’s what I think the biggest challenge will be, getting somebody to give me that chance,” Robinson said. “If somebody gives me that chance, I know they’ll fall in love with the fierce competitor that I am because I catch on quick. Once I do that, then the sky’s the limit. I don’t know. It seems like they wouldn’t want me to be the first one to do something like this. That’s a huge challenge.”
Robinson now has a foot in the door. Workouts don’t mean roster spots, but he’ll have a chance to make an impressive Monday, especially with imaginative Pete Carroll running the show in Seattle.