College basketball stars in the NFL
- Published: March 17, 2012 at 05:06 p.m.
- Updated: March 22, 2012 at 06:24 p.m.
There'll be plenty of NBA scouts in the stands as March Madness captures the nation's attention over the next few weeks. But don't be surprised if at least one NFL evaluator has a player on his radar, too. Here's a list of former college hoopsters who parlayed their basketball skills into a career in the NFL:
Jimmy Graham: Miami
Before he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2010, TE Jimmy Graham had only played one season of football at Miami, but spent four years on the basketball team and went to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and 2009.
Donovan McNabb: Syracuse
Quarterback Donovan McNabb played two seasons as a reserve guard at Syracuse.
Antwaan Randle El: Indiana
A former WR for the Steelers and Redskins, Antwaan Randle El played one season for the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.
Connor Barwin: Cincinnati
Houston Texans DE Connor Barwin played for the Cincinnati Bearcats from 2005-2007.
Terrell Owens: Tennessee-Chattanooga
Wide receiver Terrell Owens played basketball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and also had a brief career in the United States Basketball League with the Adirondack Wildcats in 2002.
Martellus Bennett: Texas A&M
Newly signed Giants TE Martellus Bennett played two seasons for the Texas A&M basketball team.
Tony Gonzalez: California
Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez averaged 6.8 points per game with the California Golden Bears and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 1997 NCAA Tournament.
Julius Peppers: North Carolina
Before he was drafted second overall by the Carolina Panthers, DE Julius Peppers averaged 7.1 points per game for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Antonio Gates: Kent State
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was a standout forward at Kent State, where he led his team to the Elite Eight in the 2002 NCAA Tournament.
Fan Discussion
Headlines
