Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess is trying a different sport, signing a pro basketball contract.
The Carolina Panthers announced Funchess’ next home via their team website. The former NFL wide receiver will be playing for the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball League.
From the Panthers’ article, Funchess explained that returning to basketball while away from the NFL helped him rediscover his passion for the sport.
Funchess said, “I was just playing basketball to cope with something that I never had to deal with—being away from football… then it was an outlet for me to think of all the different possibilities.”
According to the Panthers, Funchess is the first NFL player to sign a pro basketball contract. He aims to continue playing for as long as possible, and at 29 years old, he should still have plenty of time to pursue this dream.
Devin Funchess’ NFL Career
Funchess had an interesting journey to the NFL. Initially, he wasn’t a wide receiver.
Coming from Michigan, Funchess was a 4-star high school tight end. His choices included out-of-state schools like Cincinnati and Nebraska, but he ultimately chose to play for the Wolverines.
Funchess quickly made an impact, seeing immediate action as a freshman in all 13 games. He left Ann Arbor with two second-team All-Big Ten selections and 15 career touchdowns before turning professional.
After being chosen by the Panthers in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Funchess transitioned to wide receiver. The move proved successful, despite the lack of accolades. He caught 21 touchdowns in just four seasons in Carolina before joining the Indianapolis Colts.
The Packers picked up Funchess before the 2020 season. However, he opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned for the 2021 season but was released after being placed on injured reserve. Funchess made a few more stops before his NFL career ended. Now, he has fully shifted his focus to playing basketball and pursuing his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. The Packers picked up Funchess before the 2020 season. However, he opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned for the 2021 season but was released after being placed on injured reserve.
Funchess made a couple more stops before his NFL career came to a close. Now, he has fully turned his attention to playing basketball and pursuing his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
The Football-Basketball Debate
Funchess making his pro basketball dreams a reality seem fitting given recent headlines.
Former NBA guard Austin Rivers recently gained attention for a strong opinion He claimed implying that NBA players are more likely to succeed in the NFL compared to football players trying to go pro in basketball.
“I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL,” Rivers said. “You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NFL.”
JJ Watt, a future Hall of Famer, responded to Rivers on X.
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
Watt replied, “You don’t have a job in either right now, go ahead and try it…”
This debate arises every offseason. However, Funchess playing in Colombia will help strengthen the NFL's side of the argument in the future.
