Best NFL Players Who Played College Basketball

Best NFL Players Who Played College Basketball

The idea of a basketball player turning into an NFL tight end isn’t new. It just keeps happening.

The Indianapolis Colts are the latest example, signing former Notre Dame forward Carson Towt as an undrafted free agent with plans to convert him to tight end. Towt never played college football, but he led Division I in total rebounds and rebounds per game during the 2024–25 season, using a 6-foot-7 frame built for physical play and control in tight spaces.

That path might sound unusual, but it is not rare. Towt is stepping into a position group that already includes Mo Alie-Cox, who followed a nearly identical path and built a long NFL career without ever playing college football. The transition works because the traits translate. Rebounding becomes high-pointing the football. Boxing out becomes route positioning. Footwork in the paint becomes separation in tight windows.

Some players took that crossover and turned it into all-time careers.

Antonio Gates, Kent State (2001–2003)

No player defines this conversation better than Antonio Gates. He never played college football, which makes what he became even more remarkable. Gates led Kent State to the Elite Eight and developed into a high-level scorer and rebounder, using strength and positioning to dominate inside.

That exact skill set carried over to the NFL. Gates controlled space in the red zone like a power forward sealing a defender under the rim. His ability to create separation in tight areas and win at the catch point helped redefine the tight end position and set the standard for every basketball-to-football comparison that followed.

Antonio Gates, Kent State upset Pitt to reach 2002 Elite Eight | FULL REPLAY

Tony Gonzalez, California (1994–1997)

Tony Gonzalez helped make the basketball connection mainstream. He was a legitimate contributor on Cal’s basketball team, not just a name on the roster, and that background showed up throughout his NFL career.

Gonzalez played with balance and precision, consistently using his body to shield defenders and create clean throwing windows. His movement in traffic and ability to track the ball felt natural. That combination helped him become one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history and one of the clearest examples of how basketball skills translate directly to football.

Tony Gonzalez – College Basketball Highlights

Julius Peppers, North Carolina (1999–2001)

Julius Peppers is the outlier on this list, which makes his case even more impressive. He was not catching passes. He was disrupting everything on defense.

Before becoming one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, Peppers played basketball at North Carolina and was part of a Final Four team. His size and movement stood out even on the hardwood, and those traits became overwhelming on the football field. At nearly 6-foot-7, he combined length, explosiveness, and lateral movement in a way that offensive linemen struggled to match. His basketball background helped shape a unique style of play that translated into consistent dominance.

UNC Tar Heels – “Curry to Peppers!” Dunk

Jimmy Graham, Miami (2005–2009)

Jimmy Graham followed one of the most direct paths from the court to the field. He played four full seasons of basketball at Miami before using his final year of eligibility to try football.

That limited experience did not slow him down. Graham quickly became one of the most dangerous receiving tight ends in the league, especially in scoring situations. His timing, leaping ability, and instincts at the catch point all mirrored what he did as a rebounder. He did not need years of football development to become effective because the core traits were already there.

Jimmy Graham University of Miami Basketball Highlights Full Video

Terrell Owens, Chattanooga (1992–1996)

Terrell Owens earns his spot because of the career he built at the NFL level. He played college basketball at Chattanooga and brought that same athletic profile into one of the most productive wide receiver careers the league has ever seen.

Owens was not defined by his basketball résumé, but it showed up in key moments. His body control, ability to adjust mid-air, and strength through contact all reflect a multi-sport background. Once you get past the tight end-heavy portion of this list, Owens stands out as the player whose overall impact forces his way into the top five.

Terrell Owens TWO HAND DUNK in Christmas Celebrity Game!

Honorable Mentions

Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M (2005–2006)

Bennett played basketball at Texas A&M and carried that versatility into a long NFL career where he contributed in multiple offensive roles. His ability to move and adjust in space reflected that background. Learn about March Madness Parlays!

Mo Alie-Cox, VCU (2013–2017)

Alie-Cox remains one of the best modern examples of a true basketball-to-football transition. He never played college football and still developed into a reliable NFL tight end, making him a direct comparison for players like Carson Towt entering the league today.