Carolina Panthers helmet (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
A former wide receiver/tight end has made history, becoming the first NFL player to sign a contract with a professional basketball team.

While just about everyone associated with the NFL, past and present, will be focused on the draft this week, Devin Funchess has his eyes set on basketball.

Funchess also has his heart set on the NBA. He isn’t quite there yet but has landed himself a professional contract with the Caribbean Storm, a team that plays in the Basketball League of Colombia.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson says the 29-year-old is the first NFL player to sign a pro basketball deal. A former second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, Funchess has reportedly put pen to paper on a one-year deal with said team, having played for the Statham Academy in the Asia Basket Dasmariñas Tournament last year.

As noted above, Funchess is looking to sign an NBA contract, so his latest move can be considered a step in the right direction.

Devin Funchess Has Gone Up Against Some Of The Best

Last year, Devin Funchess told TMZ he was keen on competing with the best players in the world on the hardwood, having already done so on the football field.

“My end goal is the NBA, get a few seasons over there just like I did in the NFL,” he said back then. “Just to be able to compete against the best players in the world, that’ll be a blessing to me. I’ve done it in the football realm already. And it’s nothing but dedication, repetition and just having fun.“

Funchess also revealed having played against former NBA stars Amar’e Stoudemire and John Wall at the time of his interview.

Whether or not Devin Funchess makes it to the NBA remains to be seen. But he’s already gotten as far as signing a deal with a professional team; anything’s possible now.

“I know I’d have to go overseas and play to get some film, but after that, my dream growing up was to play in the NBA,” he told Bally Sports in 2022. “So that’s my main goal. That’s what I’m going to make happen.”