While most diehard Jacksonville Jaguars fans listen to podcasts and watch all the games over the course of the season, it’s not uncommon for members of the Jags community to dip in and out of other sports. For many, basketball is a particular preference, given the end-to-end excitement the sport tends to serve up. Additionally, even former Jacksonville players have shone on the basketball court before becoming stars on the football field.
While both sports are completely different, the size of NFL players means that it’s hardly surprising to learn that some football professionals were also solid basketball players in their day. In the same way that many football fans watch the biggest basketball encounters, follow social media accounts dedicated to the sport, and check out the NBA lines before the games, numerous NFL players also indulge in the sport. In fact, many NFL players have achieved success in the two sports, particularly during their college days.
Former Jags player Julius Thomas was an accomplished basketball player
Having played for the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s fair to say Julius Thomas had a solid career in the NFL. Before he made giant strides in the world of football, though, Thomas made his mark while playing in two NCAA tournaments. Turning out for Portland State, Thomas was named on the Big Sky All-Tournament Team twice, and he even managed to secure a memorable 2009 Big Sky Championship victory after pulling off a spectacular game-winning dunk very late in the game.
Although this next inclusion didn’t play for the Jags, he certainly stood out for the opposition on numerous occasions. What many fans don’t know, though, is that Tony Gonzalez was a fantastic basketball player in his younger years. A key member of Cal’s basketball team, the former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons star was a highly talented two-sport athlete and received plenty of plaudits on the basketball court while playing as a forward. Despite eventually choosing to pursue a career in football, it’s fair to say Gonzalez also had a strong chance of making it as a basketball player.
Quinten Rollins was handy on the court
Quinten Rollins is best known for his exploits with the Green Bay Packers, but his ability on the basketball court was evident from an early age. The former cornerback played for Miami (OH) for four seasons, becoming an integral member of their team in the process. Eventually, though, the lure of football was hard to ignore. While putting in solid performances for the Redhawks, he eventually transitioned over to their football team for one season and didn’t look back from that point onwards. Whether Rollins would have made it as a professional basketball player is unknown, but he clearly had ability on the court.
Antonio Gates stood out while playing college basketball
An American former professional NFL player who was a tight end for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers during his illustrious career in the sport of football, Antonio Gates also has fond memories of his basketball playing days. Although he eventually turned his full attention to football after being told he was a bit too small for the NBA, Gates managed to steal the limelight on numerous occasions while shooting hoops. Still, basketball’s loss was definitely football’s gain.
Other NFL players who also excelled at basketball include Jimmy Graham, Julius Peppers, Darren Fells, Rico Gathers, and Mo Alie-Cox.
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