College basketball players who became NFL stars

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College basketball players who became NFL stars

Angel Atienza-Romero · The Big Lead

Fri, Mar 20, 2026 ·

6 min read

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There's something uniquely compelling about athletes who take an unconventional path to greatness, and few stories capture that better than college basketball players who became NFL stars. In a sports world that often emphasizes early specialization, these athletes went against the grain , developing their skills on the hardwood before making a successful transition to the football field. Names like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez stand out not just because they made the switch, but because they excelled at the highest level, redefining what was possible at their positions.

What makes their journeys so interesting isn't just the change in sport—it's how seamlessly their basketball background translated into football success. The ability to track the ball in the air, control body movement in tight spaces, and outmaneuver defenders in one-on-one situations are all skills rooted in basketball. For players like Jimmy Graham, that meant becoming a dominant red-zone weapon, while others like Julius Peppers used their athleticism to disrupt offenses in entirely different ways.

This crossover also continues to shape the modern game. Younger players such as Drake London and Keon Coleman show that basketball remains a valuable foundation for football success. Their stories highlight a broader truth: elite athleticism, when paired with adaptability, can transcend the boundaries of any single sport.

Tony Gonzalez

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) walks onto the field for practice during mini camp at the Falcons Training Complex. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Gonzalez played basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, where he showed strong rebounding and footwork skills as a forward. That basketball background translated seamlessly to tight end, especially in body positioning and contested catches. After shifting focus fully to football, he became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Gonzalez retired as a 14-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, redefining the receiving tight end role.

Jimmy Graham

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff at Georgia Dome. Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Graham spent four years playing basketball at the University of Miami, even helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. He only played one season of college football, but his athletic upside was obvious. Once in the NFL, Graham quickly developed into an elite red-zone threat with the New Orleans Saints. His basketball skills—particularly leaping ability and box-outs—made him one of the most dominant receiving tight ends of his era.

Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates waves to the crowd after receiving his gold jacket at the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Antonio Gates starred as a basketball player at Kent State, leading the team to an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Despite never playing college football, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and became a legend. His ability to "post up" defenders and use basketball-style positioning made him nearly unstoppable in the red zone. Gates retired as one of the most productive tight ends ever and is widely expected to be a Hall of Famer.

Mo Alie-Cox

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) pulls in pass Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during the first day of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. Credit: © Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mo Alie-Cox played four years of basketball at VCU, where he was known for his physical presence and rebounding. Like Gates, he didn't play college football at all, making his transition especially notable. After developing with the Indianapolis Colts, he carved out a role as a reliable tight end. His size and basketball instincts have made him a valuable contributor, particularly in blocking and short-yardage receiving.

Julius Peppers

Julius Peppers during NFL Live Munich at Augustiner-Keller. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Julius Peppers was a two-sport athlete at the University of North Carolina, playing both football and basketball. On the hardwood, he used his elite athleticism as a forward, contributing on a Final Four team. That same explosiveness translated to football, when he played for several teams including Carolina Panthers where he became one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history. Peppers went on to have a Hall of Fame career with over 150 sacks.

Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman yells as he takes the field during team introductions before their home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Nov. 2, 2025. Credit: © Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Keon Coleman played both basketball and football at Michigan State, showcasing his versatility as a multi-sport athlete. On the court, he demonstrated strong body control and leaping ability, traits that translated directly to his wide receiver play. After transferring to Florida State for football, he emerged as a top receiving prospect. His basketball background is evident in his contested catches and ability to high-point the ball.

Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Drake London was a dual-sport athlete at USC, playing both basketball and football at a high level. As a guard on the basketball team, he developed footwork and spatial awareness that later helped him as a receiver. Once he focused solely on football, he became a dominant target thanks to his size and catch radius. London was drafted in the first round and quickly became a key offensive weapon in the NFL.

DeAndre Hopkins

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deandre Hopkins (10) reacts after making a reception for a first down during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

DeAndre Hopkins did not play college basketball at Clemson, but he was a standout multi-sport athlete earlier in his career, including basketball at the high school level. His basketball experience contributed to his elite hand-eye coordination and body control. In the NFL, Hopkins became one of the best wide receivers of his generation, known for acrobatic catches and strong hands. While football was always his primary path, his basketball background still shows up in his playing style.

Conclusion

San Diego Chargers tight end (85) Antonio Gates on the bench during the 4th quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Kyle Terada

In the end, these athletes didn't just switch sports—they brought something new with them. Their basketball backgrounds helped redefine how certain football positions are played. More than anything, their success proves that great athletes aren't limited by the sport they start in—they're defined by how they evolve.

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