Green Bay Packers former wide receiver Devin Funchess. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL player signs contract to play pro basketball overseas

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/8/24

A former NFL player has gone pro in Colombia, but not for playing football.

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess has signed professionally to play basketball for the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball league. The 29-year-old Michigan alum is already showing off the ability to use his size, as well as a decent jump shot.

Former #Panthers WR Devin Funchess has signed a deal with the Caribbean Storm Llaneros of the Professional Colombia Basketball league.

Funchess is the first former NFL player to go on and sign a professional basketball contract.

Here are his highlights:pic.twitter.com/hyZuHp2KHo

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 8, 2024

Funchess last played in the NFL in 2019 but failed to catch on after switching positions from wide receiver to tight end. In 2022, he claimed his ambition was to play in the NBA, and that he was eventully going to pursue a career in basketball. It is an unlikely goal, but signing a contract to play professionally is rather impressive considering his background in a different sport.

Funchess was listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds during his NFL career, so he profiles as a fairly large guard. His best NFL season came in 2017 when he caught 63 passes for 840 yards and eight touchdowns with the Panthers.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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