A former Carolina Panthers second round pick and veteran NFL wide receiver is making history.
Coming out of Michigan in 2015, Devin Funchess played in 62 games over five seasons with Carolina and the Indianapolis Colts. He finished his career with 164 receptions, 2,265 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.
The 6-foot-4 225-pound athlete spent his entire rookie contract trying to break through with the Panthers making the transition from a college tight end to a NFL WR, but wound up hitting free agency in 2018.
The Colts signed Funchess to a one-year deal hoping to tap into some of his upside as an X-receiver. However, he suffered a broken collarbone in Week 1 during the 2018 season and missed the remainder of the campaign.
After his stint with the Colts, Funchess spent time on the active roster of the Green Bay Packers during the 2020 offseason but opted out of playing that year due to COVID-19. When the 2021 season rolled around, Funchess was placed on the injured reserve list in August and was released two days later.
Funchess finished his career spending a short stint with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and the offseason roster with the Detroit Lions, who signed him as a tight end.
The former Carolina Panthers wideout made headlines last year, revealing after five seasons on the gridiron, he wanted to take his talents to the hardwood.
TMZ caught up with the 6’4″, 225-pound athlete about the transition and he was dead set on making it to the NBA.
“My end goal is the NBA, get a few seasons over there just like I did in the NFL,” Funchess said about his time training in the Philippines. “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 first dunked a basketball when he was 10 and has been working with NBA trainers to hone his craft. He’s played against pros like Michael Beasley, Amar’e Stoudemire and John Wall.
Former Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess Makes History By Inking Professional Basketball Contract
Funchess, 29, has been pursuing a professional basketball career since 2022, and now, he’s made history.
According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Funchess has signed with the Caribbean Storm of the Basketball League of Colombia, making him the first NFL player to ever land a pro basketball contract.
“Blessed by the man from above for the opportunity! I Appreciate all those involved with my journey from the Philippines to Australia to now here in Colombia! Can’t wait to get started and get on the right track to going 1-0 on May 1st!” Funchess told Robinson via text.
Last year, the former Carolina Panthers pass catcher made s significant step to get closer to achieving his hoops dream.
He suited up for Statham Academy in the Asia Basket Dasmariñas Tournament.
“I was blessed with an opportunity from Taylor (Statham), and basketball has always been my number one passion, so falling back in love with basketball has been beautiful,” Funchess said, via the Tiebreaker Times. “This is my first professional appearance in basketball, so let’s see. It’s not a contact sport, so it’s going to be fun. It’s been beautiful, and I just can’t wait to get to play with the team.”
At the end of the day, Funchess still has his sites set on the NBA.
“When it comes to my love and my passion, I love the game of basketball. As in my transition from dwindling down in the NFL, being an eight-year vet, I’m still 28 years old. I can still go through something. I know I’d have to go overseas and play, get some film. But after that, my dream growing up was to play in the NBA. That’s my main goal and that’s what I’m gonna make happen.”
It will be interesting to follow the journey of the former Carolina Panthers receiver.