Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess has recently made headlines by becoming the first former NFL player to secure a contract to play professional basketball. After concluding his NFL career in 2022, Funchess has embarked on a new journey with the Caribbean Storm Islands in the Professional Colombia Basketball League. Funchess, who previously showcased his talents with the Packers during the 2021 preseason, opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his basketball endeavors, Funchess intends to participate in open tryouts for the G-League affiliates of the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers, further expanding his athletic pursuits.
Coincidentally, Funchess’s announcement coincided with viral comments made by Austin Rivers, son of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, during an appearance on the Pat McAfee show. Rivers sparked discussion by sharing his perspectives on the abilities of NFL and NBA players, prompting reactions from various individuals within the sports community.
Former Green Bay Packers player James Jones was among those who voiced criticism regarding Rivers’s comments. However, Rivers swiftly responded to Jones’s remarks, initiating a dialogue surrounding the crossover potential between NFL and NBA athletes.
The intersection of Funchess’s groundbreaking career move and Rivers’s viral comments has ignited conversations about the versatility and skill sets of athletes across different professional sports leagues. As Funchess ventures into the realm of professional basketball, his journey serves as a testament to the possibilities that exist beyond the confines of traditional athletic career paths.
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