Multiple steps exist for college basketball players to transition toward becoming NFL professionals. Some NFL athletes began their training for football in their youth, but a basketball background now brings special athleticism and multi-directional capability to professional football.
Athletes who played college basketball use their athletic abilities developed on the court to succeed at tight end and wide receiver positions. The unconventional path from college basketball to the NFL has brought three notable players, such as Antonio Gates, Julius Peppers, and Jimmy Graham, into professional football.
Broncos’ Caleb Lohner Joins the List of College Basketball Players Thriving in the NFL
These athletes’ achievements have opened doors for more prospects to make such transitions between sports at the collegiate stage and maximize their NFL potential through physical strength and dedication.
Lohner received his draft call from the Denver Broncos during the seventh round (241st overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft. After his senior year, Lohner transitioned from collegiate basketball to football, training briefly with Utah’s football program before entering the NFL Draft.
Although he had minimal game experience, Lohner impressed scouts with his athleticism, size, and red-zone potential during his time at Utah.
Lohner’s perfect dimensions of 6’7″ and 245 pounds make him ideal for tight end duties. During his media appearance, Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton discussed Lohner’s basketball abilities and fast-learning skills while highlighting his development potential.
As the team’s general manager, George Paton made the official club announcement to reveal the plans for utilizing Lohner’s abilities because he possessed both football skills and youth but lacked experience at that stage.
Lohner started his athletic career at Brigham Young University (BYU) before moving to Baylor University and finally settling at the University of Utah. His brief football stint at Utah proved significant, leading to his selection in the NFL Draft.
NFL teams are now selecting versatile athletes known as Lohner who provide unmatched abilities to their offensive schemes. Although Lohner’s football experience is limited, his basketball background and athleticism offer a strong foundation for professional development.
From Hoops to Helmets: Notable College Basketball Players Drafted into the NFL
Antonio Gates (Kent State University)
Antonio Gates played for the basketball team at Kent State University during his time at college before reaching the Elite Eight round of the competition alongside his team members in the year 2002. The San Diego Chargers contracted Gates after his decision not to play college football, which contributed to his eight-time Pro Bowl selections as a tight end.
Jimmy Graham (University of Miami)
After four years of basketball at the University of Miami, Jimmy Graham joined the football team and spent a single season as a Hurricane.
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The New Orleans Saints selected Graham in the third round of the NFL draft in 2010 because they found his physical abilities appealing. The draft transformation produced a highly effective tight end position for him while making him an excellent scoring threat near the visiting team’s defensive end zone.
Julius Peppers (University of North Carolina)
Julius Peppers dedicated both his college basketball and football positions to North Carolina during his time at the university. Previous to attending the University of North Carolina, Peppers played as a forward for the Tar Heels basketball team and earned All-American honors in football as a defensive end.
The 2002 draft placed Peppers in second place, bringing him not only victory but also selection as one of the elite to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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