Nate Robinson is 32, but in his mind, it’s not too late for a career change.
The former NBA star, who won three improbable Slam Dunk Contests despite being 5’9″, and averaged over 17 points per game as the Knicks backup point guard in the 2008-2009 season, played for several NBA teams before an international stint in Israel during the 2015-2016 season. However, he very nearly had a career in football. Robinson played the cornerback position for the University of Washington, but switched careers in 2003 and hasn’t looked back. That being said, the “undersized” baller has never given up hope that he would one day play with pigskin instead of a Spalding.
In fact, back in 2011, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll gave Robinson a shot at tryouts back in 2011 on Twitter.
@nate_robinson well then, see you at practice at 1:30. bring your cleats.
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) August 2, 2011
It wasn’t a cold call on Robinson’s behalf, either. Carroll had recruited Nate when Carroll was still the coach at USC. That moment came full circle today when Robinson laced up his cleats and tried out for a spot on the Seahawks, presumably at cornerback. Footage hasn’t surfaced just yet, but we’re definitely anticipating it.