March 11--NBA free agent Nate Robinson is trying to do what no NBA player has done in 75 years.
The 31-year-old three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion and former Clipper announced Thursday in a YouTube video through the Lead Sports that he wants to try out for NFL teams.
"Somebody give me a real opportunity, I know I can play," said Robinson in the video.
Robinson is no stranger to the game of football. He played his freshman year at the University of Washington. In the 2002 season, he played 13 games, starting the final six at cornerback for the Huskies, where he picked off two passes and made 34 tackles.
"The guy has what it takes to play football at the highest level," said his former football coach Rick Neuheisel in the video.
Also offering testimonial to Robinson's ability is NFL tight end Marcedes Lewis, and NBA veterans Jamal Crawford and Glen "Big Baby" Davis.
"I wouldn't bet against him, he'd do great. He has always been able to do things that people dream about it or said it wasn't possible," said Crawford.
Former NFL coach Bud Grant was actually the first athlete to transition from the NBA to the NFL. Grant played for the Minneapolis Lakers in 1949 and 1950 and then ended his NBA career to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite Robinson's height and weight (5 feet 9 and 180 pounds) and inexperience with the sport at the pro level, his past experience isn't stopping him from trying to make a run at a NFL career.
"I haven't played in 11 years, 12 years, but I know how to tackle. I know how to play, I know how to hit, I know how to catch, I can get picks, I can get deflections, I know all techniques," said Robinson. "I know it all."
Connect with Eduardo Gonzalez on Twitter: @edmgonzalez
