With NBA free agency taming, it seems more likely that three-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion Nate Robinson is done on the court and is looking to fuel his competitive nature on the gridiron.
The 32-year-old recently tried out with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason, where personnel advised the 5-foot-9 athlete to hone his talents at the wide receiver position for a potential jump to the NFL.
In efforts of getting another NFL tryout, Robinson has called on Dwayne Frampton, trainer for Redskin wide receiver Jamison Crowder, for assistance. Frampton met with the former basketball star in Seattle to train at Robinson's alma mater, Rainier Beach High School.
Some may think no athlete can just convert from professional basketball to professional football in such a short time, however, not only does Robinson have prior experiences with the pigskin, but he is also not an everyday athlete.
In fact, the basketball product of Washington actually enrolled as a football player for the Huskies on a scholarship. He appeared in all 13 games, started six as the team's cornerback, including the Sun Bowl and even recorded to interceptions before focusing on basketball.
"People have to understand Nate's already played the game of football," Frampton said via ESPN.com. "So he's not blind, he's just a rookie. We worked on ball drills, getting his feet, polishing his route-running, keeping his shoulder-pad level down. Pretty much just getting him back in the groove of how football operates."
It's no secret Robinson has unreal athleticism, as he was known as the "Krypto-Nate" to Superman [Dwight Howard] in the 2009 NBA Slam Dunk Contest after jumping over the 6-foot-11 center to take home the trophy.
Even though Jackson and Robinson share trainers, it seems Robinson's best chance in the NFL is in the slot, sort of a Jamison Crowder-like role, as opposed to a deep threat like Jackson.
"He has a lot of strengths," Frampton said. "He's very explosive. His hands are great. He's very strong -- strong for his height and his weight."
Robinson's last action in his 11-season NBA career was with the New Orleans Pelicans in October. Since, he played internationally, in Israel. According to Frampton, Robinson's next step depends on what opportunities present themselves, whether that would be football or basketball.
