Seahawks Try Out Slam Dunk Champion Nate Robinson
By Jacob Sosler
The Seattle Seahawks worked out former NBA point guard Nate Robinson. While he didn’t sign with the team, the local product could still have a shot to land with the Seahawks.
According to the Washington Post, former NBA point guard Nate Robinson tried out for the Seahawks . Robinson, who was also Washington Husky, will try out as a defensive back.
He was originally enrolled on a football scholarship. He played 13 games as a true freshman for UW in 2002, making 34 tackles and two interceptions, including one in the Apple Cup. He decided to concentrate fully on a basketball career his sophomore year.
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Eventually, Robinson was drafted 21st in the 2005 NBA draft. The 5’9 Robinson overcame his small stature and made a name for himself through his leaping ability and athleticism, becoming the only 3 time Slam Dunk Champion in NBA history.
Robinson bounced all around the NBA during his 11-year career. The 5’9″ point guard played for eight teams during his career, including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans. He spent the last year playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, where he averaged 16.2 points in 14 games played.
Robinson announced his intentions to pursue a career in football earlier this year, but Seattle’s interest is the first time an NFL team has taken notice. In his prime, Robinson would have been a SPARQ freak had he continued to play football. The 43.5 inch vertical he recorded in 2005 would have been the highest at this year’s NFL combine. Despite his small stature, Robinson has a 6’1 wingspan.
Do people realize how hard it is to start at a place like Washington as a true freshman? https://t.co/RzdcFgOVRK
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 13, 2016
However, Robinson is a 32-year-old man who hasn’t played organized football in about 13 years. This, combined with Seattle’s deep secondary filled with young, hungry athletes, make Robinson a long shot to even make it to training camp with Seattle.
It looks like Seattle won’t be signing him today, per NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport. But, there could be future interest in the 32-year-old.
Doesn't sound like the #Seahawks will be signing local star PG/DB Nate Robinson -- today. But... they'll keep in contact for down the road.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2016
Still, it’s a nice story that proves Seattle is willing to “leave no stone unturned” when they go looking for talent.