Seattle Seahawks

Report: Former NBA player Nate Robinson is trying out for the Seattle Seahawks

Published Jun. 13, 2016 3:15 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Back in March, Nate Robinson announced that he would attempt to become the first player to make the jump from the NBA to the NFL. It was initially viewed as a longshot for the 5-foot-9, 180-pound point guard, and it still is, but not one that's completely impossible.

In fact, he's already off to a good start on his road to the NFL. According to Master Tesfatsion and Mark Maske of the Washington Post, Robinson is trying out for the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Robinson is trying out as a defensive back. That should come as no surprise, despite his small stature. That's because he previously played the position in college at the University of Washington. He originally enrolled at the school to play football, which he did in 2002.

That year, Robinson, who's from Seattle, played 13 games as a true freshman -- six of which he started -- picking off two passes, making 34 tackles and returning six kicks for 103 yards. Of course, that was nearly 14 years ago, and following that season, he dropped football for hoops. He's now 32 years old, but the focus and drive is still there.

"I haven't played in 11 years, 12 years." Robinson said in March. "But 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 -- bump, seven yards off, five yards off. I know it all."

There's really no risk for the Seahawks by seeing what Robinson has to offer. There's no obligation to give him a contract, or pay him any amount of money. Pete Carroll and the team's front office have always been diligent in exploring all options, and this is no different.

Robinson played just two games for the Pelicans this season before joining Hapoel SP Tel Aviv in Israel where he averaged 16.2 points per game. The odds of him making an NFL roster, let alone the Seahawks', are slim, but there's no harm in trying.