2016 NFL Rumors: Three-Time NBA Slam Dunk Champ Nate Robinson Reportedly Tried Out For the Seattle Seahawks

Jun 14, 2016 09:05 AM EDT

Nate Robinson, the three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, has reportedly tried out for the Seattle Seahawks. This was confirmed by sources close to the professional football league.

Robinson, who has been a professional basketball player throughout his career, debuted in the NBA in 2005. He left last year after playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and is currently with the Hapol Tel Aviv of the Israel Basketball Premiere League.

But, as noted by recent reports, it seems Robinson is ready to take on a drastic career shift as the 32-year-old athlete has reportedly worked out with the Seahawks as a defensive back. Details about the tryout are still unclear but according to The Washington Post, this is the first time he joined an NFL team after publicly stating his interest to join the league back in April of this year.

News about Robinson jumping ship from the NBA to the NFL may seem a bit odd but playing football is probably second nature to him. After all, he was on a football scholarship when he entered the University of Washington and played as a cornerback.

However, despite his background, this doesn't mean that the Seattle franchise will sign him immediately. Even though he's a professional athlete, the training regimen for football players is very different and it might take a while before Robinson gets acquainted with the athletic pace of the NFL.

Still, according to reports, Robinson and the Seahawks will stay in touch regarding this matter.

Earlier this year, Robinson talked about the possibility of joining the NFL and what he needs to do in order to prepare himself from professional football.

"I need to get a little stronger, a little faster," he told ESPN. "Lifting weights and watching a lot of film. Work on my feet and my hands and how to press [as a cornerback]. Basic stuff. I catch on pretty fast. Just learn some of the drills they'd have me do and start practicing and get ready for it."

"The biggest challenge is probably all the haters, everybody counting me out, somebody not really giving me the opportunity," he added. "That's what I think the biggest challenge will be, getting somebody to give me that chance."