Former NFL tight end Devin Funchess is a free agent after playing Panthers, 49ers, Packers, and Lions would like to continue his career in the NFL. However, despite wanting to return to the gridiron, the 28-year-old tight end also would like to take his talents to the NBA.
Something that Funchess recently shared with Bally Sports’ Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
“I know I’d have to go overseas and play to get some film, but after that, my dream growing up was to play in the NBA,” said Funchess. “So that’s my main goal. That’s what I’m going to make happen.”
Robinson also included a basketball video of Funchess, who said he’s still open to pursuing his NFL career if he gets the call.
Speaking of Funchess, he last played with the Detroit Lions, he was cut in training camp back in August 2022, according mlive.com.
Devin Funchess played basketball in high school
Funchess attended Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where he was three sports athlete in football, basketball, and track.
As a junior in 2010, he racked up catches for 709 yards and five touchdowns, leading his team to the Michigan Division II State Championship, according to peoplepill.com.
As a senior in 2011, he was named to the Detroit News Blue Chip List, securing 21 receptions for 452 yards and five touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball while recording three sacks, a forced fumble, one interception, and three defensive break passes. Funchess competed in the long jump category in track and field, recording a personal best jump of 5.53 meters (18 ft, 1.5 in) in the 2011 Oakland County Championships, where he finished 25th.
Devin Funchess would commit to the University of Michigan, where he would make an impact during his freshman year—racking up 106 yards in just the second game of the 2012 season against Air Force.
Devin Funchess has no problem starting in the G-League or Overseas
Funchess is right when he says it will be more complex than going directly to the NBA. He must prove himself abroad or somewhere like the G League first.
“I know I would have to go overseas to get some film, but my dream growing up was to play in the NBA. That’s my main goal, and that’s what I’m going to make happen,” said Funchess.
Devin Funchess was devasted when he found out his high school would be closing
In 2019, Harrison High School, after 49 years, the school district elected to close the school’s doors forever.
“I was kinda sad just because we had the biggest school in the district,” Funchess said. “But it is what it is, and life moves on.”
Former 13-year NFL vet Drew Stanton added, “It just doesn’t seem fair.”
“The truest emotion is just sadness from the standpoint that I can’t take my kids back to watch high school games after this year,” Stanton said. “It’s where I went to high school. It’s where I met my wife. It’s where I made all of these lifelong memories. I still don’t understand it. It just doesn’t seem fair.”
Devin Funchess played eight season in the NFL after being drafted in the second round with the 41st overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2015 NFL Draft. On August 14, 2015, he debuted with the Panthers against the Buffalo Bills. Funchess’s first catch was 34 yards near the sideline on a pass by Derek Anderson.
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