Colts Sign Ex-Hoops Player With Zero Football Past

The Indianapolis Colts have signed undrafted free agent tight end Carson Towt, marking a rare transition from a seven-year college basketball career to the NFL. Towt, who never played football at any level, completed his college basketball tenure just ten days prior to this signing, with his final season at Notre Dame concluding recently. He possesses an impressive basketball resume, having accumulated 1,383 points, 1,357 rebounds, and other significant statistics across his collegiate career.

Towt's physical attributes include a height of 6-foot-7 and a weight of 250 pounds, and he will be 25 years old in the upcoming season. His eligibility for the NFL as an undrafted free agent stems from his prolonged college basketball participation, which extended beyond the typical draft eligibility window for football players. This unique path mirrors that of other athletes who have successfully transitioned from college basketball to the NFL, such as Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham.

With the Colts' tight end depth, Towt faces a competitive training camp. He will contend for a roster spot against established players like Mo Alie-Cox, Tyler Warren, and Will Mallory. Indianapolis hopes Towt can leverage his basketball skills in catching and blocking. His potential development might lead to a practice squad position if he demonstrates sufficient competitiveness and athleticism.