Carolina Panthers Sign Basketball Star Colin Granger as Tight End

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have signed former college basketball player Colin Granger to a contract as a tight end, marking a bold move in preparation for the 2025 NFL season. Announced on Monday, this unique recruitment follows Granger’s five-year college basketball career across three institutions.

Granger, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches and weighs 225 pounds, began his collegiate career at Ohio University before transferring to Western Carolina and finishing at Coastal Carolina. He has no prior experience in football, making this transition to the NFL particularly noteworthy.

In his basketball career, Granger appeared in 120 games, averaging 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per game. His most productive season was his last with Coastal Carolina, where he averaged 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in nearly 18 minutes per game. The Panthers hope his height and athleticism can translate successfully to the football field.

The franchise now lists six players on its tight end roster, including Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews, James Mitchell, and Dominique Dafney, alongside Granger. Coach Frank Reich expressed optimism about Granger’s potential, saying, “We believe Colin’s athleticism and experience in competitive sports can give us a different dimension.”

Granger’s signing reflects a trend in the NFL where former basketball players have successfully transitioned into tight end roles. Notable examples include Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates, although they had prior football experience. Granger’s lack of football history makes his signing an intriguing gamble for the Panthers.

As Carolina looks to enhance its offense, the organization is focusing on finding unconventional talent that could elevate their game. Granger will now have the opportunity to prove he can contribute to the team’s success in an entirely new sport.