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NBA's Nate Robinson to try out for NFL

By Alex Butler

NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- Nate Robinson will have his critics, but he has plenty of support in trying to become the first NBA player to play in the NFL.

Robinson, 31, was the star of a video released Wednesday by The Lead Sports. In the video, Robinson reveals his intentions to try out for an NFL squad, with plenty of backers from the college ranks, NFL, and NBA.

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Robinson stands at just 5 feet, 9 inches and 180 pounds.

"In my mind, I've seen one athlete that can do this," former Washington coach Rick Neuheisel says in the video. "And that's Nate Robinson."

The video also features Jamal Crawford, Glen Davis, and Marcedes Lewis.

"I haven't played in 11 years, 12 years." Robinson said in the video. "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."

Robinson played both sports while at the University of Washington. He even started six games at cornerback for the Huskies in 2002. In 13 games that season, Robinson also had two interceptions and 34 tackles.

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During the 2002 season on the basketball court, Robinson averaged 13 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the Huskies. In his final season at Washington, he averaged 16.4 points per game.

Robinson was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the No. 21 pick overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, but was traded to the New York Knicks. The point guard played more than four seasons in New York, two seasons for the Boston Celtics, and had stints with Oklahoma City, Golden State, Chicago, Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans.

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He was waived by the Pelicans in October. Robinson's potential position is still up in the air, but his size could slot him in at cornerback, special teams return specialist, or wide receiver.

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