Monk Transitions from Hoops to Touchdowns

Both sports involve making field goals, but it’s no secret that there are totally different skills involved when comparing basketball and football. While the sports are very much on opposite spectrums, for Marcus Monk, the two created great cross-training that resulted in his shot at playing with the Carolina Panthers. Monk, a receiver out of the University of Arkansas, made his NFL debut in 2008 after being drafted in the seventh round by the Chicago Bears, but after being quickly disposed by the Bears and then the Giants, he went back to school at Arkansas, spending his last year of eligibility playing for the school’s basketball team. Having worked up his cardio strength and honed his football skills, Monk finally got the chance to show the Carolina Panthers what he’s worth, invited to the team’s minicamp and OTAs this past May and June, now perhaps even going into the Panthers’ upcoming training camp.

Does Marcus Monk have a real shot at securing a position with the Carolina Panthers this year? It may be too soon to tell, but for the former Arkansas receiver and basketball star, things are looking up. “Coach Williamson (the Panthers’ position coach), he’s teaching me a lot,” Monk said. “Coach is on us about splits, getting in and out of your routes, separation, all those small things that you’ve got to concentrate on. I’m (also) learning from Moose (Muhsin Muhammad) and Steve (Smith). As far as me as a receiver, I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better just in a month, just from listening and taking everything in.”

To get Carolina Panthers tickets, go to StubHub.