The 6 best college basketball players turned NFL stars, in honor of DJ Burns

North Carolina State big man D.J. Burns is getting plenty of attention from executives in the Wolfpack’s surprising run to the 2024 Final Four. From the NBA, sure — but also from the NFL.

Football scouts have taken notice of the 6-foot-9, 275-pound forward for more than just his scoring around the rim. His wide base and nimble footwork have made him a potential offensive tackle prospect who could translate his game from patrolling the paint to protecting blindsides. While he’d be a long term project in the trenches, the former Big South Conference Player of the Year wouldn’t be the first to make the leap from college basketball to pro football.

If he earned his way onto a 53-man roster, he’d join a lineup of veterans ranging from useful rotational players to Hall of Famers. So, if we limit our scope to the modern era of college basketball, who are the six most successful NFL stars to make the leap from the hardwood?

It starts with a legend who spent three seasons building a legacy at a low-major and ends with a Nelly video.