Former University of Notre Dame basketball player Carson Towt is embarking on a remarkable career shift, signing a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts with the intention of converting to an NFL tight end. Towt, who recently concluded his college basketball career after the Fighting Irish were eliminated in the ACC Tournament, is now setting his sights on professional football.
A Bold Transition from the Hardwood to the Gridiron
Carson Towt has never played football at any organized level, making this move a significant gamble for both the athlete and the Colts organization. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds, Towt led Notre Dame in rebounding this past season and previously topped the nation in rebounding while playing for Northern Arizona during the 2024-25 campaign. His physical attributes and athletic background are seen as key factors in this unconventional transition.
Following in the Footsteps of Mo Alie-Cox
The Indianapolis Colts have a precedent for success with such conversions, most notably with tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Alie-Cox, a former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball player, is entering his ninth season in the NFL, providing a proven blueprint for Towt. Towt has already connected with Alie-Cox in recent months, seeking guidance and inspiration as he navigates this new path.
'I think this sport honors those things and my frame, how I developed as a player, kind of my play style and what I pride myself on,' Towt remarked, expressing confidence in his ability to adapt. He added, 'You hear the story and you're like, 'Okay, maybe he's in a different position.'' No, he actually had to start from square one, too. So, I thought that was special and can relate to that.'
Mixed Results in Basketball-to-Football Conversions
While the Colts are optimistic, history shows that such transitions yield varied outcomes. Beyond Mo Alie-Cox, Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates successfully made the leap after playing college basketball at Kent State. However, not all attempts have been successful; for instance, former Coastal Carolina basketball star Colin Granger was released by the Carolina Panthers last May after signing with the team.
Towt's journey underscores a growing trend of athletes leveraging their basketball skills for football roles, particularly at the tight end position where size, agility, and hand-eye coordination are highly valued. As he begins training with the Colts, all eyes will be on whether he can replicate the success of his predecessors or face the challenges that have derailed similar experiments.
