The Secret Of Jermichael Finley’s Success? AAU Basketball

Jermichael Finley didn’t take long to make his mark in the NFL. After being drafted by the Packers in the third-round of the 2008 NFL draft, the former Texas Longhorn quickly showed why he belonged.

Starting 10 regular season games and one playoff game in his second NFL season, Finley hauled in 61 catches for 835 yards and 5 touchdowns. Even more impressive than his stats, however, were the mismatches his size and strength created; Finley could out-leap most cornerbacks and outrun almost all safeties and linebackers.

In a recent Dimemag.com article, Jermichael Finley credits his drive, speed, and leaping ability to his high school basketball days in Houston, Texas.

“I really think Houston Hoops helped me get to the next level,” Finley said. “Playing against the top players helped me to be the best tight end in many ways. Hand-eye coordination, speed, jumping ability and mostly just outplaying the other guys is what made me better.”

The dual sport phenom added that his 6-5 frame — one of his greatest assets in the NFL passing game — would have been “averaged sized” in the NBA. Despite success in both sports, Packers nation is thrilled that Finley pursued football over basketball.

So the next time you see Ted Thompson attending a high school basketball game, rest assured that he’s scouting the next Jermichael Finley.