Former NFL player commits to Washington State in one of college football’s strangest moves

Jeff Hauser

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Former NFL player commits to Washington State in one of college football’s strangest moves image

Former NFL player Nathaniel Salmon has committed to Washington State in one of the most unusual moves college football has seen in the modern eligibility era.

According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Washington State Cougars landed Salmon despite the fact that he has never played organized American football at any level. The 6-foot-5, 21-year-old from New Zealand is a former professional basketball player who competed overseas in New Zealand and Australia from 2022-24 before pivoting toward football.

Salmon last year joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway program and spent roughly 10 weeks training at IMG Academy as a tight end. He later worked out with the Los Angeles Chargers last April. While there is no indication Salmon ever signed a contract or was considered for a roster spot, the image of a player wearing an NFL helmet and then returning to college athletics is interesting. 

The NCAA granted Salmon four years of eligibility over the summer, opening the door for his recruitment. He announced his commitment on social media, thanking Washington State for believing in his potential.

Historically, any association with the professional ranks ended a player’s amateur career. But as college football continues to evolve into a professionalized enterprise,  Salmon’s case highlights just how blurry that line has become.

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Editorial Team