The Cleveland Browns announced a unique signing earlier today. They inked Texas Tech basketball forward Marcus Santos-Silva to a free agent deal as a tight end.
Santos-Silva did not play college football. In fact, the 6-foot-6, 261-pound bruiser didn’t even play high school football, stopping his career on the gridiron after eighth grade.
Now, he’s giving the sport another shot at its highest level. It goes without saying that Santos-Silva is a longshot to make the roster, but his storyline will be intriguing to follow in the coming months.
He’s already sparking conversation on social media.
How about this: The #Browns have signed Texas Tech power forward Marcus Santos-Silva as a tight end. Don’t see this one often. He played basketball the last five years in college (3 with VCU, 2 with Texas Tech).
He’s listed as 6’7” and 250 pounds. pic.twitter.com/JVrDI1Vg2I
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 2, 2022
Basketball player turned football player? Not unusual. The Browns officially signing a college basketball player that didn’t play football in high school either? Unusual. Meet Marcus Santos-Silva: https://t.co/IQCQyP6tSr
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) May 2, 2022
Santos-Silva played football from 7 years old until his freshman year in high school when he focused on basketball. https://t.co/eyNyH9jig5
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 2, 2022
Former #TexasTech forward Marcus Santos-Silva has signed an NFL contract with the #Browns, per his Instagram.
Santos-Silva is 6-7, 250 and can MOVE.
— Austin Massey (@austinmassey247) May 2, 2022
Former Texas Tech Mens Basketball star, Marcus Santos-Silva, will sign with the Cleveland Browns as an UDFA
Will no doubt be an interesting story to follow this NFL season for Red Raider fans pic.twitter.com/fcJLGC6DMz
— RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) May 2, 2022
I keep getting correction emails on the Browns signing Marcus Santos-Silva. “Don’t you mean Cavs?” No, I don’t.
— Jen Steer (@jensteer) May 2, 2022
Very interesting with @Browns signing TE Marcus Santos Silva , 6’6 261lbs I hope too see him get a shot in the beginning preseason see what he can do and maybe make the roster ? As I said very intriguing , hopefully a 💎
— Andrew James BGSU Alum (@OhioSports101) May 2, 2022
Can we get hard knocks to cover the Browns this year so I can watch Marcus Santos Silva
— Matt (@concreteitup) May 2, 2022
The Browns signed former Texas Tech forward Marcus Santos-Silva to play tightend. Ok then? #browns
— Kevin from Cleveland (@DPJ_SZN11) May 2, 2022
Santos-Silva started his college hoops career at VCU, playing three seasons for the Rams from 2017-20 before transferring to Texas Tech. He was a starter for the Red Raiders in 2020-21 before transitioning to a key reserve role this past season.
In 37 games in 2021-22, Santos-Silva produced 4.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per appearance. He produced eight points and six rebounds in TTU’s Big 12 Championship Game loss to Kansas and added 10 points and six rebounds in the Red Raiders’ three NCAA Tournament games.
We’ll see if Santos-Silva can follow in the footsteps of Antonio Gates and Mo Alie-Cox and successfully make the transition from the hardwood to the gridiron.
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