Former Gilbert HS, NAU Basketball Star Signed by NFL's Colts

Carson Towt, a 6-7, 230-pound player, never played football but will now try out as a tight end.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:51am

Despite never playing a down of football, former Gilbert High basketball star Carson Towt has signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and will try out as a tight end. Towt grew from 5-10, 150 pounds as a freshman to 6-7, 230 pounds, but his focus was always on basketball, playing at Northern Arizona University.

Why it matters

Towt's transition from basketball to the NFL is an unusual and intriguing story, as many elite college basketball players struggle to make the jump to professional football. His size and athleticism, however, have caught the eye of NFL scouts, who believe he has the potential to succeed as a tight end in the league.

The details

Towt was a standout basketball player at Gilbert High School and Northern Arizona University, where he honed his skills as a versatile forward. Despite his success on the hardwood, Towt has decided to pursue a career in the NFL, signing with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. The Colts believe Towt's size, strength, and athleticism could translate well to the tight end position, and they are eager to see what he can do in training camp and preseason games.

  • Towt joined Gilbert High School as a freshman in 2022.
  • Towt grew from 5-10, 150 pounds to 6-7, 230 pounds during his high school career.
  • Towt played basketball at Northern Arizona University from 2026-2030.
  • Towt signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in March 2026.

The players

Carson Towt

A former basketball star at Gilbert High School and Northern Arizona University who has signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, where he will attempt to make the team as a tight end despite never having played football before.

Indianapolis Colts

An NFL team that has signed Carson Towt as an undrafted free agent, believing his size, strength, and athleticism could translate well to the tight end position.

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What’s next

Towt will participate in the Colts' offseason program and training camp, where he will have the opportunity to prove himself and earn a spot on the team's final roster.

The takeaway

Towt's transition from basketball to the NFL is a remarkable story, showcasing the potential for elite athletes to find success in unexpected ways. His journey will be closely watched as he aims to defy the odds and carve out a career in professional football.