Devin Funchess
refer to caption
Funchess with the Panthers in 2018
No. 17
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1994-05-21) May 21, 1994 (age 29)
Detroit Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Harrison
(Farmington Hills, Michigan)
College:Michigan (2012–2014)
NFL Draft:2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 11, 2021
Receptions:164
Receiving yards:2,265
Receiving touchdowns:21
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Devin Akeem Funchess[1] (born May 21, 1994) is an American former football wide receiver. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines as a tight end, and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts and the Green Bay Packers.

High school career

Funchess attended Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.[2] As a junior in 2010, he caught 34 passes for 709 yards and five touchdowns, leading his team to the Michigan Division II state championship.[3][4] As a senior in 2011, he was named to the Detroit News Blue Chip List after tallying 21 receptions for 452 yards and five touchdowns on offense, while also recording three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and three pass break-ups on defense.[5] In track & field, Funchess competed as a long jumper, recording a personal-best leap of 5.53 meters (18 ft, 1.5 in) at the 2011 Oakland County Championships, where he placed 25th.[6]

Considered a four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Funchess was listed as the fifth-ranked tight end in the nation in 2012.[7]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Devin Funchess
TE 		Farmington Hills, MI Harrison HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Apr 22, 2011 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 8 (TE)   Rivals: 14 (TE)  247Sports: 10 (TE)  ESPN: 5 (TE)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014.

College career

Funchess committed to the University of Michigan in 2011, becoming one of the top prospects in Michigan's 2012 recruiting class.[8]

2012 season

Funchess playing for Michigan in 2012.

Funchess saw extensive playing time as a freshman for the 2012 Michigan football team.[9] After Brandon Moore sustained a knee injury, Funchess became the team's leading tight end and was described in October 2012 as "one of Michigan's biggest early-season revelations."[10] In the second game of the season, and Funchess' first as a starter, he had 106 receiving yards and a touchdown against Air Force.[11][12][13][14] He became the first Michigan tight end with 100 receiving yards in a game in 15 years; Jerame Tuman accomplished the feat in 1997.[15] Funchess was named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance against Air Force.[16][17] Against UMass the following week, he caught two passes for 34 yards and scored his second career touchdown at Michigan.[18][19]

Funchess scored his third touchdown pass on October 13, 2012, in a 45–0 victory over Illinois.[20] On November 10, 2012, he scored in the fourth quarter on an eight-yard pass from Devin Gardner to give Michigan a 28–24 lead over Northwestern.[21] In the final home game of the season, a 42–17 victory over Iowa, Funchess scored his fifth touchdown on a 29-yard pass from Gardner.[22]

Funchess was a 2012 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection by the media.[23][24] He was also named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team.[25]

2013 season

As a sophomore for the 2013 Michigan team, Funchess became the Wolverines' second leading receiver behind Jeremy Gallon. On October 5, 2013, he caught seven passes for 151 yards against Minnesota. He had a 46-yard reception against the Golden Gophers, and his total of 151 yards was also a career-high.[26][27] After the Minnesota game, head coach Brady Hoke said: "We wanted to get him out on the perimeter a little bit, mismatch in a lot of ways. He runs awful well and is a big target. We're just trying to really take advantage of his skill set."[28] In an overtime loss to Penn State on October 12, 2013, Funchess caught four passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-long 59-yard touchdown reception.[29] Through the first six games of the season, Funchess had 19 catches for 408 yards and four touchdowns. His average of 21.5 yards per catch was the highest in the Big Ten Conference.[30]

After the 2013 season, Funchess was named as Big Ten's Tight End of the year.[31]

2014 season

On August 30, 2014, Funchess played his first game as a wide receiver for the Wolverines. He changed his number from No. 87 to No. 1; he is the first receiver to wear No. 1 since Braylon Edwards in 2004.[32] Funchess tallied seven receptions for 95 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the season opener against Appalachian State.[33] On December 9, 2014, Funchess announced that he would be forgoing his remaining eligibility and declared for the 2015 NFL Draft.[34]

Career statistics

Receiving
Year Team Games Rec Yds Avg TDs
2012 Michigan 13 15 234 15.6 5
2013 Michigan 13 49 748 15.3 6
2014 Michigan 11 62 733 11.8 4
Total 37 126 1,715 13.6 15

Professional career

Funchess and tight end Ed Dickson playing for the Panthers in 2015.
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+1⁄4 in
(1.94 m) 		232 lb
(105 kg) 		33+1⁄2 in
(0.85 m) 		9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.70 s 1.66 s 2.74 s 4.48 s 6.98 s 38+1⁄2 in
(0.98 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 17 reps
All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day[35]

Carolina Panthers

2015 season

Funchess was drafted in the second round with the 41st overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2015 NFL Draft.[36] On August 14, 2015, he made his preseason debut for the Panthers against the Buffalo Bills. Funchess's first catch was a 34-yarder where he tightroped the sideline on a pass from Derek Anderson. Funchess had one more catch, and finished the night with 53 yards total. When the Panthers' primary receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training camp, Carolina looked for Funchess to help fill that spot and emerge as a consistent target for Cam Newton.[37]

Funchess had a breakout game during Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers; Funchess made three catches for 71 yards and a key touchdown to help the Panthers earn their first 8–0 start in franchise history.[38] The following week, Funchess caught both of his targets for a total of 41 yards during the Panthers' 27–10 victory over the Tennessee Titans.[39] The following week, Funchess made his first NFL start against the Washington Redskins and responded with four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown during the Panthers' 44–16 victory.[40] During the Panthers' 41–38 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Funchess recorded a key 13-yard touchdown reception.[41] During the Panthers' 38–35 victory over the New York Giants to move them to 14–0, Funchess recorded a key touchdown reception against cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.[42] Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the regular season finale, Funchess set career bests with seven receptions and 120 yards. The yardage is the second-most by Panthers' rookie (David Gettis had 125 yards against the San Francisco 49ers on October 24, 2010).[43] Funchess finished the regular season with 31 catches for 473 yards, the fifth most in franchise history for a rookie receiver; his five touchdown catches were second most for a rookie.[44]

On February 7, 2016, Funchess was part of the Panthers team that played in Super Bowl 50. The Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.[45] In the Super Bowl, Funchess had two catches for 40 yards.[46]

2016 season

Funchess played in 15 games in 2016, with seven starts, recording 23 catches for 371 yards and four touchdowns.[47] He was placed on injured reserve on December 29, 2016, after suffering a knee injury against the Falcons in Week 16.[48]

2017 season

Funchess was part of a Panthers' wide receiver unit that contained Kelvin Benjamin, Russell Shephard, Curtis Samuel, Kaelin Clay, and Damiere Byrd.[49] In Week 4, against the New England Patriots, he had seven receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the 33–30 victory.[50] In Week 12, against the New York Jets, he had a season-high 108 receiving yards on seven receptions.[51] Overall, on the season, he had 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns.[52] The Panthers made the playoffs and faced off against the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round.[53] In the 31–26 loss, he had four receptions for 89 yards.[54]

2018 season

In a Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Funchess scored his first receiving touchdown of the season.[55] In Week 6 and Week 8, he scored a touchdown in consecutive games against the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.[56][57] He finished the 2018 season with 44 receptions for 549 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.[58]

Indianapolis Colts

On March 14, 2019, Funchess signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.[59] He was placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone on September 10, 2019.[60] He was designated for return from injured reserve on November 13, 2019, and began practicing with the team again.[61] However, he was not activated by the end of the three-week practice window on December 4, 2019, and remained on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Green Bay Packers

2020 season

On April 2, 2020, Funchess signed with the Green Bay Packers[62] The deal was reportedly for one year with a $1.2 million base salary for the 2020 season and a $1 million signing bonus, and could be worth up to $6.25 million with bonuses and incentives.[63]

On July 28, 2020, Funchess opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[64] He explained his decision in an Instagram post, saying that some of his closest family members had been exposed to COVID-19 and that he was opting out for their safety, as well as his own.[65]

2021 season

On March 9, 2021, the NFL Network announced that Funchess had agreed to take a $750,000 pay cut to remain with the salary cap-strapped Packers.[66] In August 2021, Funchess created racial controversy by using an anti-Asian racial slur "chinky/chinkie" and made a “slant-eyed” gesture during a press conference.[67] Funchess later posted an apology on Twitter.[68]

On August 25, the Packers placed Funchess on injured reserve due to a lingering hamstring injury, and released him two days later.[69]

San Francisco 49ers

On November 24, 2021, Funchess was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.[70] He was released on December 6.[71]

Detroit Lions

On June 14, 2022, Funchess signed with the Detroit Lions as a tight end.[72] He was released on August 30.[73]

Retirement and transition to basketball

On December 20, 2022, Funchess said that as his football career options were dwindling, he was switching his focus and training to basketball so that he can fulfill his childhood dream of playing in the NBA.[74]

On November 3, 2023, Funchess made his professional basketball debut, recording ten points and seven rebounds for Statham Academy during a 2023 AsiaBasket Dasmariñas Championship game held in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines.[75]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yards Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2015 CAR 16 5 31 473 15.3 52 5 1 1
2016 CAR 15 7 23 371 16.1 48 4 0 0
2017 CAR 16 16 63 840 13.3 44 8 0 0
2018 CAR 14 12 44 549 12.5 27 4 0 0
2019 IND 1 1 3 32 10.7 16 0 0 0
2020 GB 0 0 Did not play due to Covid-19 opt-out
Career 62 41 164 2,265 13.8 52 21 1 1

Postseason

Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yards Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2015 CAR 3 3 5 73 14.6 24 1 0 0
2017 CAR 1 1 4 79 19.8 24 0 0 0
2020 GB 0 0 Did not play due to Covid-19 opt-out
Career 4 4 9 152 16.9 24 1 0 0

References

  1. ^ "Devin Funchess Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  2. ^ "Panthers select Harrison's Funchess in NFL draft". USA TODAY High School Sports. May 2, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  3. ^ Markowski, Tom (January 23, 2012). "Blue Chip profiles: Harrison WR Devin Funchess says coaching in future". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013.
  4. ^ Markowski, Tom (August 24, 2011). "Farmington Hills Harrison could have its best football team ever". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013.
  5. ^ "Devin Funchess - Football". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Oakland County Championships – Track & Field Meet". Athletic.net.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "Devin Funchess – Football Recruiting – Player Profiles". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  8. ^ VanHaaren, Tom (September 20, 2011). "TE prospect groomed for success: With skillful hands, and needing only to bulk up, Funchess should see early time". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  9. ^ Snyder, Mark; Rexrode, Joe (October 19, 2012). "Longtime friends Devin Funchess and Aaron Burbridge are now temporary enemies". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  10. ^ Meinke, Kyle (October 25, 2012). "Michigan TE Devin Funchess dealing with increased defensive pressure after fast start". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  11. ^ Lage, Larry (September 9, 2012). "Michigan Leaning On A Lot Of Freshmen". www.cbsnews.com. Associated Press. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  12. ^ Pasich, Luke (September 8, 2012). "Funchess emerges as big-play target". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  13. ^ Baumgardner, Nick (September 11, 2012). "Michigan players react to freshman Devin Funchess' historic breakout performance at tight end". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  14. ^ Jennings, Chantel (September 11, 2012). "Freshman TE shines: Breakout game comes as no surprise to followers of Funchess". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  15. ^ Meinke, Kyle (September 9, 2012). "Freshman Devin Funchess posts best receiving day for Michigan tight end since 1997". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  16. ^ Schroeder, Scott (September 10, 2012). "Denard Robinson, Devin Funchess Earn Big Ten Honors". SB Nation Detroit. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  17. ^ Baumgardner, Nick (September 10, 2012). "Michigan's Denard Robinson, Devin Funchess pick up Big Ten weekly honors". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  18. ^ Meinke, Kyle (October 12, 2012). "Michigan's Devin Funchess so impressive, he needs only 1 hand to thrill". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  19. ^ "Massachusetts at Michigan Box Score, September 15, 2012". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  20. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (October 13, 2012). "Michigan thrashes Fighting Illini, 45-0, at Michigan Stadium". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  21. ^ Wojnowski, Bob (November 10, 2012). "Devin Gardner's emergence keeps Michigan in Big Ten hunt". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014.
  22. ^ "Iowa vs. Michigan - Box Score - November 17, 2012 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  23. ^ "Lewan, Hagerup Win Top Position Awards at Big Ten Banquet". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. November 26, 2012. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  24. ^ "Big Ten Announces 2012 All-Big Ten Teams and Select Individual Award Winners". BigTen.org. CBS Interactive. November 26, 2012. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  25. ^ Meinke, Kyle (January 8, 2013). "TE Devin Funchess named freshman all-American by FWAA". mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  26. ^ Zuniga, Alejandro (October 6, 2013). "Michigan TE Devin Funchess becomes popular target for Devin Gardner". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  27. ^ Baumgardner, Nick (October 6, 2013). "Devin Funchess explodes as No. 19 Michigan eases by Minnesota, 42–13". Mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  28. ^ Goricki, David (October 6, 2013). "Michigan's Devin Funchess turns into target too big to miss". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013.
  29. ^ "Michigan vs. Penn State - Box Score - October 12, 2013 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  30. ^ "Michigan Football Statistics (6-game Totals)". Mgoblue.com. CBS Sports. October 12, 2013.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ "Who won 2013 Big Ten individual awards?". btn.com. Big Ten Network. December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  32. ^ Baumgardner, Nick (August 30, 2014). "Michigan WR Devin Funchess will wear the No. 1 jersey this season". MLive. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  33. ^ Huguenin, Mike (August 30, 2014). "Michigan's Devin Funchess scores 3 TDs in season opener". National Football League. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  34. ^ Fischer, Bryan (December 9, 214). "Michigan WR/TE Devin Funchess declares for 2015 NFL Draft". National Football League. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  35. ^ "*Devin Funchess – Michigan, WR : 2015 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". nfldraftscout.com.
  36. ^ Strickland, Bryan (May 1, 2015). "Panthers trade up, draft WR Funchess in second round". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  37. ^ Ciarrocchi, Dan (August 27, 2015). "Devin Funchess fantasy football update". SBNation.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  38. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers - November 8th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  39. ^ Voth, Bill (November 15, 2015). "Panthers at Titans: Stats and Superlatives". Black and Blue Review. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  40. ^ "Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers - November 22nd, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  41. ^ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints - December 6th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  42. ^ Voth, Bill (December 21, 2015). "Stats and Superlatives: Panthers at Giants". Black and Blue Review. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  43. ^ Voth, Bill (January 3, 2016). "Stats and Superlatives: Panthers' Historical Regular Season". Black and Blue Review. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  44. ^ Meinke, Kyle (February 2, 2016). "After hearing people call him 'trash,' ex-Michigan star Devin Funchess has last laugh at Super Bowl". mlive.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  45. ^ "Super Bowl 50 – Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers – February 7th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  46. ^ "Super Bowl 50 – National Football League Game Summary" (PDF). National Football League. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  47. ^ "Devin Funchess 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  48. ^ Strickland, Bryan (December 29, 2016). "Devin Funchess placed on IR; Damiere Byrd promoted". Panthers.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  49. ^ "2017 Carolina Panthers Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  50. ^ "'Sky is the limit' for Devin Funchess after two TDs in Panthers' big win". MLive.com. October 2, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  51. ^ "Devin Funchess is Carolina's MVP for Week 12 victory". Panthers Wire. November 26, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  52. ^ "Antonio Gates, others help Devin Funchess leave his past behind". ESPN. June 12, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  53. ^ Smith, Bradley (December 24, 2017). "Panthers clinch playoff spot in wild 22–19 win over Buccaneers". Cat Scratch Reader. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  54. ^ "Panthers' Devin Funchess: Plays hurt in defeat". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  55. ^ "Panthers WR Devin Funchess was motivated for first TD, and 'we've got more to come'". charlotteobserver. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  56. ^ "Panthers Highlights: Devin Funchess makes a circus catch for a touchdown". Panthers Wire. October 14, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  57. ^ "Panthers' Devin Funchess: Catches TD pass in win over Eagles". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  58. ^ "Devin Funchess 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  59. ^ Walker, Andrew (March 14, 2019). "Colts Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Devin Funchess". Colts.com. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  60. ^ "Colts Place WR Devin Funchess On Injured Reserve". Colts.com. September 10, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  61. ^ Walker, Andrew (November 13, 2019). "Devin Funchess Returning To Practice Field For Colts Today". Colts.com. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  62. ^ "Packers sign WR Devin Funchess". Green Bay Packers. April 2, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  63. ^ Kruse, Zach (March 28, 2020). "Contract details for new Packers WR Devin Funchess". Packers Wire. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  64. ^ "List of NFL players to opt out of 2020 season". NFL.com. July 28, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  65. ^ Kruse, Zach (July 28, 2020). "Packers WR Devin Funchess explains decision to opt out of 2020 season". USA Today. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  66. ^ Kruse, Zach (March 9, 2021). "Packers WR Devin Funchess takes paycut to return in 2021". Packers Wire. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  67. ^ Huber, Bill (August 8, 2021). "Slur Puts Stain on Funchess' Standout Family Night". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  68. ^ Madani, Doha (August 8, 2021). "Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess apologizes for using anti-Asian slur". NBC News. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  69. ^ "Packers place WR Devin Funchess on injured reserve". WBAY. August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  70. ^ "49ers Sign CB Luq Barcoo, WR Devin Funchess to Practice Squad; Waive WR". 49ers.com. November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  71. ^ "49ers Sign a WR and LB to the Practice Squad; Waive Two Players". 49ers.com. December 6, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  72. ^ Alper, Josh (June 14, 2022). "Lions sign Devin Funchess". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  73. ^ "Lions announce roster moves". DetroitLions.com. August 30, 2022. Archived from the original on January 2, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  74. ^ "Former NFL Star Wants To Play In The NBA". SI.com. December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  75. ^ "Ex-NFL pro Devin Funchess begins basketball journey in Asiabasket". November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023.

External links

Carolina Panthers 2015 NFL Draft selections
Categories