MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 14: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants catches a touchdown pass as Brent Grimes #21 of the Miami Dolphins defends during the third quarter of the game at Sun Life Stadium on December 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Four-time Pro Bowler reportedly considered retiring to pursue an NBA dream

This would have been a very challenging transition.

Brent Grimes has been a highly productive cornerback in the NFL during his 10-year career, but the 33-year-old nearly retired in the offseason to pursue another sport professionally.

In a recent story from Sports Illustrated, Grimes and his wife, Miko, revealed that he considered retiring from football to try out for the NBA developmental league.

Here's an excerpt from that SI story by Jack Dickey where both Brent and Miko discussed trying out for the NBA.

In the off-season, though, Brent did consider retiring and trying out for the NBA's developmental league—or, as Miko puts it, "going to a real league." Says Brent, "The NFL doesn't have a cool vibe. They make everyone look the same, with their shoes and socks the same way." He says that whenever he does retire, he'll join a bunch of rec basketball leagues, if not the newly branded G League, and he'll never play any kind of football again.

Related: NFL insider predicts a legend will retire following 2018 season

Grimes, who is entering his second year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is undeniably a great athlete, but it's likely his transition to the NBA would've been difficult considering he's 5'10 and nearly 34 years old.

Despite his age, Grimes is still a productive corner, and he can help the Bucs contend for the NFC South title next season.

Grimes has made four Pro Bowls in his career, and he has recorded 30 interceptions in his 10 seasons.

The entire profile on Brent and Miko is hilarious and full of several great stories about Grimes' playing career—including his exit from the Miami Dolphins—and the couple's relationship.

It doesn't sound like Grimes has much longer in the NFL if he's already considering retirement, but he will definitely help the Bucs in 2017.

(h/t CBS Sports)