NaPalm in the studio: Former NIU star Nathan Palmer pursues singing career, NFL

After signing as a free agent the San Francisco 49ers following the 2012 NFL Draft, wide receiver Nathan Palmer put in stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2012–2013), Miami Dolphins (2013), Denver Broncos (2013–2014), New England Patriots (2015), Chicago Bears (2015) and Oakland Raiders (2016).

Unfortunately for Palmer, movement about the league didn’t translate to time on the gridiron, and to date his career NFL stats amount to a single reception for -4 yards.

[fusion_title size=”4″]NAPALM IN THE STUDIO[/fusion_title]

Keenly aware that his NFL dreams may never materialize, Palmer has been simultaneously pursuing his other passion — singing. VICE Sports travelled with Palmer to Chicago’s Pressure Point Recording Studios, to see him at work off the field, behind a microphone.

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Palmer, better known by his nickname NaPalm, has landed some impressive gigs on the strength of his vocals, including opening for megastars Trey Songz and Drake.

[fusion_title size=”4″]THE HARD WAY TO PARKER ROAD[/fusion_title]

Although Palmer still considers music more of a hobby than a career, the results of his efforts in the studio have a professional polish. In 2011, he recorded a radio-ready anthem called “The Hard Way” for his college football team, the Northern Illinois Huskies.

A more recent effort entitled “Parker Road” features Parker singing in the rain… literally.

[fusion_title size=”4″]HUSKY PRIDE[/fusion_title]

A photo posted by NIU Football (@niuhuskiefootball) on Aug 26, 2016 at 9:22am PDT

Palmer hit the ground running at Northern Illinois. As a freshman for the Huskies he recorded three receptions for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the season opener against the Minnesota Gophers.

Palmer’s senior year, he was named MVP of the 2011 Marathon MAC Championship Game after his two second-half touchdown receptions helped NIU overcome a 20-0 deficit to win 23-20.