Levels played college football for Oklahoma State and was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2002.
[4] After going unselected in the 2002 NFL draft, Levels signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.
He was released at roster cuts and subsequently signed to their practice squad, where he spent the remainder of the season.
[5] He was sent to the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe in early 2003, and "had an outstanding season", starting all ten games and making 57 tackles.
[6][1] He made the Bengals final roster upon returning, and spent the season playing on special teams and as a backup linebacker.