The worlds of professional wrestling and the National Football League (NFL) have intersected on numerous occasions, with several athletes making the transition from the gridiron to the wrestling ring. This article explores the WWE superstars who had previously played in the NFL before finding success in the world of professional wrestling.
Roman Reigns, known as the "Big Dog," is a prominent figure in the WWE today. Reigns, a former defensive tackle at Georgia Tech, signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2007 but was released before the regular season began. However, he found his true calling in wrestling and has become a six-time world champion in the WWE, holding both the WWE Championship and the WWE Universal Championship.
Although not successful in his NFL career, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made a name for himself in the wrestling industry. Johnson, a defensive lineman at the University of Miami, played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL) but was eventually cut. He transitioned to wrestling and became one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, winning numerous championships and becoming a Hollywood superstar.
Bill Goldberg, a former NFL defensive tackle, played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers in the NFL before entering the world of professional wrestling. Known for his intense power and dominant presence, Goldberg achieved great success in the WCW and WWE. He became a WCW World Heavyweight Champion and had an unprecedented undefeated streak in his early wrestling career.
Wahoo McDaniel, a professional football player for the Houston Oilers and New York Jets, made a successful transition to professional wrestling. Known for his hard-hitting style, McDaniel wrestled for various promotions in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Ernie Ladd, a former NFL player for the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, found his calling in professional wrestling after his football career. Standing at an impressive 6'9" and weighing over 300 pounds, Ladd became a formidable force in the wrestling ring, achieving success in various promotions.
Brian Pillman, a former Cincinnati Bengals football player, transitioned to professional wrestling after a career-ending injury in the NFL. Known for his high-flying and unpredictable style, Pillman became a fan favorite in WCW and later joined the WWE. He left a lasting impact on the industry with his unique persona and in-ring abilities.
Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter for the Indianapolis Colts, made headlines when he ventured into the world of professional wrestling. McAfee, known for his charismatic personality, has made appearances in the WWE ring, showcasing his athleticism and entertaining the audience.
The WWE has seen several athletes make the transition from the NFL to the wrestling ring, finding success and leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Roman Reigns, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Goldberg, Wahoo McDaniel, Ernie Ladd, Brian Pillman, and Pat McAfee are examples of individuals who have excelled in both football and wrestling. Their stories serve as a testament to the versatility and dedication of these remarkable athletes who have conquered multiple arenas of sports entertainment.
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