Football and Pro Wrestling…
Football has a long history with professional wrestling —William “Refrigerator” Perry competing in the WrestleMania 2 Battle-Royal, Lawrence Taylor main eventing with Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania 11, Ben Rothlisberger hosting WWE’s Raw are prime examples of this history.
Some former football players like The Rock, Bill Goldberg and “Dr. Death” Steve Williams had tremendous success transitioning over to professional wrestling. Here’s 10 current NFL players that could be the next pro wrestling superstar:
Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks, CB – During an on-field interview last season with Erin Andrews after winning the NFC Championship, Sherman cut a pretty good promo ripping San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. All that was missing was a Ric Flair “Wooooo!” and some styling and profiling.
Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals, CB – He is relentless in his cerebral physical nature on the field. He methodically shuts down his opponents offense.
Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers, MLB – Football’s version of the Beast Incarnate. He uses his speed and strength to overwhelm his opponents. Could probably use a Jimmy John’s endorsement deal, too.
Vontaze Burfict, Cincinatti Bengals, LB – He was an undrafted free agent out of college. He plays like a man possessed by an unnatural, intense force. YouTube his sack on Eagles backup quarterback, Matt Barkley, from college…mean.
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys, WR – His speed and size would make him a natural high flyer. His larger than life Hollywood personality makes him an instant Heel.
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles, RB – He is arguably the most electrifying running back in the game today. He also has a gift for coming up with a great “promo” over longtime rivals, The Dallas Cowboys and NY Giants.
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions, DT – He’s willing to be the Big Evil, like Vader, staring across the line at opposing quarterbacks, ready to destroy them.
Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers, LB – If any pro football player was primed to be a pro wrestler, it’s this guy. He has the look, is athletic, and has charisma. Plus, in his appearance on SmackDown after winning Super Bowl 45 shows he clearly would enjoy it.
Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles, C – He is a fierce competitor on the field. He is a man of the people, possessing a Wyatt Family-esque level beard.
Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns, QB – Normally, I would have not put an unproven rookie on the list, but this guy makes it impossible not to include him. He is the natural heel. Everything he says or does draws epic amounts of heat. Where there is heat, there is controversy. Where there is controversy, there is cash.
Wrestledelphia.com content producer Rob Thomas can be reached at . Follow him on Twitter at .
Rob Thomas
Latest posts by Rob Thomas (see all)
- 10 Current NFL Players That Could Make It In The Wrestling Business - September 4, 2014
- Philadelphia: The Greatest Wrestling City In The World - September 4, 2014
- WWE: WWE’s San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Presence Highlighted By Sting - July 24, 2014
