The connection between pro football and pro wrestling has produced some of the most intimidating, athletic, and recognizable stars in sports entertainment history. Football players bring size, toughness, discipline, and credibility—traits that translate seamlessly to the wrestling ring.
Here are 10 notable NFL players who successfully transitioned into professional wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
1. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
Before becoming one of the biggest stars in entertainment history, Dwayne Johnson played college football at the University of Miami and later spent time in the CFL. In WWE, The Rock became a multi-time world champion and cultural icon, setting the gold standard for football-to-wrestling success.
2. Bill Goldberg
Goldberg played defensive tackle in the NFL before exploding onto the wrestling scene in WCW. His unmatched intensity and legendary undefeated streak made him one of the most dominant performers of all time.
3. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns starred as a defensive tackle at Georgia Tech before turning to wrestling. Today, he’s one of WWE’s most dominant champions, with football conditioning and explosiveness clearly visible in his in-ring style.
4. Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons played in both the NFL and USFL before becoming a wrestling trailblazer. He made history as WCW’s first recognized Black world heavyweight champion and later became a respected locker-room leader.
5. Steve McMichael
A Super Bowl champion with the Chicago Bears, Steve “Mongo” McMichael transitioned to WCW during wrestling’s boom period. His football toughness added realism as a member of the legendary Four Horsemen.
6. Lex Luger
Lex Luger played college football at Penn State before becoming one of wrestling’s most physically impressive stars. Known for his power and look, Luger headlined both WWE and WCW during the late 1980s and 1990s.
7. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar briefly pursued an NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings after a dominant collegiate athletic background. In wrestling, he became a multi-time world champion and one of the most legitimate crossover athletes in sports entertainment history.
8. Wahoo McDaniel
Wahoo McDaniel played multiple seasons in the NFL before becoming a wrestling legend. Known for his toughness and authenticity, he was widely respected as one of the most legitimate hardmen in wrestling history.
9. Moose
Moose played in the NFL before transitioning to professional wrestling, where he became a main-event star in Impact Wrestling. His speed, size, and football explosiveness helped him stand out in the modern wrestling era.
10. Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin played offensive line in the NFL before joining WWE. His football background contributes to his power-based offense and durability, making him a consistent presence on WWE programming.
More Football-to-Wrestling Names
Other notable football-to-wrestling crossovers include Pat McAfee, who found success in WWE as both a performer and commentator, Mojo Rawley, Darren Drozdov, Kevin Greene, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Titus O’Neil, and Dan Spivey.
Why Football Players Continue to Thrive in Pro Wrestling
Football players bring built-in credibility, elite conditioning, and mental toughness to wrestling. When paired with strong character development and promo skills, that foundation often leads to long-term success in sports entertainment.
Which Current Football Stars Could Succeed in Pro Wrestling?
Looking at today’s NFL, there’s no shortage of players who seem tailor-made for a run in professional wrestling. Defensive force Myles Garrett has the size, explosiveness, and intimidating presence of a main-event monster heel. Derrick Henry already looks like a wrestling powerhouse, combining freakish strength with highlight-reel athleticism. Players like Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa bring relentless intensity and star appeal, while Travis Kelce has the charisma, mic skills, and big-moment confidence to thrive in sports entertainment. With the right training and character development, any of these stars could make a smooth transition from Sundays to the squared circle.
From Hall of Fame legends to modern champions, NFL players have shaped professional wrestling for decades. The transition from the gridiron to the squared circle remains one of the most reliable paths to wrestling stardom.
If history tells us anything, the next breakout wrestler may already be suiting up on Saturdays or Sundays.
Who do you think would make the best jump from the Football to pro wrestling? Drop your picks in the comments and let us know which current players you’d book as future wrestling superstars.
Discover more from 4603sports.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
4603sports.com 