Several WWE stars once chased a different dream before stepping into the wrestling ring. Many of them were football players, competing in college or even reaching the National Football League. Their experience in football helped them build the strength, toughness, and discipline needed for a wrestling career. Some had short stints in the NFL, while others showed strong potential before injuries or career changes led them to WWE.
These athletes brought their football mindset and power into the ring, earning fame in a new sport. Exploring their journey from the football field to WWE reveals how skills from one tough arena helped them succeed in another.
WWE Stars Who Were Part Of The NFL
Bill Goldberg
Bill Goldberg played as a defensive tackle in the NFL. He was with the Atlanta Falcons in the early 1990s. After an injury ended his football career, he joined wrestling and became one of the biggest names in WCW and later WWE. His football background helped him build speed and power, which made his matches fast and exciting. Goldberg became known for his strong entrance and quick wins.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns, whose real name is Joe Anoa’i, played college football and later joined the NFL. He was part of the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars for a short time.
Old footage of a young Roman Reigns playing College “Football” pic.twitter.com/NIvXVSt7Ro
— Zashy 🇵🇸 (@Zashy120) December 11, 2024
Health issues forced him to stop playing football. Soon after, he trained in wrestling and became a WWE superstar. He is now one of the top names in the company. His strong body and athletic skills came from years of football training.
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Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons played professional football before entering the wrestling world. He spent time with the Cleveland Browns and also played in other football leagues.
Before Deion Sanders, before Charlie Ward, Florida State had Ron Simmons.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 30, 2022
To millions, he’s the WWE Hall of Famer.
But he’s also a College Football Hall of Famer and Bobby Bowden’s first cornerstone.
"That was the first head-turner,” Bowden said.https://t.co/JAeR2h6ORc pic.twitter.com/idUYBQleW7
In WWE, he was known as Farooq and became a respected wrestler. He made history as the first Black world heavyweight champion in wrestling. His football experience helped him build great strength and power in the ring.
Lex Luger
Lex Luger played football in the CFL and USFL. He was an offensive lineman before he became a wrestler. His football background gave him the strength and body control needed for wrestling.
Here’s a fun fact about Lex Luger:
— Filthy Kap TTV (@WhoDeyGuru) April 19, 2025
He played linebacker for the University of Miami and later joined the Green Bay Packers in 1982. Although he was signed by the Packers, he spent the entire season on the injured reserve list and never played in a regular-season NFL game. pic.twitter.com/QCGuoRhvcE
In WWE, he was known for his strong physique and his powerful wrestling moves. He became popular for his role in many major matches and storylines.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar left WWE for a short time to try football. He joined the Minnesota Vikings and played during the preseason. Though he did not make the final team, his efforts showed his athletic ability.
Remember when @WWE Champion Brock Lesnar… WAS IN THE NFL?!
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2022
via @nflthrowback pic.twitter.com/Xn465sIZE4
After football, Lesnar became a champion in UFC and then returned to WWE. He is now one of the most famous and powerful wrestlers in the world.
Mojo Rawley
Mojo Rawley played for the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals. After football, he joined WWE and became known for his energy and loud personality.
From the @nfl to @WWE, @MojoRawleyWWE has always been a team player.
— WWE (@WWE) February 10, 2019
That ends NOW. #RAW pic.twitter.com/vMljCaoYti
He won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. His football past helped him build a strong and quick style in the ring.
Steve McMichael
Steve “Mongo” McMichael was a Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. After his football career, he moved into wrestling.
Tonight, we pay tribute to pro wrestler + Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Steve “Mongo” McMichael, alongside his wife Misty, @RicFlairNatrBoy, @TonySchiavone24 and Dean Malenko. pic.twitter.com/0djcI6SkvI
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 18, 2025
He joined WCW and became part of the Four Horsemen group. His football training helped him show strength and toughness during his matches.
Also Read: Did Bron Breakker Play For In The NFL? Know More About WWE Star’s Early Football Career
