An accomplished linebacker in the AFL, McDaniel played for teams like the New York Jets. He transitioned to wrestling, where he became a popular Native American babyface, known for his stiff chops and toughness.
Before his wrestling fame, JBL had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. He later became a successful WWE Champion, known for his brash personality and hard-hitting style.
Pillman played as a defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL and the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. He later became known for his unpredictable "Loose Cannon" persona in wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Jim Covert is a former NFL offensive tackle who played for the Chicago Bears (1983–1991). A Super Bowl XX champion, two-time All-Pro, and Hall of Famer (2020), he was a key protector of Dan Marino at Pitt before becoming a cornerstone of the Bears' legendary 1985 team.
Nicknamed "The Big Cat," Ladd was a towering defensive tackle in the AFL, playing for teams like the San Diego Chargers. He transitioned to wrestling, becoming one of the most influential big men in the sport's history.
Luger played football for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League and had a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers. He later became a prominent figure in wrestling, known for his impressive physique and the "Torture Rack" finishing move.
Before making history as the first African American world champion in wrestling, Simmons was an All-American defensive tackle at Florida State University and played for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. His strength and presence were hallmarks of his wrestling career.
Lesnar, a multi-time WWE Champion, pursued a career in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings after his initial wrestling tenure. Although his football career was short-lived, his athletic prowess is evident in his dominant wrestling and mixed martial arts performances.
Known as "The Tribal Chief" in WWE, Reigns played college football at Georgia Tech and had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. His football background contributed to his powerful in-ring style and leadership qualities.
Before becoming a dominant force in WCW and WWE, Goldberg played as a defensive tackle in the NFL for teams like the Atlanta Falcons. His intensity on the gridiron seamlessly translated to his wrestling persona, making him one of the most formidable competitors in wrestling history.
