If you are a WWE fan, this is your Super Bowl Weekend — it’s time for WrestleMania. The two-day event takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
One of the biggest names competing will be Roman Reigns, who will be in action on both nights. First, Reigns and The Rock will take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in a tag team match. Then, on Sunday night, Reigns will take on Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Before he was a WWE superstar, however, Reigns was a very good football player, starting during his time at Georgia Tech while playing alongside a future NFL Hall of Famer.
Roman Reigns Had a Successful Career Playing at Georgia Tech
Reigns played defensive tackle in his four seasons at Georgia Tech from 2004-2007, and he was a college teammate of Calvin Johnson. He was a starter in the final three years of his collegiate career and was named a captain his senior year.
In his final campaign, he finished with 40 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. That season earned him first-team All-ACC honors.
His pro day statistics include a 4.91-second 40-yard dash and a 34-inch vertical while measuring at 6’3″, 303 pounds. However, despite those impressive numbers, he went undrafted.
Reigns was not selected in the 2007 NFL Draft, but he was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. However, during that team physical, he was diagnosed with leukemia and was eventually cut later that month.
He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in August of that same year, but he was once again cut a week after signing.
In 2008, he signed with the Edmonton Eskimos (now Elks) of the Canadian Football League. He played in five games that year, starting three of them. He had a game with five tackles and one forced fumble. He was released by the team that year and eventually retired from football.
He has become a household name in the WWE, having been the champion numerous times throughout his time as a wrestler. In 2018, his leukemia did come back, and he had to miss more time.
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On Feb. 25, 2019, he came back to the WWE and said his cancer was once again in remission. He took his place right back at the top of the sport and is currently the WWE Universal champion.
He has been the champion for 1,314 consecutive days, which is the fourth-longest reign in the history of the WWE.
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