The NFL and WWE share common ground when it comes to the physicality and strength required in both arenas. These two disciplines have become some of the most celebrated sporting spectacles globally, with fans passionately following the athletes who excel in them. Moreover, the NFL has produced some of WWE's most iconic stars, who have gone on to become legends in the wrestling world.
While names like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Goldberg often come to mind when discussing such athletes, the list of NFL players who found success in WWE extends far beyond these World Championship titleholders. Here's a look at players who transitioned from the gridiron to the wrestling ring and left an indelible mark on the sport.
List of NFL athletes who made a name for themselves in WWE
Roman Reigns
Before becoming one of the most popular WWE athletes, Reigns signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted agent in 2007, but his NFL career was cut short after the Big Dog was diagnosed with leukemia. Later he got signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars the same year but was released less than a week after the signing. He then followed the footsteps of his Anoaʻi family and became a pro wrestler, where he earned almost every title that has ever existed in WWE.
Brock Lesnar
The Beast, known for his unparalleled strength, fighting skills, and in-ring dominance, began his career as a WWE athlete only to give up that career later on and try his luck in the NFL. It happened when he lost the WrestleMania XX match against Goldberg, later signing with the Minnesota Vikings. However, his football pursuits did not last that long, and Lesnar resumed his wrestling endeavors and became one of the most successful figures in the sport.
Goldberg
Goldberg, widely regarded as a legend in pro wrestling who still holds the record for winning 173 consecutive fights without a loss, also had a short stint with American football, where he played for the Los Angeles Rams after signing with them in the 1990 NFL Draft. He later joined the Atlanta Falcons and played for them from 1992 to 1994 as a defensive tackle.
Baron Corbin
Corbin, known for winning the Money in the Bank, the King of the Ring, and the United States Championship, has also tried his luck in the NFL, where he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009 as an undrafted agent. After being released by the Colts, King Corbin joined the Arizona Cardinals.
Mojo Rawley
Rawley, known for his hard-hitting skills and his time in WWE as one half of the Hype Bros alongside Zack Ryder. He was also the winner of the prestigious Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal in 2007. Besides WWE, Rawley, also known as Dean Muhtadi, was of one of the very popular names in the FL, where he was dubbed as 'The Spreadmaster.' He began his NFL career after signing with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent before signing with the Arizona Cardinals, where his career was cut short due to an injury during a training camp.
Lex Luger
The joint winner of the 1994 Royal Rumble, Lex Luger used to play for the Green Bay Packers, but he also met the same fate as Rawley and ended up switching careers after a groin injury.
Ron Simmons
The Nation of Domination leader, the yester year's legend Simmons is a College Football Hall of Famer who represented the Florida State University before signing with the Cleveland Browns.
JBL
Another WWE legend who held multiple titles along with tag title with Simmons, JBL was also a football athlete back in the day where was signed with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1980.
Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski is the most decorated NFL athlete o this list with three NFL Championships under his belt. He won all the three titleswhile playing for the New England Patriots during his nine-year association with the team. After the Patriots, Gronkowski joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in June 2022. Besides that, he also enjoyed a great tenure with WWE, where he claimed the 24/7 during the WrestleMania 36. He parted ways with the promotion in May 2021.