Five NFL stars who fought in the WWE ft. Lawrence Taylor, Pat McAfee and more
NFL stars have a mainstream appeal that other companies jump at the bit to partner with. The stars of the league are among the most athletic individuals in the world for the strength, speed, and talent the job demands of them.
One company that's no stranger to partnering with NFL stars for increased publicity is the WWE. The WWE is one of the biggest sports entertainment companies in the world. WWE chairman and founder Vince McMahon's net worth is $2.2 billion. He's never shied away from paying money to NFL players or celebrities who want to wrestle.
With WrestleMania (WWE's version of the Super Bowl) four weeks away, here's a highlight of five of the biggest NFL stars who have competed in the WWE.
Five biggest NFL stars to have wrestled in WWE
#1 - Pat McAfee
Before Pat McAfee became the host of one of the most viewed and most successful TV shows on Earth, he was a punter for the Indianapolis Colts. McAfee wasn't necessarily one of the biggest NFL stars out there, but he always stood out for the athleticism and power he displayed on the field.
After retiring from the NFL in 2016, nobody could've imagined McAfee would gain the mainstream appeal he's since gotten.
One of the biggest reasons for McAfee's rise to stardom was his time with WWE in 2020. McAfee worked for WWE's NXT brand and had a rivalry with one of the best wrestlers in the world, Adam Cole.
McAfee showed off jaw-dropping athleticism and didn't show any fear of jumping into an unknown world. He wrestled Cole one on one once and had one more match in NXT, making his star shine brighter with every move he performed.
UNBELIEVABLE, @PatMcAfeeShow! 😲 UNBELIEVABLE, @PatMcAfeeShow! 😲
What a breathtaking scene during #ColevsMcAfee at #NXTTakeOver: XXX once the #UndisputedERA arrived to back up @AdamColePro! https://t.co/QFjFLdHQbA
In April 2021, McAfee began working weekly for WWE's Smackdown brand as a commentator. He has won over fans with the persona that he brings to the announcing desk.
We may see more of McAfee going forward, as there have been strong rumblings from insiders that he will be fighting at this year's WrestleMania against McMahon.
Pat McAfee May Be Wrestling Vince McMahon (76 Years Old) At WrestleMania barstoolsports.com/blog/3407665/p… https://t.co/f7r5IpE7qv
NFL stars don't typically work long-term for WWE, but McAfee has been the exception. As impressive as some NFL stars have been in the squared circle, McAfee's been just a step ahead of the rest.
#2 - Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor has been one of the most feared and respected NFL stars in history since he joined the league in 1981. Taylor finished his NFL career with 142 sacks and had 20.5 sacks in his best season in 1986.
As dominant as Taylor was with the New York Giants, his time with the team ended in 1993 when he retired at 34. That said, Taylor had built himself a reputation as one of the biggest NFL stars of all time by the time he retired.
The WWE wasn't going to let one of the most physically imposing players in NFL history not compete in WWE. They gave him the grandest stage to compete in.
On This Date: In 1995, NFL legend Lawrence Taylor defeated Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI. (via @WWE) https://t.co/iOsVcKzn9L
The 6'3", 237-pound Taylor wrestled another giant, Bam Bam Bigelow, at WrestleMania XI. Reggie White and a group of NFL players accompanied Taylor against the 390-pounder.
It was a competitive back-and-forth match, and Taylor shone in the role. He ultimately won with a move from the second turnbuckle in a moment many NFL stars like McAfee aspired to have of their own someday.