Which NFL Players Would Make Good Pro Wrestlers?

They’ve taken bad hits on the field, but could they take it that hard in the ring?

They’ve taken bad hits on the field, but could they take it that hard in the ring?


Back in the day, football players Bronko Nagurski and Ernie “Big Cat” Ladd would supplement their gridiron incomes by moonlighting in the wrestling ring during the off-season. After all both sports (or “sports”) prize size, strength and agility, all the better if you’re blessed with attitude. But which pro players would fair best in the ring?

Clay Matthews, 6’3″, 255 lbs

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


With his flowing locks, and rippling physique, no player looks the part more than the Packer’s Triple-H doppelganger.

King Dunlap, 6’9″, 330 lbs

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The NFL’s tallest player even has a wrestling-ready name.

Ndamukong Suh, 6’4″, 307 lbs

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


The meanest guy in the game is a perfect wrestling heel.

Rob Gronkowski, 6’6″, 265 lbs

Photo: Rick Stewart / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Few players in the game would be able to get the crowd worked up like the Patriot’s party hearty tight end.

Kyle Vanden Bosch, 6’4″, 280 lbs

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The eyes!

The Giants Defensive Ends:


Jason Pierre Paul, 6’5″, 280 lbs


Justin Tuck, 6’5″, 270 lbs


Osi Umenyiora, 6’3″, 255 lbs


Photo: Rob Tringali/Jamie Squire / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


From the NOW to the Hart Foundation to the Nation of Domination, wrestling has long loved its teams, and Big Blue’s trio of All-Pro defensive linemen is as good as any.

Troy Polamalu, 5’10, 207 lbs

Photo: Rob Tringali / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


The Steelers’ all-world safety is basically just Jimmy Superfly Snuka reborn as a football player.

Bryant McKinnie, 6’8, 360 lbs

Photo: Rob Carr / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


The biggest dude in the game is also no stranger to controversy. Perfect for the ring.

Domata Peko, 6’3″, 320 lbs and Paul Soliai, 6’4″, 355 lbs

Photo: Grant Halverson/Marc Serota / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


These two wooly Polynesian beasts would make a scary (and scary-looking) tag team.

Brett Keisel, 6’5″, 285 lbs

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


With a beard that hearkens back to the likes of Hacksaw Jim Duggan and the Moondogs, Keisel would be a natural.

Antonio Garay, 6’4″, 320 lbs

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Speaking of beards…

Tim Tebow, 6’3″, 245 lbs

Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


No explanation necessary.

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