UPDATE: The possible relationship between the NFL and WWE gained attention from the media yesterday in the sports and political worlds. Jim Ross visited the NFL Player’s Association while in Washington, D.C. While there, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell talked about trying to help former players get on their feet after the NFL. He didn’t mention WWE specifically, but he mentioned a possible program to help players who will not make a team, retired players and former players in the next stage of their career.
He said: “Today one of the focuses was the cutdown process as an example. How do we make the process more dignified? It is in some cases the last experience a player has with a team or any team in the NFL. So we have to do a better job of doing that in a humane way and a way that will make sure they understand the respect we have for them and the pride we have in what they accomplished.”
Fox News reported the story, along with a history of wrestlers who have a history in football. These include Roman Reigns, who played college football at Georgia Tech. The report mentions that WWE just cut former college and pro football player “Showtime” Percy Watson on Friday because they did not have any ideas for his character. WWE is currently hoping the expansion of their developmental facility in Florida will get it to the level of an NFL training facility and help former NFL players find out if they want to be wrestlers.
Ross tweeted: “We had a great day for WWE and its fans in Washington D.C. NFLPA classy organization. Unlimited potential.”
The biggest problem would be the perception of the WWE by outside media. SI.com covered the story by looking at the history of pro football and pro wrestling crossovers. NFL.com wasn’t as serious as they examined which NFL players had the “characteristics” of a pro wrestler.
A relationship could be years away, but Goodell wants to help former NFL players find work when they leave.
ORIGINAL: Jim Ross spoke to Alex Marvez and Jim Miller on their SiriusXM NFL show Tuesday night. During the appearance, he discussed the fact that WWE could be an avenue for ex-NFL players. With the new WWE Developmental Center opening soon, Ross stated the following about meeting with the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) …
“Everybody doesn’t make the 53-man roster. Some guys are going to be looking for work, and we’ve got some job openings. Maybe we can put the synergies of those two entities together and create something wonderful some day.”
