5 WWE Superstars who have a Football background

#3. Goldberg played for three NFL teams

Before he ever set foot in a WWE or WCW ring, Goldberg was a talented football player. After playing as a defensive tackle for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Goldberg was selected by the LA Rams in the 11th round of the 1990 NFL Draft.

Following a season with the Rams, Goldberg played for the Canadian Football League's Sacramento Gold Miners and his hometown Atlanta Falcons. When he was released by the Falcons, Goldberg played for the Carolina Panthers during the franchise's first season in the NFL.

However, he was released without ever playing a game for them. The future WWE Hall of Famer then retired from football after suffering an abdominal tear. While he was elated that he fulfilled his dream of playing in the NFL, Goldberg admitted his disappointment at not being able to have a longer career.

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#2. Roman Reigns had other aspirations before becoming a WWE Superstar

As the scion of a legendary wrestling family, it would seem that Roman Reigns was always destined to be a WWE Superstar. However, The Tribal Chief only turned to professional wrestling once his football career had come to an end.

A standout defensive tackle in high school, Reigns was recruited to play in the ACC by Georgia Tech. During his senior year with the Yellow Jackets, Reigns served as a team captain and earned a place in the All-ACC first-team. One of his Georgia Tech teammates was legendary wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Reigns declared for the 2007 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He was later signed by the Minnesota Vikings but was diagnosed with leukemia during a physical evaluation. The Pensacola native was later released from the team and had another unsuccessful stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Reigns decided to retire from football following a season with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. He joined WWE in 2010 and the rest is history.

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#1. Brock Lesnar left WWE in 2004 to pursue an NFL career

When he left WWE after WrestleMania 20, Brock Lesnar decided to pursue an NFL career. Even though he hadn't played football since high school, Lesnar claimed that he had the grit and athleticism required to make it in the NFL.

The Beast Incarnate backed up his words with an impressive performance at the combine, garnering the interest of several teams. Lesnar worked out with the Minnesota Vikings, but his performance was constrained by a groin injury. The Vikings eventually signed Lesnar once he recovered from the injury.

After featuring in several pre-season games, Lesnar received an invitation to play in NFL Europa, which he declined to stay close to his family. This effectively signaled the end of Lesnar's football career.