Lesnar attempting a unique transition
Guys who have their own Web site – not to mention, dozens of Web sites – aren’t supposed to be unnerved by dates of significance.
Guys who have 21-inch biceps and heavyweight title belts aren’t supposed to worry about not being tough enough.
Guys who look like Brock Lesnar aren’t supposed to be scared of anything at all.
But Lesnar, the menacing, muscular 285-pound star of professional wrestling’s WWE, is a ball of nerves these days.
Scared that his dream might come to an end very soon.
“I’m a fortunate person to even get this opportunity,” Lesnar said in a phone interview last week between practices with the Minnesota Vikings. “I’ve worked hard, and whatever happens, happens. I hope I don’t hear my name called. More than likely, it will.”
He’s not the only one concerned about his immediate future. As NFL’s first cutdown day approaches this week, some of Lesnar’s possible upcoming opponents are worried that they’ll never get a chance to play against him.
“I hope he makes it,” said Seahawks linebacker Tracy White, a fan of professional wrestling, “I’ll shake his hand afterward, just to say I’ve met him.”
The Seahawks and Vikings will play a game at Qwest Stadium Thursday, but there is no guarantee that Lesnar will be in Seattle. The pro wrestler-turned-defensive tackle could well be one of the first players cut by the Vikings before Tuesday’s deadline.
Lesnar first began dreaming of playing in the NFL last spring, when his agent approached teams about giving him a tryout. He hadn’t played football since he was a high school senior in 1995, but the 27-year-old had enough of a physical presence to warrant a look from pro scouts. And he was willing to leave his high-profile wrestling career, which paid him a reported $9 million a year.
At least half a dozen teams showed interest – including Minnesota – but an April motorcycle accident left Lesnar with a groin injury and uncertain football career.
Two months later, his groin healed, Lesnar approached the Vikings again. The South Dakota native begged for another chance, and made the most of his opportunity. He showed enough promise in that tryout that the Vikings invited him to training camp as a defensive lineman.