Another NFL Player wants in to the UFC (excpet this one is good)
by Zak Woods on Feb 19, 2010 9:30 AM EST
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Stephen Neal is currently a free agent offensive guard for the New England Patriots. Recently, Neal's agent spoke about his clients future and named the UFC as a possibility.
"He's excited to continue in the NFL and perhaps after that take a chance at the UFC," said Cornrich. "Getting back involved in Olympic-style wrestling is definitely a consideration."
Stephen Neal does have some combat sport credentials as he wrestled out of Cal State-Bakersfield (Neal didn't play college football, which makes his presence in the pros all the more impressive)
Oh yeah, Neal is the guy who beat Brock Lesnar to win a NCAA title (pictured below).
So how would a 33 year old former NFL guard who hasn't wrestled competitively in over ten years do in the UFC? Why, fantastic of course!
At least that's what Brock Lesnar thinks:
"He could become something great," Lesnar said. "If he ever tried [UFC] and could make weight, I'd have to say he could be a force to be reckoned with."
Is the heavyweight division really that thin?
HT: ProFoootballTalk
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This has always been one aspect of MMA I’ve had mixed reactions about. What other professional sport can someone just decide one day that they like to compete in at the highest level?
MMA has had a mainstream existance for 5 years, and a realistic casual fan-base following for 3 of them.
Its not that hard to believe that a former wrestling champ given a year training, can do well.
by BobOBuilder on Feb 19, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
I think we will see more and more nfl players crossing over, The average time of a nfl player is 2 yrs. So many of these players are quite young after they r done with the nfl.They will be looking for other soucres of income and the ufc is perfect for these guys.Especially if they have a wrestling or any other type of combat background.
I kind of saw this coming . . . not surprised
I’m sure Neal was aware of Brock Lesnar’s career in the WWE. Lesnar was getting a bunch of hype and television coverage. Any time some one mentions Lesnar’s collegiate background and record, you have to take notice of Stephen Neal.
Now that Lesnar found almost immediate success in the UFC heavyweight division not to mention the championship title, why the heck not. Although many people will say that football is not as intense as MMA, keep in mind that it is obviously not easy for an MMA athlete to cross over into professional football.
Note, many former college wrestlers go into the NFL.
yes, some times I'm an old curmudgeon
I understand why people bring up Lesnar, like that is his sole accomplishment, but it is funny. This is a guy who was the champion of the whole world and a two time NCAA Champ.
by Jonathan Snowden on Feb 19, 2010 3:11 PM EST reply actions
Neal
Is obviously a world class athlete and has a solid wrestling background. Because of his name he’d probably get a chance much earlier than he’d deserve, but if Marcus Jones proved you can be at least relevant* with an athletic background and some solid training, it stands to reason that a guy like Neal could be an asset to a smaller show and get the opportunities to earn his stripes.
Because of his wrestling, he’s ahead of the curve for a beginner. With a year of training he could make big strides based on his athleticism and solid wrestling core. However, I think the NFL has 3-4 years left for him, and by the time he’s done there, he’ll be too old and beat up to be much of a factor. By the time he retires, he’ll be about 37 and have plenty of money, and I can’t imagine he would be much more than a mid-level attraction at that point.
*Marcus Jones may not actually be relevant
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