Apparently, the Vikings don't thing he's "The Next Big Thing".
Vikings cut Lesnar to end 'fantasy' camp
Lack of football experience, injuries keep professional wrestler off Minnesota's roster
The Associated Press Updated: 4:41 p.m. ET Aug. 30, 2004
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Brock Lesnar won’t be the next big thing in the NFL — at least not this year.
The former pro wrestling star who hadn’t played football in nine years, was cut by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
Lesnar developed faster than expected and impressed his teammates with hard work. But his lack of football experience — combined with minimal playing time and a groin injury from an April motorcycle accident — were too much to overcome in just one month of training camp.
“He gave me a hug,” coach Mike Tice said. “He was very happy for the chance.”
Lesnar, 27, won the 2000 NCAA heavyweight championship at the University of Minnesota, and gained pro wrestling fame as ’The Next Big Thing’.
But despite a seven-year, $45 million WWE contract, he decided to pursue a professional football career. On the eve of training camp, Lesnar signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for $230,000, the rookie minimum.
“When he called me, that’s all he asked for, is an opportunity,” Tice said. “I think we gave him a good opportunity to see if this is what he wanted to do.”
Tice declined to speculate about whether Lesnar would be added to the Vikings’ practice squad, but said the club would be “proud” to allocate him to the NFL’s developmental league next spring.
“I suggest to him that he should at some point end up in NFL Europe this year and play,” Tice said. “Hopefully, that will be as a Viking.”
Lesnar wasn’t available for comment. His agent, Ed Hitchcock, said Lesnar wants to continue his development on the practice squad and in NFL Europe.
“He’s committed to this long-term,” Hitchcock said. “He’s realistic about what it takes to develop. There are players who’ve played this game all their lives who take a couple of years to develop (in the NFL).”
I think his dedication should be applauded and his ignorance be noticed to some degree. Its not a closed case yet. He knew that he was up "sh*t's creek" from the start after his bike (motorcycle) accident.
I still wouldn't be suprised to see him make it on someone's practce squad or NFL Europe. Someone will give him that opprotunity at the very least. I would do it under the assumption that its a one shot deal. He either makes a name for himself in some capacity (while signing a one year deal). I think he might become a great special teams player in Europe. Remember he has explosive speed barring the whole groin injury.
He had a lot of guts to give up stardum in WWE to persue his dream , and he'll earn more respect from me and some others if he doesn't give up quite yet.
Hell Hogan keeps going back to Wrestling! He's an instant fan favorite to be choriographed into the Championship picture each time he enters the ring. So Lesnar could try longer and if "it hits the fan" further, than either go back to WWE .....or enjoy the rest of your young rich life while still healthy.
I say go for it Brock. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't stand in his way
I have travelled the net and found the Redskins promise land. This is, by far, the best site out there for Redskins/NFL News, Notes, Opinions, and so much more.
skin_to_the_bone wrote:I say go for it Brock. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't stand in his way
I was actually rooting for him to make the squad. I haven't checked, but I'm hoping he is on Madden 2005. That way, I can develop him into "The Next Big Thing". If he goes to NFL Europe and gets healthy, I also think he can eventually make a squad. However, he's no spring chicken, and he needs to learn fast.
skin_to_the_bone wrote:I say go for it Brock. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't stand in his way
I was actually rooting for him to make the squad. I haven't checked, but I'm hoping he is on Madden 2005. That way, I can develop him into "The Next Big Thing". If he goes to NFL Europe and gets healthy, I also think he can eventually make a squad. However, he's no spring chicken, and he needs to learn fast.
He's not on the game.
I have travelled the net and found the Redskins promise land. This is, by far, the best site out there for Redskins/NFL News, Notes, Opinions, and so much more.
Aw, leave the guy alone. Who else do you know would have the sack to walk away from the 40-plus million contract to wrestle just to pursue a dream ?
Not me. Not you either, I presume.
"Sit back and watch the Redskins.
SOMETHING MAGICAL IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!"
JPFair- A fan's fan. RIP, brother
tcwest10 wrote:Aw, leave the guy alone. Who else do you know would have the sack to walk away from the 40-plus million contract to wrestle just to pursue a dream ? Not me. Not you either, I presume.
That's what I'm saying too TC. The guy had a dream and still HAS it. I think he still has a good shot to make it somewhere.
I have travelled the net and found the Redskins promise land. This is, by far, the best site out there for Redskins/NFL News, Notes, Opinions, and so much more.
purple and gold spandex.... 
whatever. he needs to go back to his acting job. 