Dwayne Johnson is better known as an actor than a football player. In fact, he's better known as an actor, wrestler, businessman and philanthropist than a football player.
"The Rock" did have a football career of his own, though, long before he became a global superstar. That might have been a factor in his purchase of the XFL in 2020, which will culminate in the long-awaited relaunch of the league this weekend.
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The Sporting News takes a look back at Johnson's football career, from the University of Miami to the CFL.
Was 'The Rock' good at football?
Johnson only played two years as a defensive tackle at Freedom High School in Pennsylvania, but that was enough to earn him serious interest from major college football programs. Johnson ultimately accepted a full scholarship from the University of Miami and began his college football career in 1991.
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Johnson was primarily a reserve during his Miami career, recording 77 tackles and four sacks in four seasons. He played behind future Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp and was recruited by defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, so Johnson was closely connected with major names during his time with the Hurricanes, which began with a national championship his freshman year.
Orgeron told ESPN in 2012 Johnson "could have been an all-conference, perhaps an all-American," if Sapp wasn't ahead of him. In today's transfer portal era, it may have been easier for Johnson to find that playing time.
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Dwayne Johnson's CFL career
Before launching his wrestling career, Johnson attempted to turn professional in football and signed with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders.
The stint didn't last too long. Johnson was released two months into the 1995 season. His history of getting buried on the depth chart of great teams continued: Calgary finished 15-3 that year.
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Did Dwayne Johnson play in the NFL?
Despite Orgeron's high hopes for Johnson, an unsuccessful stint in the CFL is not usually a pathway to the NFL.
After dealing with multiple injuries and a lack of playing time at Miami, he went undrafted in 1995 and did not find another professional contract after his deal with the Stampeders.
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Now, Johnson is operating a league that could give former college football standouts and NFL role players a second chance.
While the goal is to turn the XFL into a permanent spring football league, it's not far-fetched to believe this is personal for Johnson, whose league will give chances to players that might not have gotten a fair shot at other times in their careers.
