5 WWE Superstars who started off as soccer players

#4 Andre the Giant

Known as the “Gentle Giant”, Andre Rousimoff started with Soccer and ended his professional life with acting in French cinema (Image: Daily Wrestling News)

Andre Rene Rousimoff was a big-sized menacing wrestler as is quite evident from his name. He towered over everyone and presented a dominating figure to everyone watching him. Mostly, though, he is remembered as a kind and gentle human being outside the ring by people who knew him personally.

Apart from tales of his superhuman strength, his amazing tolerance for alcohol is something he is associated with. This one-time WWF Tag Team Champion moved into acting after completing and phasing out from his Pro Wrestling career. Andre was the first inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame.

A gifted athlete since childhood, Rousimoff's first love was Soccer. “I played Rugby and Soccer when I was younger,” he was quoted as saying by Rome News Tribune. “For the last 12 years, I've wrestled.” His size provided no obstruction to his speed as he was reportedly fast enough to play fullback for his native Soccer teams in France.

He was even offered a contract to play in the American NFL, a deal he turned down due to insufficient pay. Rousimoff was a goalkeeper. The sheer size of the man ensured that he would be the best choice for the position.