In a bizarre, yet true story, the Washington Redskins once offered a tryout to over-sized pro wrestler Andre The Giant.
Thinking it may bolster a struggling defensive line in 1975, Tim Temerario, the director of player personnel at the time, called the offices of the World Wide Wrestling Federation, now World Wrestling Entertainment, to inquire about the 7 feet 4 inch Herculean grappler.
Talks went so far as to spawn a press conference in Washington, D.C. that was attended by Andre, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, and up-and-coming wrestling executive Vincent McMahon according to an article on the WWE website.
However, nothing ever came of team’s interest in Roussimoff following the press conference and no tryout ever took place. The team turned elsewhere for its run stopping and kick blocking needs while “The Eighth Wonder of the World” went on to capture the WWE Championship and star in the classic film, The Princess Bride.
It was only in 2009 that McMahon would admit the press conference was a publicity stunt.
Roussimoff passed away of a heart attack on January 27, 1993 in Paris at the age of 46. He would become the inaugural inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame later that year.
Also of note in Andre the Giant folklore, he is said to gulped down 156 beers in one sitting.
In current pro wrestling ties, Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker currently co-hosts the pro wrestling radio show 4th & Pain.
In the interest of disclosure, I co-host the show with him.
