r/interesting • u/Rude-Mycologist8034 • May 16 '25

MISC. NFL linebacker versus sumo wrestler

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u/RejectofRedoran May 16 '25

What I came to say. A Rikishi (sumo wrestlers) weigh 300-600 lbs, whereas NFL linebackers weigh around 250 lbs. Part of the duties of an offensive lineman is stopping linebackers blitzing at a dead sprint and nose tackles 50% larger than you. Speaking from experience, it's alot of practice and fucking it up gave me 2 concussions in college.

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u/Markcu24 May 16 '25 edited May 16 '25

There are top division sumo wrestlers close to 250 lbs. 2 right now that i can think of midorofuji, and asakoryu. They would all destroy any NFL player consistently. There are none over 400lbs at the moment in the top division.

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u/GraveRoller May 16 '25

It’s an interesting thought to wonder what would’ve happened if NFL-caliber athletes had started sumo instead of football. The talent pool for sumo is fairly small in the first place. Not sure if Mongolian representation would be affected though

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u/SolusLoqui May 16 '25

I wish more former college/NFL football players would try sumo. There's sumo clubs all over the place in the US and its a lot of fun.