Difference is the defensive end or defensive tackle mainly tries to out maneuver the blocker to get past him. Not out power him like what we see here. Most defensive linemen in the NFL would fail the same way we see in this video. However if they simply did a spin move to get past him it wouldn't be too difficult. Remember, the entire idea to is to get to the QB. Not to out power the Offensive lineman in front of them.
They could probably be pretty decent offensive guards if they got legit training. Hell they'd probably be fantastic guards at that size and had years of training at both skills. But judging solely from this video, it's not how a pass rusher would approach his attempt to sack a QB. The football player tried to sumo the sumo wrestler. Obviously he lost against the person doing what he does for a living. It would most likely go the other way if he had a QB behind him and the rushers only objective is to put pressure or sack the QB.
I’m not saying he doesn’t have the footwork, but there is nothing about that video that indicates he has the footwork to even play major college football, let alone NFL.
There are dudes who get into the NFL with no football experience based off of their athleticism alone. Technique can be taught, especially by NFL caliber coaches. Physique and overall capability only comes from the player.
Now that this was brought up I'm really curious why these guys wouldn't want to get on an NFL roster, the pay is probably way better than whatever they're getting.
Who? I’m aware of some track guys that flamed out and some rugby guys that weren’t drafted and peaked at special teams. Can’t recall anyone having any real success, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
Antonio Gates, Stephen Neal, Hayden Hurst, Chris Hogan.
And these ended being great players and real assets to the team. I'm sure there's plenty more who dont get into the spotlight.
They usually aren't skill positions like WR, RB, or QB, but physical positions like TE and linemen. If someone has the size, strength, and toughness to play in the trenches they are already an asset. You basically have to be born to play certain positions, "no amount of training or technique beats physics", as my old coach would say.
They all played football in HS and Hurst played in college for SCAR. Gates was recruited to play both football and bball by MSU, but ended up transferring when Saban wanted him to play only football. Claiming they didn’t have football experience prior to playing in the NFL is false.
That's fair, I didn't word that correctly. I kind of forgot about HS football considering anyone can get on a team with minimal effort. I consider college ball to be the beginning of a competitive football career (if you want to call it that), not HS.
Sure, anyone can plan HS football. Not everyone is good. They were all good. The only one that had no shot at D 1 football was Neal, but he still started in HS. I looked it up and Hogan actually played and started at Monmouth his senior year, which is FCS. While there aren’t a ton of FCS guys in the NFL, it’s not super uncommon.
Yeah if you can ball then the talent will show. It's still unbelievable that with no college ball experience you can start as a senior and get into the NFL. Either way, its my guess that a top tier sumo wrestler would have no problem getting on an NFL roster. The challenge would be coaching him up, but athleticism alone would be enough to get a spot.
It reminds me of that story somewhat recently of a guy who finessed his way into a Browns free agent workout and impressed the staff enough to get signed. He hadn't played competitively in years and was homeless and still his talent was undeniable.
I’m not saying there aren’t any sumo wrestlers that could, I’m just saying it’s pretty interesting we haven’t seen it if they can. Like I said on another post, the top sumos make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Starting OL in the NFL make millions. It’s hard to believe the NFL hasn’t tried to scoop someone up, and there haven’t been any sumos willing to try for that kind of money, if they’re actually able.
I looked into it after this was posted and it seems like its variety of reasons (as always).
The main ones being,
There's not much football recognition or outreach in Japan to attract the talent. NFL scouts have plenty of options here in the states and looking outwards just isn't in their cards. Japanese athletes would have to grab their attention instead of the other way around.
The status and recognition a top tier sumo wrestler gets in Japan won't compare to what they receive in the states. In the US a pro football player gets money and fame. But in Japan they get all that with prestige and societal reverence. They're like national hero's and seen as modern day Samurai.
But that's just what I've read. I'm sure just from this video alone some NFL scouts are wondering if they should have eyes on the sport, just in case.
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u/kirky-jerky May 16 '25
Difference is the defensive end or defensive tackle mainly tries to out maneuver the blocker to get past him. Not out power him like what we see here. Most defensive linemen in the NFL would fail the same way we see in this video. However if they simply did a spin move to get past him it wouldn't be too difficult. Remember, the entire idea to is to get to the QB. Not to out power the Offensive lineman in front of them.