Takedowns and Tackling are very similar to one another and while these two things are probably the most recognizable when it comes to football and wrestling. For Florida State University linebacker and leading tackler Reggie Northrup, it’s the art of the takedown that makes him a better tackler.
In this interview from last season, Northrup, his teammates and head coach Jimbo Fisher discuss how his wrestling background helps him be the defensive menace for the Seminole’s.
Some of the best every to take the gridiron, such as Falcon’s wide receiver Roddy White (2x South Carolina State Champ), former Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis (Florida State Champ), former 3X Super Bowl Champion and 2X NCAA Wrestling Champion Stephen Neal, and former NFL fullback Lorenzo Neal (NCAA All-American), are just a few who used to mix it up on the mat before playing in front of thousands on Sunday’s.
Recently, ESPN analyst and three-time Super Bowl Champ Mark Schlereth spoke about how wrestling was “the most challenging sport (he’s) ever been involved with.” Schlereth was a state champ in Alaska when he was in high school and gives plenty of credit to the sport for making him the competitor he was in the NFL. Mark's article on how wrestling made him the football player that he turned into can be read below!
Low hips, straight back, eyes up — the perfect stance for a takedown mirrors great tackling form. Nobody in the world does this better than Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs. (We think JB would have made an excellent strong safety.)
Wrestlers are required to use their hands to fight for position, just like football players. Think about a linebacker shedding a block, or a corner jamming a receiver.
At the line of scrimmage, the lower man is more likely to win the battle. This same premise reigns on the wrestling mat, since no takedown is successfully executed without proper leverage.
Throwing, blocking and tackling all require a focus on proper footwork and lower body agility. The unparalleled footwork that separates Pro-Bowl NFL Athletes is the same skill giving wrestlers Kyle Snyder and Kyle Dake a leg up on the competition.