It’s Wrestlemania week for the WWE. As has become commonplace in recent years, the biggest pro wrestling brand in the world has hosted a tryout during the biggest week in the industry for athletes across the disciplines at the collegiate level.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, former Oklahoma linebacker and current Director of S.O.U.L. Mission Career and Professional Development Caleb Kelly will be among the participants at this week’s tryout.
The football contingent trying out includes ex-Oklahoma linebacker Caleb Kelly, an ESPN top-70 national recruit who started portions of three seasons before being limited by knee injuries late in his career. – Rittenberg, ESPN
Kelly, a former five-star player out of Clovis West High, has been a fan favorite during his time with the Sooners. His joyful personality and his charisma made him one of the more beloved players of the Lincoln Riley era among fans and media members. Though he dealt with injuries in his playing days, he had a penchant for big plays for the Sooners.
Like this one in the fourth quarter of the 2021 Red River Showdown that helped the Oklahoma Sooners overcome their huge first-half deficit to beat the Longhorns.
Of all the wild, game-changing plays at the Cotton Bowl between OU and Texas, one that's CRIMINALLY over-shadowed? This Caleb Kelly (@calebkkelly) fumble recovery on that late 4th quarter kickoff. Ended up giving the #Sooners the lead.
Just a man's play. Wanted the ball more. pic.twitter.com/HbkO7vtaOp
— TJ Eckert (@TJEckertKTUL) October 10, 2021
Many WWE legends started on the gridiron before making the transition to the ring. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a star at Miami, and Bill Goldberg played for the Georgia Bulldogs. Current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns played his college ball at Georgia Tech.
As a player and coach, Kelly displayed some of the intangible traits that will allow him to excel in the WWE. Namely his electric presence and ability on the microphone, not to mention his incredible athleticism.
Though he’d more than likely have to go through the WWE’s developmental program, he has all of the tools in his box to make an exceptional pro wrestler.