Posted by ChasinDatPaper on September 22, 2009 at 8:52am
FoxSports Reports
NEW YORK (AP) - Herschel Walker is starting a new career in mixed martial arts.
The 47-year-old former NFL running back said Monday that he has signed a multi-fight contract with promoter Strikeforce. Walker will begin a 12-week training camp next month in San Jose, Calif., with the American Kickboxing Academy.
The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner already holds a fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
"I've been training for several years," Walker said in a statement. "I would play college football games on Saturday and then compete in martial arts tournaments on Sunday after church I'm now looking forward to opening up another chapter in my life and to competing in MMA."
In 12 NFL seasons — playing for the Cowboys, Vikings, Eagles and Giants — he made the Pro Bowl twice.
Walker has already had athletic success outside of football, making the two-man bobsled team at 1992 Winter Olympics. He finished seventh.
"I flew to L.A. last month to watch Herschel train and was surprised to see his advanced wrestling and striking abilities," Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker said in a statement. "He's got work ahead of him, but he's committed to training at one of the most notable gyms in the sport of MMA so it will be very interesting to watch him progress."
}
Comments