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NGANNOU VS FERREIRA

Sherdog’s Top 10: Stick-and-Ball Crossovers

C.J. TuttleAug 19, 2014
Herschel Walker totaled more than 18,000 all-purpose yards in the NFL. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com


3. Herschel Walker


Walker is the best-known NFL player to make the move to MMA. Entering his professional career following one of the most decorated college football careers in history -- a run that included a Heisman Trophy and national championship at the University of Georgia -- Walker played in the now-defunct United States Football League before spending 11 seasons as a running back and kick returner with four different NFL teams. As an NFL pro, Walker racked up more than 8,000 yards and scored 82 touchdowns. He still ranks ninth on the league’s all-time list for all-purpose yards with 18,168.

At 49, Walker made the leap to MMA with a two-fight stint in the Strikeforce promotion. He won both of his fights, including a first-round stoppage of Scott Carson. Walker’s entry into MMA undoubtedly brought more eyeballs to the sport. Prior to his fight with Carson, the Wrightsville, Ga., native was the star of a solo media conference call, and he also made the rounds on talk shows and podcasts, promoting the card and detailing his passion for MMA. Walker did all he could to bring attention to something he really had not been involved in for all that long.

With no fights since 2011, it seems Walker’s fighting career has run its course, but if his two bouts were any indication, age will not be a determining factor in whether or not he thinks he can compete. With former Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker now fronting the Bellator MMA promotion, never say never.

Number 2 » Travis Browne