Wrestlers Get their Shot at NY Jets Minicamp
I found an article today on CBS Sportsline that forty-eight rookies are participating in the Jets’ minicamp at Hofstra through tomorrow. What makes this minicamp interesting is two former NCAA wrestling champions, LB Tommy Rowlands (Ohio State) and OL Cole Konrad (Minnesota), are auditioning. Interestingly, Rowlands defeated Konrad last month in the U.S. Nationals. Neither has played football since early in high school.
It’s proven that a former wrestling champion can adapt to a new foreign environment and become a successful professional football player. Just ask New England Patriots Guard Stephen Neal.
Do you think Rowlands and Konrad have the skills to make the team?
Oliver Salud wrote "Wrestlers Get their Shot at NY Jets Minicamp" on May 14, 2007. This post has 
Of course they have the skill to play football!!!
They are wrestlers!!!! Best athletes in the world!!!
Football and wrestling always have had close links. Many football stars had long careers as wrestlers, including Hall of Famers Bronko Nagurski and Leo Nomellini, and stars like Ernie Ladd. Some fooled around with it, like Lawrence Taylor or William Perry. Many other wrestlers have football backgrounds that fell short of NFL success, like Florida State All-American Ron Simmons or Larry “Lex Luger” Pfohl. Still others, like Jim Nance or La’Roi Glover, were successful college wrestlers as well as football players.
Since the links are close, Konrad and Rowlands has the same chance as any collegiate football player.
They will make it. Both played high school football, so the sport is not completely foreign to them.
IMO, wrestlers are suited for defensive positions because of their take down and shooting skills (defensive lineman or linebacker). On offense, they fit well as an offensive lineman, but not as a wide receiver or tight end.