By: Sean Davis - 4/3/24
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - After the 2007 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings picked up an undrafted free agent defensive tackle from Georgia Tech named Joe Anoa’i. However, his time with the Vikings was short-lived as he was released shortly after. He then had a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars before heading to the Canadian Football League for a season, ultimately ending his football career.
But here’s where the story takes a turn. Joe Anoa’i, now known as Roman Reigns, the reigning WWE Universal Champion, found his path to wrestling stardom after his time with the Vikings. His journey with the Vikings seems to have played a crucial role in leading him to where he is today.
Roman Reigns’ battle with leukemia began shortly after his physical with the Vikings, leading to his diagnosis. Despite facing setbacks, including a resurgence of the illness in 2018, Reigns fought back and has been in remission ever since. His health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic kept him on the sidelines for a while, but he has since returned to claim the Universal Championship for an impressive 1,300+ days.
It’s hard to say what might have happened if the Vikings hadn’t signed Joe Anoa’i. Perhaps his condition would have gone undetected, or maybe his football career would have taken a different trajectory. One thing is certain – the Vikings’ physical revealed his illness, setting him on the path to receiving the necessary treatment.
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