NFL star Herschel Walker to try his hand at mixed martial arts. - Free To Air TV Forum, FTA Keys and Downloads, Dish Network, Nagravision 3

GrnMachine · #1 (**permalink**) 22nd September 2009, 02:17 PM

Former NFL star Herschel Walker is going to try his hand at mixed martial arts.

The 47-year-old Walker has signed a multi-fight contract with Strikeforce.

Walker said in a statement: "I've been training for several years. 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."

The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner is set to start a 12-week training camp next month at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, which is home to UFC fighters Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and Mike Swick as well as Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson.

The former running back already holds a black belt in taekwondo and has trained in Muay Thai and Kenpo karate.

"I flew to L.A. last month to watch Herschel train and was surprised to see his advanced wrestling and striking abilities," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said in the statement Monday. "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."

Walker played collegiate football before joining the fledgling United States Football League. He then joined the Dallas Cowboys, one of four NFL teams he played for in 12 seasons.

The six-foot-one, 220-pounder has ventured into other sports, placing seventh in the 1992 Olympics two-man bobsled competition.

"I will go in there and test myself against any 20-year-old," said Walker. "I know there will be naysayers and I'm fine with that. I want to prove to people who sit on a couch and don't do anything but criticize other people that, if you're a true athlete or martial artist, you're not old until you can't get up and walk around anymore."

At 47, Walker is one year older than former UFC champion Randy (The Natural) Couture, who is still fighting.

Walker plans to compete as an MMA heavyweight.

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