Former NFL Running Back Elijah Holyfield Joins WWE

Nov 20, 2024 at 1:29 PM
Former NFL running back Elijah Holyfield, the son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield, has made a significant career move by signing with WWE. This news has sparked excitement among fans and the wrestling community alike. Holyfield, at the age of 26, took to social media to share this momentous event. He wrote, "Future is bright!!!" in a post to X, which quote-tweeted a post from WWE NXT, the development program for rookie WWE wrestlers. The post from WWE NXT accompanied by a photo featuring Holyfield and 12 new wrestlers further emphasized the sentiment, stating "The future is looking bright! #WWENXT."

Evander Holyfield - A Boxing Legend

Elijah's father, Evander, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history. With a remarkable 160-14 record, he achieved great success in the boxing ring. He was awarded the bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics Games held in Los Angeles. Evander is also the only professional boxer to have won the heavyweight championship on four separate occasions, solidifying his status as a boxing icon. His influence and achievements have had a lasting impact on the sport and have inspired many, including his son Elijah.

College Football Stardom

Before venturing into the NFL, Holyfield was a standout in college football. From 2016 to 2018, he played at Georgia and showcased his skills on the field. His college career laid the foundation for his future endeavors and demonstrated his athletic ability. Although he went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, it did not deter him from pursuing his dreams. Instead, he signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in April 2019, marking the beginning of his professional football journey.

NFL Career Highlights and Challenges

Holyfield's NFL career had its share of ups and downs. He was waived by the Carolina Panthers in September 2019 but managed to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in December of the same year. During the 2020 season with the Eagles, he made one appearance in a game on November 22, 2020, in a 22-17 loss against the Cleveland Browns. However, he was released by the Eagles just days before the 2021 NFL season. Despite these setbacks, his time in the NFL allowed him to gain valuable experience and develop as a player.

WWE - A New Chapter

Now, with his signing with WWE, Holyfield is embarking on a new chapter in his career. WWE offers a unique platform for athletes to showcase their skills and entertain audiences. Holyfield's physicality and athleticism make him a natural fit for the world of professional wrestling. He will have the opportunity to train and compete with some of the best wrestlers in the industry and build a new fan base. This move is expected to bring a fresh perspective to WWE and add to the excitement of the organization.