The visual of Ronnie Coleman brings to mind a superhuman lifting humongous weights. While the bodybuilding world believes Big Ron began pumping iron for the most coveted Mr. Olympia title, the revelation speaks otherwise. And that takes one back to another sport that Coleman excelled at before becoming an IFBB pro athlete.

Genetically blessed with an athletic body, the 8 x Mr. Olympia was an avid football player at a collegiate level. While bodybuilding is the sport that took him to an international stage, Coleman once gave his honest thoughts on his journey.

Ronnie Coleman couldn’t be more thankful

Coleman played football as a middle linebacker in the GSU Tigers while pursuing a degree in accounting. However, he didn’t continue with the sport. Besides, he couldn’t find a job as an accountant. After working at Domino’s Pizza to meet his financial needs, he became a police officer in Arlington, Texas, and continued despite his bodybuilding career.

READ MORE: “I Heard A Loud Gunshot”: Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Recalled the Painful Moment He Severely Injured His Body and Still Did Not Give Up on His Workout

Trending

Complete New York Pro 2024 Roster

May 15, 2024 05:03 PM EDT

“Steroids Did a Number on His Face”: Zac Efron Faces Fierce Scrutiny From Fitness World Over His Insanely Jacked Wrestler Avatar

November 21, 2023 06:01 AM EST

“I Allowed It to Take Over My Life”: Zac Efron Opens Up About His Hulking Body Transformation for Iron Claw

January 05, 2024 04:45 PM EST

Arnold Schwarzenegger Busts Common Myth About Post-Workout Meals: “Immediately After Your Workout”

May 16, 2024 05:02 AM EDT

Bodybuilding Coach Dismantles Fitness Influencer’s Questionable Advice on Bicep Curl Technique

May 09, 2024 09:15 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

In an exclusive interview with Predator Nutrition, Coleman revealed that he began lifting weights for football. Bodybuilding was never on his mind until Brian Dobson discovered this gold mine. To a question on whether he would have continued football, he said, “God has different plans for all of us. And I certainly love the gifts I have been given.”

One of the most significant game-changing gifts the King received was Dobson’s offer of free membership in his gym, which drove Coleman to the iron factory in 1989. Year after year, the bodybuilding legend engrossed himself in the sport, setting high standards for the forthcoming athletes. However, there is another connection between football and Coleman’s bodybuilding journey.

The root cause of Coleman’s injuries

Injuries and life-threatening surgeries have crippled Coleman for the rest of his life. The injuries are believed to result from his intense and unapologetic training practices. Most people do not know that the damage began even before his bodybuilding career. While playing football, Coleman severely hurt his back and neck, especially during his sophomore year. He used to get a lot of chiropractic help until he started bodybuilding.

With a thumb rule of giving nothing less than 100%, Coleman immersed himself in the sport. He proved the power of relentless hard work and passion in his record eight Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005 and is only one of the two people to achieve this grand feat.

Watch This Story: Six bodybuilders who can defeat 8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman in beast-like structure