Ryan Leaf fulfilled a long-time dream this week.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf made a surprise appearance on this week’s episode of WWE NXT, extending praise to Lexis King, the son of the late Brian Pillman. King also noted that Leaf encouraged him to go to Minneapolis, the site of NXT’s Deadline premium live event, over the weekend. That trip proved to be significant for King, as it later helped him close a chapter in his personal story.
Leaf has since commented on his WWE NXT appearance, revealing it to be a childhood dream come true.
“We bringing back the 90’s folks. First, Saturday Night Main Event returns and second, I get to live out a childhood dream and be on @WWE @WWENXT,” Leaf wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I don’t know… this might be as big as Hogan vs Andre in Wrestlemania III [flushed face emoji]. I see you @LexisKingWWE!!”
Leaf emerged as the second overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL draft, behind Peyton Manning. Over the next four years, Leaf played in a mere 25 games before announcing his retirement ahead of the 2002 NFL season. His career, marred by injuries and substance abuse issues, was considered a bust.
Leaf had several legal issues after his playing days ended, including being jailed for violating the terms of his drug treatment plan, a condition of a 2012 arrest. He has been sober since then and now serves as a college football broadcaster for the CW Network, calling games for the Pac-12 conference.
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