The Rock is grateful to be alive.
In addition to his acting and wrestling-related work, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also serves as an owner of the United Football League, a high-level, American minor football league. The UFL’s second season kicked off last Friday, with the St. Louis Battlehawks taking on the Houston Roughnecks at Houston, Texas’ Space City Financial Stadium. Unfortunately for Johnson, a mechanical issue prevented him from touching ground in Texas, resulting in a diversion back to his home in Hawaii.
“Live on FOX, I was ready to go. I was super pumped to get down there to Texas, to rock and roll with all the players and fans and coaches. I’m just so super-bummed that I can’t be there. I’m so sorry,” Johnson said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter). “I want to take a moment to apologize to all of the UFL fans, our UFL Universe that we continue to build, our UFL players. I apologize to the coaches, the staff, everybody.”
According to Johnson, his scheduled flight to Texas experienced issues about 35 to 40 minutes into its ascent last Wednesday evening. From there, the pilot, Captain David personally informed Johnson of the issue, citing an overheating sensation caused by a hydraulics problem. Per David, the crew could securely fix some of the issues while in the air, but others would put them at potential risk, especially as they flew over the Pacific Ocean. As such, the plane turned back around, with David’s promise to safely land back in Hawaii.
Super bummed I can’t be in Texas but so grateful we were able to land the plane safely.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 29, 2025
So sorry to our @TheUFL fans, players, coaches, staff and our teams at @FOXSports @espn I’m not there.
Let’s have a great season 2 opening weekend, have fun, and ball out. pic.twitter.com/9FgwLIUSS5
The Rock Had Some Mid-Air Reflection
On course to Hawaii, Johnson reflected on the series of events while sipping on a double Teremana tequila, per his request.
“When you are back there alone with just your drink, and you are thinking about this, and you’ve got everything crossed hoping you make it back safely, you start to realize really quickly the s*** that is really important in life,” Johnson said. “Then you realize the s*** that doesn’t matter that you are thinking about and worrying about. I had one of those moments last night. Bottom line is: I’m grateful to be back on the ground. I’m grateful to be back home in Hawaii.”
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