Who Did Blackjack Mulligan Play Football For?

When we talk about professional wrestlers, we often forget that many of them had different careers before they entered the ring. One such wrestler is Blackjack Mulligan, who was not only a successful wrestler but also a talented football player.

Born Robert Windham in Sweetwater, Texas in 1942, Blackjack Mulligan played football during his college years at Texas Western College (now known as University of Texas at El Paso). He played as an offensive tackle for the Miners from 1961 to 1962.

During his time at Texas Western College, Mulligan was part of a team that won the Sun Bowl in 1963. He was also named to the All-Border Conference team in both 1961 and 1962. His success on the field caught the attention of professional football teams.

After college, Mulligan signed with the New York Jets in 1966 as an undrafted free agent. However, he only played one game for the Jets before being released. He then signed with the Denver Broncos and played for them in the American Football League (AFL) from 1966 to 1968.

Mulligan’s football career may have been short-lived, but it laid the foundation for his future success as a professional wrestler. In fact, his size and strength on the football field were what initially caught the eye of wrestling promoter Jack Brisco.

In 1969, Mulligan began his wrestling career under Brisco’s guidance. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most popular wrestlers of his time. Mulligan won numerous championships throughout his career and was known for his signature move, “The Claw.”

In conclusion, before he became a legendary wrestler, Blackjack Mulligan was a talented football player who played for both college and professional teams. His success on the field helped him transition into wrestling where he found even greater success and became a household name in sports entertainment.