American Football: Vikings cut lesner

Brock Lesnar won't be the next big thing in the NFL -- at least not this year.

Lesnar, the former pro wrestling star who hadn't played football in nine years, was cut by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. The team also said injured running back Michael Bennett will miss the season opener.

Lesnar developed faster than expected and impressed his teammates with hard work. But his lack of football experience -- combined with minimal playing time and a painful groin injury from an April motorcycle accident -- were too much to overcome in just one month of training camp.

"He gave me a hug," coach Mike Tice said. "He was very happy for the chance."

Lesnar, 27, won the 2000 NCAA heavyweight championship at the University of Minnesota, and gained pro wrestling fame as "The Next Big Thing."

But he walked away from a seven-year, $45 million WWE contract in March to pursue a professional football career. On the eve of training camp, Lesnar signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for $230,000, the rookie minimum.

"When he called me, that's all he asked for, is an opportunity," Tice said. "I think we gavehim a good opportunity to see if this is what he wanted to do."

Tice declined to speculate about whether Lesnar would be added to the Vikings' practice squad, but said the club would be "proud" to allocate him to the NFL's developmental league next spring

"I suggest to him that he should at some point end up in NFL Europe this year and play," Tice said. "Hopefully, that will be as a Viking."

Lesnar wasn't available at camp to comment. His agent, Ed Hitchcock, said Lesnar wants to continue his development on the practice squad and in NFL Europe.

"He's committed to this long-term," Hitchcock said. "He's realistic about what it takes to develop. There are players who've played this game all their lives who take a couple of years to develop [in the NFL]."

As for Bennett, he'd be ready to play now -- if it weren't for a sprained right knee. The running back will miss the team's regular-season opener Sept. 12 against Dallas, Tice said.

Bennett, injured in the third quarter of Friday's exhibition win on a low hit by 49ers safety Erik Totten, underwent an MRI exam Saturday that revealed more damage than originally diagnosed.

Tice initially said that Bennett would be "a little iffy" for the Dallas game, but on Monday declared his starting back out for the opener.

"We'll try to push Mike to get back as soon as he can," Tice said. "Hopefully, it's the second game against Philly [on Sept. 20]. We'll see how it progresses."

Short-yardage specialist Moe Williams will start the opener. Rookie Mewelde Moore and Larry Ned also will see action.

The Vikings' depth in the backfield was considered a strength entering the season. But with Bennett sidelined, the team will be without its best two backs in the first game.

Onterrio Smith, Bennett's top backup, is expected to miss the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

"If No. 32 [Smith] didn't get himself a vacation, we wouldn't have any concern [about Bennett's absence]," Tice said.

Barring a successful appeal, Smith won't be eligible to return until the Vikings' fifth game, at New Orleans on Oct. 17.

Bennett, 26, has played in all 16 games just once in his four-year career.

Foot and ankle injures limited the 5-foot-9, 209-pound back to just eight games last season. He finished with 90 carries for 447 yards and one touchdown, a significant dropoff from his numbers in 2002, when he made his first Pro Bowl.

Bennett also missed three games in 2001 with a sprained ankle.

"I'm going to be a little teary-eyed in the opener," Bennett said. "But I know I'll be back, hopefully, the following week.

Lesnar wasn't the only player cut Monday, the Vikings cut seven in all, including backup kicker Dan Orner. That leaves only incumbent Aaron Elling on the roster.

Elling botched two field goals and an extra point in Friday's 23-10 preseason win over the San Francisco 49ers. The club began scanning other NFL rosters for a potential replacement Saturday, but Tice said Elling will handle placekicking duties in Thursday's preseason finale at Seattle.

Although Orner was more consistent than Elling in practice, the coaching staff felt the 5-foot-8 rookie lacked the leg strength to kick off in the NFL.

"Some guys weren't given a fair chance, like Dan Orner, because I put my eggs in the basket of Aaron Elling," Tice said. "I don't know if Dan can kick at this level or not.

"I will not use a rookie kicker again. I don't think my health could take that."

Cornerback Reggie Austin, wide receiver Omar Jenkins, guard Brandon Newton, tackle Alan Reuber and linebacker Merrill Robertson also were released.

Lesnar is now 27 years old so he might continue his quest to become an NFL defensive end. On the other hand, maybe he makes a return to the WWE. Who knows what he will do, my guess is a speedy return to the WWE.

No surprise at all. But he did say there was a 4 year plan, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Sorry for not being around much, been lurking. OD'ed on internet a couple of weeks ago, had to curtail my activity. Was even slow on ATS, which pleased people to no end, I guess.

Thanks for the new smileys Ben.

This was plastered all over my sports page today, or was it yesterday? Can't really say i'm all that suprised, sure he's big and fast but the fact that he hadn't played football since highschool was a real negative for him. Doesn't sound like he want's to go back to the WWE though, that's why he tried to make the NFL. Can't say i blame him for not wanting to go back to the WWE. We'll see what happens.

i would liket o see him give it another try in the NFL

Originally posted by Ben
i would liket o see him give it another try in the NFL

rumor is that he will probably make the practice squad, that in theory should help him get the skills he needs to have a shot at the team. sounds like he's got the blinders on, doing everything he can to make the team sometime in the near future.

Originally posted by aegis fang
sounds like he's got the blinders on, doing everything he can to make the team sometime in the near future.

He's living that Elvis tune, Follow that Dream. He's got the money to go for his dream, I hope he makes it.

I read that it is possible that he may go to NFL Europe, he should get in a side no problem and get some much needed experience.

That would be good. He's a tough guy, and if he could refine his skills over there, then he might have a shot at the NFL next year.

Looks like he has the heart, and that's one thing you cant teach.

If he keeps at it, he'll make it.

He could come to Canada and play in the CFL. We're always looking for a gimmick to put people in the stands. I think he could work out. Good luck to him.

i think wrestling and stuff and playing college ball, helps him out a lot