Best NFL Stars to Follow DeAngelo Williams' Lead, Enter Pro Wrestling After NFL

When DeAngelo Williams makes his pro wrestling debut at Slammiversary XV in July, the running back will be continuing a long tradition of athletes moving from the NFL to the squared circle.

Ernie Ladd barreled his way into both the San Diego Chargers and WWE Hall of Fame. Wahoo McDaniel played for the New York Jets in the '60s before becoming a wrestling legend. Former WWE universal champion Goldberg played for the Atlanta Falcons in the early '90s.

William "Refrigerator" Perry and Adam "Pacman" Jones each briefly stepped into the ring.

There has long been a strange marriage between the gridiron and the mat game, between football and a medium often dismissed as fake. And it's not ending anytime soon. Williams is the latest to keep that bond between the worlds alive.

The former Pittsburgh Steeler is set to battle in a tag team match alongside Moose (a former NFL player himself) against Chris Adonis and Eli Drake at Impact Wrestling's July 2 pay-per-view. 

Williams has appeared for Impact Wrestling a number of times of late. And as is inevitable in the world of wrestling, tempers overflowed.

He and Gary Barnidge, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, stood in Moose's corner for a recent match. After the bout, the two football players crossed paths with Davey Richards inside the ring. The confrontation was brief but violent, with Williams and Barnidge getting the best of the heel.

It will soon be time for Williams to go from making a cameo to strapping on a pair of wrestling boots for a longer stretch.

He's far from the only NFLer who would make a good fit on WWE's roster or as Impact Wrestling's next signee. The most popular sport in the U.S. is filled with athletes who possess the footwork and size to make the transition Ladd and McDaniel did years ago and Williams is in the process of doing today.

From an All-Pro linebacker in the twilight of his career to a dynamo along the defensive line, the following is a list of NFL players who would thrive as pro wrestlers.

Size, look, power and skill helped them to earn their spots. But so too did personality. While one can get away with hiding under a helmet and getting lost in the background in the NFL, wrestling requires a strong supply of charisma.

And these men have that combo of it factor and physical gifts to be successful in sports entertainment. 

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

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James Harrison is intimidating. Ask any of the men who have been his prey over the course of his 13 seasons as an NFL linebacker. 

He has biceps that would make Hulk Hogan jealous. He darts across the field before slamming into opposing players like a train. His glare could cut through cement.

It's easy to imagine him prowling an WWE ring, almost clotheslining Superstars' heads off.

Harrison isn't as loud and over-the-top as some of the other entrants on this list, but he has a palpable presence. He's compelling. He looks like a warrior. His build is wrestler-like.

And at 39, his playing days are all but over. Wrestling would surely welcome him should he choose to continue a career of violence in sports entertainment.

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

There is no more obvious future WWE star in the NFL than Rob Gronkowski. 

The New England Patriots tight end is a freakish athlete. His speed and agility belie his 6'6", 265-pound frame. And his electric, nonstop personality is tailor-made for pro wrestling.

It's no surprise he's already dipped his toes in that water.

Gronkowksi appeared at WrestleMania 33 in April, aiding his friend Mojo Rawley (who briefly played for both the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers) to a win in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He later threw a drink in WWE champ Jinder Mahal's face on an episode of SmackDown.

WWE has to be salivating at the idea of Gronkowski getting in the ring at some point.

His star power, exuberance, size and off-the-charts energy is an ideal combo for sports entertainment. He already has an ally in Rawley. And he's got a nickname that already sounds like a wrestler's alias: Gronk.

Steve Smith Sr., Retired

Steve Smith Sr. is the smallest guy on the list, but he wields the biggest personality.

The former wide receiver is an infamous trash-talker, a guy who barked at his opposition and proclaimed what he'd do to them before the game. He would flourish in the verbal side of wrestling.

When he was set to play old team the Carolina Packers, Smith said in a 2014 WFNZ interview (h/t Josh Alper of NBC Sports): "Put your goggles on because there's going to be blood and guts everywhere."

That sounds like something straight out of a WWE promo.

Smith was always a tough, gritty player too. He exuded confidence. He didn't shy away from the spotlight. All those are invaluable traits in the wrestling medium.

And Smith certainly has an opening or two on his schedule. He retired from the NFL at the end of last season.

Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins

In the NFL, Ndamukong Suh's aggressiveness and nasty streak have seen him commit numerous fouls and receive a litany of fines. Wrestling, on the other hand, would embrace and highlight that side of Suh.

At times, the Miami Dolphins defensive end has felt like a wrestling heel running amok on a football field.

The big man once kicked quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin. He stomped on a player in 2011 like he was emulating Randy Orton's move set.

It would be effortless to sell him as a bad boy in a wrestling setting.

And WWE would love to have a guy who is 6'4", over 300 pounds and has the athleticism to outmaneuver offensive lineman for a living. He's an imposing figure on top of that.

Should Suh's game start to slide, the squared circle would welcome him with open arms.

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

The motor that fuels J.J. Watt to success on the football field would do the same for him as a wrestler.

Watt is a gifted, natural athlete. He's 6'5", 289 pounds and ox strong. But beyond that, he overflows with energy.

He's a steam engine in cleats.

That would help him compel in a wrestling ring. He has a vibrant, big personality too. He's likable and charming, much like WWE golden boy John Cena.

Add his star power to the mix, and it would be a no-brainer for WWE to pursue him when his days as a defensive end come to a close.

Assuming his latest back surgery doesn't derail his career, though, he's still in his prime. Watt is set to be fighting in the trenches for the Houston Texans for the foreseeable future. Trading blows on Raw will have to wait.