Would a hybrid of a Sumo wrester work for a O-line?

[Sol Duc]

The reason we have not seen this in the NFL? Mainly stamina reasons? Why not some sort of hybrid version? You'd think they could be trained for endurance as long as their not 500 pounds? Thoughts.....

 

[sutz]

Worked in The Replacements!

 

[DChop12]

^^^ “Nan desu ka!”

 

[toffee]

Way back in the days, Al Davis looked into hiring Sumo wrestlers to place linemen, but he soon found out that those Sumo dudes made way more back home.

 

[Sol Duc]

Probably a lot more, and their very famous.

 

[seabowl]

Another brilliant idea:

Charles Wang, the former owner of the New York Islanders, was known for his unconventional ideas, including the concept of using sumo wrestlers as hockey goalies.

 

[CPHawk]

Didn’t that Hawaiian guy go over there and dominate them in their own sport?

 

[Sol Duc]

Yep....they must have been furious.

 

[OneLofaTatupu]

I say bring in some shaolin monks while we’re at it. Maybe a few berserkers and perhaps even a rodeo drive hooker or two

 

[Seattle Person]

The reason we have not seen this in the NFL? Mainly stamina reasons? Why not some sort of hybrid version? You'd think they could be trained for endurance as long as their not 500 pounds? Thoughts.....

Two entirety different skill sets.

 

[Sperrydogg]

Worked in The Replacements!

Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever.

Shane falco

 

[jammerhawk]

Big of course, but quick and damn strong, with longish arms and grip strength.

Interesting idea about sumo wrestlers but the jobs are really actually different.

 

[CouchLogic]

I'd use one as a bull rusher.

 

[Seahawkfan80]

As long as you dont make the hybrid a Sumo Wrestler and a Tyrannasauras Rex. Arms are too short.

 

[RehireMora]

Get 3 or 4 Sumo guys to rotate in. Every play they attack the same area of the offensive line and soon that area will wear out.

2 Sumo guys on 1 center will tire out the Center pretty quick.

If you have below average DT's that will be thrown around the O-line anyways, why not?

 

[bmorepunk]

There might be some great athlete that does sumo that could pull it off. In general, sumo wrestlers are too short, not power athletes, and don't have the skill base/experience.

Sumo wrestlers are generally short compared to NFL lineman.

It's easy to underestimate just how exceptional of athletes NFL offensive lineman are in power and speed at their size. The absolute worst 40 yard times and vertical for those drafted are still better than almost all the sumo wrestlers. Strength is critical, but so is power (the ability to recruit force quickly/explosively). If it was only about strength/size, there are plenty of brutally strong powerlifters that could play OL.

It's also easy to underestimate the skills associated with playing OL. You don't just line up and put your hands on someone. You have to know what to do with your body, how to read defenders and counter, work within the play/scheme, etc.

 

[TheLegendOfBoom]

 

[Aircrew]

It's an interesting idea, but competent offensive line play is very cerebral therefore it takes years of practice and play to master. You'd be starting at ground zero with those guys, even if they're elite athletes.

IMO, you'd be better off investing that kind of time and money in converting high end rugby players to the American football game. Those guys are the human equivalent of a clydesdale mixed with a quarter horse and the transition is a much shorter walk than with sumos.

*Note: Not to play offensive line, just anywhere on offense or defense. If you're going to convert someone from another sport, it would be easier with a rugby player than with a sumo wrestler.