Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Herschel Walker has signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce.
Walker, 47, will begin training at American Kickboxing Academy later this week. He’s expected to have his first professional mixed martial arts bout in 2010.
Strikeforce director of communications Mike Afromowitz, speaking with AOL Fanhouse, says the Walker signing is not a publicity stunt.
“This isn’t a publicity stunt or a gimmick,” Afromowitz said. “Herschel Walker has tremendous athleticism, and he has always shown that off the gridiron. He’s accomplished a lot in his life and in the world of sports. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and we hope that his athleticism can transition into a successful MMA career.”
Walker has a sixth-degree black belt in taekwondo, but has never competed in a mixed martial arts bout. Afromowitz noted that Walker will fight in the heavyweight division.
Walker is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and is on the preliminary ballot for inclusion into the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
