Bron Breakker: Football Journey from College to the Ravens and Beyond

Bron Breakker — a name now widely known in professional wrestling — is equally intriguing for his early days as a football player. While he has become a major WWE star, many fans ask: Did Bron Breakker play in the NFL? And what was his college football background like? In this deep dive, we trace his life and athletic journey — from the football field to the squared circle.

Who Is Bron Breakker?

Bron Breakker is the ring name of Bronson Rechsteiner, an American athlete born on October 24, 1997, in Woodstock, Georgia. Today, he’s celebrated as a top-tier professional wrestler under WWE, performing on “Raw” and known for his power, speed, and genetic legacy as the son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner — two legendary figures in the world of pro wrestling. 

However, before wrestling took center stage, Breakker’s first love was the gridiron — the sport of American football.

Early Life: Growing Up with Sports

Breakker attended Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. He didn’t just focus on football — he competed at a high level in wrestling and football both:

• High School Football: He earned varsity letters three years in a row, showing athleticism and grit on the field. 

• High School Wrestling: Competing in wrestling at 220 pounds, he won the Georgia Class AAAAAA state championship, showcasing explosive power that would later become signature to his WWE persona.

His dynamic athletic background set the stage for his next step: college football.

College Football Career: Kennesaw State University

After high school, Breakker enrolled at Kennesaw State University (KSU), majoring in criminal justice while also playing college football for the Kennesaw State Owls. 

Breakker’s Role with the Owls

At KSU, he demonstrated versatility and football intelligence:

• Freshman Year (2016): He contributed primarily on defense and special teams.

• Sophomore Year (2017) and Beyond: He transitioned into an offensive role as a running back, expanding his skillset and gaining valuable experience. 

During his college years, Breakker developed the physical and competitive foundation that many NFL scouts look for: size, speed, and attitude. His performance at KSU, though not at a Power 5 level school, was strong enough to catch attention at the next level.

Entering the NFL: Ravens Tryout and Signing

The NFL Draft and Combine

In February 2020, Breakker entered the NFL Draft, hoping to take his football career to the professional level. However, like many talented athletes from smaller programs, he was not selected during the draft. 

Despite going undrafted, Breakker’s abilities still earned him interest from the NFL.

Signing with the Baltimore Ravens

In April 2020, Bron Breakker signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. This was a significant milestone — going from a Kennesaw State player to signing with one of the NFL’s most respected franchises. 

• Position: Fullback

• Team: Baltimore Ravens — known for a physical style of play and strong running game.

However, despite showing promise and effort during training camp, his time with the Ravens was short-lived:

• He was released from the team in August 2020, just months after signing.

This official release marked the end of his NFL aspirations.

NFL Career Summary: Did Bron Breakker Play an Official Game?

Here’s the bottom line:
Bron Breakker did not appear in an official NFL regular-season game. His NFL career ended during training camp after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens. 

While he did not make a regular season roster or have official NFL statistics, his time with the Ravens still counts as an accomplishment — because many undrafted players never get signed at all.

Many athletes view this as a common reality of pursuing the NFL. Only a small percentage of college players — even those with NFL-level talent — secure spots on regular season rosters.

Transition to WWE: Finding His True Path

After leaving the Ravens, Breakker turned his attention to professional wrestling — a decision that would transform his athletic career.

Why Wrestling?

Despite loving football, Breakker has admitted in interviews that pro wrestling was always his true passion. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in wrestling, idolizing the sport and envisioning himself in WWE long before turning pro in football. 

According to Breakker, while his time with the Ravens was meaningful, it ultimately helped push him toward what he was truly meant to do — become a WWE Superstar. 

WWE Career: From NXT to RAW

Breakker’s wrestling career began in October 2020, just months after his NFL release, when he debuted at an independent event under his real name, Bronson Rechsteiner. 

Signing with WWE

In February 2021, he joined the WWE Performance Center and signed a developmental contract, launching his ascent in the professional wrestling world. 

Breakker’s wrestling accomplishments include:

• 2× NXT Champion

• 2× WWE Intercontinental Champion

• 1× NXT Tag Team Champion

• Winner of notable tournaments and high-profile feuds that made him one of WWE’s most exciting stars.

His transition from football to wrestling is often cited as one of the sport’s most successful athletic pivots in recent years.

How Football Prepared Him for WWE

Breakker’s football background — particularly the physical training, discipline, and toughness required to compete at the college and NFL level — directly helped him adapt to WWE’s rigorous training and match schedule.

In interviews, he’s noted the similarities between NFL training camps and WWE’s Performance Center workouts: structured days, intense physical preparation, and a mental toughness that only elite athletes possess. 

This athletic foundation, combined with his family’s wrestling lineage, helped Breakker swiftly rise through WWE’s ranks.

Comparing Football and Wrestling Careers

Many athletes face a crossroads when transitioning between sports. With Breakker:

• Football Career: Brief but meaningful — he played college ball and reached the NFL signing stage.

• Wrestling Career: Overnight success story, becoming a major WWE star within a few years.

Although he did not play in a regular season NFL game, his football journey was a critical foundation — shaping his mental and physical toughness for pro wrestling.

Bron Breakker Today: Legacy and Influence

Since debuting on WWE’s main roster, Breakker has become a marquee name:

• Known for explosive in-ring style, brutal finishing moves like the spear, and charismatic presence.

• Continues to build a legacy both as a wrestler and as someone whose athletic career spans two elite sporting worlds.

His story resonates with fans who appreciate athletes who refuse to quit — even when one dream shifts into another.

FAQs: Bron Breakker Football & NFL Career

1. Did Bron Breakker play in the NFL?
No — he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2020 but did not play in an official regular-season NFL game before being released. 

2. What college did Bron Breakker attend?
He attended Kennesaw State University, where he played college football for the Kennesaw State Owls and majored in criminal justice. 

3. What position did Bron Breakker play in football?
He played as a fullback during his brief time with the Baltimore Ravens and also played multiple roles in college including defense and running back. 

4. Why did Bron Breakker stop pursuing football?
After being released by the Ravens, he chose to pursue professional wrestling — the sport he was most passionate about since childhood. 

5. How did football help Bron Breakker in WWE?
His football training helped him develop physical conditioning, mental toughness, and athletic versatility that translated well to WWE’s rigorous performance demands. 

Conclusion

Bron Breakker’s story is not just about wrestling success — it’s about athletic evolution. From a standout high school and college football player to signing with the NFL’s Ravens, and eventually rising to WWE stardom, Breakker’s journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability.

His brief NFL experience may not have included official games, but it remains an important chapter in a career that continues to grow — now captivating millions in the world of professional wrestling.