Herschel Walker Aims to Kick Down the Doubters

by Andres Romay

Herschel Walker has always been an athlete and a person who does things a little differently than most.  Whether it was setting the SEC touchdown record with only 3 seasons at the University of Georgia (a record that was broken this season by Florida’s Tim Tebow), participating in the 1992 Winter Olympics as part of a two man bobsled team, or leaving college early for the prospects of success in the USFL, Herschel’s work ethic and unique style led to his success.  Even after the McDonald’s ads and the eventual collapse of the USFL, he found success and fame within the NFL where he was selected to two pro-bowls.

A few years ago, Herschel once again made headlines when he released a book entitled “Breaking Free”.  The book breaks into his life and his struggles with Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as “multiple personality disorder”. In the book he discusses how difficult it was to manage all the personalities; how due to his disorder, he cannot remember the season he won the Heisman Trophy. Walker goes even deeper discussing how one night when he was playing Russian Roulette at his dinner table: At that point he finally decided to seek help.  He has been in treatment for almost ten years now, and feels that it is under control.  With the book Herschel hoped to bring “DID” to the public eye, and the book also served as therapy of sorts to himself.

In an effort to remain unconventional and continuing to break the mold, Herschel is preparing for his newest challenge: Entering into the world of Mixed Martial Arts.  “I always loved it, and I wanted to be the ultimate gladiator, so that’s why I’m getting into the cage,” said Walker, who is a sixth-degree black belt in taekwondo. “Look, I might be 47, but I don’t look or feel like I’m 47.”

During college, Herschel would play football on Saturday and compete in Martial Arts competitions on Sunday.  Now at 47 years old, he has signed on with Strikeforce, has been training feverously and hopes not to follow in the footsteps of Jose Canseco and Jonnie Morton, but rather be able to compete at a high level.  He will have the opportunity to prove himself on January 30th at Srikeforce Miami, when he takes on relatively unknown fighter Greg Nagy in a heavyweight bout.

Although the thought of a man his age being able to compete in such a brutal sport is laughable to many, for those who know Herschel’s competitive side, his determination and his will, they can’t wait to see what he brings to the ring.  Unlike the other former professional athletes who have entered the ring in an attempt to gain a quick paycheck and get back in the limelight, Herschel is doing this to prove something to himself and is donating the events purse to Project Turnaround, a Dallas-based charity that aims to “Rebuild communities from the inside out with a comprehensive, faith-based program designed to improve and enrich the lives of urban youth and families.”

Last night, Herschel Walker gave an interview to Freddie Coleman and ESPN radio to promote his upcoming bout.  When asked what he was most proud of thus far in life, Herschel did not give an answer that many expected.  He did not mention his Heisman Trophy, his NFL career, his successful battle with Dissociative Identity Disorder, instead he said that “delivering his son, who is now 10, was his greatest accomplishment.”  He went on to say that he is competing in this venue to “show his son that no matter how many people doubt you, or how big the obstacles are, that if you want it, anything is possible.”