Brock Lesnar’s 2004 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Cards Among Hobby’s Hidden Gems
Before Jared Allen, another larger than life personality wearing the number 69 lined up at Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings. In 2004, following Wrestlemania XX, current UFC Heavy Weight Champion Brock Lesnar gave pro football a shot. Ever since his wrestling days at the University of Minnesota in the late 90's, Lesnar had dreamed of one day taking his "talents" to the National Football League.
During his brief stint as an NFL Defensive End, Lesnar's WWE "showmanship" was well received by the fans, but was viewed as a sign of disrespect by fellow NFL players. Lesnar's intensity led to several "in the heat of moment" fights.
During a scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lesnar nearly caused an all out brawl after laying out Chiefs' QB Damon Huard. Interestingly, Jared Allen was a Rookie Defensive End on that very same Chiefs team, having been taken in the 4th Round out of Idaho State in 2004 Draft. Like Lesnar, Allen was also trying to prove he belonged in the NFL.
After briefly playing in the preseason, the 6'4" 290 pound Lesnar was cut by the Vikings, ending his NFL Career. He was later offered a chance to refine his skills in NFL Europe, but turned the opportunity down because it would take him too far away from home (Minnesota). Several years later, the decorated NCAA and WWE Wrestler would reappear in a sport known as Mixed Martial Arts, the rest is history.
Fortunately for Brock Lesnar fans, his days as a "would be" NFL pass rusher were captured on cardboard. Lesnar may not have survived the cut, but four of his Football Rookie Cards did, in the process creating four of the most unique hidden treasures in the world of sports cards.
2004 Leaf Rookies and Stars #155 Brock Lesnar RC ($10)
2004 Leaf Rookies and Stars Longevity #155 Brock Lesnar /999 RC ($12)
2004 Playoff Honors #173 Brock Lesnar /425 RC ($30)
2004 Sweet Spot #203 Brock Lesnar /999 RC ($25)
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manmanman | Jul 26, 2010 | Reply
he’s not 6’4 dude haha
Brett J. Lewis | Jul 26, 2010 | Reply
@manmanman: Ha, I agree, his football cards were extremely generous. Come to think of it, I talked to him a couple times when I went to the U of M and he was about as tall as I was and I’m 5’11″. On a side note, he was one of the nicest athletes I’ve ever met unlike Joel Pryzbilla. Don’t get me started on Przybilla.
Stephane | Jul 26, 2010 | Reply
Nice research, seriously.
I want these cards now.
Anon | Jul 26, 2010 | Reply
He is proven to be 6’3″, guys. It checks out in measurements and in standing next to other people confirmed to be various heights.
Brandon | Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
Cool research, I can tell I’m going to have to go through the boxes of old cards looking for him.