"Ron Simmons

May 15, 1958, in Perry, Georgia, Ronald "Ron" Simmons embarked on an athletic journey that would see him excel on the college football field before achieving iconic status in the world of professional wrestling.  

College Career:

Simmons was a dominant defensive nose guard for the Florida State Seminoles from 1977 to 1980 under coach Bobby Bowden. He quickly became a pivotal player, credited with helping to turn the program around. A two-time consensus First-team All-American in 1979 and 1980, Simmons led the Seminoles to a remarkable 39-8 record during his college career, including consecutive Orange Bowl appearances in his junior and senior years – the first major New Year's Day bowl bids in school history. His exceptional talent earned him ninth place in the 1979 Heisman Trophy voting. Simmons set school records for career tackles for loss (44) and forced fumbles (17), and his number 50 was the first jersey of a defensive player to be retired by Florida State in 1988. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Following his stellar college career, Simmons was drafted in the sixth round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. However, he was cut before the regular season began. He then played six games in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1981. After being released by Ottawa, Simmons played for the Tampa Bay Bandits in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985.  

Football Legacy:

While Ron Simmons' professional football career was relatively brief, his impact on the college game is undeniable. He is remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in Florida State history, a dominant force who helped elevate the program to national prominence under Bobby Bowden. His College Football Hall of Fame induction in 2008 cemented his legacy as a gridiron great. However, Simmons achieved even greater fame in a second athletic career. Transitioning to professional wrestling in 1986, he became a major star in WCW and WWE under his real name and the moniker "Faarooq." He made history as the first African American WCW World Heavyweight Champion and was a multi-time tag team champion in WWE. Simmons was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, making him a rare two-sport Hall of Famer.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ 2x Consensus First-team All-American (1979, 1980)  

✦ 9th in Heisman Trophy Voting (1979)  

✦ Florida State Seminoles Jersey No. 50 honored

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2008)  

✦ NFL Draft: 6th round, 160th overall (1981)  

✦ Played for Cleveland Browns (NFL), Ottawa Rough Riders (CFL), Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL)  

✦ WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)  

✦ 1x WCW World Heavyweight Champion

✦ Multi-time WWE Tag Team Champion