Former Notre Dame and UCF quarterback Brandon Wimbush was named Chief of Staff for the Real American Freestyle organization. The new league, led by Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and Israel Martinez, is a new pro wrestling league utilizing freestyle wrestling.
For those unfamiliar, freestyle wrestling is one of the styles in the Olympics, along with Greco Roman. Wimbush is now on the ground floor of the new league, trying to give post-collegiate wrestlers another opportunity in the professional realm with the sport.
Wimbush will be in charge of operations, facilitate the creation of processes, kickstart departments and opera across all levels of the brand. He was thrilled to get started.
“The amalgamation of entrepreneurship and athleticism really resonated with me when I first learned about the position,” Wimbus said in a release. “I’m excited to join the likes of Hulk, Eric, Izzy, and Chad, as we work to establish the brand and help these incredible athletes in their careers.”
Wimbush was an ardent advocate for his compatriots, creating MOGL to help athletes connect with businesses to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. He did so while in college and after his graduation.
“Real American Freestyle is thrilled to welcome Brandon and Willie to the team,” Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein said. “Brandon is a successful and driven entrepreneur in his own right, and a supremely talented athlete. Willie understands the wrestling space from an intimate lens and will continue to be a critical voice in the development of our brand. We couldn’t think of a better fit for these roles and look forward to witnessing their successes at the company.”
Wimbush was the starting quarterback for Notre Dame in 2017 and spent four years in the program. That season, he threw for 1,870 yards, 16 touchdowns, six interceptions, 804 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Now, Wimbush will embark on a new journey in his professional career, trying to continually grow the sport of wrestling.
Because of name, image and likeness deals, current college wrestlers will be able to participate, though Hogan said the league won’t interfere with college, national and international competitions on the wrestling calendar.
“I see this as an opportunity for me to get involved,” Hogan said, “to get back, quit sitting on the couch, to get involved with a bunch of powerful athletes that I can relate to as far as championship material, guys that are on top of their game, and I just — I couldn’t pass on it.”
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