The career of Bill Goldberg transitioned from defensive lines in professional football to the main stage of sports entertainment. Born in Tulsa in 1966, he utilized his experience in powerlifting and training at the WCW Power Plant to secure a high-profile presence in professional wrestling, ultimately becoming a franchise figure for World Championship Wrestling throughout the late 1990s.
Early Athletic Development
Raised in a Reform Jewish household in Oklahoma, Goldberg attended Edison Preparatory School before accepting a scholarship to the University of Georgia. During his four-year tenure with the Georgia Bulldogs between 1986 and 1989, he played as a defensive tackle. His performance at the collegiate level culminated in Associated Press first-team All-SEC honors in 1989.
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Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1990 NFL draft, Goldberg navigated a series of roster movements across multiple organizations. He spent time with the Rams and the BC Lions before joining the Sacramento Surge in 1992, where he participated in the World Bowl. His NFL career included stints with the Atlanta Falcons from 1992 to 1994, where he wore jersey number 71. He was later selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 expansion draft but was released shortly thereafter. His football pursuits concluded following a significant abdominal injury.
Professional Wrestling Success
Goldberg entered professional wrestling following his departure from football. His initial exposure came through the WCW Power Plant. Throughout his career, he achieved several titles, including the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship Rey Mysterio. He later transitioned to WWE, where he earned the WWE Universal Championship twice. He headlined major pay-per-view events and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. His final match took place on July 12, 2025, against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event XL.
Media and Entertainment Projects
Beyond his athletic career, Goldberg expanded into television and film. He served as a commentator for Elite Xtreme Combat and hosted 26 episodes of the DIY Network series Garage Mahal between 2009 and 2011. His acting credits include appearances in the film Universal Soldier: The Return and the television show NCIS: Los Angeles.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Tulsa
- College: University of Georgia
- NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams, 1990
- WWE Hall of Fame: 2018
- WWE Universal Championship: 2017, 2020
- WCW World Heavyweight Championship: 1998
- Retirement Match: July 12, 2025
- Religion: Reform Judaism
Questions readers ask
Did Bill Goldberg play for the Carolina Panthers?
Yes, he was selected by the team in the 1995 NFL expansion draft but was released on April 20, 1995, becoming the first player ever released by the franchise.
When did Goldberg retire from professional wrestling?
He had his retirement match at Saturday Night's Main Event XL on July 12, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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