It’s not any old NFL legend who has traveled to Japan and intentionally walked into the path of a human Mack truck, but Lorenzo Neal – in case you didn’t know – isn’t just any NFL legend.
During his career at Fresno State in the early 1990s, he was an All-Big West running back as well as an All-American wrestler. At one point he ranked No. 3 in the nation.
Naturally then, the sport of sumo wrestling intrigued Neal as collegian during a trip to Japan for a now-defunct football bowl. He wondered how his skills stacked up against those who outweighed him by 100-200 pounds. And then Neal went beyond wondering, as he recounted to Fox Sports journalist LaDainian Tomlinson:
I was wrapped in a fabric thong and spun around. (It was pretty interesting!) I was given a nice tug (on the loin cloth) before stepping into the ring and thought to myself, “OK, I don’t know if I want to be out here (for very) long.”
I went through three wrestlers and then faced the big boy, Akebono. (Akebono was the sumo champion at the time.) It wasn’t fun and it didn’t go well. Akebono hit me a couple of times in the throat, so I quickly jumped out of the ring and stated that I would stick to playing football.
Not a bad decision. After focusing on football and establishing himself as a premier fullback in his 17-year NFL career, Neal no longer competitively wrestles. But although he doesn’t hit the mat like he did back in the day, he still sometimes finds himself in unique positions.
To wit, the below email sent from California’s central valley, where so many Arkies and Okies migrated looking for a land of plenty amid the ravages of the Great Depression. Even today, parts of that land are still as fertile as any in the world. From it flows forth a cornucopia of fine foods, wines, services, cabo timeshares, Botox units and muscular former Chargers.
Item No. 7 below is proof:
September 29, 2014
Bronco Buster News:
Stampede Promises
Great Time, Ya’ll!
It’s a Stampede!
The Bronco Stampede is stompin’ through this Saturday night (starting at 5:30pm) and have we got a round up of great items in store for you!
From a gorgeous Dessert Sale to a Silent Auction with one-of-a-kind items, this is the best bronco bustin’ event the Stampede has ever seen: don’t miss dancing, dining and drinks under the stars at beautiful Panoche Creek River Ranch.
If you haven’t purchased your tickets, there’s still time. They are $40 until today at midnight, but prices go up to $45 through Saturday. Click here for all the info and to buy them now.
Lasso a Dream –
Preview Live Auction Items Now!
The Bronco Foundation and our generous donors have lassoed up fun and unique items for the Live Auction! Starting at 7:30pm, bid high to benefit our Broncos and win these fabulous donated items:
1 One CIF Sports Pass: includes entry for two into any high school sporting event in California through June 2015 (excluding play-off games).
2 California Wine Locker with beautiful wine barrel Lazy Susan
3 Beer Bash in Your Backyard: A beer Kegerator and Keg of Tioga Sequoia craft beer
4 Steak Lover’s Dream: Half a Side of Organic Beef – butchered to your specifications
6 Exclusive CNEC 2015 Graduation Package: Reserved front row seating for 8 with 2 reserved parking spots
7 Priceless Football Weekend for 4 with Lorenzo Neal and the San Diego Chargers: watch Saturday’s pre-game practice, tour the locker room. and take pictures with your favorite Chargers. Receive executive parking pass for Sunday, attend the Chargers’ executive tailgate with Lorenzo Neal, and then go into the game –November 23 vs. the Rams.
8 9′ by 12′ All-Steel Shed: features roll-up door and fiberglass skylights with free delivery (within reason) on October 6, 2014
9 Private Plane One-Day Adventure for up to 6 people
10 Shopping Spree Weekend: Two nights at the San Francisco Fairmont Heritage Place and a $500 Visa gift card
If you can’t make it to the event but still want to bid, we can provide you with a proxy bidder. Contact us at broncofoundation@gmail.com to make arrangements.
Thanks to all our Sponsors!
AOS –
Automated Office Systems
Kathleen L. Behr, M.D.
Boman & Associates Insurance Agency
Borga Steel Buildings & Components
Caglia Environmental
California Industrial Rubber Company, Inc./The Brust Family
Catalyst Marketing Company
Central Valley Labels
Donaghy Sales
LinkUs Corporation
Panoche Creek Packing
Sam’s Italian Deli and Market
SunPower by Quality Home Services
Silent Auction
Highlights!
Don’t miss our many spectacular silent auction items! Some highlights:
* Eat Street Bistro foodtruck catered dinner for 40
* Hell’s Kitchen: VIP seating for 4 to a Hell’s Kitchen dinner service taping and VIP lounge access
* Lasik Surgery:
performed at Eye-Q
* Oahu, Hawaii Timeshare Week: 2 bedroom, 14th floor penthouse beach villa at Ko Olina Villas Resort
* Cabo Timeshare Week: Luxury suite at Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort and Spa
* 24 Harris Ranch Tri-tip roasts
* Weekend stay at a cabin in Shaver
* UFC Fight Tickets
* 50 units of Botox: from Dr. Kathleen Behr
* Weekend stay at a condo in San Simeon, CA
* Fine wines: an unbelievable collection at our wine auction
