A history of NFL players being terrible at American Ninja Warrior

It was recently announced that A. Smith and Co, the company behind American Ninja Warrior, will be producing a Pro Bowl Showdown for the NFL, featuring a relay race and dodgeball. Sounds good to us.

(Because we know nothing about football but we totally get dodgeball.)

The NFL and American Ninja Warrior have a bit of a brutal history together. Players have not historically done well on the show, but they seem to have a great time trying.

Chris Kluwe was a NFL punter with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. He took to the American Ninja Warrior course in season eight. He also happens to be the first person ever interviewed for American Ninja Warrior Nation. (Thanks, Chris!)

Chris did not have a spectacular run.

It wasn’t the first time a Seahawks punter tried for the Warped Wall. Jon Ryan went for it in 2015. He faired better than Kluwe but didn’t progress to the next stage.

Shawne Merriman played for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He gave season five of American Ninja Warrior a shot. But he got into a tussle with a trampoline that ended his run.

Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Jordan Babineaux, a Seattle Seahawks safety, took to the course for season five as well. We’re guessing since we’re struggling to find his results that it wasn’t a history making appearance.

Tyler Brayton of the Panthers gave it a shot as well. This comment sums it up.

But it’s not all bad! There are some NFL bright spots on American Ninja Warrior.

Back in 2012, Kamerion Wimbley took on the course. Wimbley is a linebacker who’s played with the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Tennessee Titans.

He also dominated the Ninja Warrior course, actually hitting the buzzer. But his time put him the 16th spot, just missing his chance to move on in the competition.

We also have Akbar Gbajabiamila as one of the iconic hosts. Akbar played with the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers. He’s now an NFL commentator. He loves talking about L’s and tackling.

Maybe this Pro Bowl Showdown from the producers of American Ninja Warrior will be just the ticket to get more players succeeding on the course. Right after that game of dodgeball.

What NFL player would you want to see at the top of the Warped Wall? Tell us in the comments.