Dwayne Johnson once reflected on his shattered NFL dream and how it changed his life

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson harbored the dream to play in the NFL from an early age but his hope collapsed when he was overlooked and undrafted.

One of his most difficult depressive episodes was brought on by this disappointment, as The Rock discussed in an episode of 'The Pivot Podcast'. 

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reflects on shattered NFL dream and battling depression

During an open discussion on the 'Pivot Podcast', Dwayne Johnson discussed how his inability to make it to the NFL affected him deeply and eventually molded his personality, as per Marca. 

He talked about how it made him reevaluate his life and cultivate a greater feeling of gratitude.

Johnson said, "The biggest thing for me was trying to understand the reason why. If it weren't for this dream that I was so focused on and so determined to achieve, that I worked my a** off for... me not playing in the NFL wound up being the best thing that ever happened to me because it really helped shape and inform who I am." 

The actor had to deal with the difficult work of sorting through his emotions and figuring out how to proceed at this time. Although disappointment carried a great weight, it also served as a spur for personal development.

Johnson's disappointing NFL career did not mark the end of his adventure. Rather, it launched him into a phenomenally prosperous career, first as a WWE legend and subsequently as a prominent actor.

Moreover, his love for football led him to join the United Football League (UFL) as a part-owner and he is currently working to create a destination for sportsmen who have long aspired to play in the NFL but haven't succeeded, as per The SportsRush. 

Inside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's lackluster football career

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, known for his exuberant demeanor in the wrestling ring, has dabbled in a variety of endeavors during his career, including football.

Per Pro Football Network, Johnson did not participate in football until he entered high school, when he would go to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Freedom High School.

He was offered scholarships by a large number of elite universities, including Penn State, Florida State, UCLA, Clemson, and many more. The actor ultimately chose to attend the University of Miami and obtained a full scholarship to perform at "The U."

Johnson spent his whole four-year Miami career (1991–1995), starting just one game out of 39 appearances, and had 4.25 sacks and 77 tackles.

The Rock's hopes and dreams of playing in the NFL were shattered as he was never given any meaningful playing time, and as a result, he was not selected.

He signed as a linebacker with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1995 after earning a bachelor of general studies degree in physiology and criminology.

After being added to the practice roster, Johnson was removed after just two months due to recurring injuries. Johnson never got any closer to playing in the NFL than that.

Johnson soon came to the conclusion that he needed to change. And thus, The Rock was born. It appears that he did make the right choice after all.