From Andre the Giant to Tacko Fall: The case for using a 7-footer to block field goals

In spring of 1975, Washington coach George Allen hatched a plan to keep his NFL team in the headlines in the dead of the offseason.A llen spread word that he was interested in signing professional wrestling behemoth Andre the Giant and developing him into a specialist at swatting field goals and extra points out of the air. Washington quarterback Joe Theismann recalls being asked to pose for publicity photos beside Andre at a press luncheon organized by the team that July. The most famous photo features the 7-foot, more-than-400-pound wrestling icon effortlessly cradling Theisman like a toddler. Said Theismann with...