‘Back again!’ The Rock talks about the old days playing for Miami
It’s still all about The U for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after all these years.
Way before he was a big-time action star, and before that, a pro WWE wrestler, Johnson was on the field battling it out with the University of Miami Hurricanes.
The California native, who spent part of his childhood in Hawaii as well as other parts of the country, received a full football scholarship to UM after graduating from high school in Pennsylvania in 1990.
The defensive lineman’s freshman year with the Hurricanes — then one of the country’s best college football teams —was prosperous. No. 94’s Hercules-like strength, speed and tackling skills helped carry the guys to their fourth national championship in 1991.
At the Golden Globes in L.A. on Sunday night, “Entertainment Tonight” reporter Nischelle Turner asked Johnson what he thought about UM heading into “the nat” again (its first since 2001).
Last Thursday, their 31-27 victory over the Mississippi Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl sent them to the college football championship game on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“C’mon! We’re going!” Johnson, decked out in a dapper tux, cheered. “Back again!”
He explained to Turner (and any viewers who know zip about college football) that he played for UM during their glory days. Throughout his tenure, Johnson played for the national championship three times, winning once in ‘91.
“We had a great team back then,” said the box office champ who graduated in 1995, adding that teammates included gridiron greats Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp.
The 53-year-old Johnson, who had 77 tackles and 4.25 sacks at UM, also gave a shoutout to head coach Mario Cristobal, another onetime teammate: “I’m so proud of the work he’s doing.”
So, the answer is yes. “The Smashing Machine” star will definitely be tuning in when the Canes take on the Indiana Hoosiers, with Columbus High alum/Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as QB.
“I can’t wait to watch,” Johnson said. “ I’m proud of my boys.”
