SAN DIEGO -- Helping to break up the monotony of training camp, a visitor created a buzz with his presence at Chargers Park.
Former pro wrestler Goldberg stopped by Tuesday’s practice of the San Diego Chargers, at the request of defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
Liuget said he first met Goldberg at Junior Seau’s annual fundraising event for his foundation, “Shop with a Jock” four years ago. Just recently, Liuget said the two sat together on a flight from San Diego to Atlanta, and Liuget invited Goldberg and his 9-year-old son, Gage, to come out to Chargers Park.
“It’s good for the guys to see the old Goldberg, someone who we watched as a kid,” Liuget said. “It was great to have him and his son out here.”
Bill Goldberg is no stranger to the football field. He played defensive tackle at the University of Georgia, and was an 11th-round pick of the then-Los Angeles Rams in 1990. He also spent two years with the Atlanta Falcons before injury cut short his football career.
Goldberg said he lives north of the city and owns a Muay Thai gym in Oceanside, California. Players lined up to get photos with Goldberg, including center Chris Watt and running back Melvin Gordon.
WWE wrestler Goldberg at Chargers Park today, invited out by DT Corey Liuget. Here he poses with center Chris Watt. pic.twitter.com/c5CICeiXUb
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) August 11, 2015Melvin Gordon met wrestler Bill Goldberg, who attended his first Chargers practice in years. "Tale of the Tape" pose: pic.twitter.com/wmRh7GEkyb
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) August 11, 2015“There’s a great nucleus of guys here,” Goldberg said. “And what they do for the community is unparalleled. I’ve seen it all, I’ve done it all. I’ve been around the best, and I’ve been around the worst. These guys are great.”
Barksdale adjusting to new scheme: Offensive lineman Joe Barksdale said he’s getting acclimated and more comfortable in San Diego’s blocking scheme. After initially playing some guard, Barksdale has spent the past week at right tackle, with D.J. Fluker working at right guard. “It’s hard, but fair,” Barksdale said of the adjustment to a new team. “You’re coming into a new system -- new techniques, new plays -- and you’re trying to pick all of that up while still continuing to play at a high level.”
Roll call: Guard Orlando Franklin, defensive tackle Sean Lissemore, cornerback Greg Ducre, guard Johnnie Troutman, receiver Keenan Allen and running back Donald Brown did not practice on Tuesday. ... Former Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Gil Haskell attended San Diego’s practice on Tuesday. ... The Chargers will have a light, walk-through practice on Wednesday before hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Fluker's ready to see a different color jersey: "To see somebody different gives you that mentality to go out and play, and knock the crap out of them," he said.