Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman was involved in other sports long before taking up bodybuilding. In fact, in college, Coleman played football. The young athlete played as a middle linebacker in his college team, the GSU Tigers. However, as destiny would have it, Coleman became The King of an entirely different sport. Despite becoming a pro bodybuilder, the former champion’s interest in sports didn’t wane.

Even during his Mr. Olympia reign, the 59-year-old remained an avid sports fan. The bodybuilding icon followed the NFL, MLB, and NBA. In his latest video, the eight-time Mr. Olympia told the story of his visit to Korea and how the trip became tied to his favorite NBA team, the L.A. Lakers.

Ronnie Coleman’s night of shopping in Korea

In his latest YouTube video, Ronnie Coleman Goes to Korea, the former champion reviewed some old footage from his Korea trip in the early 2000s. The 59-year-old said while he has traveled to many places across the globe, “Korea is one of my favorite places in the world to travel.” The old footage started with Coleman in his prime, posing for some people. 

The eight-time champion said people there had seen nothing like the 300 lbs mass monster and were shocked. He then said he “wasn’t that big” as he would weigh 330 lbs during the off-season. Despite weighing 30 lbs less than he usually weighed, Coleman couldn’t find anything that fit him during a night of shopping.

The video showed the then-reigning Mr. Olympia trying on the largest shirts and pants available at the stores, “but everything was way too small.” However, Coleman spotted an L.A. Lakers jersey at one of the stores. “I had to have this Lakers outfit,” said the bodybuilding icon. “I still have that Lakers outfit today,” added Coleman.

In fact, Ronnie Coleman said the Lakers jersey he bought in Korea that night is “one of my most prized possessions.” While Coleman didn’t play basketball, an NFL scout once tested his skills.

When the King fell short of making it to the NFL

In 2019, Ronnie Coleman sat for an interview with Patrick Bet-David. During their chat, the pizza delivery boy-turned Mr. Olympia revealed he fell short of getting selected for the NFL draft. Coleman said sources the Philadelphia Eagles came to see Coleman play. During the game, the college football player got 14 tackles, two sacks, and an interception.

Read More | “Chilling Today at Angels”: As the LA-Based Team Put Up a Tough Fight Against Seattle Mariners, 8X Mr. Olympia Graced the Event With His Presence

The scouts were pleased with his performance but wanted to see him play more games. However, Coleman suffered a neck injury. After suffering the injury, Coleman took time off and didn’t get selected for the draft.

Watch this story | “Sounds Like 28 Hours in a Day to Me”: Legend Ronnie Coleman Detailing His Multi-Profession Life Leaves 240 Lbs Bodybuilding Beast Baffled

Ronnie Coleman didn’t clarify if the Lkaer jersey he bought fit him. However, he probably didn’t expect to see a Lakers outfit at a shop in Korea and bought it.