Goldberg - Jewish Wrestler

Former football player and superstar wrestler

William Goldberg, aka Goldberg, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1966. His mother, Ethel, was a classical violinist and his father, Jed, an obstetrician and gynecologist. In college he played football for the University of Georgia, as a defensive tackle.

After college he played football for three seasons from 1992 to 1994 as a lineman for the Atlanta Falcons. He retired from the NFL in 1994 due to injuries he sustained.

In 1997, he made his debut with World Championship Wrestling, where he quickly became a wrestling superstar. His Jewish identity did leave him a bit perplexed, "So I had to ask myself how I was going to be received as a Jewish boy named Goldberg. Then again, I have never, nor would I ever, hide my Jewish identity." ^*

He was famous for his signature moves the "Goldberg Spear" and the "Jackhammer" as well as his catchphrase, "Who's next?" With his signature shaved head, massive build, and pyrotechnic laden entrance into arenas, Goldberg quickly became a major wrestling superstar.

"The Washington Post dubbed the bald giant 'a David in Goliath's shoes' a hulking (6 feet 4, 285 pounds), neck less, ripping son of Jacob." ^*

On July 6, 1988, Goldberg defeated Hulk Hogan at a sold out show in Atlanta.

Goldberg left WCW and wrestled for World Wrestling Entertainment from March 2003 to March 2004, when he retired from the sport.

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