Road Warrior's extended family now includes the Bella Twins and Daniel Bryan, but his son has found fame in the NFL.
Animal's son James Laurinaitis has experienced success in the NFL, playing for the past eight seasons with the Rams and Saints, even becoming a Rams team captain and the franchise leader in tackles. According to Animal, James may be taking some time off soon.
"I think James wants to make that 10 year mark in the NFL, then take a year off to recuperate and heal up. It's a battle everyday. Every week you are going to war, battling in and out, to keep your job. There is always somebody knocking on the door to get in, but I’ll tell you one thing; he is a natural athlete. The kid knows how to wrestle; he's really good," said Animal on The Ross Report.
Animal also said that his son may have a future in pro wrestling, and mentioned Stone Cold Steve Austin taking a liking to him.
"I remember one time walking down the halls when he was at Ohio State and Mr. McMahon told him 'James, there is always a home for you here in WWE.' He was somewhat kidding around, but through that kid there is always some sort of realism with Vince. One time we were at the St. Paul Civic Center and we were backstage there with Steve Austin; James entire football team was there and we got to go in the ring to feel what it’s like to be in the ring, jumping the ropes. There was a player named Marion Barber III, who played for the Cowboys. Austin tells us to hit his music, he gets down to the ring, the entire ring clears out except for James. Steve throws him into the ropes, gives James a stunner and took the stunner like a champ. James still talks to Steve until this day, who left such an impression on Steve. James has such a respect for this business so you never know someday after the NFL," Animal said.
Laurinaitis' Saints plat the Carolina Panthers this afternoon.
