Do you want to argue with him? (Image via Showtime)

Last week, we discovered this photo of former NFL great Herschel Walker at age 48, in training for his second professional MMA fight this coming Saturday. Upon seeing the picture, the internet pretty much went nuts, with cynics lobbing accusations of steroid use while people familiar with Walker’s career weren’t surprised one bit to see this freak of nature still looking so ripped. After all, Walker has been notorious for his insane workout regimen his entire life, doing thousands of pushups and sit-ups every day to stay in shape. And since Herschel also holds a 5th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and was a member of the USA Olympic Bobsled team after he retired from football, it’s probably safe to say that his physique is all-natural.

Well apparently, Herschel has more than just mixed martial arts on his mind these days. Recently, Walker told the media that he thinks he could still play in the NFL, going so far as to say he could become “the George Foreman of football”. Currently 8th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, Walker claims he can still run a sub-4.5 40-yard-dash, and could contribute to a team right now if asked:

“Right now, if you asked me if I can play today, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind I can play football, that I can help a team out,” said Walker, whose spent his final three NFL seasons primarily as a receiver and kick returner for the Giants and Cowboys. “I can 100 percent guarantee you I can help a football team out . . .

“I think I’m a better conditioned athlete right now than I was when I was playing. I’m 48 now, and I’m in better shape now than I was in my early 20s playing football.”

While it’s great to think about the possibility of Walker suiting up again in the NFL, it’s probably not very likely that a team is going to offer a contract to someone closing in on 50. Although, Walker was always a threat as a kick returner, so if nothing else he could probably make an impact in the league that way. Let’s just say I wouldn’t bet against him.

If you’re interested in his latest career, FoxSports.com posted this video of Walker discussing his foray into mixed martial arts. Just take a look at the guy and judge for yourself whether or not he could still play pro football:

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Video: Herschel Walker talks MMA

The former Georgia, USFL & NFL great has been training for his second professional MMA fight, which is set to take place on January 29th against Scott Carson. And if there was any question as to whether or not Walker was taking his training seriously, this picture of the 48-year-old Walker at the gym yesterday should silence the doubters:

No, that's not Herschel on the right (Photo via SBnation.com)

Jebus. I don’t envy this Carson guy for having to go into the cage against that. The former Heisman trophy winner has long been infamous for his insane workout regimens, which have obviously translated over to his new career. I mean, just look at the guy, and then remind yourself that he’s FORTY-EIGHT YEARS OLD!

Walker first made his pro MMA debut with Strikeforce in January of 2010, winning his first fight against an unknown named Greg Nagy with ease. Admittedly, I don’t follow the sport, but apparently Carson is a more established fighter with a 4-1 record, and should give a better indication of Walker’s MMA ability. By all accounts, it seems that Walker is very serious about earning his stripes with this fight, and becoming a long-term part of the mixed martial arts world. But he’s not delusional enough to think he can keep fighting guys 25-years his junior … there are rumors abound that this may be his last fight, and that Herschel would like to become a spokesman for the sport after he hangs up the gloves.

Rex Ryan displaying the type of devil-may-care attitude we've come to expect

The awesome picture above comes from Miami, where the NFL’s elite have gathered for the pre-Super Bowl festivities.  It’s also where our favorite rabble-rousing head coach, Rex Ryan, decided to take in a MMA Strikeforce event on Saturday night … where he was inevitably surrounded by Dolphins fans, eager to express their distaste their AFC Rival Jets.  You can see where this is going.

Our friends at SportsByBrooks has the whole story, including video of the interview Rex gave over the jumbotron that might have ruffled some feathers in Miami. If you need even more coverage, The Miami Herald has the first-hand story from the photographer, along with Ryan’s clearly forced apology.

Does anyone else notice that Rex’s shirt says “Wide Guy” on it?  Is this a brand for big & talls, or a cautionary sign for whenever he’s transported on the freeway?