James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman have a friendship that goes back decades.
The two former linebackers became fast friends when they were teammates at Ohio State from 2005 to 2008, with Freeman having an instant connection with Laurinaitis due to the pair’s interest in pro wrestling. Laurinaitis’ father, Joe, was a Hall of Fame professional wrestler affectionately known as Road Warrior Animal. So he’d always be willing to tell Freeman stories and take him backstage at wrestling events when they came through Columbus.
“With (Marcus) being a diehard wrestling fan, I think that was the only reason he befriended me at first was because of my dad,” Laurinaitis said with a laugh.