Thread: NFL LB to Twinkle-Toes Flintstone.

Ex-NFL linebacker hits the lanes
By Doug Bradley
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD-LEADER
Posted on Sun, Jun. 04, 2006

After a 10-year career in the National Football League, Mark Maddox of Scottsdale, Ariz., became a rookie again. Maddox made his debut in the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships on May 26 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The 38-year-old Maddox started bowling as a kid in the Milwaukee area and stayed with the game through high school. However, once he was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft, he didn't have time for bowling.

Maddox, a linebacker, went on to play in three Super Bowls (1992, '93 and '94). Even though he has played in front of thousands of fans and huge TV audiences, he says he was a little nervous about his first USBC appearance. In his debut, Maddox posted a 542 in doubles, 481 in singles and a 414 in team for a 1,437 total.

"When my job was to go out and tackle Emmitt Smith in the Super Bowl, I was hyped and excited, but I wasn't nervous," Maddox said. "But marching down the center aisle in this setting is an experience I've never had before -- like my heart was about to come out of my chest."

Maddox thinks bowling is a challenging sport, even though it's not as physical as football. Reading lane conditions and adjusting to them is plenty challenging, he said.

So after his first USBC appearance, Maddox will be ready for the next one in Reno, Nev., at the National Bowling Stadium next year. Perhaps with this experience under his belt he can score a little better next year.

I hear The Bus is a great bowler as well.

bowling is for whimps.. lol j.k =)

willis mgahee is awesome bowler too

lol, i like the title =