WWE Hall of Famer JBL makes surprise visit to Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Former WWE wrestling icon and NFL player, John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), made a special return to Abilene Christian University (ACU) this Saturday, September 20.

Before becoming one of the longest-reigning champions in WWE history, Layfield, better known as JBL, was just a kid from Sweetwater, Texas, dreaming of playing college football. His goal was always to wear the colors of ACU, just 42 miles down the road from his hometown.

Layfield played as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1986 to 1989, earning first-team All-Lone Star Conference honors during his junior and senior years. His time at ACU laid the foundation for his athletic career, which later catapulted him to the highest heights of professional wrestling.

Returning to his alma mater, Layfield reflected on his college days and how they shaped his future. “It felt wonderful to be back,” Layfield said. “My goal growing up in Sweetwater was always to play football here. To see how much ACU has grown, and to reconnect with old teammates and coaches, it’s truly special.”

Layfield was particularly nostalgic about a memorable moment in 1976 when Ove Johansson kicked a 60-yard field goal during the Homecoming game, a memory he still carries with him.

Although he went on to fame in the NFL and WWE as JBL, Layfield’s connection to ACU has never wavered. “This place has always meant so much to me. It’s where everything started, and I’ll never forget that,” he said.

Layfield also reflected on how his time at ACU influenced his wrestling career. He credits much of his work ethic and determination to the lessons he learned on the field. “The things I learned here — discipline, teamwork, perseverance — became the foundation for everything I did in wrestling,” Layfield said.

During the event, Layfield encouraged current student-athletes to take full advantage of their time at ACU, stressing that hard work and passion would lead them to success. “The road won’t always be easy, but if you keep pushing forward, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish,” he said.

His return to ACU was not just a trip down memory lane but an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Wildcats. As the weekend came to a close, it was clear that Layfield’s ties to his alma mater run deep — a legacy he proudly continues to carry.