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WWE star Goldberg visits Laredo

Posted: Sep 14th 2021 By: Marcus Trevino

A swarm of fans gathered near the concession stand at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center on Friday.

United South and Boerne-Champion went back to the locker room upon conclusion of Friday’s first half.

The game’s spectators went down to the concessions to grab a snack, but a familiar face from their childhoods made them take a detour.

WWE’s Bill Goldberg, known simply as Goldberg, was supporting his son. Gage Goldberg is a linebacker for Boerne-Champion, and he was even in a recent storyline involving his dad competing against Bobby Lashley for the WWE championship at SummerSlam less than one month ago.

Goldberg was one of the most powerful forces in all of sports entertainment while with WCW in the late 90s, known mostly for his 173-0 winning streak to begin his career with the company. He has also been used in movies and on television, most notably in The Longest Yard in 2005.

Goldberg was also featured for a storyline in Laredo in 2019 promoting on SmackDown LIVE his match with another WWE legend, the Undertaker.

And on the local football field this weekend, those locals who were in attendance and admired him during his career quickly recognized him.

The moments of awe and amazement lasted for a few seconds before a frenzy ensued. The crowd massed around the fence he was behind to take pictures and get autographs.

People were passing dollar bills, ones and fives, even some 10s and 20s through the gaps in the fence for Goldberg to sign. One person gave him a chocolate bar and water bottle. Another threw their shoe over the fence.

The nearly 30-minute halftime ended and the crowd hardly diminished. Goldberg went back to the baseline to watch the game, but some people stayed just to watch him.

Goldberg said it’s been a while since that many people met him at once.

“They are used to me in Boerne now because I’m at every practice and every game. I’m everywhere. I’m just a fixture,” Goldberg said. “This is the first game I’ve gone on the road. My son is just a sophomore. This season is the first time he’s played. I wouldn’t be a good dad if I didn’t drive three hours and watch him play.”

Gage Goldberg hit the genetic lottery and has competed in mixed martial arts for most of his life.

Football was a step too far for the Goldberg family for a long time though.

“I didn’t let him play football until we moved to Texas because I didn’t start playing until I was in ninth grade. I see all these kids getting hurt in Pop Warner,” Goldberg said. “I want my son to be a kid first. Once he understands how dangerous football can be, then he can play.”

Goldberg plans to return to Laredo if his son ever plays in the city again because he was grateful for the warm welcome. He met with the fire department and police who offered to provide him security during his stay.

“You never know what you’re going to encounter when you walk into a situation like this. They’ve treated me with nothing but respect here, so I’m very gracious and appreciative,” Goldberg said. “I don’t know how many times wrestlers make it through town, but I’ll definitely be here more often. It’s why I moved to Texas — good people.”