The San Francisco 49ers added a name to their roster that no one saw coming during the 2026 NFL Draft, but it wasn’t just the pick’s on-field potential that caught fans’ attention. When De’Zhaun Stribling was selected early in the second round, the conversation quickly shifted beyond football.
A surprising family connection soon surfaced, linking the young wide receiver to one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures, and as expected, the NFL world had plenty to say.
NFL World Reacts to De’Zhaun Stribling’s WWE Family Connection
Shortly after Stribling’s selection, the NFL on ESPN highlighted the unexpected link. “De’Zhaun Stribling, the San Francisco 49ers’ second-round pick, has greatness in the family. His uncle, Don “The Rock” Muraco, is a WWE Hall of Fame legend,” ESPN noted.
The revelation instantly sparked curiosity, as Muraco’s legacy in professional wrestling remains a distinct memory decades after his prime.
Muraco, a two-time Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion and the inaugural King of the Ring winner in 1985, built a decorated career spanning nearly 30 years.
De’Zhaun Stribling, the San Francisco 49ers’ second-round pick, has greatness in the family 😤
His uncle, Don “The Rock” Muraco is a WWE Hall of Fame legend. pic.twitter.com/51iF2FRXCQ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 24, 2026
His contributions were later recognized with inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014. Knowing that Stribling shares that lineage added a compelling narrative to his arrival in San Francisco.
The NFL community quickly chimed in with reactions that ranged from amused to genuinely impressed.
“I’m not sure how this translates to the receiver position but hell yeah”, College football analyst Matt Lively joked, acknowledging the uniqueness of the connection while keeping expectations grounded.
I’m not sure how this translates to the receiver position but hell yeah https://t.co/Tgf5NK8pi1
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) April 24, 2026
Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports offered a simpler take, writing: “Well, that’s pretty cool”, reflecting the general sentiment of intrigue.
Others leaned into nostalgia and humor. Podcaster Gabriel Morency shared his appreciation for Muraco’s era.
“Awesome. Don Muraco was one of my faves. Him and Mr. Fuji were great,” Gabriel noted, referencing the legendary pairing from wrestling’s past.
Meanwhile, Erik Haslam added a playful twist. “He doesn’t live up to his legacy until he plays an entire series while eating a meatball sub,” Haslam wrote.
He doesn’t live up to his legacy until he plays an entire series while eating a meatball sub. https://t.co/pfyys5nYFn
— Erik Haslam (@haslametrics) April 24, 2026
Mike Gilbert of the Mike & JD Show echoed the growing interest with, “Wait a minute. Im in now.”, while sports writer Robert Joyner praised the move outright, calling it, “Magnificent pick, imo…”
While the family connection generated buzz, Stribling’s on-field profile tells a more nuanced story. The Ole Miss receiver, who previously spent time at Washington State and Oklahoma State, posted modest numbers in 2025.
According to the PFSN CFB WR Impact Metrics, he recorded a 78.0 score, ranking 87th nationally, alongside a 74.5% catch rate, which placed him 46th among peers. Those numbers help explain why PFSN’s live draft tracker assigned the pick a D- grade, suggesting skepticism about his immediate impact.
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Despite the concerns, the 49ers’ decision to trade down twice before selecting Stribling indicates they see developmental upside worth investing in. Stribling will have the opportunity to carve out his own identity at the NFL level, separate from his family’s legacy.
While the wrestling connection has added early attention, his long-term success will ultimately depend on his on-field performance.
