Former Cubs reliever Kyle Farnsworth always looked like he was made for the gridiron.
Now he actually is a football player.
The 39-year-old Farnsworth is currently a defensive end for the Orlando Phantoms of the Florida Football Alliance. And Farnsworth isn't just playing defensive end in the FFA, he's dominating the position.
Farnsworth leads the Phantoms in tackles (41) and sacks (11). He is also second on the team with seven tackles for a loss. His numbers stack up favorably among the league's best defenders:
Farnsworth's dominance in the FFA shouldn't come as a surprise to many Cubs fans. Standing 6-foot-4 with a chiseled 230-pound frame and equipped with a heat-seeking missile for a fastball, Farnsworth struck fear in his opponents during the prime of his career. Back in 2003, former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Paul Wilson witnessed that firsthand:
While Farnsworth says he's still baseball ready, the Phantoms better hope that MLB teams stay off his radar for at least a few weeks considering they're gearing up for a playoff run. Farnsworth had one his most successful seasons as a reliever in 2001, registering a 2.74 ERA and a career-high 107 strikeouts with the Cubs. Farnsworth last pitched for the Houston Astros in 2014.
Check out some other interesting factoids from around the FFA:
MLB
-Farnsworth's teammate Chris Perry is a two-time MVP and one of the most dangerous weapons on the field for the Phantoms. Although it isn't confirmed at this time, he may be the same Chris Perry that starred for the University of Michigan in 2003 and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
-Orlando Rage running back Levi 'Duke' Raines Jr., the FFA's leading rusher, is the nephew of former White Sox great Tim Raines.
-Phantoms wide receiver Chris Berrian is the brother of former Bears wideout Bernard Berrian.
-The league's top wide receiver Speedy Jones (awesome name by the way) was a three-star cornerback recruit for the Auburn Tigers and was one of the top preps track stars in the state of Georgia.
-Palm Beach Makos quarterback Josh McGregor is having quite the season. He leads the league with 34 touchdown passes and 2,285 passing yards.