Hanada rejects professional sumo to pursue other careers
Hidetora Hanada, a former amateur yokozuna and the first freshman in 34 years to win the All-Japan Championship, chose not to turn professional in sumo and instead has pursued football and other opportunities. He switched to football, joined Colorado State, attracted CFL combine interest and Division I offers, then faced injury and was not drafted or accepted into the NFL international pathway. Changes in Japan's XLeague rules further narrowed gridiron options, and despite renewed contact with the sumo club, Hanada ultimately declined a return, a decision that is a notable loss for professional sumo.
Hanada declined to join professional sumo despite strong amateur credentials.
Context
Hanada left amateur sumo and took up football. He played at Colorado State but then missed progress because of injury. He may work in coaching, media, football, pro wrestling, or business next.
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