NFL Star Richard Sherman Expresses Interest in Call of Duty Esports

Richard Sherman is joining the list ofprofessional athletes who have a vested interest in esports. In an interview with ESPN, the SeattleSeahawks cornerback and Super Bowl XLVIIIChampion expressed a lot of interest in the competitiveaspect of Call of Duty. While at Call of Duty XP2016 earlier in the month, Sherman shared his love for CoDand his growing interest in the esports scene.

“I love the competitive aspect of [Call of Duty],” he said.”[In] every match you’re getting to compete online against otherplayers and I think that’s huge for guys who kind of have that inus. It’s kind of ingrained in us. We’re competitors in every aspectof our lives and we’re always looking for another opportunity tocompete. I think [Call of Duty] gives everybody a good chance atit.”

CoD XP was Sherman’s first taste of esports, as it was his firstevent that he ever attended in person. If his reaction is anyindication, it seems as though he could join the likes ofShaquille O’Neal, Alex Rodriguez, Rodger Saffold, RickFox and more, as pro athletes who have invested inesports.

Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Activision

“[Esports] has grown so rapidly over the last couple years, Ithink everyone is starting to [take] notice and pay attention,” hesaid. “These guys are out here competing for $2 million (at CoDChamps). That’s real money. That’s as real as it gets. I’m lookingforward to seeing how that industry grows and maybe, maybe gettingmore involved.”

As a competitor himself, Sherman sees longevity in esports andthinks that there’s even more room for it to grow in thefuture. As long as esports continues to get support fromviewership and advertisers, as well  as big-time investorslike Sherman, the future of competitive gaming looks bright.

“I see [esports] growing rapidly,” he said. “You see young kids– 21, 22, 23 — making millions playing video games and playing ityear-round as a profession, so anytime you have that kind of moneybeing slung around, you’re going to have more people putting intime and effort and dedicating themselves to be better at that, tomake that their craft and their passion. I’m expecting, that aslong as it keeps being as profitable as it is, guys are going tocontinue to take time out of their lives to play and become mastersof the craft.”

Is Sherman really looking into investing?

“I have [considered investing into a team] and I think it’sstill up for consideration,” said Sherman.

What do you think of Sherman and other pro athletes investing inesports like CoD? Let us know in the comments below andfollow @GAMURScom for more esports news.