How Rick Ackerman Went From The NFL To Wyoming Mountain Man And Musician | Cowboy State Daily

Rick “Big Ack” Ackerman, 67, parlayed an NFL nose tackle career into a full-time life as a Wyoming “mountain man” and musician. After going undrafted from Memphis State University, he earned a training-camp spot with the San Diego Chargers in the 1980s, later sticking around through rookie mini-camp and full-squad camp. Ackerman credits the brutal, six-week tackle-heavy training environment for his durability and says today’s reduced contact may contribute to more injuries in the regular season. Outside Laramie, he performs under the name “Big Ack,” playing country, blues, and rock and roll at local venues.