Raiders defensive linemen feeling Tyler Linderbaum's wrestling background

Time and time again you hear NFL linemen talk about the valuable skills they utilize in their game from wrestling. Those skills often translate directly to their ability to hold their ground, keep their balance and manipulate the man in front of them at the line of scrimmage. This is especially true for offensive linemen as their objective is not to get past someone but to dominate them. Tyler Linderbaum is one such lineman. He was an all state wrestler in high school and he still carries those skills as part of his game as a three-time Pro Bowl NFL center. His opponents certainly feel it. "He's tough, man, he's tough. His wrestling background definitely shows up for sure," said DT Adam Butler. "You think you get past him, and he does his little wrestling moves and you’re like, ‘Damn’. But even though he's a youngplayer, he plays like a vet, very strong. Always plays with your pad level. I'm glad we have him." Linderbaum rather famously faced All Pro lineman Tristan Wirfs several time in high school wrestling matches. He said Wirfs usually got the better of him, but their final heavyweight match was one for the ages. It went to overtime and a takedown would win it. Linderbaum took down Wirfs to win it despite Wirfs outweighing him by a whopping 45 pounds at the time. Ultimately Wirfs would win the state championship and Linderbaum would finish third. Now they're two of the most highly decorated linemen in the NFL. That is not a coincidence. The Raiders are lucky to have Linderbaum anchoring the middle of their line. And maybe the defensive line will end up learning some valuable skills from trying to beat him in practice. This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders defensive linemen feeling Tyler Linderbaum's wrestling background