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Herschel Walker says he can still play in NFL: 'I don't think I can, I know I can'

Matt Strasen / US PRESSWIRE

Former running back Herschel Walker, 54, is confident he could still contribute to an NFL team.

Walker, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and was named to the Pro Bowl in consecutive years (1987-88), finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1997.

Although it'd seem impossible for him to play in the NFL at his age, he harbors no doubt whatsoever.

"I don't think I can, I know I can," Walker, who said earlier this week he's ready to resume his MMA career, told Omnisport. "In a third-down situation, I could help a team out today. I could do a few things and do it well."

He noted that players in today's game experience less contact than in previous decades.

"They don't take as many hits as we were taking," Walker said. "But at the same time, you've got to be able to block and protect that quarterback. They don't take as many hits, but the guys have gotten bigger and faster, so it might be irrelevant. There might be a little more impact when they do get hit."

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio later disagreed with Walker's self-assessment, imploring him to square off against edge rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.

- With h/t to CBS Sports

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