Defensive Lineman Who Weighs 335 Pounds Doubles As Cheerleader During Halftime of High School Games (Video)

A 335-pound defensive lineman for Episcopal School of Dallas also participates in cheerleading routines at halftime of his team’s games.

Wait, scratch that — a 335-pound cheerleader for Episcopal School of Dallas also plays on the defensive line for his school during football games.

It’s an important distinction for Armand Fernandez-Pierre, who plays two varsity sports — but a combination of two varsity sports that few people would expect.

Fernandez-Pierre had actually ditched football for cheerleading after hurting his neck in eighth grade. The coach at Episcopal School of Dallas saw all 335 pounds of Fernandez-Pierre, though, and tried to convince him that his calling was still on the gridiron. Fernandez-Pierre balked because he was enjoying cheerleading so much, but they eventually worked out a deal.

Fernandez-Pierre, a senior, plays defensive lineman for the team for the first half, comes out for the halftime cheerleading routine, then jumps back in for more football after that.

There was some concern about how Fernandez-Pierre could pull off both, and he didn’t play football after first being asked in his junior season.

“We fought tooth and nail to keep him just on our team and our sideline,” cheerleading coach Eric Daboa said. “But we realized what a good athlete he is and understand the opportunities that he would have with football.”

Miami and UCLA have already shown interest in the lineman.

Fernandez-Pierre is enjoying the variety, and FOX reports that he also has had success in choir, theater and lacrosse. Cheering and playing defense give him a nice mix when it comes to sports.

“[Cheerleading] is about encouraging each other and moving forward as a group and a team,” he said. “When it comes to football, I love being able to, I guess — how could you say it — brutal.”

Brutal, with a touch. Check it out in the video below.

Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com