From On The Ropes to Out On The Beat
By Michael D. Boll
For the last few years, the Operation Rebound Racing Team has been able to get unique people to join up. One of my favorite members is former Professional WWE wrestler and New Jersey Police Officer, Teon Freeman. Freeman has a larger-than-life personality and stands 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 300 lbs.
This giant of a man is one of the nicest people you will meet, and he is loved by all. It’s amazing watching Freeman in a room because so many people warm up to him instantly. Freeman loves being a police officer and is committed to making the community a better place to live. Also, he helps Operation Rebound’s team members with events and has made a positive difference with our team members.
Freeman began his career as a wrestler after practicing both football and bodybuilding, in the Independent Wrestling Federation where he made his debut in a doubles match with Kevin Knight winning against Aaron Stride and Chris Steeler. Freeman won a 16-man battle royal in record time of 1 minute and 45 seconds, also winning the IWF Heavyweight Championship.
Shortly after, Freeman signed a development contract with WWE and was sent to FCW to gain experience. He made his debut in the tapings on January 5th and six months later, Freeman became a member of the NXT. On June 27th, Freeman aka “Dante Dash” made his debut in the WWE, losing to Antonio Cesaro.
During his time with the WWE, Freeman was able to travel all over the United States and do some amazing things as a professional wrestler. Freeman loved being a member of the WWE, but his real dream was to be in law enforcement like his mother. Growing up poor, Freeman didn’t know his father and was raised by his mother, who was a corrections officer. Freeman’s mother was a tough and a hardworking woman who always put her family first. She is his true hero and he always wanted to do something that would make her proud.
While wrestling with the WWE, Freeman felt strongly about becoming a police officer that he met with the owner, Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque (Triple H) and told them about his dream to be in law enforcement. Both McMahon and Levesque were extremely supportive, immediately helping Freeman to get out of his contract.
Less than a year later, Freeman’s dream came true and he was hired as a New Jersey police officer. As a police officer, Freeman was able to use his dynamic personality at numerous community events and school programs. Freeman is a hardworking police officer and is always learning how to be a better street officer. What makes Freeman different is that he is able to be both a community and street cop. Freeman truly cares about the community and makes his mother proud every day.
If you are interested in joining the Operation Rebound racing team, please feel free to contact me via email Mdbollio@optonline.net or call (973) 332-1556.
Michael D. Boll is a police sergeant at the Union Police Department in NJ. He is currently in his 23rd year of law enforcement service. He previously served as a United States Marine, and is a Gulf War veteran. He is the founder of Operation Rebound Racing Team, a nonprofit organization that helps wounded veterans and first responders enjoy a better quality of life.
