Is James Laurinaitis related to Animal?

Yes, James Laurinaitis is related to Road Warrior Animal.

James is the son of Road Warrior Animal.

James Laurinaitis is an American football coach and retired player who is currently serving as the assistant linebackers coach for Ohio State.

He played high school football for Wayzata High School and collegiate for the Ohio State Buckeyes where he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round with 35th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

After his successful stints with the Rams, James also had stints with the New Orleans Saints before retiring as a player on April 11, 2017.

James then started his coaching profession in 2022 as a graduate assistant and assistant linebacker for Notre Dame before joining Ohio State in 2023.

While Animal was an American professional wrestler.

Born Joseph Michael Laurinaitis on September 12, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

While working as a bouncer at Grandma B’s in the Twin Cities, Animal caught the eye of Eddie Sharkey, a well-known wrestling trainer.

After being trained for some time, Animal made his debut in November 1982, competing as The Road Warrior using a biker gimmick.

Animal went on to fight in many promotions including Jim Crockett Promotions (1986–1990), World Wrestling Federation (1990–1992), World Championship Wrestling (1993, 1996), and WWE (2003, 2005–2006, 2011–2012).

He was half of the tag team The Road Warriors/The Legion of Doom alongside Road Warrior Hawk.

Animal died on September 22, 2020, through a heart attack at the Margaritaville Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri.