They aren't poor it's just a less an obvious route to go. As has already been stated. Football, basketball are far more obvious and desireable sports to go for.
There are plenty well known strength sport athletes, past and present, the colour of night. O.D. Wilson, Steve Goggins, Mark Felix, Mark Henry, John Davis, Jim Williams.
But really if you're a big strong tower of darkness you're gonna go slap some pads on and try and make it on a football field.
Oh and what about John Henry.....