Darren Drozdov, Former NFL Player and WWE Star, Dead at 54

etonline.com:

@WWE wrestler. «Droz» embodied the spirit of perseverance & determination through adversity, and our hearts go out to his family.

pic.twitter.com/9clWCZxRdtDrozdov is being remembered as «a devoted son, brother, and friend who had always put others first, especially his family.»Described as «an imposing force in the ring,» the WWE honored Drozdov with a touching tribute on its website.«Darren Drozdov became a notable figure in WWE, known to fans as both Puke and Droz during his time as an in-ring competitor,» the statement read. «Drozdov was a gifted athlete before coming to WWE, playing football at the University of Maryland before stints in the NFL with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos.» «Drozdov captivated audiences in the late 1990s with his time spent in the Legion of Doom teaming with Animal and his Droz’s World vignettes,» the statement continued. «WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.»WWE is saddened to learn that Darren Drozdov passed away on Friday, June 30, at age 54.

WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7gDRO0tiGlpic.twitter.com/EqPtbGIPy8After a short career in the NFL (1993 was the only year when he saw the field as a defensive tackle with the Broncos, when he also vomited on the football during a game), Drozdov joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1997 before making his WWE debut the following year.Drozdov — nicknamed «Puke» because of his ability to vomit on command — was left paralyzed after suffering an in-ring injury on Oct.

5, 1999, during. While facing off the wrestler D'Lo Brown, Drozdov landed on his head and broke two vertebrae in his neck.While he carried on with a positive.