Former Professional Football Player Turned Wrestler Dies at 54 After Paralyzing Accident in the Ring

Former Professional Football Player Turned Wrestler Darren Drozdov Passes Away at 54

Pomona, N.J. – Darren Drozdov, a former professional football player whose promising career in pro wrestling was tragically cut short after an accident in the ring that left him quadriplegic, passed away on Friday at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by his sister, Rommi Drozdov, and his agent and longtime friend, Cliff Stein. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Before making a name for himself in the wrestling world, Drozdov gained attention as an NFL player when he famously vomited on a football during a Monday night game. This incident, along with other reported instances of vomiting, earned him the nickname “Puke” in addition to his wrestling moniker, “Droz.”

Drozdov, who grew up in Mays Landing, N.J., played football at the University of Maryland, where he graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He went on to have stints with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.

During his time playing for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, Drozdov began considering a career in pro wrestling, which had always been a passion of his. Known for his colorful personality, mohawks, tattoos, and charismatic presence, Drozdov was eventually accepted into a WWE training program. He became a member of the popular tag team, the Road Warriors, and was known for his “Droz’s World” vignettes.

Fellow wrestlers in the training program, including Matt Bloom (Prince Albert) and Dwayne Johnson (the Rock), mourned Drozdov’s passing on social media. Johnson described him as an “awesome dude” with a great personality and wrestling talent.

Drozdov’s wrestling career came to an abrupt end in October 1999 during a match at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. He suffered a devastating injury when he fractured two disks in his neck after being thrown to the mat by his opponent, D’Lo Brown, and landing on his head instead of his back. The injury left him quadriplegic.

Born on April 7, 1969, in Wilmington, Del., Drozdov was the son of Olaf and Cyndi Drozdov. His mother worked in real estate and owned three laundromats, while his father was a professor at Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey. He is survived by his parents and his sister. Drozdov was previously married in 1999, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2001.

After his injury, Drozdov’s sister played a crucial role in his care. Despite his physical limitations, he remained positive and actively supported his sister’s four children, attending their soccer games, football matches, and other events. He also continued to pursue his love for outdoor sports, including hunting.

Kevin Plank, the founder of sportswear company Under Armour and a close friend of Drozdov, helped design a specialized wheelchair that allowed him to navigate through the woods. The wheelchair was described as a “tank with wheels.”

Family members remember Drozdov as an incredibly positive individual who refused to let his paralysis define him. In a statement, they quoted his own words: “There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.”

Drozdov’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw him transition from professional football to the world of wrestling, only to face a devastating injury that forever changed his life. His legacy as a talented athlete and an inspiration to others will undoubtedly live on.

What legacy did Darren Drozdov leave behind in the wrestling world and in the field of spinal cord injury awareness

Alent.

In 1999, tragedy struck when Drozdov suffered a severe neck injury during a match in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) against D-Lo Brown. The injury left him paralyzed from the neck down and ended his wrestling career. Drozdov spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, requiring constant care and medical attention.

Despite the challenges he faced, Drozdov remained positive and continued to inspire others with his resilience. He became an advocate for spinal cord injury awareness and worked closely with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Drozdov’s death has left the wrestling community and fans saddened. Many have shared their memories and condolences on social media, praising his dedication to the industry and his unwavering spirit.

Darren Drozdov leaves behind a lasting legacy as a former football player turned wrestler. He will be remembered for his undeniable talent, infectious personality, and his ability to overcome adversity. His impact on the wrestling world and his advocacy for spinal cord injury awareness will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Droz.