Former NFL Football Player Turned Pro Wrestler, Darren Drozdov, Passes Away at 54

Former N.F.L. Football Player and Pro Wrestler Darren Drozdov, Known as Droz and Puke, Dies at 54

Darren Drozdov, a former N.F.L. football player and professional wrestler, passed away on Friday at the age of 54. Drozdov’s death was confirmed by his sister, Rommi Drozdov, and his agent and longtime friend, Cliff Stein. The cause of death has not been immediately determined.

Drozdov first gained public attention as an N.F.L. player when he vomited on a football during a Monday night game, according to Mr. Stein. Reports suggest that he vomited more than once. Born in Wilmington, Del., on April 7, 1969, Drozdov grew up in Mays Landing, N.J., where he spent most of his adult life. He played football at the University of Maryland and graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

After college, Drozdov signed as an undrafted rookie for the Denver Broncos. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds during his football career, he also had stints with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. While playing for the Montreal Alouettes, a professional Canadian football team, Drozdov began considering a career in pro wrestling, which had always been in the back of his mind, according to Mr. Stein.

Drozdov, known as Droz and Puke, was eventually accepted into a WWE training program. He became a member of the popular tag team, the Road Warriors, and gained recognition for his “Droz’s World” vignettes, as stated by the WWE. During a wrestling match at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., in 1999, Drozdov suffered a severe injury that left him quadriplegic, abruptly ending his wrestling career. He fractured two discs in his neck after being thrown to the mat by his opponent, D’Lo Brown, and landing on his head instead of his back.

Drozdov’s family members, including his parents and sister, survive him. He was previously married in 1999, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2001. Following his injury, Drozdov’s sister played a crucial role in his care, and he spent much of his time supporting her four children. Despite his paralysis, Drozdov remained positive and continued to enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting. His friend Kevin Plank, the founder of sportswear company Under Armour, helped design a wheelchair that allowed Drozdov to navigate through the woods.

In a statement, Drozdov’s family highlighted his unwavering optimism, quoting 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 death has left a void in the world of professional wrestling and the hearts of his loved ones.

How did Arren Drozdov’s career in professional wrestling compare to his career in the NFL?

Arren Drozdov began his professional football career in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos before a serious neck injury forced him to retire from the sport. Despite this setback, Drozdov found success and fame in a different arena – professional wrestling.

Under the ring names Droz and Puke, Drozdov became a popular figure in the world of wrestling. He wrestled for organizations such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Known for his larger-than-life personality and fearless attitude, Drozdov entertained fans with his in-ring performances.

Tragically, Drozdov’s life was cut short at the age of 54. His sister, Rommi Drozdov, and his longtime agent and friend, Cliff Stein, confirmed his passing on Friday. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Drozdov’s football career may have been overshadowed by his on-field vomiting incident, but it was his resilience and determination that made him a respected figure in the wrestling world. Despite facing numerous challenges in his life, he never lost his zest for entertaining the crowd and making a lasting impact.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 7, 1969, Drozdov grew up in Mays Landing, New Jersey, where he spent most of his life. He attended the University of Maryland on a football scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1992.

Drozdov’s journey from being a football player to being a professional wrestler exemplified his willingness to embrace new opportunities and never give up. Though his life may have been tragically cut short, his legacy as both a football player and a wrestler will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.