The Life and Legacy of Darren Drozdov: From NFL Player to Wrestling Star

Former NFL player and professional wrestler Darren Drozdov has passed away at the age of 54. Drozdov, who had a brief career in the NFL before transitioning to wrestling, made a name for himself both on and off the field.

Drozdov played college football at Maryland and managed to secure a spot on the Denver Broncos as a defensive tackle in 1993. However, his time on the field was limited to just one season. He also had stints with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as in the Canadian Football League.

During the 1993 preseason, Drozdov gained notoriety when he vomited on the football during a nationally televised game. He explained to reporters that this was a problem he had no control over, stating, “I get sick a lot. I was a quarterback in high school, and I’d start throwing up on my center’s back. I don’t have a lot of control out there.”

Interestingly, Drozdov’s stomach issues actually helped his wrestling career. He was featured in the wrestling documentary “Beyond the Mat,” where he met Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE. In the documentary, McMahon encouraged Drozdov to vomit in his office, giving him the nickname “Puke.”

Unfortunately, Drozdov’s wrestling career was cut short due to a severe spinal cord injury he sustained during a WWF match. When another wrestler slammed him, Drozdov landed on his head and fractured two vertebrae. This injury left him paralyzed, and he never regained the ability to walk.

Drozdov’s family released a statement attributing his death to “natural causes.” While his time in the spotlight was marked by both triumphs and challenges, Drozdov will be remembered for his unique journey from the NFL to professional wrestling and the impact he made on both sports.

What were the circumstances surrounding Darren Drozdov’s severe spinal cord injury and how did it affect his wrestling career

Former NFL player and professional wrestler, Darren Drozdov, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Drozdov, who experienced a brief stint in the NFL before pursuing a career in wrestling, left an indelible mark on and off the field.

Drozdov began his football journey at the University of Maryland, where he showcased his talent and earned a coveted spot on the Denver Broncos as a defensive tackle in 1993. However, his time on the field was cut short to just one season. Despite this setback, Drozdov’s determination led him to make appearances with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and even in the Canadian Football League.

Notably, it was during the 1993 preseason that Drozdov garnered attention when he vomited on the football during a nationally televised game. He explained that this was an issue he couldn’t control, sharing, “I get sick a lot. I was a quarterback in high school, and I’d start throwing up on my center’s back. I don’t have a lot of control out there.”

Interestingly, Drozdov’s stomach troubles inadvertently propelled his wrestling career forward. In the wrestling documentary “Beyond the Mat,” he had an encounter with Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE. McMahon was impressed by Drozdov’s unique situation and encouraged him to showcase his vomiting talents in his office, thus giving him the nickname “Puke.”

However, tragedy struck when Drozdov suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a WWF match, which ultimately ended his wrestling career. In a devastating turn of events, Drozdov became paralyzed after landing on his head and fracturing two vertebrae. Despite his unwavering spirit, he was unable to regain the ability to walk.

Drozdov’s family revealed that his passing can be attributed to “natural causes.” While his time in the limelight was filled with both triumph and adversity, Drozdov will be remembered for his remarkable journey from the NFL to professional wrestling, and the lasting impact he made on both sports.