Darren “Druze” Drozdov, former WWE wrestler and defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, has passed away at the age of 54, his family announced Friday.
“We are saddened to share that our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes.” his family said In a joint statement with WWE. “There are no words to express the deep sense of loss and grief we are feeling right now.”
Known to wrestlers as “Druze” and “Puck”, Drozdov’s career was cut short after a wrestling accident left him a quadriplegic during a taping of “WWF SmackDown!” on October 5, 1999. Despite his injury, his family said Drozdov “maintained a heroic mentality and lived every day to the fullest despite not being able to move from the neck down for the past 24 years.”
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Here’s everything you need to know about Drozdov:
How was Darren Drozdov injured?
Drozdov suffered a serious neck injury during the taping of the “WWF SmackDown!” Match with wrestler D’Lo Brown in 1999 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Drozdov, who was 30 at the time, fell on his head after Brown performed a wrestling maneuver called a powerbomb, fracturing two vertebrae in his neck and paralyzing him from the neck down. The episode was not broadcast.
Drozdov used a wheelchair for the rest of his life and later regained movement in his upper body and arms, according to Professional wrestling stories. Drozdov did not blame Brown for the accident. “I have no hard feelings for D’Lo because (expletive) happens and everyone involved in athletics, including WWE, knows the stakes that are out there,” Drozdov said. Fox Sports in 2014.
Drozdov continued working with WWE after his accident as a writer and columnist. His family said WWE has provided Drozdov with “the appropriate care and treatment necessary to live with his condition for the past 24 years.”
Why was Darren Drozdov called Puke?
Drozdov was notorious for his ability to vomit while driving, an ability he demonstrated during a WWE audition in front of CEO Vince McMahon, who asked him to He vomits in the trash in his office.
Did Darren Drozdov play in the NFL?
Prior to his wrestling career, Drozdov briefly played in the NFL. He played with the Denver Broncos from 1993-94, where he became famous puke on the ball During Monday Night Football.
On Friday, Broncos He said Drozdov “personified a spirit of perseverance and determination through adversity,” adding, “Our hearts go out to his family.”
Did Darren Drozdov play college football?
Drozdov was Defensive tackle For the University of Maryland football team from 1989-1992.
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