Darren Drozdov, a former NFL player who went on to star in pro wrestling before a tragic accident ended his career, died Friday.
His family announced he died of natural causes. Drozdov was 54.
The 6-foot-4 Drozdov, a star quarterback in high school in his native New Jersey, became a defensive tackle for the Maryland Terrapins. Although he went undrafted, he caught on with the Denver Broncos and appeared in six games in 1993. He also spent time with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 1995.
After that, Drozdov turned to pro wrestling, and he joined the World Wrestling Federation (now the WWE) in 1998. He earned the nickname “Droz” for obvious reasons, but he was also billed as “Puke,” referring to an infamous episode where he threw up on the football on the field during a Monday Night Football game.
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/7gDRO0tiGl pic.twitter.com/EqPtbGIPy8
— WWE (@WWE) June 30, 2023
Drozdov’s wrestling career ended tragically in October 1999 when he fractured two vertebrae and was left a quadriplegic after a botched wrestling move. He eventually regained movement in his upper body.
After his injury, Drozdov went on to a long career as a wrestling writer, podcaster and analyst.
Sports fans and fellow pro wrestlers turned to Twitter to share their condolences and memories of Droz. Actor Dwayne Johnson, who wrestled with Drozdov, said “Such an awesome dude. Great personality and great wrestling talent.”
Man I’m so sorry to hear one of our ring brothers has passed away.
Darren Drozdov aka Droz.
We wrestled on a lot of cards together. Such an awesome dude. Great personality and great wrestling talent. We always talked about football and fishing. Sending love, strength, mana and…— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 30, 2023
We're saddened by the passing of Darren Drozdov, who played for the Broncos from 1993-94 before becoming a @WWE wrestler.
"Droz" embodied the spirit of perseverance & determination through adversity, and our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/9clWCZxRdt
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 30, 2023
May his memory be for a blessing.
— David Weissman ✡️ (@davidmweissman) June 30, 2023
I was at the event where he was hurt. Nassau Coliseum. Albert checking in him and crying on his way to the back. Shane looking to the sky as he checked on him and left the ring. It was a brutal night
— Joe from Charlotte (@LegendJoey_) June 30, 2023
Sorry to hear of the loss. Prayers for all that knew him. & sending prayers out to family. Rip Droz. 🙏🙏
— lisa marie flores (@lisatherealdeal) June 30, 2023
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that. I got a kick out of seeing him wrestle with the Legion of Doom as a kid. R.I.P. to him, and love and positive vibes to his family and loved ones. 😢
— Krystle (@KrysJericho) June 30, 2023
He would have been HoF and probably still active if not for the accident 🙁
So sad, he will be missed.
— Donkey Wrestler (@businessdonkey) June 30, 2023
