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Darren “Droz” Drozdov, a former WWE wrestler and Denver Broncos’ defensive lineman, has died at age 54, his family announced on Friday.
“We are sad to share our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes,” his family said in a statement shared by the WWE. “There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. “
Known to wrestling fans as “Droz” and “Puke,” Drozdov’s career was cut short following a wrestling accident that left him quadriplegic during a taping of “WWF SmackDown!” on October 5, 1999. Despite his injury, his family said Drozdov “maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years.
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Here’s everything to know about Drozdov:
How was Darren Drozdov injured?
Drozdov suffered a serious neck injury during a taping of a “WWF SmackDown!” match with wrestler D’Lo Brown in 1999 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Drozdov, who was 30 at the time, landed on his head after Brown performed a wrestling maneuver on him called a powerbomb, fracturing two vertebrae in his neck and paralyzing him from the neck down. The episode never aired.
Drozdov used a wheelchair for the remainder of his life and later regained movement in his upper body and arms, according to Pro Wrestling Stories. Drozdov didn’t blame Brown for the accident. “I have no hard feelings toward D’Lo because (expletive) happens and everyone who gets involved in athletics, including WWE, knows the risks that exist,” Drozdov told Fox Sports in 2014.
Drozdov continued to work with WWE following his accident as a writer and columnist. His family said WWE provided Drozdov with “the proper care and treatment needed to live in his condition over the past 24 years.”
Why was Darren Drozdov nicknamed Puke?
Drozdov was infamous for his ability to vomit on command, an ability he demonstrated during his WWE audition in front of CEO Vince McMahon, who requested he throw up in a trashcan in his office.
Did Darren Drozdov play in the NFL?
Before his wrestling career, Drozdov briefly played in the NFL. He played for the Denver Broncos from 1993-94, where he notoriously vomited on the ball during “Monday Night Football.”
On Friday, the Broncos said Drozdov “embodied the spirit of perseverance & determination through adversity,” adding, “our hearts go out to his family.”
Did Darren Drozdov play college football?
Drozdov was a defensive tackle for the University of Maryland’s football team from 1989-1992.
