Former N.F.L. Player and Pro Wrestler, Darren Drozdov, Dies at 54
Darren Drozdov, a former N.F.L. football player who pursued a career in pro wrestling that was cut short after an accident in the ring that paralyzed him, died on Friday at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, N.J. He was 54. The cause of death was not immediately clear, as confirmed by his sister, Rommi Drozdov, and his agent and longtime friend, Cliff Stein.
Before entering the wrestling world, Mr. Drozdov gained public attention as an N.F.L. player after he vomited on a football during a Monday night game. The incident, in which some reports indicate he vomited more than once, catapulted him to fame. Mr. Drozdov grew up in Mays Landing, N.J., and attended the University of Maryland, where he played football and graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Following his graduation, Mr. Drozdov signed as an undrafted rookie for the Denver Broncos. He also had stints with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. However, while playing for the Montreal Alouettes, a professional Canadian football team, he started to consider a career in pro wrestling. According to his agent, Mr. Stein, wrestling had always been at the back of his mind due to his colorful personality, mohawks, tattoos, and the way he talked. He eventually joined a WWE training program and became a member of the Road Warriors, a popular tag team. He was known by the nickname “Droz” or “Puke” and gained recognition for his “Droz’s World” vignettes.
Mr. Drozdov’s wrestling career tragically ended during a match in 1999 when he suffered a quadriplegic injury at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. He fractured two discs in his neck after landing on his head instead of his back during a stunt gone wrong. Despite this devastating setback, Mr. Drozdov remained positive and resilient, according to his family. He continued to cheer on his sister’s children in various sports and pursued outdoor activities like hunting with the help of a specially designed wheelchair. In a statement, his family noted his optimism and determination, quoting his own words: “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.”
The news of Mr. Drozdov’s passing was mourned by various figures in the wrestling and entertainment industry. Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” expressed his grief on Twitter, recalling their time together on wrestling cards and describing Mr. Drozdov as an “awesome dude” with great talent.
Darren Drozdov was born in Wilmington, Del., on April 7, 1969, and is survived by his parents and sister. His marriage in 1999 ended in divorce in 2001.
As the wrestling community and fans remember Darren Drozdov’s contributions to both football and wrestling, his spirit and determination will continue to be an inspiration to many.