Former NFL Player-Turned-WWE Star Has Tragically Died
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL and WWE worlds mourn the loss of an athlete who represented football and pro wrestling. A former NFL player and WWE wrestler died at the age of 81 this weekend.
Both the NFL and the WWE have experienced tragedies in recent times. Hulk Hogan’s tragic death remains a sensitive topic in the wrestling world. Fellow legend Ric Flair caused a stir when he claimed the Hulkster died from “street drugs.” Those remarks drew a strong response from Hogan’s widow.
On the other hand, former Philadelphia Eagles player Kevin Johnson lost his life on Wednesday. He was 55 at the time of his passing. Contrary to Hogan’s death (caused by a heart attack), Johnson’s dead is investigated as a homicide, according go the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s record. It cites “blunt head trauma and stab wounds.”
Bobby Duncum Sr. Dies At 81
Bobby Duncum Sr., who started his career as a football player before transitioning to pro wrestling, died at age 81. The WWE issued a statement announcing his passing (via the Daily Mail).
“One of the most feared villains of the territories, the rugged cowboy from Austin, Texas, was as tough as they came. A graduate of West Texas State University, the same institution that produced Dusty Rhodes, The Funk Brothers and many other icons, Duncum was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 NFL Draft and played four pro games in 1968.
“Carrying on the great tradition of Texas football stars turned pro wrestlers, Duncum entered the ring and became infamous for his wild street fights and brutal battles against WWE Legends like Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund.
“He was also a member of the iconic Heenan Family, led by WWE Hall of Famer Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan, in the AWA. WWE extends its condolences to Duncum Sr.’s family, friends and fans.”
Bobby Duncum’s son and namesake also had a football career (he played at Texas at Austin) before following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a wrestler. He competed in the United States and Japan. Duncum Jr. sadly passed away in 2000 from an apparent overdose.
