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
Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman and WWE star Darren Drozdov died of natural causes at age 54 on Friday, his family announced.
Drozdov played nose tackle for the Broncos from 1993-1994 before spending one season in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. Drozdov also spent time with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
After football, Drozdov later competed in the ECW before switching to the WWF (now WWE) in 1998.
Nicknamed “Droz” as a wrestler, Drozdov suffered a severe neck injury in 1999 that left him a quadriplegic.
“He would not want anyone to be sad at this moment and would want this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the great things that he accomplished, the fun, the laughter, the great memories he shared with everyone,” his family said in a statement.
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
The WWE released this statement on Friday:
WWE is saddened to learn that Darren Drozdov passed away on Friday, June 30, at age 54.
An imposing force in the ring, Darren Drozdov became a notable figure in WWE, known to fans as both Puke and Droz during his time as an in-ring competitor.
Drozdov was a gifted athlete before coming to WWE, playing football at the University of Maryland before stints in the NFL with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos.
Drozdov captivated audiences in the late 1990s with his time spent in the Legion of Doom teaming with Animal and his Droz’s World vignettes.
WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.
