Darren Drozdov was a former NFL football player and WWE wrestler. A 1999 accident in the ring fractured two neck vertebrae, leaving him quadriplegic.
- Died: June 30, 2023 (Who else died on June 30?)
- Details of death: Died of natural causes in Pomona, New Jersey, at the age of 54.
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Darren Drozdov’s legacy
Born in Hamilton, New Jersey, Drozdov showed all the makings of a future star athlete. As a high school quarterback, he had a 10-0 record in 1985, was all-state in football, and held the county record in the shotput event. His prowess earned him a brief career in the NFL, where he played for the Denver Broncos in 1993. He also earned some notoriety, and the nickname “Puke,” due to a chronic vomiting problem.
After his football career, Drozdov transitioned into professional wrestling, first with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), then debuting with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) (now called the WWE) in 1998. He initially wrestled under the name “Puke,” but eventually settled on “Droz.” Throughout 1998 and 1999, he was a rising star and growing in popularity as a wrestling villain, known as “a heel.”
Drozdov’s career ended abruptly on October 5, 1999, when an in-ring maneuver went horribly wrong. He landed on his head, fracturing two neck vertebrae. The accident left him unable to move from the neck down. Though Drozdov would eventually regain some mobility in his upper body, his wrestling days were over. However, his involvement with wrestling continued – he became a commentator and columnist, known for his upbeat personality and positivity.
Notable quote
“There is always another day. 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”—from a family-issued statement
Tributes to Darren Drozdov
Full obituary: Press of Atlantic City
