Only a year after Darren Drozdov ‘Droz’ became part of World Wrestling Federation ((WWF) now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)) as a wrestler, his career came crashing right before his eyes and the tragedy of paralysis confined him to a life in a wheelchair since 1999.
Still, he is mostly remembered for the time spent as a professional American football player who although had a short time in the NFL, was able to draw admiration playing for Denver Broncos among others.
Life and tale of Droz who is also known as Puke might not necessarily end as he’d have wanted; he still has been able to have a career as an essayist. Ever wondered how high Droz rose and how low he may have fallen? Below is a sneak peek into his life in both worlds.
The Story Of The Rise Of Darren Drozdov
Darren Adrian Drozdov was born on April 7, 1969, in Mays Landing, New Jersey.
As a high school student, he participated in different activities that include discus, shot put, and American football where he was a quarterback. It was about that time that Droz set the Atlantic County, New Jersey record in track and field in the shot put event as well as became an All-State in football at the Oakcrest High School.
Attending the University of Maryland where he graduated with a B.S. in Criminal justice, Droz continued to play football as a defensive tackle for the Terrapins.
It was from 1993 to 1996 that Droz maintained a career in football as part of National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). Throughout his playing career, he played for Montreal Alouettes of CFL and New York Jets, Philadelphia and Denver Broncos of NFL.
Darren Drozdov was nicknamed ‘Puke’ for vomiting at many games in the 1993 season.
Leaving American football, Droz headed to wrestling where, fortunately, he made it to becoming part of World Wrestling Federation making a first appearance in 1998. In 1999, he ranked No. 142 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of PWI 500 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
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A Look Into The Fall Of Darren Drozdov
Becoming one among the WWF wrestlers was a huge career highlight for Droz. Although there were moments things were not rosy for him, especially with his association with Legion of Doom L.O.D. where he caused his team to lose a fight, he quickly made amends and made a better comeback.
During a fight with D’Lo Brown during a WWF SmackDown on October 5, 1999, Droz landed on his head and broke 2 vertebrae in his neck. He spent hours of his life in pain, fighting to live, and undergoing surgery.
The game and the accident became the beginning of the end of Darren Drozdov’s story in wrestling – but certainly not his life! It was confirmed that he suffered quadriplegic with essentially no movement below the neck but later gained movement in the upper part of his body.
Where Is Darren Drozdov Now?
First, Darren Drozdov did not blame Brown for his accident. Presently, he has found a career as a writer and columnist with WWE as well as for other websites and magazines and is a frequent guest on the WWE Byte This! internet show.
In 2005, he featured in Life and Death of Road Warriors DVD, and in 2007; he became an honorary captain for a Maryland Terrapins football game against Villanova University.
Many friends, family, colleagues, and even WWF have contributed differently to Droz since the accident including his sister with whom he resides in New Jersey; and his college friend Under Armour who founded Kevin Park. Armour designed and financed a customized tank-like wheelchair for the former wrestler.
His Marriage and Divorce
Droz didn’t let the accident stop his happiness as he wedded WWE seamstress Julie Youngberg in 1999 only a few days after his accident.
However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2005 and his ex-wife remarried the wrestler Shannon Moore in 2007. The marriage also ended in 2017.
7 Fast Interesting Facts About Darren Droz
1. The fight that ended his career was never aired
Despite the popularity of his story and the accident, WWE never aired the fight to the public; it still made a part of it in WWE’s “Don’t Try This at Home” public service announcements.
2. Droz earned a place in the WWF by vomiting
His ability to vomit with ease at every given opportunity earned him a place in WWF.
3. He is currently in the 24-hour-in home care
Droz seems to be better but needs 24-hour in-home care. This does not look easy but he is getting to it with the help of his loved ones.
4. Droz’ World
The L.O.D saga that almost gave him a bad name made him try to fix his name through many skits called “Droz’s World” where he told stories about his life as a professional wrestler.
5. Droz takes Marijuana
Marijuana helps reduce the painful headache Drozdov sometimes have.
6. Height and weight
He stands at a height of 6 feet 4 inches tall. An equivalent of 193cm and 1.93m.
7.Darren Drozdov’s net worth
His net worth is speculated to be at $19 million by Net Worth Post.
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