Ernie Ladd

About

Football player and professional wrestler who won an AFL Championship with the San Diego Chargers in 1963 and was elected to four AFL Pro-Bowls during career. After retiring from football, he would become one of the most notorious villains in professional wrestling.

Before Fame

He grew up in Orange, Texas and attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship. He was drafted by both the Chargers and the NFL's Chicago Bears in 19610.

Trivia

He was among the many AFL players to participate in a walkout at the 1965 AFL All-Star Game as a result of racial discrimination faced by black players while staying in New Orleans.

Family Life

He was survived by his wife Roslyn and four children, named Ernie, Rodney, Reginald and Erika.

Associated With

He famously feuded with Andre the Giant during his years in the World Wrestling Federation.