Darren Alexander Drozdov, known professionally as Droz, is an American professional wrestler and football player.
After brief spells in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL), he transitioned to professional wrestling.
In the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Drozdov initially wrestled under the ring name “Puke”, a nickname he earned during his football career.
He later adopted the abbreviation of his last name “Droz” as his wrestling persona.
Droz is best known for his time in the WWF, where he became a unique and memorable performer.
However, his wrestling career ended when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a match in 1999 and became a quadriplegic.
contour
- Full name: Darren Alexander Drozdov
- Stage name: Droz
- Date of birth: April 7, 1969
- Date of death: June 30, 2023
- Age: 54 years old
- Birthplace: Mays Landing, Hamilton, New Jersey, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: American professional wrestler and American football player
- Height: 1.9m
- Parents: Cynthia Drozdov and Olaf Drozdov
- Siblings: unknown
- Spouse: Julie Youngberg (married 1999–2005)
- Children: unknown
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $10 million and $15 million
early life and education
Darren Alexander Drozdov is an American professional wrestler and former American football player. Born on April 7, 1969 in Mays Landing, Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA.
Drozdov’s parents are Cynthia Drozdov and Olaf Drozdov. Details of the siblings he grew up with are unknown to the media.
Drozdov attended the University of Maryland and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also played college football before starting his wrestling career. Drozdov is white and a Christian.
Profession
Darren Drozdov is a remarkable man who transitioned from a successful football career to legendary status in professional wrestling. His journey has been marked by extraordinary athleticism, unwavering determination and an inspiring comeback from devastating injury.
Before making a name for himself in the wrestling world, Drozdov honed his skills on the football field. He played three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.
His physicality and toughness have earned him a reputation as a strong defensive tackle. However, his most memorable moment in football was also one of the most unusual: He earned the nickname “Puke” after vomiting on television during a Monday Night Football game.
Drozdov’s switch to wrestling was both unexpected and successful. In 1997, he joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and formed the WWF’s “Invaders” team.
He made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1998 and quickly became infamous for his unique technique: the ability to regurgitate on command. Drozdov’s most significant moment in the WWF was his association with the Legion of Doom (LOD).
He became the unofficial third member of the group, and his presence added energy to their games. However, Hawke’s time at LOD was cut short due to conflicts with alcoholism.
In 1999, Drozdov suffered a serious neck injury during a match, and his wrestling career unfortunately came to an end. The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Despite the devastating setback, Drozdov’s resilience and determination were unwavering. Through intensive rehabilitation treatment, he defied all odds and regained the mobility of his upper body and arms.
After his injury, Drozdov remained involved in the wrestling industry as a writer and columnist for WWE. He also became a regular on WWE Byte This!. Web show to share his insights and views on the industry.
Darren Drozdov’s legacy is one of courage, perseverance and inspiration. His journey from football player to wrestling star and his remarkable recovery from life-changing injuries continue to inspire countless fans.
He is considered a beloved figure in the wrestling community and a symbol of hope for those facing adversity. In 2005, Drozdov appeared on the Life and Death of the Road Warriors DVD, discussing his 1998 run with the group.
In September 2007, he was named an honorary captain for the Maryland Terrapins’ football game against Villanova University. Drozdov was interviewed in the 2020 episodes of The Dark Side of the Ring, Brawl and The Road Warrior.
social media
Darren Drozdov does not have any active social media accounts.
personal life
Drozdov is an American professional wrestler and American football player. In 1999, shortly after an accident, he married WWE seamstress Julie Youngberg.
Drozdov later said he hoped to walk Jolie down the aisle on her wedding day. The couple divorced in late 2005. Sadly, Drozdov passed away on June 30, 2023 at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, New Jersey. He does not have any known children.
net worth
Darren Drozdov was an American football player and professional wrestler whose net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million. His career as a professional wrestler and football player is a major contributor to his massive net worth.
