Wrestling Legend Big Van Vader Dies At 63
Wrestling Legend Leon White, better known as Big Van Vader, has died at the age of 63. White started his career as a football star. He attended the University of Colorado and was named a 2-time All-American offensive lineman. He was then drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 3rd round of the 1978 NFL Draft and played in Super Bowl XIV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His football career was cut short due to a knee injury.
He found second life as professional wrestler. White wrestled around the globe, winning dozens of championships in both Japan and the United States. He is widely regarded as the best super heavyweight wrestler in the world, being able to pull off high risk moves usually only attempted by a man half his size.
In pop culture, he made several TV appearances on shows like "Baywatch" and "Boy Meets World."
Over the past two years, White battled against congenital heart failure before ultimately losing that battle.