Darren 'Droz' Drozdov, former Denver Broncos DL and WWE star, dead at 54

Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman and WWE professional wrestler Darren Drozdov has passed away at the age of 54.

Drozdov — who was known professionally as Droz — suffered a severe neck injury in 1999 while wrestling, which left him as a quadriplegic. The injury made him basically unable to move from the neck down.

The family of Drozdov released a statement after he passed away, which ESPN insider Adam Schefter Tweeted on Friday.

“We are sad to share our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes,” part of the statement reads. “There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now.”

Drozdov attended the University of Maryland and went undrafted in the 1993 NFL draft. He then signed with the Denver Broncos and spent three seasons in the NFL, before beginning his professional wrestling career.

Following his injury, Darren Drozdov continued to work with the WWE as a writer.

The rest of the statement from his family reads as follows:

“Darren, affectionately known as ‘Droz,’ was involved in a tragic ring accident while wrestling for the WWE in 1999 that rendered him a quadriplegic. Nevertheless, Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years. His own words sum up his relentless positivity in the midst of adversity: ‘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.’

“We lived this journey with him over the past 24 years. We were always there through good times and the bad and provided him with our unconditional love. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone. All of his fans, teammates, colleagues and friends, for all the love and support he received over the years. You all gave him meaning, purpose and something to live for. He loved each and every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.”

“We would also like to thank the WWE for treating him like family, and for all of their love, support and stepping up to make sure that Darren always had the proper care and treatment needed to live in his condition over the past 24 years.”