Bobby Duncum Sr, wrestling legend, dies at 81

The satellite of nonrecreational wrestling (WWE) was shaken by the quality of the decease of Bobby Duncum Sr., a fable who near an indelible people successful the ring, but besides successful American football. The legendary wrestler died astatine the property of 81, the enactment "Cauliflower Alley Club" confirmed. Duncum belonged to a celebrated procreation of athletes who successfully crossed the way from the NFL to satellite wrestling fame.

In an affectional statement, the veterans' nine said:

"Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of the legendary Bobby Duncum, who has passed distant astatine the property of 81. Bobby's unsocial voice, toughness, dedication and publication to the athletics near a lasting people connected nonrecreational wrestling. Rest successful peace."

The wrestling elephantine WWE besides said goodbye to the legend, highlighting his estimation arsenic a "bad guy":

"One of the astir feared villains successful the territories astatine the time, a rough-and-tumble cowboy from Austin, Texas, was arsenic pugnacious arsenic a antheral could be. WWE extends its condolences to the family, friends and fans of Duncum Senior."

Running backmost for the West Texas A&M team

Duncum was archetypal an American shot star. He played moving backmost for the West Texas A&M team, and successful 1967 helium was selected successful the NFL draught by the St. Louis Cardinals. His shot vocation was short-lived, aft which helium afloat devoted himself to wrestling.

He was trained by the celebrated Dory Funk Jr, and already successful 1969 helium started wrestling afloat time. During his superb career, helium visited each large American territories, and successful 1973 helium became known successful Japan arsenic well. He made his debut successful the iconic Madison Square Garden successful 1974, which opened the doorway for him to large matches against the legendary Bruno Sammartino.

In the 1980s, Bobby shared the ringing with the biggest icons of the sport, including Bob Backlund, Andre the Giant, Antonio Inoki and Hulk Hogan. His bequest was continued by his son, Bobby Duncum Jr, who besides became a wrestler, but unluckily passed distant earlier his father. Bobby Duncum Sr. volition beryllium remembered arsenic 1 of the toughest guys to ever measurement into the ring.