Bobby Duncum Sr., the WWE wrestler who began his professional life as a football player, has died at the age of 81. A cause of death has not been revealed.
A statement announcing his passing was shared by the WWE.
It said: ‘WWE is saddened to learn that Bobby Duncum Sr. has passed away.
‘One of the most feared villains of the territories, the rugged cowboy from Austin, Texas, was as tough as they came. A graduate of West Texas State University, the same institution that produced Dusty Rhodes, The Funk Brothers and many other icons, Duncum was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 NFL Draft and played four pro games in 1968.
‘Carrying on the great tradition of Texas football stars turned pro wrestlers, Duncum entered the ring and became infamous for his wild street fights and brutal battles against WWE Legends like Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund.
‘He was also a member of the iconic Heenan Family, led by WWE Hall of Famer Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, in the AWA. WWE extends its condolences to Duncum Sr.’s family, friends and fans.’
Bobby Duncum poses for a photo circa August 1974 during his days with the AWA
Standing 6ft7 and 285 pounds, Bobby Duncum Sr. looks on circa December 1979
A number of fans and wrestling insiders shared their grief online, including booker and former wrestling manager John LaRocca.
‘RIP Bobby Duncum Dr. a super talent and moved like a cat in the ring. His team with Blackjack Lanza in the AWA was really damn good.
‘A top heel in the ’60s, ’70s and into the ’80s,’ wrestling reporter Mike Mooneyham wrote on X. ‘Well respected and tough as nails.’
Listed at 6ft7 and 285 pounds, Duncum embraced the role of a ‘heel cowboy’ by taunting the crowd with a variety of countrified catch phrases like ‘You unnastan?’ (‘you understand?’).
His son and namesake played football at Texas at Austin before embarking on his own wrestling career in the US and Japan.
Sadly, Duncum Jr. was found dead from an apparent overdose at age 34 on January 24, 2000. An autopsy later revealed the younger Duncum ingested fentanyl, cocaine, alcohol and Valium.
