Bob Bruggers Death – Undisclosed Causes
NFL star Bob Bruggers turned to wrestling but his career was cut short due to injuries suffered in a plane crash.
1944-2024 (Age 80)
Bob Bruggers career as a pro football star and a pro wrestler would be cut short. Still, he would live a remarkable life outside sports.
Indeed, Bruggers’ wrestling career was so short that some fans may be unaware he even competed in the squared circle.
Born on April 20, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Robert Bruggers was an outstanding athlete in high school. There, he excelled in basketball and football.
Bruggers later played as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers. His NFL career saw him play 57 games.
An Open Invitation into Wrestling
Interestingly, Bruggers’ had two invitations to try his hand at professional wrestling. Wrestler Wahoo McDaniel (who Bob knew from his football career) suggested he look into pro wrestling.
In addition, American Wrestling Association (AWA) promoter Verne Gagne invited Bruggers to check out wrestling after his football career ended. Bruggers and Gagne both attended the University of Minnesota. According to a SLAM! Wrestling article:
Gagne loved to work out with the wrestling team at the university, and Bruggers did a little amateur wrestling too, though was not officially on the team. “He would work out with me because of my weight,” said Bruggers.
Bob trained at Verne Gagne’s wrestling camp. His classmates included Greg Gagne, The Iron Sheik, Ric Flair, Ken Patera, and Jim Brunzell.
A Career Ends Prematurely
Unfortunately, he would be one of several wrestlers aboard the 1975 plane crash that would end the career of wrestler Johnny Valentine. Ric Flair, Bob Bruggers, Tim “Mr. Wrestling” Woods, and announcer David Crockett would suffer different injuries.
While Bruggers might have continued wrestling, he opted to retire.
Later Life
Although Bruggers’ wrestling career ended prematurely, he was no quitter.
Bruggers’ athletic career earned him accolades during his time playing and recognition later on. According to The Star-Tribune:
Bruggers is a member of the University of Minnesota’s “M” Club Hall of Fame, MSHSL Hall of Fame and Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Death of Bob Bruggers
On May 10, 2024, Bob Bruggers died at age 80. He is survived by a son, a daughter, and two grandsons.
What are your favorite memories of Bob Bruggers either as an NFL player or a wrestler? Let us know in the comments below.
Other pro wrestlers who died in 2024 include include Ole Anderson, Ice Train, Kevin Sullivan, Chris Markoff, Sid Vicious, Sika, Paul “Butcher” Vachon, and Virgil.
