Ernie Ladd Death – Colon Cancer 1938-2007 (Age 68) Believe it or not, Ernie Ladd could nearly stand toe to toe with Andre the Giant. At 6’9” and 300-plus pounds, Ladd cast a fearsome path wherever he walked. A gifted football player, Ladd easily transitioned into becoming a wrestler. Ladd portrayed a heel at a time when African-Americans faced prejudices for the color of their skin, let alone for whether they played a hero or villain. Outside the ring, Ladd served the community by reaching out to disadvantaged kids, warning them of the dangers of the streets, but also sharing them the possibility of success through perseverance and hard work. From Gridiron to Grappling Born in Louisiana and raised in Texas, Ernie Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship after excelling in high school at both football and basketball. Ernie Ladd enjoyed spectacular success in the American Football League
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