Ernie Ladd was born on November 28, 1938, in Louisiana. He grew up in Orange, Texas, where he showed athletic prowess from a young age. Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship, but it was his talent on the football field that would ultimately propel him to success.
After a successful college career, Ladd was drafted by both the San Diego Chargers in the AFL and the Chicago Bears in the NFL in 1961. He ultimately chose to play for the Chargers and went on to win an AFL Championship with the team in 1963. Ladd's imposing presence on the field earned him a spot in four AFL Pro-Bowls during his football career.
After retiring from football, Ladd found a new calling in professional wrestling. He quickly rose to fame as one of the sport's most notorious villains, known for his imposing size and ferocious in-ring persona. Ladd's natural charisma and athleticism made him a fan favorite, despite his villainous antics.
One of Ladd's most famous feuds was with wrestling legend Andre the Giant during his time in the World Wrestling Federation. The two behemoths clashed in epic battles that captivated audiences around the world.
Ernie Ladd was not only a talented athlete and entertainer, but also a trailblazer for racial equality in sports. In 1965, Ladd joined a group of AFL players in a walkout at the AFL All-Star Game to protest the racial discrimination faced by black players while staying in New Orleans. His activism helped to bring attention to the issue and paved the way for future generations of athletes.
Ladd's legacy lives on not only in the world of sports entertainment, but also in his family life. He was survived by his wife Roslyn and their four children, Ernie, Rodney, Reginald, and Erika.