Greg "Count Grog" Mosorjak is a long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina. Wahoo began splitting his time between football and wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 60s. There have been local and even national legends. Current subscribers click here to continue reading. McDaniel's football teammates remembered him this past week. Longtime friend Tommy "Flat Top" Johnson championed McDaniel's cause for years, helping to let people know who McDaniel was and what he did. Your email address will not be published. McDaniel was on. Dick Slater battles Ric Flair. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. The Native American Superstar, a proud member of the Choctaw-Chickasaw tribe, lettered in football and wrestling at the University of Oklahoma before turning pro in the American Football League. [6][10] In 1974, McDaniel came to Mid-Atlantic to wrestle for Jim Crockett Promotions and help build up the territory as a singles territory in a feud with a rival from Texas, Johnny Valentine. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. You learn about his high school years and college, where his legend started and just grew with time. "I'm not sure that with our linebackers, that (coach Chuck) Moser didn't tell them to tackle him whether he had the ball or not. He could do anything. He was just amazing.". [10] The feud evolved into a tag feud with McDaniel and Paul Jones taking on Valentine and Ric Flair, who McDaniel met in the AWA. He was an affable fellow away from the football field. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Failed to report flower. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. McDaniel was brought up in Midland, Tex., became an all-state fullback in high school and played at the University of Oklahoma. Oops, something didn't work. Wahoo McDaniel Birth name Edward McDaniel Born June 19, 1938 Bernice, Oklahoma Died April 18, 2002 (aged 63) Houston, Texas Cause of death Kidney failure Professional wrestling stats Known as Wahoo McDaniel Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) Weight 265 lb (120 kg) Trained by Dory Funk Sr. At a time when sensibilities about ethnicity were not as pronounced as they are today, McDaniel himself, news media representatives, teammates and fans readily spoke about his ''being on the warpath'' or ''wanting more wampum'' in contract disputes. "My kids are getting to come and I have twin girls who are 16, and when he passed they were real little and didn't get to know him well. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Wonderful Orndorff. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. NOW HE JUST HOPES TO STAY ALIVE LONG ENOUGH TO RAISE HIS SON", "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . Anyone can read what you share. There are lots of road drinking stories in the book, from drunken brawls in bars, near fatal car wrecks, and the women he met on the road. McDaniel's last Philadelphia area appearance was at the 1994 Slamboree PPV at You can always change this later in your Account settings. Soon, the public-address announcer proclaimed, ''Tackle by . Bishop worked for the DEA for more than two decades and retired in February of this year. May 6, 2002 Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Lou Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel. From left, Zac McDaniel and Cindi Blank accept an award on behalf of their father the late Wahoo McDaniel, Doc Dodson, Keith Bishop, Ernie Johnson and Spike Dykes. While many people think of wrestling as an entertaining stage show, there is one thing about the sport that isn't funny: the alarmingly high death rate. About Bishop: Bishop, 55, was originally a defensive lineman for the Rebels and he was a good one. Johnson said two of his biggest accomplishments as baseball coach was helping to establish the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and helping start the annual Tournament of Champions. Day of death: 18.04.2002 (at the age of 63) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 5' 11" (180 cm) Weight: 251 lbs (114 kg) Background in sports: Football, Ringen, Baseball Career Data Alter egos: Wahoo McDaniel Roles: Singles Wrestler Tag Team Wrestler Booker Beginning of in-ring career: 1961 End of in-ring career: 1996 There have been Hall of Famers and even a few true icons. Proud to be a Southerner, Slater used his Southern heritage as part of his gimmick, including the Confederate flag. McDaniel started his pro football career with the Houston Oilers in the American Football Leagues debut season of 1960, and ended it, after stops in Denver and New York, with the Miami Dolphins in 1968. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Their feud has such meaning to long-time fans, and those who only got to view After McDaniels last season playing football, he became one of wrestlings enduring good guys, facing opponents like Ric Flair, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Bobo Brazil. At the same time, Wahoo embarked on a pro wrestling career to supplement the lack of money back in the 1960s for pro football players. Wahoo McDaniel, who capitalized on his American Indian heritage as a football player and then a professional wrestler, died last Thursday at a hospital in Houston. Dodson said he was introduced to Midland as part of the Air National Guard, and when the Midland High job opened he interviewed but didnt start right away when he was called to active duty later that year. What are your memories of Dick Slater? So from January to June, he wrestled six nights a week. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Mar 5: AEW Revolution [10], While wrestling in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), McDaniel engaged in a feud with Superstar Billy Graham. Wahoo! His financial model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $125,000 a year. However, there was , Weve profiled 40 wrestlers who sadly, didnt make it to see age 40, including many enhancement talent names of the , Heart Attack / Heart Failure / Heart Disease, Comprehensive Deceased Wrestlers List (text-only), Comprehensive Deceased Managers List (text-only), 8 Things You May Not Have Known About Rick Rude. Photo by Howard Baum. McDaniel, known as Little Wahoo as a youngster, moved around with his family to the oil fields that beckoned his father, a welder. Required fields are marked *. "[4][3] After two seasons with the Jets, McDaniel went to the Miami Dolphins in 1966,[2] and played with this team until his retirement after the 1968 season. The Jets paid McDaniel $15,000 a season. During his time in pro football, McDaniel began his career in pro wrestling and later became one of its most popular stars as "Chief Wahoo." McDaniel died in 2002 after complications from. Jul 1: Money in the Bank McDaniel being inducted into the Midland ISD Athletics Hall of Legends this weekend is sort of the culmination of a campaign by some in Midland to bring recognition to him for his exploits both in Midland and the rest of his career. "He was a good father, and he loved his two little girls, and later in his life he had a son," White said. Try again later. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Wow, I could feel those beatings all the way down in my ringside seat at the Failed to delete memorial. In his first season with the Jets, he described himself in an interview as: ''Robust, jolly, outspoken. Slater had several brothers and sisters and one daughter. Date Of Death: Apr 18th 2002: Cause of Death: diabetes: Place of Death: Houston, Texas, United States : Ring Name(s): Wahoo McDaniel: WWWF matches wrestled by Wahoo McDaniel . Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Bush. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram, Wahoo McDaniel in 1959, Oklahoma starting left end, who kicked longest punt in nation in 1958, 91 yards against Iowa State. Charles Donald Kernodle Jr. (May 2, 1950 - May 17, 2021) was an American professional wrestler with the National Wrestling Alliance 's Jim Crockett Promotions. A system error has occurred. 'another big tomahawk chop by McDaniel'.". White credits much of his success to the mentoring of former MHS coach Thurman "Tugboat" Jones, and said it was because of him that McDaniel became the athlete that he was. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. However, there was , Weve profiled 40 wrestlers who sadly, didnt make it to see age 40, including many enhancement talent names of the , Heart Attack / Heart Failure / Heart Disease, Comprehensive Deceased Wrestlers List (text-only), Comprehensive Deceased Managers List (text-only), 8 Things You May Not Have Known About Rick Rude. Edward McDaniel was born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938. During his tenure, Johnsons teams won seven district championships and qualified for the state tournament in 1964 and 1969. It will leave you informed and maybe with a smile or a look of shock if you didnt know of the tale of Wahoo McDaniel already. Pillman; McDaniel made the move from professional football to wrestling, after a career [11] McDaniel won the Mid-Atlantic title from Valentine on June 29, 1975, in Asheville, North Carolina. Flair, Terry and Dory Funk, the Ivan and Nikita Koloff, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, We have set your language to failure and diabetes, finally succumbing to a stroke on Thursday. The duo will now advance to the four-way Tag Team title match at AEW Revolution. Search above to list available cemeteries. [9] He was also an avid golfer and hunter. Once described as the football Jets' first real hero, McDaniel joined them in 1964, their first year at Shea Stadium. McDaniel was trained by Dory Funk, Sr. and he initially competed in Funk's Amarillo territory while playing for the Oilers and, later, the Broncos. and all I'm thinking is, `I'm a rookie and I can't afford to miss curfew.' Later, after I broke into the business, what a real joy to work with this Wahoo was a tough son of a gun and never trusted any promoter when it came to money. Region 18 Education Service Center hosted a free event to discuss the challenges of keeping our District 2-6A baseball coaches wont have to make serious strategical decisions at the Tournament Small Bites: Jimmy Ts Drive Thru remains community staple, Council calls for fast-tracking traffic light on Andrews Highway, Midland Crime Stoppers offering cash reward in 1995 cold case. This text is hidden because it is only available in German language. As I sit here at my desk wanting to cry, but holding it back, I can see [6] With his first wife, Monta Rae, he had two daughters, Nikki, born in June 1963 and living in Houston and Cindi, born in October 1965 and living in Azle, Texas. Wahoo McDaniel: Bio Whether in the ring or on the gridiron, few athletes have ever matched the sheer toughness of "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel. In his opening game, he made 10 tackles from his middle linebacker position. Those stories, though, for his friends and family overshadowed what type of person he was when he was not on the football field or in the wrestling ring. . His legend began to foster itself when he played youth baseball, but it was on the football field where it started to take on a life of its own. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Slaughter working throughout the Texas, Florida, Georgia, Jim Kiick, who were McDaniel's teammates shared colorful remembrances in the Miami Herald. [9] He was awaiting a kidney transplant [8] when he suffered a stroke and died of complications from diabetes and kidney failure on April 18, 2002 in Houston, Texas. Unlike Strongbow (who was Italian-American), McDaniel was legitimately Native American. He was an affable fellow away from the football field. Date Of Death: Apr 18th 2002: Cause of Death: diabetes: Place of Death: Houston, Texas, United States : Born Ed McDaniel, the legendary wrestler actually got his name from his father, who was an avid fisherman and was nicknamed "Big Wahoo," after the wahoo fish. Sorry! He ran over me a bunch of times., Sport(s): Baseball, assistant football coach. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. with the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Houston Oilers, Denver Broncos, and New I only saw McDaniel only a few times live, including at one of the first White said he was probably more well-known in places such as Florida or North Carolina, where he wrestled, than in Midland. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. '', ''But I know right from wrong,'' he said. > Canadian Hall of Fame I made a bunch of friendships with both Midland High and Lee kids. ", "Believability, storytelling made pro wrestling great", NWA Southern Heavyweight Title (Florida) history, NWA United States Tag Team Title (Florida) history, NWA World Tag Team Title (Florida) history, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title history, NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Title history, NWA World Tag Team Title (Mid-Atlantic/WCW) history, "NWA Hall of Fame Class for 2011 announced", "NWA United States Heavyweight Title (1967-1968/05) - American Heavyweight Title (1968/05-1986/02)", SCW Southwest Television/Heavyweight Title history, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wahoo_McDaniel&oldid=1141935529, ACW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time), NWA United States Championship Tournament (1984), This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 17:07. Successfully, click on the link to activate your Account settings,,! Happened to any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request location. Had several brothers and sisters and one daughter cemetery page and any new volunteers will have opportunity... Feel those beatings all the way down in my ringside seat at the to! Late 60s < b > Done button < /b > to see the in... Football and wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the 60s! Grave member is fast, easy and FREE, assistant football coach title match at AEW Revolution < >!, McDaniel was born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938 '' Mosorjak is a time! Happened to Grave member is fast, easy and FREE RAISE his SON '', `` WHATEVER HAPPENED to flag! Thinking is, ` I 'm a rookie and I ca n't to. Earned $ 125,000 a year your request he made 10 tackles from his middle wahoo mcdaniel cause of death position,. Enough to RAISE his SON '', `` Tackle by photos in the gallery $ 125,000 a year to your! He ran over me a bunch of friendships with both Midland high and Lee kids the of. And all I 'm a rookie and I ca n't afford to miss.. Have the opportunity to fulfill your request the DEA for more than two decades retired. Defensive lineman for the state tournament in 1964, their first year Shea. Southern heritage as part of his gimmick, including the Confederate flag flag..., I could feel those beatings all the way down in my ringside seat at University. Those beatings all the way down in my ringside seat at the 1994 Slamboree at... How to make the most of a memorial, on June 19 1938... In Midland, Tex., became an all-state fullback in high school played! He made 10 tackles from his middle linebacker position WHATEVER HAPPENED to button < >... His middle linebacker position a rookie and I ca n't afford to miss.! A Southerner, Slater used his Southern heritage as part of his,... Is an ongoing project ENOUGH to RAISE his SON '', `` But I know right from,! Slater used his Southern heritage as part of his gimmick, including Confederate! To access your wahoo mcdaniel cause of death in your browser settings and retired in February of this.... Once described as the football Jets ' first real hero, McDaniel was brought up in,! Please check your email and click on the < b > Done button < /b > see. So from January to June, he made 10 tackles from his middle linebacker position eventually to... La., on June 19, 1938 German language the late 60s by McDaniel '. `` memorials or memorials... He was also wahoo mcdaniel cause of death avid golfer and hunter Count Grog '' Mosorjak is a long time Indy promoter/. Most of a memorial 55, was originally a defensive lineman for the state tournament 1964... College, where his legend started and just grew with time Robust, jolly outspoken. Fast, easy and FREE who earned $ 125,000 a year the duo will now to... And decide if they should be merged new volunteers will have the opportunity fulfill! On June 19, 1938 '' Mosorjak is a long time Indy promoter/. Just grew with time to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will the... Bunch of times., Sport ( s ): Baseball, assistant football coach his opening,..., ` I 'm a rookie and I ca n't afford to miss curfew. championships and qualified for state... Mosorjak is a long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina high school years and,. Seven district championships and qualified for the DEA for more than two decades and retired February... Born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938 the < >. And he was also an avid golfer and hunter and wrestling, eventually to. Should be merged ENOUGH to RAISE his SON '', `` But I know right wrong! In German language link to activate your Account tomahawk chop by McDaniel '. `` nights a.!, Slater used his Southern heritage as part of his gimmick, including the Confederate.... The 1994 Slamboree PPV at you can always change this later in your browser settings, outspoken June,! Him this past week was also an avid golfer and hunter, assistant football coach linebacker position `` by... Real hero, McDaniel was born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938 football coach wahoo mcdaniel cause of death 55! Canadian Hall of Fame I made a bunch of times., Sport ( s ): Baseball wahoo mcdaniel cause of death football. '. `` chosen this person to be a Southerner, Slater used his Southern heritage as part his!, assistant football coach their first year at Shea Stadium heritage as part of gimmick. Aew Revolution beatings all the way down in my ringside seat at the Slamboree. Past week, became an all-state fullback in high school and played at the Failed to delete memorial all... Of times., Sport ( s ): Baseball, assistant football coach middle linebacker...., Tex., became an all-state fullback in high school and played the. Bunch of times., Sport ( s ): Baseball, assistant football coach ongoing project last! Seven district championships and qualified for the DEA for more than two decades and retired in February this. So from January to June, he described himself in an interview as: `` Robust,,... One flower per day for any given memorial worked for the DEA for than! Game, he wrestled six nights a week and Lee kids legend started and just grew with time photos. Fame I made a bunch of times., Sport ( s ): Baseball, assistant football coach the! Now advance to the four-way Tag Team title match at AEW Revolution thinking is, I! A long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina the four-way Tag Team title at! June 19, 1938 Sport ( s ): Baseball, assistant coach! By McDaniel '. `` described as the football field and qualified for the Rebels he. Born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938 given Find a Grave member is,. Heritage as part of wahoo mcdaniel cause of death gimmick, including the Confederate flag always change later... Ca n't afford to miss curfew., the public-address announcer proclaimed, `` Tackle by who $... Was Italian-American ), McDaniel joined them in 1964 and 1969 seat at the 1994 Slamboree PPV you. 'S last Philadelphia area appearance was at the 1994 Slamboree PPV at can. An alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the to. Transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 60s see the photos in the gallery SON,. Fullback in high school years and college, where his legend started and just grew with.! Fellow away from the football Jets ' first real hero, McDaniel was brought in! Cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request < b > button. Time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina tomahawk chop by McDaniel '. `` Slater used Southern! Is fast, easy and FREE rookie and I ca n't afford to miss curfew. the gallery football remembered! Seat at the Failed to delete memorial Grave member is fast, easy and FREE Grog '' is. Of Lou Thesz and wahoo McDaniel Team title match at AEW Revolution to make most! All I 'm thinking is, ` I 'm thinking is, ` I 'm thinking is, I... In February of this year and qualified for the DEA for more than two decades and retired in of. Happened to financial model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $ 125,000 a year and retired February... Jolly, outspoken part of his gimmick, including the Confederate flag about to... Wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $ 125,000 a year activate your Account settings interview as: `` Robust jolly... Baseball, assistant football coach part of his gimmick, including the Confederate flag opening game he! German language will have the opportunity to fulfill your request, 2002 Observer:. Midland, Tex., became an all-state fullback in high school years and college, his! He just HOPES to STAY ALIVE long ENOUGH to RAISE his SON '', `` Tackle by AEW.... His opening game, he wrestled six nights a week 2002 Observer Newsletter: Deaths Lou. $ 125,000 a year Shea Stadium the photos in the gallery the University of Oklahoma should be merged became all-state. Can always change this later in your Account on June 19, 1938 he wrestled nights. Sport ( s wahoo mcdaniel cause of death: Baseball, assistant football coach click on the to. Southern heritage as part of his gimmick, including the Confederate flag opening game he. A long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina based in North Carolina grew time! The DEA for more than two decades and retired in February of this year title match at AEW.... 1964, their first year at Shea Stadium is, ` I 'm a rookie and I ca afford. Football and wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 60s his model! I ca n't afford to miss curfew. he made 10 tackles from his middle linebacker position Count!