Leon White, a former Colorado Buffaloes offensive lineman who became pro-wrestling star Big Van Vader, died Monday from complications due to pneumonia, his family announced. White was 63.
It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. pic.twitter.com/dP4CNaMuXa
Advertisement— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) June 20, 2018
Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time. pic.twitter.com/hJYjumvxjH
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) June 20, 2018
White, who attended CU from 1973 to 1977, had open heart surgery in March and battled a severe case of pneumonia since.
He lettered at three different positions on Colorado’s offensive line: guard (1973-75), tackle (1975-76) and center (1977), and is believed to be the only player in Big Eight history to have done so at all three O-line spots.
“Leon was such a unique personality,” said former teammate Dave Logan, who is now the voice of the Denver Broncos for KOA-Radio. “A good guy, and the kind of guy that once you became his friend, you were his friend forever. He was a real talented athlete, the only guy I can remember who was all-conference at all three positions. Just a really big, strong young athletically talented big man for a 270-pound lineman in the mid-70s. ”
White was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He played two seasons and was a member of the 1980 NFC championship team that lost to Pittsburgh, 31-19, in Super Bowl XIV. Knee injuries ended his football career and he turned to wrestling.
After beginning what would be a 30-plus year career as the “Baby Bull,” he would first become a star in the sport in Japan under the name of “Big Van Vader.”
“Leon White entertained (and intimidated) audiences all over the world with his size, strength, and agility,” Paul Levesque, WWE executive vice president of talent, live events and creative, said on Twitter. “Saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Billed at 6-foot-4 and 456 pounds, White mesmerized fans with his mix of power and acrobatics. His finishing move was a top-rope, back-flip splash dubbed the “Vadersault.”
Over his career, he became a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion in NJPW and a three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Members of the pro wrestling community headed to social media to share their respects:
Maaaaan…Vader was my guy as a child and was a sweetheart when he came down to FCW to help train us. I’m forever grateful for the conversations I was able to share with him. Condolences to Leon’s son, Jesse, and the rest of his family.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) June 20, 2018
RIP BIG MAN. 🖖#Vader pic.twitter.com/x55ovH1xAB
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) June 20, 2018
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family Of truly one of the greatest big men to step foot in the ring. Vader my friend May you R.I.P
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) June 20, 2018
Rest in Power Big man. A shame we never got to mix it up more. #VaderTime pic.twitter.com/mFIEUfY1xE
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) June 20, 2018
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Leon “Baby Bull” White aka “Big” Van Vader! My prayers of strength go out to his family at this time, I’m sorry for your loss. #RIPVADER
— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) June 20, 2018
Rest In Peace Vader🙏🏽 https://t.co/oEDRknKVoW
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) June 20, 2018
So sad to hear. He was one of the all-time greats. https://t.co/gYkvsuPaIJ
— #WWE2K24 (@WWEgames) June 20, 2018
Leon White entertained (and intimidated) audiences all over the world with his size, strength, and agility. Saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family at this time. #RIPVader pic.twitter.com/5jtryoSvpI
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 20, 2018
