Just to clarify Jack Kemp played for the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills. Ernie likely met him when Ernie himself played for the Chargers. This was back when neither playing pro football or being a wrestler payed a whole lot. So, there were football players who would wrestle during the off season to stay in shape, and make some grocery money.
Pro wrestlers were making a significant living, they were actually some of the top paid athletes professionally at that time effectively in the entire world
The Big Cat was my all-time favorite. He was a great athlete and genius entertainer. He is on my Mount Rushmore which includes him, Verne Gagne, Bruno Sammartino, Dick the Bruiser, and the (original) Sheik.
He is in the WWE HOF. NFL career probably wasn't long enough for him to be considered for the NFL HOF, even though he had a pretty impressive short run.
Ric wasnt racist, he had many black friends back then and even today. He literary invented Drip and his daugher married a Mexican and he loves Manny. Just because he didnt like one black dude dont mean he racist.
@@Epsilonsama Ernie Ladd broke in differently than Teddy Long who cleaned locker rooms to get in. Big Cat was a pro football player first. To compare him to Teddy Long who was an awesome manager by the way isn't he even the same thing. Flair has admitted he was a huge mark for Doom with Ron Simmons. I don't think Flair is racist.
Racists are cowardly, of course they would make sure to be friendly with guys like Ladd and Ron Simmons if they had to work with them compared to a guy like Teddy Long whose small and no threat.
@@EpsilonsamaHe may not have been a cold heart racist, but was definitely racially ignorant back the day, Teddy’s story isn’t the first I heard of him using racial epithets
I remember he would call Bruno Bruno Samartina. Ivon Puski was at home studying for his blood test. Funny,saw him in Baltimore. The man almost caused a riot!
Do yourself a favor and look up Ernie Ladd promos. He was amazing
I was a kid at the K.C. Mo. airport. Big Cat walked in filled the doorway.
Love the Big Cat he played for My Chiefs he's well loved around KC MO.
Should have rode w/ Harley Race,now he could drive..😅
85 MPH according to Ole Anderson 😂😂
Ladd was six-foot nine and well over three hundred pounds.😊 1:28
What's next Bo-Bo Brazil!?
The Big Cat. He could cut a promo & could put on a hell of a match.
Saw the Big Cat a couple time against Sammartino. Great Heal! wonder if that thumb injury ever healed? ...LOL
The Big Cat went to Grambling on a basketball scholarship before he even got into football. Hell of an athlete.
i cannot say enough about the Big Cat, Ernie Ladd. a true class act in life. i will Never for get meeting him, and how kind he was..RIP Champ.
Just to clarify Jack Kemp played for the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills. Ernie likely met him when Ernie himself played for the Chargers. This was back when neither playing pro football or being a wrestler payed a whole lot. So, there were football players who would wrestle during the off season to stay in shape, and make some grocery money.
Pro wrestlers were making a significant living, they were actually some of the top paid athletes professionally at that time effectively in the entire world
Ernie the cat lad was one of the all-time greats
The Big Cat was my all-time favorite. He was a great athlete and genius entertainer. He is on my Mount Rushmore which includes him, Verne Gagne, Bruno Sammartino, Dick the Bruiser, and the (original) Sheik.
Boy, that's an old school Mt Rushmore there. I might have to include Baron Von Rashke too,used to scare the piss outta me..
Fritz
I'm not gonna punk out the Natch, my all-time favorite, but let's get real. Ric Flair on Ernie Ladd? No. Let's hear about Ric Flair on Cheryl Ladd!
Watching The network I really do have a new found respect for Ernie Ladd.
6'9 Ernie "The Big Cat" Ladd did not want to drive a car !!!!
Me too Rick,me too,love me some Ernie Ladd.
Your Era; When WWF was Entertaining. Today... not so much. Rock On Rick, WHOOO!
Ernie Ladd should be in the NFL hall of fame and WWE HOF. Legend.
He is in the WWE HOF. NFL career probably wasn't long enough for him to be considered for the NFL HOF, even though he had a pretty impressive short run.
He is in the NFL hall
He needs to be in the College HoF for his 2 sports days at Grambling.
I smell whiskey in the ring, it must have been that drunken Indian!
One of my favorite heels growing up in the 70s 😢😂
I'm surprised that Flair liked Ernie since Teddy Long said that Ric was a racist.
Ric wasnt racist, he had many black friends back then and even today. He literary invented Drip and his daugher married a Mexican and he loves Manny. Just because he didnt like one black dude dont mean he racist.
@@Epsilonsama Nope he's a racist
@@Epsilonsama Ernie Ladd broke in differently than Teddy Long who cleaned locker rooms to get in. Big Cat was a pro football player first. To compare him to Teddy Long who was an awesome manager by the way isn't he even the same thing. Flair has admitted he was a huge mark for Doom with Ron Simmons. I don't think Flair is racist.
Racists are cowardly, of course they would make sure to be friendly with guys like Ladd and Ron Simmons if they had to work with them compared to a guy like Teddy Long whose small and no threat.
@@EpsilonsamaHe may not have been a cold heart racist, but was definitely racially ignorant back the day, Teddy’s story isn’t the first I heard of him using racial epithets
The big cat baby !
Teddy long is a liar
I know what you're referencing and what reason would he have to lie lmao
Hello 👋 Ric!
Best interview ever Big Cat taking about Strongbow. Priceless.
Damn Ric Flair has literally wrestled everybody
I remember he would call Bruno Bruno Samartina. Ivon Puski was at home studying for his blood test. Funny,saw him in Baltimore. The man almost caused a riot!
Loved 😍 big cat Ernie Ladd RIP Champ.
Great Video Ric Flair
"We never talk about Ernie Ladd, let's talk about him"... not even a two minute clip but Flair "loves me some Ernie".🙄🙄