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Pro wrestling’s Big Van Vader says he has 2 years to live
Original Publication Date: November 15, 2016 7:34PM
Publication Updated: April 27, 2025 6:34AM
Former pro wrestler and NFL lineman Big Van Vader has announced that doctors have told him he has just two years to live due to congestive heart failure.
Vader made the announcement on Twitter on Tuesday . He says his wrestling and football careers are to blame.
Vader, whose real name is Leon White, was an All-American at the University of Colorado before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1978. He took up wrestling after being forced into early retirement from football due to an injury.
He went on to win the championship belt in World Championship Wrestling and later grappled for World Wrestling Entertainment.
Vader was known in the ring for his catchphrase, “It’s Vader Time.”
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