WWE legend Big Van Vader told fans that he has less than two years to live.
WWE legend Big Van Vader has informed his fans that he has less than two years to live.
The 61-year-old wrestler tweeted the news to his 32,000 followers on Monday, revealing that doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure.
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"Told by two heart doctors that my heart is wore out," he wrote. "I have been given less than two years to live. I am only now allowing this as part of my reality."
Vader, whose real name is Leon White, added that all his years in football and wrestling contributed to his illness.
Prior to joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1990, Vader played two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams in 1978 and 1979. He won Super Bowl XIV with the team at the end of his second season, but was forced to retire due to a knee injury.
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After about five years in the WCW, Vader jumped over to the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment), where he became a star in the ring with his signature move, "the moonsault."
His 30-year-old son, Jesse White, is also a wrestler who performs under the name Jake Carter.