NFL great Bill Fralic passed away yesterday from cancer. Fralic was 56 years old.
Widely known as an All Pro offensive guard for the Atlanta Falcons, wrestling fans will always remember him for participating in the WrestleMania 2 Battle Royal. Fralic teamed with former NFL players William “The Refrigerator” Perry, Jimbo Covert, and Ernie Holmes in what was dubbed as the NFL vs WWF Battle Royal. Wrestling legends like Bruno Sammartino, Bret “Hitman” Hart, and the match’s inevitable winner Andre The Giant also competed. Fralic was one of the match’s most memorable and active stars.
Fralic, who also served as an Atlanta Falcons color commentator from 1995-1997, was vehemently against steroid use in the NFL and in May 1989 testified before Congress. Vice President Joe Biden was a senator at the time and called Fralic’s testimony, “Refreshing and believable.”
Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi issued the following statement about the former Panthers standout:
“Bill Fralic was not only an all-time player at the University of Pittsburgh, but also an all-time human being. His generosity, support and concern for others was unmatched. For as hulking a figure as he was, Billy was even larger in his kindness and passion for others. He leaves a wonderful legacy that goes well beyond football at Pitt, Penn Hills and all of Western Pennsylvania. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Susan, and all of his loved ones.”
WWE Hall of Famer & former NFL player Goldberg tweeted out the following:
Sad day….? RIP ….. Former All-Pro NFL OL Bill Fralic Dies at Age 56 – Bleacher Report https://t.co/lRR1PCJAsR
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) December 14, 2018
Readers may watch Fralic compete in the WrestleMania 2 Battle Royal below:
On behalf of the entire team here at WrestleZone, we would like to extend our sympathies and condolences to Fralic’s family, friends, and fans.
