Former CU football player makes Hall of Fame, but not one you’d expect

Former CU offensive lineman Leon White will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

But not the one you might think.

Better known by his wrestling name, Vader, White will enter the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously on April 1 in Dallas during WrestleMania week. White died in June of 2018 due to complications from pneumonia.

A massive human being, White was listed at 6-foot-5 and 450 pounds by the WWE. He was a pro wrestler for more than 30 years, wrestling in Japan and the United States. His resume includes winning the IWGP heavyweight championship in Japan and the WCW title belt three separate times in the 1990s. His popularity even crossed over into the mainstream when he played himself in a recurring guest role on the popular ’90s show “Boy Meets World.”

White played football at CU from 1973-1977, rotating between guard, tackle and center. He actually lettered at all three positions during his time with the Buffs. White was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1978 NFL Draft but did not have a long NFL career due to injuries.

He then made the very wise choice to pivot to wrestling, where now his amazing career will be properly recognized.

White was 63-years old when he passed in 2018.

Credit: CU Athletics

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