Mike Rickard
Remembering Ernie "The Cat" Ladd
By Mike Rickard II
Mar 12, 2007, 16:53

Football star, wrestling pioneer, humanitarian; Ernie “The Cat” Ladd did it all with a style all his own and a determination that would help him find success no matter what he tried his hand at.

Born in 1938, the man who would earn the nickname “The Cat” achieved considerable success as a professional football during the 1960’s, playing defensive tackle for the American Football League’s San Diego Chargers through three championship games (including one championship win).  Like several of his colleagues, Ladd tried his hand at professional wrestling, pulling double duty as both a football player and a wrestler. 

While he was by no means the first African-American wrestling star; he was one of the first to wrestle as a heel.  Standing 6’9”; Ladd seemed the perfect size to play a monster heel (and he was) but it was unheard of at the time.  African American wrestlers faced tremendous prejudice during this time and the idea of an African-American wrestler playing a heel was thought to be too dangerous to try and pull of.  Nevertheless, Ernie Ladd played the role; both with flair and with considerable success.   He also distinguished himself from other African-American wrestlers by performing without playing a stereotype.

A true giant of professional wrestling, Ladd’s battles with Andre the Giant were legendary.  Ladd was a top draw wherever he worked, relying upon his athletic ability and incredible charisma to bring the fans in to see him wrestle.   Ladd often wrestled as a heel and he became notorious for his use of a taped thumb which he used to score many a controversial win.  When he wrestled as a babyface, it was inevitable that Ladd would turn on his partner; so much so that one wrestling magazine ran an article begging the fans not to trust Ladd because he would inevitably break their hearts.

Like most of his contemporaries, Ladd worked in just about every territory in North America.  He earned championships in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), Florida Championship Wrestling, Mid South Wrestling (MSW) and the National Wrestling Federation (NWF).  Ladd worked many programs in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) as well, tangling with top stars like Bob Backlund, Bruno Sammartino, and Pedro Morales over the WWWF Championship.

As his career began to wind down, Ladd worked behind the scenes as a booker for Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling (MSW).  According to former MSW announcer Jim Ross, Ladd was Watts’ right hand man during a time when MSW was seen as one of the best booked promotions anywhere in North America. 

After retiring from active competition, Ladd had a brief stint as an announcer in the WWF.  He also spent time in politics, campaigning for presidential candidate George W. Bush.  In addition to his work in politics, Ladd devoted himself to others in selfless acts such as when he helped evacuees from New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

Ladd’s accomplishments in the world of professional wrestling were recognized with inductions into the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Hall of Fame as well as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Hall of Fame.  In 2004, Ladd inducted the Junkyard Dog into the WWE Hall of Fame, giving an inspiring tribute to the late JYD.   Ladd was 68 years old when he died.

World Wrestling Insanity extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ladd.