The professional wrestling icon and entertainer died in Clearwater, Fla., on Thursday morning.

Hulk Hogan was a larger-than-life personality who rose to great heights in sports entertainment and buoyed a successful career in the ring into an iconic one outside of it.

Hogan died after suffering a possible “cardiac arrest” at his home in Clearwater, Florida, TMZ Sports reported on Thursday. Emergency personnel reportedly rushed to his home and he was seen being carried out of it in an ambulance.

WWE released a statement later.

Hulk Hogan gets the crowd going at WrestleMania 21 at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 3, 2005. (Mike FANOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company wrote. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Clearwater Police Department released a statement.

“Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach,” the statement read. “The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

The news of Hogan’s death came weeks after he was alleged to be having a health crisis. However, his wife, Sky, denied those reports, saying he was “strong” and was recovering from surgeries.

Hulk Hogan is introduced during the Texas Longhorns versus the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Nov. 16, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” the post read. “Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.

“At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Hogan was set to join former pro wrestling executive Eric Bischoff in a new venture called Real American Freestyle. It was a fresh attempt at putting freestyle wrestling on the map. Hogan also dipped his toe into the political waters. He stumped for President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention and at a Madison Square Garden rally last year.

“We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit,” Real American Freestyle (RAF) CEO and co-founder Chad Bronstein said in a statement,.

“Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.

“From day one, he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him, something bigger than all of us. This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it.”

The superstar pro wrestler, whose real name was Terry Bollea, got his start in Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) in the late 1970s before he eventually joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. However, it wasn’t until his return to the WWF, now the WWE, when he really turned into the superstar that fans came to know.

Vince McMahon had purchased the WWF from his father and picked Hogan to be the main attraction for the company. He started to wrestle as a babyface when he saved Bob Backlund from an attack by the Wild Samoans. “Hulkamania” became the rage from there.

Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. (Al Dunlop/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Hogan demanded his followers to train, say their prayers and eat their vitamins. As his catchphrases and personality caught on, Hogan began one of his most famous feuds with Andre the Giant. The rivalry culminated in an epic match at WrestleMania III as Hogan, the champion, was going up against the so-called “undefeated” Giant.

Hogan was seen picking up the 520-pound behemoth and slamming him down on the ground. The move was dubbed “the bodyslam heard around the world” and became the calling card for WWE’s promotional events in the future.

He would continue with classic rivalries against Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Earthquake, Yokozuna and the Honky Tonk Man. As he left the WWF, Hogan would later rebrand himself and kick off another wild six years of him being on top of the wrestling world.

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) brought over WWF stars Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in a shrewd free agency move. The two branded themselves as The Outsiders and teased they were working together with a third man.

Nash and Hall took on Savage, Sting and Lex Luger at Bash at the Beach in 1996. Hogan came out toward the end of the match to a huge pop. Commentator Bobby “The Brain” Heenan famously wondered on the broadcast which side Hogan was on. Sure enough, Hogan delivered a leg drop onto Savage and changed the pro wrestling world forever.

Hogan’s new faction would be dubbed the New World Order, and the storyline would allow WCW to control the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks.

Hulk Hogan rips his shirt on RAW at Intuit Dome on Jan. 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (WWE/Getty Images)

Hogan would later return to WWE after the company bought WCW for another run and had a dream match against The Rock. He had a four-year run with Total Nonstop Action wrestling and would make sporadic appearances in WWE after that.

He was a six-time WWE champion, won the Royal Rumble twice and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual in 2005 and as a member of the NWO in 2020. He was also a six-time world heavyweight champion in WCW as well as the IWGP champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling once.

He left an indelible legacy on pro wrestling.

He is survived by his two children, Nick and Brooke, who he had with his first wife, Linda Claridge, and his current wife, Sky Daily. source

 

The WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., is the world’s largest professional wrestling promoter and a global media entertainment company. The company has two flagship television programs: Smackdown, which airs every Friday on Fox, and Monday Night Raw on the USA Network. The WWE also produces films and licenses its brand for video games and action figures. Every year, Wrestlemania and Summer Slam are the largest pay-per-view events for the WWE. The company’s content is available in over 1 billion homes and brings over a billion in revenue annually. The headquarters for the WWE is located in Stamford, Connecticut, and it employs more than 800 people

Founded in 1953 under Capital Wrestling Corporation, the company was acquired by Titan Sports Inc and changed its name to the World Wrestling Federation and later to its current brand in 2002. WWE’s founder Vince McMahon holds a majority stake in the company at 36% and was its CEO from 1982 until his resignation in 2022. The company has affiliate offices worldwide in Los Angeles, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munch, and New York City. During McMahon’s leadership, the company became a global entertainment and media group.

All wrestling content produced by the WWE is pre-staged performances that feature storylines, scripts, and pre-planned matches. Regardless, performers have still been seriously injured and even died in the ring. McMahon was forced to publicly acknowledge the staged aspects of its wrestling content in 1989. Officially, the company is branded as sports entertainment while having aspects of dramatized acting and wrestling. The WWE’s most well-known performers include the Undertaker, John Cena, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Ric Flair.

McMahon resigned as the CEO in 2022 due to a company investigation into alleged misconduct. He was replaced by his daughter Stephanie McMahon, who serves as Co-CEO and chairwoman. source

---

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old, TMZ Sports has learned.

Medics were dispatched to the WWE icon’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning … with operators stating it was regarding a “cardiac arrest.”

A video of the scene outside Hogan’s residence shows responders desperately trying to save his life as he was transported to an ambulance.

In the clip, several paramedics appear to be conducting chest compressions as Hogan is wheeled to the emergency vehicle.

Pinellas County Fire and EMS

Cops tell us officials responded to the call at 9:51 AM … and Hogan was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital.

Getty

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside said Hulk died at 11:17 AM … before adding, there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.”

Green Pearl Photography

Just a few weeks ago, Hogan’s wife, Sky, whom he married in September 2023, denied rumors he was in a coma … stating his heart was “strong” as he recovered from surgeries.

Getty/TMZ.com

We broke the story last month — there were rumblings Hogan was on his “deathbed” … but we were told at the time he was just dealing with the symptoms of a neck procedure he underwent in May.

Getty

Hulk, born Terry Gene Bollea, transformed professional wrestling into a family entertainment sport. Before Hulk, wrestling catered to a fairly narrow audience. Hulk’s theatrics in the ring were magnetic for children and their parents, and it supercharged the sport.

Hogan kickstarted a pop culture phenomenon with “Hulkamania” after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984 — a craze that never went away, and his signature bandana and handlebar mustache were often copied by fans in crowds for decades.

Getty

In 1996, Hulk transformed himself from hero to villain … he created the NWO — New World Order — and became Hollywood Hulk Hogan. It propelled him and professional wrestling to even more fame.

Hogan had countless iconic performances … including a matchup against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 and a face-off with Andre the Giant at WM 3 — and had memorable feuds with Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.

Getty

Hulk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was removed in 2015 after a scandal erupted over racist comments while he was being secretly recorded during a sexual encounter. Gawker posted the clip and Hulk subsequently sued, winning the lawsuit.

Play video content

TMZ.com

Hulk was inducted a second time in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 … this time as a member of NWO.

Getty

WWE released a statement on Hogan’s death … saying, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Play video contentJULY 2024

Hulk was the star of the 2024 Republican National Convention, when he set the room ablaze with theatrics.

Hulk had an amazingly successful movie career, beginning in 1982, with “Rocky III,” playing the iconic character Thunderlips. He also starred in “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando” and “Mr. Nanny.”

And there’s more … Hogan starred in the hit VH1 reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” with his family … Linda, Nick and Brooke.

Play video content

Fox News

What’s amazing about Hulk … he had scores of surgeries as a result of wrestling injuries. He told Harvey during a taping of “Object-ified” he had no original body parts left.

Play video contentMAY 2025

TMZSports.com

The last time we spoke with Hulk was back in May … as he was launching Real American Freestyle … an amateur wrestling league. The first event is August 30 on Fox Nation.

RIP

Dick Butkus, a Hall of Famer who was among the greatest, most respected and most feared players in NFL history and also had a long acting career in TV, film and commercials, died overnight in his sleep at his Malibu home. He was 80.

His family confirmed the news on social media.

After back-to-back All-America seasons at the University of Illinois, Butkus was picked No. 3 overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. A fearsome force on the field and rather gentle giant off of it, he spent his entire injury-shortened nine-season career with the club, redefining the linebacker position in the process.

Active from 1965-73, Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and ’70s and was selected for the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. A six-time All-NFL selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 after retiring with 1,020 career tackles, 22 interceptions and 25 fumble recoveries.

He also was a color analyst for Bears radio and appeared on CBS‘ pregame show The NFL Today in the late 1980s.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago’s son,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. “He exuded what our great city is about and, not conicidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership. He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates. … His contributions to the game he loved will live forever.”

Butkus later coached the Chicago Enforcers of the original XFL in 2001.

“There’s only one thing I’ve ever wanted to do: Play pro football,” he told the Hall of Fame. “Everyone seems to be made for something, and I’ve always felt that playing football was the thing I was supposed to do. I love the game.”

Butkus was also active in philanthropy, with the NFL’s Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honoring achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. He also spearheaded the “I Play Clean” campaign that helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

https://youtu.be/7-AJNnXVqiU?si=vPNHsqlwJmOG0DKf

Born on December 9, 1942, in the Windy City, Butkus also has a long career onscreen that began during his playing days. He played himself in the memorable, multi-Emmy-winning 1971 telefilm Brian’s Song and later began to land guest spots on such TV series as McMillan & Wife, Police Story and Emergency!

By the mid-1970s, Butkus was appearing alongside other athletes and in several popular and enduring Miller Lite TV commercials — watch one of most famous ones below. With his hulking frame and winning smile, he continued to land roles through the 1970s and beyond on such popular TV shows as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Taxi, Vega$, Magnum P.I., MacGyver, Simon & Simon, Matlock, Growing Pains, Kate & Allie and The Love Boat.

Butkus would landed a second series-regular role in 1987 on the NBC sitcom My Two Dads, playing an ex-football player who ran a restaurant in the building where leads Paul Reiser and Greg Evigan lived. The show made the primetime Top 20 in its 1987-88 rookie year, and he stayed with the series for its first two seasons.

Butkus went on to co-star in the ’90s NBC Saturday morning series Hang Time, starting with its fourth season in 1998. Playing the coach of a high school basketball team, he appeared in more than 50 episodes over its final two seasons, wrapping in 2000.

He also played himself in episodes of the 2000s series The Bernie Mac Show, Inside Schwartz and I Didn’t Do It.

In 2005 he was featured in the ESPN docuseries Bound for Glory, coaching a losing high school football team in suburban Pittsburgh.

Butkus also made several big-screen appearances, including Disney’s 1976 football romp Gus; opposite Bill Cosby, Raquel Welch and Harvey Keitel that same year in Mother, Jugs & Speed; with Michael Keaton in Johnny Dangerously (1984); Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990); and Oliver Stone’s 1999 pro football movie Any Given Sunday.

Charming and outgoing, Butkus also appeared on talk shows, game shows, pro wrestling events, celebrity roasts and myriad football-themed documentaries. He also was referenced often in Saturday Night Live‘spopular “Da Bears” sketches of the early 1990s.

Butkus is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 60 years, Helen; and their family. source

How did Prichard Colon get hurt? Explaining the illegal move that gave the boxer brain injury

Rabbit punches caused Prichard Colon to get hurt and end his boxing career.

‘Digget’ has been back in the spotlight, as he’s closing in on eight years out of the ring. Famously, the super welterweight prospect entered a 2015 fight with Terrel Williams as an undefeated boxer with a lot of hope.

Sadly, that night in October 2015 wound up being the final fight of Colon’s boxing career. In that fight against Williams, he was repeatedly struck in the back of the head with ‘rabbit punches’. The term began being used well over a century ago, as hunters used to kill the animal with a small hit to the back of the head.

Obviously, humans are much larger animals than rabbits. Still, punches to the back of the head are incredibly dangerous and can kill a person.

Despite this, Terrel Williams landed several punches to the back of Prichard Colon’s head. Despite complaining to the referee about the illegal shots, the official instructed the Puerto Rican boxer to “take care of it” himself.

Sadly, due to the illegal strikes, Colon nearly lost his life. He was disqualified after round nine after his corner removed his gloves after he complained of dizziness. Following the bout, he would head backstage with his mother. There, he began puking in the dressing room and was quickly rushed to the hospital.

The boxer was incredibly lucky to not lose his life eight years ago. However, he wound up spending nearly a year in a coma, and he’s been recovering ever since.

Rabbit Punches: How is Prichard Colon recovering after the illegal blows?

Due to the illegal rabbit punches that he suffered, Prichard Colon has never been the same.

Deontay Wilder famously said following a knockout win over Robert Helenius last Fall, that fans have to remember the story of ‘Digget’. Lost in all the glitz and glamour of professional boxing is that these are real human beings underneath it all.

BOXING BATTLE 

Prichard Colon health update as his mum shares heartwarming video of former boxer dancing with family

PRICHARD COLON’S mother Nieves shared an update on his health as she posted a heartwarming video of the former boxer dancing with his family.

Just last month she shared footage of the ex-fighter celebrating his 31st birthday.

Nieves presented him with a cupcake and a candle before he was spotted smiling after receiving a birthday cake.

Colon also received a signed boxing glove from rapper Daddy Yankee.

Now fans were glad to see the tragic star in high spirits once again after his mum provided a fresh update.

Wearing a vest and red hat, Nieves grabbed the hands of her son and danced with him as the tunes blasted out in the background.

The Puerto Rican fighter suffered a bleed on the brain back in 2015 following his fight with Terrel Williams.

Colon was subjected to repeated blows to the back of his head during the bout, which caused part of his skull to collapse.

The boxer managed to leave the ring on his own but became dizzy and nauseous in the dressing room.

Colon went into a coma for 221 days and has since been looked after at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Orange Park, Florida. source

Here is PRICHARD COLON’S INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/prichardcolon

Did Terrel Williams ever apologize to Prichard Colon? Brain-injured boxer’s opponent’s reaction to the tragic incident

The gut-wrenching story of Prichard Colon is among the most tragic tales in boxing history. The American-born Puerto Rican suffered a career-ending head injury during his ill-fated bout against Terrel Williams in October 2015, which left him in a persistent vegetative state.

Sergio Brown a 7-year NFL veteran; homicide investigation launched

A former NFL player is missing and his mother is dead as police in Illinois launched an investigation over the weekend into the mysterious circumstances.

Family members of Sergio Brown and his mother, Myrtle, contacted authorities on Saturday to say they couldn’t find or make contact with either person, Maywood police said. A missing persons search was started and 73-year-old Myrtle Brown was found dead in a creek near her home, according to FOX 59.

Authorities were investigating Myrtle Brown’s death as a homicide.

Sheila Simmons, the sister of Myrtle Brown, told WGN-TV that she last talked to her on Sept. 14 and that the woman just celebrated her birthday on Sept. 8. Simmons said she received a phone call around 3 a.m. local time that her sister and nephew were missing.

“We’re going to find out what happened because it’s not normal for my sister to not answer her phone, not to respond to text messages. People have been reaching out to her since Friday. No one was able to reach her,” Simmons told the station. “Now, I got the call this morning saying that she’s missing, so immediately I came out here and find out my sister is dead.”

Simmons added that she went back to the home in Maywood and noticed things were out of place.

Family members told WGN-TV they hadn’t heard from Sergio Brown.

Sergio Brown, a former Notre Dame football standout and Maywood native, signed with the New England Patriots in 2010 as an undrafted free agent.He played seven seasons in the NFL with the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. He last played in the league in 2016. source

‘A lovely lady’: Maywood mother found dead from assault as her ex-NFL player son remains missing

Maywood neighbors say former NFL player Sergio Brown lived with his mother, Myrtle Brown

MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) — Neighbors of Myrtle Brown spoke highly of the woman who was a longtime resident of Maywood.

“Just a lovely lady. Very soft spoken, outgoing. Always on the go,” said neighbor Kevin Grayer. “Just a happy person. Her personality was just wonderful.”

Now, there’s shock after Maywood police said Myrtle died from injuries related to an assault, and her son, Sergio Brown, is missing.

Police said family members told them on Saturday that they couldn’t locate Sergio or his mother.

After a search, the body of 73-year old Myrtle was found near a creek behind her home.

Sergio, 35, is a former safety in the NFL, playing for seven seasons with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. Residents said he lived with his mother, and would often take walks in the neighborhood.

Police have not said if he is a person of interest.

“I would always see him walk around and everything. I would say ‘hi’ to him, and he would wave at me and stuff like that. Seemed like a nice guy,” said neighbor Miguel Lopez.

Neighbors said Myrtle was a sharp dresser who loved to go dancing and was well known in the stepping community.

“She didn’t deserve that. She was too good of a person to die like that. That’s just sad,” Grayer said.

Police are still searching for Sergio, and asked anyone with information to call Maywood Police Investigations’ Dennis Diaz at 708-368-4131 or the Maywood Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 708-450-1787.

source

Williams scored 26 touchdowns in 63 NFL games

Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams reportedly died Tuesday at the age of 36.

Spectrum News in Buffalo reports that Williams was working at a construction site when he suffered injuries in an accident.

Williams, a Buffalo native, attended Syracuse University, and as a true freshman in 2006, he led the team with 461 receiving yards. He was an all-Big East selection the following season, but was suspended for the 2008 season for academic reasons.

In seven games in 2009, he caught 49 balls for 746 yards and seven touchdowns but quit the team due to a possible suspension after he violated team rules following a car accident.

Nonetheless, he was still a fourth-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft, and he impressed quickly.

In his rookie season, he led the team with 964 receiving yards, and his 65 receptions were one shy of tying the team lead. He also scored 11 times, the most on the team, and his impressive campaign was good for a second-place honor for Offensive Rookie of the Year behind St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams is seen during the game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 19, 2010. (Getty Images)

The Bucs signed him to an extension worth close to $40 million before the 2013 campaign, but he played in just six games that year and was then traded to his hometown Buffalo Bills, where he spent one season.

In 2015, Williams was supposed to be suspended for the first six games of the season, but he remained a free agent throughout the year.

Williams’ 20 touchdowns at Syracuse are tied for the second-most in school history, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.

Mike Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with a catch against Thomas DeCoud of the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 5, 2010. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

In his professional career, he totaled 223 receptions for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.

source

JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. — A Greenfield woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 in Jackson County.

Indiana State Police reported that 24-year-old Ashlea Albertson was killed shortly after a white 2018 GMC Terrain she was riding in collided with a black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. According to her Facebook page, Albertson was a professional driver and racer and was scheduled to race on Saturday in Shelby County.

The Terrain, which was driven by 31-year-old Jacob Kelly of Indianapolis, was traveling northbound on I-65 near mile marker 48 before it crashed at approximately 11:30 a.m. Friday. State police’s initial investigation into the incident indicates the crash likely started when the Terrain and Malibu attempted to pass each other at the same time.

Bystander video obtained by state police showed the Terrain and Malibu both began to accelerate as they both traveled northbound in the left and right lanes, respectively. The Malibu, which was piloted by 22-year-old Austin Cooper of Austin, Indiana, eventually attempted to change lanes in front of the Kelly’s Terrain.

After Cooper began to change lanes, Kelly lost control of his vehicle and spun. The two vehicles collided and Kelly’s vehicle rolled. The crash ejected Albertson from the Terrain, and Cooper’s car came to rest in a nearby field.

Kelly and Albertson were airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. Albertson was pronounced dead upon her arrival at the hospital. Kelly is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Cooper and a juvenile passenger in the Malibu were taken to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana, with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cooper and Kelly have both submitted blood tests. Toxicology results have yet to be released.

The crash closed the northbound lanes of I-65 for three hours. State police’s investigation into the crash is ongoing. source

‘She was a good kid’: Ashlea Albertson, Tony Stewart’s teammate, dies at 24

In an exclusive interview with News Nation, Billy Busch, a scion of the Busch family that founded Anheuser-Busch, has voiced strong criticism against the brewery’s recent marketing partnership with a transgender influencer and offered to buy back the Bud brands family from AB InBev. The partnership, which aimed to promote Bud Light, has allegedly led to a decline in sales, raising concerns within the company’s leadership.

Billy Busch, who hails from the family that famously sold Anheuser-Busch to InBev for a staggering USD 52 billion in 2008, spoke candidly about his reservations regarding the marketing strategy. In his interview on Wednesday, Busch aimed his comments at Brendan Whitworth, the CEO of Anheuser-Busch in the United States.

The scion raised doubts about the compatibility of the partnership with the brand’s core audience. He expressed, “I understand that the Bud Light drinker is your blue-collar, mainly your blue-collar, hard-working American who really doesn’t want that kind of message pushed down their throat.” Busch’s remarks suggest that the messaging of the partnership might have alienated Bud Light’s traditional consumer base.

Billy Busch, aged 62, holds a significant family legacy within the brewing industry. He is the son of Augustus ‘Gussie’ Busch Jr., who served as Anheuser-Busch chairman from 1946 to 1975. Moreover, his great-grandfather Adolphus Busch is credited with founding the iconic brewery.

The heir, who claims that beer is “in his blood,” established his own brewing enterprise in 2011. Under the banner of William K. Busch Brewing Co., he produced beers named Kraftig and Kraftig Light. Regrettably, Billy Busch failed with his attempt to replicate the famous family’s success, and in 2019, only eight years after the foundation, the company said to cease operations.

The scion revealed his attempts to engage now with AB InBev regarding the possibility of buying back the brands from the St. Louis brewery, though he lamented that he has yet to receive any response from the multinational parent company. “I would be willing to buy back the brands,” Busch shared, highlighting his continued interest in the family’s brewing heritage.

As the news broke, Anheuser-Busch remained silent, with a spokesperson declining to provide immediate comment when contacted by DailyMail.com on Thursday morning.

Notably, AB InBev recently reported a 10.5 percent drop in U.S. revenue during the second quarter of the year, spanning from April to June.

The decline followed the launch of the controversial marketing partnership for Bud Light with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney which triggered a backlash among conservatives and led to calls for a boycott of the popular beer.  As a result of the promotion and boycott calls, sales of Bud Light dramatically plummeted, leading to Bud Light, the best-selling beer in the United States, being dethroned from the top spot by Modelo Especial for the first time in 22 years.

Despite these concerns, the company expressed optimism that its U.S. market share has stabilized.

The clash between a brewing dynasty scion’s critique and the company’s modern marketing efforts raises questions about balancing tradition and innovation in the beverage industry. As the debate continues, industry observers are keenly watching the developments to gauge the impact on both Anheuser-Busch and the wider market. source

Haggans sacked Matt Hasselbeck in Super Bowl XL

Clark Haggans, a veteran NFL linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died, according to Audacy 93.7 The Fan’s Colin Dunlap. He was 46.

No cause of death was given. Dunlap announced the former NFL player’s death on Twitter.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by linebacker Clark Haggans of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field on Feb. 5, 2006, in Detroit. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

“Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has died,” Dunlap wrote. “He was 46. Haggans played for the Steelers from 2000-07, was a 2000 5th round pick of the organization and member of the Super Bowl XL championship team.”

Tributes poured in on social media for Haggans.

The Steelers selected Haggans out of Colorado State. He still holds the all-time sack record for the Rams’ football program with 33 and was inducted into the Colorado State University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Linebacker Clark Haggans of the Steelers during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field on Dec. 16, 2007, in Pittsburgh. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

He was with the Steelers during their run to Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks. He had 18 tackles in the playoffs that season, including five in the Super Bowl, along with a sack of Matt Hasselbeck.

Haggans played for the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers before he called it a career.

In 2012, he became the first player to support the Black Out Child Abuse campaign, which brought awareness to child abuse through sports. He wore blackout paint on his face for the cause.

He finished his NFL career with 520 tackles, 46.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles.

Linebacker Clark Haggans of the Cardinals runs onto the field before the Washington Redskins game on Sept. 2, 2010, in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Haggans had two children. source

Jim Brown, the NFL Hall of Famer and Civil Rights activist who turned to acting and appeared in films and TV shows ranging from The Dirty Dozen and I Spy to Draft Day, Mars Attacks! and The A-Team, died Thursday night in Los Angeles. His wife, Monique Brown, said in an Instagram post that he died peacefully, but she did not provide a cause.

Brown is considered among the greatest football players of all time. Drafted sixth overall in 1957 by the Cleveland Browns out of Syracuse University, his bruising running style redefined the running back position. As a rookie, he ran for 237 yards in a game against the Los Angeles Rams — a record that would stand until the 1970s.

Among his myriad NFL records and milestones, he was the first to top 100 career rushing touchdowns and set single-season and career rushing marks — all amid 12- or 14-game seasons. A three-time MVP, he also was Rookie of the Year, an eight-time All-Pro and eight-time rushing leader, retiring with a slew of records. His Browns won the NFL championship in 1964, three years before the first Super Bowl.

The team, with which he spent his entire nine-year NFL career, tweeted a tribute this morning:

Brown still was playing football when he made his big-screen debut in the 1964 Richard Boone-led western Rio Conchos. After his NFL retirement, he appeared in an episode of the Bill Cosby-Robert Culp action series I Spy in 1967, and he had a key role that same in the star-packed World War II action-adventure pic The Dirty Dozen.

Directed by Robert Aldrich, it followed the story of a rebellious U.S. Army Major (Lee Marvin) who is assigned a dozen convicted murderers to train and lead them into a mass assassination mission of German officers. Its ensemble cast also includes Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, George Kennedy, Telly Savalas, Trini Lopez and Donald Sutherland.

That role – in which he died heroically after wiping out numerous Nazis — was followed by, among others, Ice Station Zebra in 1968. Other film roles would include Slaughter, Keenan Ivory Wayans’ I’m Gonna Git You Sucka and Oliver stone’s Any Given Sunday. On TV, he had roles on such popular series as CHiPs, Knight Rider, T.J. Hooker, The A-Team and Arli$$, among many others.

Among his myriad NFL records and milestones, he was the first to top 100 career rushing touchdowns and set single-season and career rushing marks — all amid 12- or 14-game seasons. A three-time MVP, he also was Rookie of the Year, an eight-time All-Pro and eight-time rushing leader, retiring with a slew of records. His Browns won the NFL championship in 1964, three years before the first Super Bowl.

The team, with which he spent his entire nine-year NFL career, tweeted a tribute this morning:

Brown still was playing football when he made his big-screen debut in the 1964 Richard Boone-led western Rio Conchos. After his NFL retirement, he appeared in an episode of the Bill Cosby-Robert Culp action series I Spy in 1967, and he had a key role that same in the star-packed World War II action-adventure pic The Dirty Dozen.

Directed by Robert Aldrich, it followed the story of a rebellious U.S. Army Major (Lee Marvin) who is assigned a dozen convicted murderers to train and lead them into a mass assassination mission of German officers. Its ensemble cast also includes Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, George Kennedy, Telly Savalas, Trini Lopez and Donald Sutherland.

That role – in which he died heroically after wiping out numerous Nazis — was followed by, among others, Ice Station Zebra in 1968. Other film roles would include Slaughter, Keenan Ivory Wayans’ I’m Gonna Git You Sucka and Oliver stone’s Any Given Sunday. On TV, he had roles on such popular series as CHiPs, Knight Rider, T.J. Hooker, The A-Team and Arli$$, among many others. source

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LVII. (Matt Slocum/AP)

For the second time in four years, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions.

The Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left to all but cinch the victory.

Mahomes, who threw for three touchdowns and 182 yards, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. He was also named the league’s MVP on Thursday.

Check out some of the best images from the game with our Super Bowl photo gallery.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is dunked with Gatorade after winning the Super Bowl LVII. (Matt Slocum/AP)

Deon Bush, left, and Joshua Williams celebrate. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts walks off the field as confetti rains down. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

Mahomes fakes a pass during the third quarter. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore celebrates his touchdown. (Ashley Landis/AP)

Hurts scores a 2-point conversion during the second half. (Abbie Parr/AP)

Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles reaches for a catch. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Matt Meyer, Maureen Chowdhury and Mike Hayes,

SUPER BOWL 2023: VIRAL MOMENTS FROM CHIEFS VS. EAGLES

Here were all the moments going viral on social media, from celebrations to celebrities to … Super Bowl babies?!?

FOURTH QUARTER

Andy Reid dials up touchdown to give Chiefs 28-27 lead

The legendary head coach once again schemes up a red zone play give the Chiefs their first lead of the game.

The Chiefs know how big that score was

Trending: WHAT. A. GAME.

After a record-setting punt return by Kadarius Toney to set up another brilliant Andy Reid play call for a Skyy Moore touchdown to put the Chiefs up by eight, Jalen Hurts marched the Eagles right down the field, bringing the Eagles within two on his third rushing touchdown then running the ball back into the end zone for a two-point conversion.

The moment the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII

THIRD QUARTER

Mecole Hardman rooting for his Chiefs from afar

The Kansas City wide receiver, who is on injured reserve and who tweeted Sunday morning that his girlfriend went into labor with their child, is still extremely invested in his Chiefs as they look to stage a Super Bowl comeback without him.

Paul Rudd, Gordon Ramsay, Jay-Z among Super Bowl celebs

Patrick Mahomes opens second half with touchdown drive despite injured ankle 

Isiah Pacheco trolls Eagles with Lil Uzi Vert celebration after TD

The Eagles have been rocking and dancing to Philadelphia rapper Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock” all season, so the Chiefs running back decided to do the same thing when he found the end zone to make it a one-score game.

Officials uphold Dallas Goedert catch after Chiefs challenge

Nick Bolton balling out as Chiefs force field goal

27-21 Eagles thanks in large part to the Chiefs linebacker who nearly had his second defensive touchdown of the game before his forced fumble was changed to an incomplete pass on the replay review.

SECOND QUARTER

Jalen Hurts DEEP to A.J. Brown to put the Eagles back on top!

Brown’s adjustment on a deep ball from Hurts for a 45-yard touchdown pass to open the second quarter had the NFL world in awe.

Damar Hamlin meets LeBron James… and another king makes an appearance!

HUGE game-tying scoop and score has NFL Twitter stunned!

Hurts strikes right back to put the Eagles up again

Chris Jones not thrilled with Chiefs defense

Serena Williams, Katy Perry, Shakira excited for Rihanna’s halftime show

Did DeVonta Smith catch it?

The referees eventually ruled Smith’s play on a deep pass from Hurts incomplete following replay. The Eagles settled for a field goal and took a 24-14 lead into halftime.

FIRST QUARTER

Hurts, Nick Sirianni celebrate the opening score

Eagles clinical on opening drive, Twitter reacts

The Eagles marched down the field on the game’s opening drive, which ended in a touchdown run for Jalen Hurts off a quarterback sneak. Here’s a sampling of how social media reacted.

Chiefs strike right back!

Travis Kelce stanky leg touchdown dance… while Jason has a snack

Super Bowl doink off the uprights!

Harrison Butker‘s missed kick clanged off the goalpost to keep the game tied.

Brittney Griner rooting for the Eagles!

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who spent several months jailed in Russia before getting freed in a prisoner exchange, was in attendance to root on the Eagles. Two other Super Bowl special guests, Damar Hamlin and Donna Kelce, took seats next to each other.

PREGAME

Incredible anthems from Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Stapleton

First, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph led a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.

Then, R&B singer Babyface performed “America The Beautiful”.

And lastly, country music star Chris Stapleton lent his voice to “Star Spangled Banner” that had Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emotional.

The end of the anthem also featured a history-making flyover.

Hurts gets the Philly crowd HYPED

Super Bowl babies for the Chiefs!

While Jason Kelce‘s wife Kylie is taking precautions in case she goes into labor during the game, we already have Super Bowl babies on our hands. Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti‘s wife reportedly gave birth to twins early Sunday morning.

There might be more super babies coming for the Chiefs. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who is on injured reserve and will not play Sunday, tweeted that his pregnant girlfriend Chariah Gordon has gone into labor.

LeBron James, Bradley Cooper among celebrities in attendance

Damar Hamlin at the Super Bowl

The Bills safety continued his amazing recovery by showing up for a pregame dance with childhood friend Miles Sanders at the Super Bowl. He also sat down with Michael Strahan for an exclusive interview.

Hamlin and the first responders from the Bills, University of Cincinnati Health and elsewhere that helped treat Hamlin after he suffered cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.

Donna Kelce talks newfound fame with Erin Andrews

“[My sons] have been doing it for 10 years, so I figured I can do it for two weeks!” Jason and Travis’s mother said. She said she gave both of her sons a handwritten note along with cookies on Monday.

Eagles’ bus got stuck in traffic on way to the stadium…

…but the Eagles are in the building and showing off their fits!

The Chiefs have arrived for the Super Bowl!

Newly crowned 2022 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes is in the building, as well as JuJu Smith-Schuster — in a kilt?!?

What goes into a Super Bowl outfit?

Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson take a deep dive into who goes into the players’ pregame fashion statements.

Dawn Staley rocking Eagles gear!

The legendary South Carolina women’s basketball coach and diehard Eagles fan paced the sidelines in a Randall Cunningham jersey Sunday.

Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen have come a long way

The FOX Sports Super Bowl LVII broadcast duo has known each other a long time — a very long time.

Eagles radio broadcaster’s lucky tie

Merrill Reese isn’t taking any chances, wearing the exact same tie he did when he called the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII win five years ago.

Rasheed Wallace talking trash for his Chiefs

The NBA legend has a message for Philadelphia:

Patrick Mahomes, basketball player?

The 2022 NFL MVP looks loose in Super Bowl warmups, even pulling out some NBA-style moves.

Kansas City’s power and light district is ready!

A crowd decked in Chiefs Red is ready for a massive watch party in one of Kansas City’s most well-known venues.