Ernest Ladd, nicknamed "the Big Cat", was an American professional football defensive tackle and professional wrestler. A standout athlete in high school, Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship before being drafted in 1961 by the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League (AFL). Ladd found success in the AFL as one of the largest players in professional football history at 6′9″ and 290 pounds. He helped the Chargers to four AFL championship games in five years, winning the championship with the team in 1963. He also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers. Ladd took up professional wrestling during the AFL offseason, and after a knee injury ended his football career turned to it full-time in 1969.
Ladd in 2004
Ernie Ladd (bottom) facing Antonio Inoki in June 1975.
Ernie Ladd (left) facing Bobo Brazil in June 1975.
Ladd with secretary Alphonso Jackson
Grambling State University
Grambling State University is a public historically black university in Grambling, Louisiana. Grambling State is home of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and is listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. Grambling State is a member-school of the University of Louisiana System and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Bust of Charles P. Adams, the founder and first president of Grambling State University
The World Famed Tiger Marching Band performing at the 2019 State Fair Classic
The President's Home at Grambling State is particularly elegant and stately.
Favrot Student Building at Grambling State