RIP Russ Francis.
The New England Patriots announced that former tight end Russ Francis passed away in a plane crash on October 1. He was 70.
Francis competed in the 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 and wrestled a handful of times for the AWA.
In a previous interview with 49ers.com, Francis said about competing against Andre The Giant at WrestleMania II, “He was looking at me like he was hungry and I was a hors d’oeuvre.He hit me so hard, I hit the mat on the back of my neck and I bounced back to my feet and said, ‘You know Andre, I thought we were friends?’ With a big smile on his face he said to me, ‘Outside the ring, we are friends. Inside the ring, I’m Andre the Giant.’ Then I hit him as hard as I could.”
WWE is saddened to learn that former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion Russ Francis, a competitor in the 20-man Battle Royal at WrestleMania 2, has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) October 2, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to Francis’ family, friends and fans. https://t.co/s0XwZdrK6z
On behalf of Fightful, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Francis.
