Blackjack Mulligan
Gridiron Grit to Grappling Glory: A comprehensive look at the life and career of Robert Deroy Windham.
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Biography
The Man Behind the Legend
Robert Deroy Windham (November 25, 1942 โ April 7, 2016), widely known by his ring name Blackjack Mulligan, was a prominent American professional wrestler and former American football player. He carved a significant niche in sports entertainment, becoming a recognizable figure known for his imposing physique and cowboy persona.
Roots and Service
Born in Sweetwater, Texas, Windham's early life included a tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps. This disciplined background likely contributed to the toughness and resilience he displayed throughout his athletic careers.
Passing
Windham passed away on April 7, 2016, at the age of 73 in Tampa, Florida, after facing health complications, including a previous heart attack. He was laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery.
Gridiron Beginnings
College and Pro Aspirations
Windham's athletic journey began on the football field. He played college football at Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. Following his collegiate career, he pursued professional football, participating in the 1966 pre-season with the New York Jets and later receiving tryouts with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.
Military Foundation
Prior to his professional sports endeavors, Windham served a tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Guam. This period instilled a sense of discipline and physical readiness.
The Blackjack Persona
Transition to Wrestling
Encouraged by fellow wrestler Wahoo McDaniel, Windham transitioned into professional wrestling. After training with Joe Blanchard and Verne Gagne, he debuted in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Billed at an imposing 6'9" and over 300 pounds, he embodied a rugged cowboy character, reminiscent of wrestlers like Stan Hansen.
WWWF Stint and Injury
In 1971, Windham joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), adopting the iconic "Blackjack Mulligan" persona. Donning black attire, a black glove, and utilizing the "iron claw" submission hold, he quickly became a top contender, challenging Pedro Morales for the WWWF Championship. His momentum was unfortunately halted by a severe leg slash from a fan at the Boston Garden, requiring extensive stitches.
Tag Teams and Territories
Following his recovery, Mulligan found significant success in tag team wrestling. Teaming with Blackjack Lanza, they formed the formidable duo known as "The Blackjacks." This pairing led them to capture numerous tag team championships across various promotions, including the NWA World Tag Team Championship and the WWWF World Tag Team Championship.
Feuds and Innovations
Mulligan engaged in memorable feuds across different wrestling territories, notably with Andrรฉ the Giant in the early 1980s. He also hosted the interview segment "Blackjack's Barbecue" in the WWF, a counterpart to Roddy Piper's "Piper's Pit." Later, he wrestled under a mask as "Big Machine" as part of "The Machines" stable with Andrรฉ the Giant and Bill Eadie.
A Wrestling Dynasty
Marital Life
Robert Windham was married to Julia Windham.
Progeny
He was the father of three children, including professional wrestlers Barry Windham and Kendall Windham. His influence extended to the next generation, as his son-in-law is Mike Rotunda, and his grandsons are AEW wrestler Brody Lee (Jon Huber, though not mentioned in source) and WWE Superstars Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda).
Championship Pedigree
Major Accolades
Blackjack Mulligan's career was marked by numerous championship victories and significant recognitions:
Life Beyond the Ring
Legal Troubles
In 1990, Windham and his son Kendall were arrested and subsequently served 24 months in federal prison for counterfeiting charges, following the discovery of approximately $500,000 in fake currency.
Spiritual Journey
In 2012, Windham was ordained as a minister, reflecting a significant spiritual transformation later in his life.
Health and Litigation
Windham published his autobiography, True Lies and Alibis, detailing his life and career. In 2015, he became involved in litigation against WWE concerning concussion-related injuries sustained during his tenure, a common issue among former professional wrestlers.
Enduring Influence
Family Legacy
Blackjack Mulligan's legacy is deeply intertwined with his family's continued presence in professional wrestling. His son Barry adopted the "Blackjack Mulligan Jr." moniker early in his career, and his grandson Bo Dallas incorporated Mulligan's signature black glove into his ring attire, paying homage to the patriarch.
Wrestling Innovation
Mulligan's in-ring style and comeback sequences were noted for foreshadowing the "hulk up" phenomenon popularized later by Hulk Hogan. His contributions established him as a foundational figure in wrestling.
Hall of Fame Recognition
His significant impact on the industry was formally recognized with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 as part of The Blackjacks, cementing his status as a legend.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding athletic careers, legal matters, or historical accuracy. Always consult official records and qualified experts for definitive information.
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