April 18: Remembering the Legacy of Wahoo McDaniel, American Choctaw-Chickasaw Athlete on His Death Anniversary

Wahoo McDaniel died on April 18, 2002, in Houston, Texas, succumbing to complications from diabetes and kidney failure. Born in Bernice, Louisiana, in 1938, McDaniel settled in Midland, Texas, during middle school. A standout athlete at Midland High School, he excelled in track, coached by none other than George H. W. Bush. McDaniel's journey led him from being a record-holding punter for the University of Oklahoma to a professional football career with the Houston Oilers, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins. Transitioning to wrestling, McDaniel became a prominent figure in the American Wrestling Association and National Wrestling Alliance, notably Jim Crockett Promotions. His Native American persona, in contrast to Chief Jay Strongbow, fueled memorable feuds, particularly with Johnny Valentine. A multi-champion, McDaniel left a lasting impact on Midland's sporting history, facing life's challenges with his health deteriorating in the mid-1990s until his final moments in 2002, leaving behind a legacy etched in championships and memories.