Ron
Pritchard

Ronald David Pritchard was born on April 9, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Antioch, California. He attended Arizona State University (ASU), where he became a standout linebacker for the Sun Devils from 1966 to 1968. Pritchard earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors each year and was named a consensus All-American in 1968, marking a significant achievement as ASU's first consensus All-American. He was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the East-West Shrine Game that same year. In 1969, Pritchard was selected 15th overall in the NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He played nine seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Oilers and later with the Cincinnati Bengals. Over his career, he appeared in 106 games, starting 80, and recorded 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions. After retiring from professional football, Pritchard transitioned into professional wrestling, competing during the NFL off-seasons. He trained under Stu Hart in Calgary and wrestled across the United States, including stints in San Francisco and Detroit. He continued wrestling until 1981, concluding his career with a Christian wrestling promotion in Arizona. Beyond his athletic endeavors, Pritchard has been involved in coaching and education. He served as the athletic director at a Christian school for five years and has coached football at Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Arizona. His contributions to both sports and community have left a lasting impact on Arizona's athletic landscape.