Depending on how long you have been a fan you probably recognize the name Laurinaitis. James played linebacker for Ohio State and was really, really good. However, his father was known well before that to wrestling fans everywhere. Joe Laurinaitis, better known as Road Warrior Animal or Animal, was one half of what many consider the best tag team wrestling team in history. He was also a Buckeyes super fan.
When his son played at Ohio State you could see Joe patrolling the sidelines, looking like he was ready to play himself. The Animal was there every step of the way for his son, and for the Buckeyes as well. His passing was felt from the wrestling world to the football world.
Growing up I remember the awe of seeing the Road Warriors aka The Legion of Doom come down to the ring in spiked football pads. Both Warrior and Hawk would demolish their opponents with hard-hitting and powerful moves. When you watched James play, you could see where he got his athletic ability and his power from. James certainly earned the moniker of “Little Animal”.
💔 I Hate that I didn’t get to say goodbye. I miss you already and I love you! “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 pic.twitter.com/rb2uBE5U73
— James Laurinaitis (@JLaurinaitis55) September 24, 2020
As the years went by and James played for the Buckeyes, Joe always made sure that the spotlight was for James. When James won the Lott Trophy for the IMPACT player of the year or the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the best defensive player, there was Animal, standing proud next to his son.
However, Animal and Hawk gave us their own highlights. Animal and Hawk were enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, and both held numerous titles during their careers. Joe has been enshrined in various wrestling Halls of Fame — the NWA, Minnesota, Quebec, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Observer Times. He won many awards, but none for Joe were as important to him as his son’s.
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Thank you Joe, and Buckeye Nation is standing with you James. We hold the memories dear, both of Joe and James. If James, who is up for induction this year, makes it into the college football Hall of Fame, there is no doubt he will pay tribute to his father. In his own words, “Oh What a Rush!”
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