National Football League

Ex-Raider, wrestler Manoukian dies in Reno at 80

Published Sep. 24, 2014 2:21 p.m. ET

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RENO, Nev. -- A longtime Reno athlete and civic leader who played for the Oakland Raiders and was a pioneer in professional wrestling has died.

Don Manoukian was 80. The Reno Gazette-Journal reports he died Tuesday at a Reno hospital.

Manoukian was a second-team all-pro guard for the Raiders in 1960 when they debuted in the American Football League. He later wrestled as bad guy "Don the Bruiser" in the United States and Japan.

Standing only 5-foot-7, Manoukian was a football and track star at Reno High before playing at Stanford.

Longtime friend Pete Lazetich says he bench pressed 300 pounds on his 70th birthday.

Former Nevada football coach Chris Ault says Manoukian was known for his infectious personality. He says Manoukian's charisma made him a popular emcee at charity fundraisers.