Those shoes are unfillable. Hell always be at 411 in spirit, but not having him around just seems impossible. PWG? When Csonka, then 33, retired just before the 1980 season after owner Joe Robbie`s $230,000 salary bid fell $20,000 short of his demands, Csonka`s ledger with the Dolphins and the Giants showed . He was as much of a joy to deal with behind the scenes as he was to read. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese, offensive guard Larry Little, fullback Larry Csonka, and wide receiver Paul Warfield on the sideline at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 in . VOW contributors came together to say a few words about Larry, what he meant to their lives and why his loss leaves such a void in the community. Also, he started making appearances in the NBC Sports Networks hunting and fishing shows as the host. The pact stipulated Csonka wouldn't be involved with raising the child. His writing had a way of making you feel like you knew him and was a source of great enjoyment. May 18, 2020, almost twenty-one years to the day after I learned what happened to Owen Hart. I learned so much not just about the wrestling companies that seemingly everyone knows about, but about the companies and shows I didnt even know existed. It took a while for many people to realize the party was over, but by the time I came on in 2005, both fans and writers had bailed on wrestling en masse. . He was 73. I was always in awe of his ability and quite frankly, if I could ever be half the writer or editor that he is, I would consider myself gifted. As a result, everyone he worked with always was ready to be there for Larry, to have his back. Even when an unfortunate series of circumstances took his leg, he remained upbeat and dedicated to bringing wrestling news and reviews to the fans. More so than being a critic, Larry Csonka chronicled wrestling better than anyone else. He was better than me. After high school, he played wingback at Syracuse in a backfield that included All-Americans Larry Csonka and Floyd Little. In the intervening time, he and I regularly discussed the WWF, WCW, and ECW. She also said a vehicle pulled out in front of her, but police said witnesses never saw another vehicle, according to the report. MATHEW SFORCINA: Considering just how prolific the guy was, its remarkable how his work so consistently shone with enthusiasm, and so rarely with vitriol. Its a weird feeling when someone leaves us whom youve never actually met, but feel a sort of kinship with. The Csonka family military record continued after WW2 with my brother, Joe, serving in the Army and my sister, Norita, in the Army and the Air Force. As a fellow writer, I did what other writers did and stacked up his work against mine. He's still in awe of Csonka's journey toward becoming a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time first-team All Pro fullback who was voted the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl VIII. My heart goes out to his family and friends.. Thank you, Larry. Larry Csonka, battering-ram fullback of the Miami Dolphins glory years, is 75 now. Larry Csonka is a former football player and actor who played as Fullback. Larry was a consummate professional in the industry and one of the most prolific, hell, he may be THE most prolific reviewer in wrestling history. Anytime Id pop by 411 just to see what was up, there Larry was, still every bit as ubiquitous and dedicated as ever. WWE, NJPW, Lucha Underground, ROH, PWG, and any other random show, you could always count on Larry to give his thoughts almost immediately. Its going to be weird not knowing what the answers are anymore. It is true that, much like the wrestlers whose names I mentioned above, I had never met Larry Csonka face-to-face. I did not want to fail him. Thoughts about lady wrestlers that probably shouldnt be discussed here. The guy was the definition of a class act, and to this day, I think of him as a true professional, a mentor, and an example of how to conduct yourself as a man. The world was a better place for Larry Csonkas having been a part of it. And I honestly dont know what to do with myself right now. Larry was Larry, a wrestling fan who put more time into this hobby than any of us could ever come close to. You are loved, and you will be missed. Dr. Saltis was a classmate and teammate of Csonka who stopped playing football as a junior to focus on golf. With nothing but the utmost respect and love to everyone who has written for the section over the years, Larry Csonka really was for all intents and purposes 411 Wrestling. There's a lot," Saltis said, "and everything I can see is absolutely true.. Larry had a great sense of humor, was a great guy to talk to and helped me get going on this crazy job. LarryMania: Living on in his Girls - GoFundMe I love you and I want to thank you for everything. Dr. Lawrence M. Saltis knew Larry Csonka's escapades were on a collision course with readers, but he didn't realize an advance copy of Head On would arrive at his house a few weeks ago. After Carley Csonka finished driving in excess of 80 mph down Old Daytona Road in October in DeLand, police say she told her two passengers she wanted to go faster. Dont let anything stop you. I hope they do, too. I think I got it on a Thursday and read it by Sunday afternoon.. I consumed EVERYTHING he wrote. He followed his friend's remarkable career closely. This time is so much different. Many of Larrys reviews gave me a launching pad for many a TEW game. Im sure Ive thanked him before for how much hes done for me as a writer, co-worker, and friend, but I dont think I ever thanked him enough. Eddie Guerrero had passed away. Copyright 2023 411mania.com, LLC. He pushed me to up my game. Even though my interactions with him were limited, his importance to my wrestling fandom is almost impossible to quantify. Larrys passing leaves a giant hole in the heart of 411, and his passing leaves an even bigger hole in his family. Larry gradually delegated more duties around the site so he could spend more time with his family. As I sit here typing at my computer, I see outpourings of love and condolences from no less than EVOLVE and Impact Wrestling. And now, fifteen years later, the first thing I do after every live report I post is wait for Larry to post his review so that I can see if I got the ratings right. Larry Csonka | American football player | Britannica Thus, in some ways, learning about Larry passing away felt like part of a macabre pattern that has followed us throughout our adult lives. Larry wrote the email telling me that Id been selected to join the 411 team. The rest of us can only hope to barely reach his level of work ethic. In our twitter world where everybody has dumb gripes and vendettas with each other, nobody ever had anything bad to say about him as a person. Because of his large body physique, he played on the defensive end. An obituary for Larry Csonkas mother, Mildred, on the Redmon Funeral Home website, lists Carley as her great-granddaughter. Larry Csonka is not having an affair with anyone presently. Larry Csonka has a new book that pays tribute to Ohio hometown There comes along, every now and then, someone who truly changes your life. Her comment to me was that, though she obviously mourned her husband, she still ultimately felt fortunate. More than four decades after Csonka retired from the NFL, the Stow native remains a household name among football fans because of his legacy on the gridiron and larger-than-life persona. And there were times when he encouraged me with my work, even trying to get me to watch really, really bad B-movies just to talk about them in ABGT. I am 411. Larry was also a supremely dedicated father. "I had my own body-building program. He refused to live being remembered as Fullback Larry Csonka. He was truly a good man who was full of positivity and had such a great sense of humor. As much as this hurts us all, I cant imagine what youre going through and all my best thoughts and hopes go your way. He touched lives daily. My heart goes out to the Csonka family who lost a great husband, father and friend this week. Steve Case: Back around 2012-2013, when I learned that wrestling matches received praise and shame via star ratings and written reviews, I settled on three places that seemed to more or less share my views of the medium. Larry Csonka is 6-3 (190 cm) tall. And of course he was responsible for it; there was little he wasnt responsible for when it came to the Wrestling Zone. One of the passengers, 15-year-old Harold M. Weinfurtner, was killed. He lived his off-the-field life with equal abandon. Larry was obviously an icon for his writing, but more importantly, he was an amazing husband and father who leaves behind a family that loves him dearly. Thanks to my family for your service and thanks to ALL who have served and sacrificed! As I write this, its just about 13 years since the last time my writing appeared on 411Mania. Larry Csonka on the '72 Dolphins and NFL perfection: 'I guard it Would have been great to have a bad movie night with the guy and just crack jokes back and forth. As it stands while Im writing this, Im still processing this horrible, tragic news. Thank you, and may your soul rest in peace. 4/27 WWE Live Event Report Birmingham, U.K.: Cody vs. Balor headlines, notable crowd reactions for Bayley and Belair, Lashley vs. I just reacted as it went along, from Mr. Saltis confining me to quarters to having to read books and write reports to deciding to go to Alaska.. The aftertaste has a distinct Northeast Ohio flavor. I dropped him a note once, just to let him know that I appreciate his consistency and that I use his work to cross-check my notes and he seemed genuinely thrilled by that. POLL: Who do you want to be the first World Hvt. Larry Csonka. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey. Id been with the site for a year, and started noticing a *lot* of content coming from this guy, who appeared to be using the name of a former Miami Dolphins player? The fact that he was able to watch and cover so much wrestling, from the biggest shows imaginable to the smallest, is nothing short of incredible. Larry Csonka wont be replaced. He had fought through so many issues, and always came out on the other side. Alaska/Ohio/Florida LarryCsonka.com Joined September 2015. Most importantly though, I hope he knew that thousands and thousands of folks are more easily able to take part in this insane and wonderful niche of a hobby, largely because he drew up the map. Currently, he lives with the co-host of North to Alaska, Audrey Bradshaw in Wasilla, Alaska. Its heartbreaking that Larry is gone. He was a prolific reviewer and the rarest of things in this weirdly tribal community thats as prone to forming cliques and cliques of cliques as any Ive ever encountered: someone who legitimately was loved by everyone. For anyone who follows internet wrestling sites, writes or wrote for them, or is even just an everyday fan of the business, Larry Csonka was a guy who exemplified what it means to be a fan, a terrific writer, a leader, and an all-around great guy. Always responsable, always trustworthy, Larry was a beacon of contagious wrestling passion and his work ethic was admirable. But it went from being peers to a friendship after the accident. I'd like to do one on Alaska," he said. Rich Kraetsch: The news of Larry Csonkas sudden death hit the internet wrestling world with a swift gut punch. He wasnt yet another cynical wrestling writer who got his kicks from tearing down wrestlers and promoters or trying to always be the contrarian. He didnt need to RT or interact with this dopey start-up website, this man was on top of the internet wrestling world, writing for 411Mania, 15 years in the game. Csonka watched everything and was consistent. Thoughts go out to the family hes leaving behind. After enjoying a dream NFL career, he continues to live out his childhood dream. What does matter is how we live our lives and how we treat the others we come across during them, whether we come across those people face-to-face or in this crazy little corner of the world that we call the internet. I wouldnt be where Im at without Larry. It was 50 Christmases ago when Larry Csonka and the Miami Dolphins beat the K.C. He was a loving husband and father, and my heart absolutely shatters for those left behind, struggling to figure out their next move. 411 & the Internet Wrestling Community (do we still use that phrase?) As for this site; the readers; what we do here; I feel there will be some uncertainty. The wrestling media that has grown so large today grew from those early days and Larry was a part of that, growing from a writer (most notably covering TNA back in those early days) to a senior editor here at 411 and ultimately leaving his mark as a legendary wrestling reviewer. But at least Ive been able to slip them on and shuffle in them enough to keep them moving a bit. On Christmas Day 1946, Csonka was born at Akron City Hospital. I felt devastated whenever I had to take a hiatus from writing. There cant be more than a handful of people who have watched and written about more wrestling than Larry. I have no idea how many years ago it was that I first typed in something like what happened on Raw and found 411Mania. As I went down through it all, what stands out is how so many wrote that they read Larrys columns and reviews, and that he was the first source they went for a review and a reaction to a show, especially if they hadnt actually watched the shows themselves. Shula was born in Grand River and attended John Carroll University. Giants prepare for life under Coughlin's regime Sean Sedor: When it came to reviewing wrestling shows, Larry Csonka was an absolute machine. Together they have two children, Doug Csonka and Paul Csonka. 38 No Surrender July 2005 - Spike TV Imminent, Rhino Debut, James Mitchell Return, The Good, The Bad & The Hungee: Dynamite Feels Normal & Botching Taya Valkyrie, 255 Super J-Cast US Collision Show Reviews. Besides that, he is also active in producing works that include the TV series, North to Alaska (1998-2013), and Csonka Outdoors. Larry made it here first, and brought me along soon afterward. My grandson, Jacob, is a marine. Csonka over corrected, causing the car to go sideways. Csonka also has homes in Florida, along the Indian River south of Daytona Beach, and Lisbon, Ohio, where he and his older brother, Joe, bought a farm. In news that has left us all absolutely devastated, were extremely sad to announce the passing of @LarryCsonka411, reads a 411Wrestling Twitter post. I did coverage of Talking Smack while in the hospital the night my son was born and the e-mail from Larry only wanted to know the details about my son. Once I realized that it was just as easy to be the bad guy as the good guy, I shouldn't say bad and good, I should say happy or sad or afraid or initiating fear, once I realized there was a balance, and it was pretty much up to you to decide, I leaned that way.. Boxes and boxes of tapes. His work ethic was truly second to none, as was his kind spirit and his love for family and friends. We werent the closest of friends, but I always appreciated you for who you were, and for all you did for everybody else. I don't know. Ill see you on the other side Bossman.. I cant even watch Children of the Corn anymore without thinking of him because we always joked about the use of OUTLANDER! View Tribute Book. Likes. A promoter who partnered with the Miami Dolphins on a complaint-ridden "fan cruise" wants the opportunity to try again and "make everything right" with the team and disgruntled fans. Physical proximity isnt the end all and be all of developing a relationship with somebody, though. All rights reserved.Click here for our privacy policy. He didn't enter Lori's life until 2000 after she had sent him a letter. When Csonka started playing football at Stow High School, he was already starting to fill into his eventual 6'3", 240-pound frame. Larry Csonka Bio (Wiki) - Married Biography You could tell how much Larry loved wrestling in every single article he wrote, in his incredible ability to feel the vibe of the show at a level that few of us can. Ask 411 Wrestling: Will CM Punk Return to Face MJF? The team that . I learned that he was a generous man. His father, Joseph Csonka, and mother, Mildred Heath used to be farmers by profession. The leader of the halcyon days, coach Don Shula, died at age 90 in 2020. He was huge and muscular even then and fast. Larry Csonka Living His Dream In Alaska After Hall Of Fame Career He lived what he preached. But what I wanted to cover was the unique personalities I ran into Mr. Saltis, my grandmother, Shula, the list goes on and on.. I wish I was as passionate about anything as Larry was about wrestling. And thats OK. He was having a pretty good game, but he just was doing a little show for our stands, and it pissed me off. I found out a few months ago about the health problems he had been dealing with in recent years, and I meant to reach out, say hi, and see how he was holding up, and I regret the fact that I missed my chance to do that and tell him how much I appreciated everything he had done for me while I was at it. He never seemed to tire of it. Larry Csonkas relationship status is possibly single. Its hard to really capture what he has meant to not just this site, but to the online wrestling community and the entire wrestling industry. You knew that they were going to stick together through thick and thin because you could tell that they were, above all else, best friends the bedrock of any solid marriage. 2023 www.beaconjournal.com. Everybody has nothing but good things to say about Larry, and were seeing that now more than ever. 2. Csonka offered a revelation about Shula in the book. He has 5 siblings including Nancy, Joe, Andy, Norita, and Anita. Do it. Opens in a new window or tab. Her name was not released. Funny enough, I often go back to some of his Hogan Knows Best reviews of all things because I cant help but crack up laughing. Larry Csonka was born Lawrence Richard Csonka on the 25th of December 1946 in Stow, Ohio. But I think that above all else, more than his impact as a reviewer, an editor, a columnist, more than everything he did for 411mania and wrestling fandom as a whole, Larry was a good friend, family man, and just a stellar human being, one we can all inspire to be. The 18-year-old Csonka, who said she is a relative of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka, was arrested Tuesday and faces a vehicular homicide charge. Two people were fishing in a nearby pond just after 11:30 p.m. when they saw Csonkas 2005 Toyota Scion speeding on Old Daytona near Brunswick go by the first time, police said. More than anything though, Larry was a family man. Since Larry stopped doing news in 2019, I admittedly hadnt spoken to him as much as I would have liked. Now, itll always be one of my great regrets that I never did reach out when I was nearby. I cant separate my love of professional wrestling from the time Ive spent writing for 411. Theres going to be a huge, Larry-sized hole in 411mania that will never be filled. Syracuse Football Top 25 Players of All-Time: No. 5 Larry Csonka Given that I spent the majority of my time in the MMA zone we interacted somewhat sparingly, but he was always supporting and caring. Without Larry and those opportunities, I wouldnt have many of the friends that I still have today. This past year saw me go pretty inactive as I dealt with some personal and professional issues. The Csonka family military record continued after WW2 with my brother, Joe, serving in the Army and my sister, Norita, in the Army and the Air Force. Dense, tangled webs of promotions, characters and feuds with decades of context to unravel. If you write about wrestling long enough, youll inevitably write about death at some point.
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