Wrestling legend, NFL player Jim (The Anvil) Neidhart dies

Pro wrestling legend Jim (The Anvil) Neidhart, who also briefly played in the NFL with the Raiders and Cowboys, died Monday at the age of 63.

Neidhart captured two WWE World Tag Team Championships with Bret (The Hitman) Hart during his illustrious career, which was launched after he appeared in preseason games for the two football teams.

“Stunned and saddened,” Hart wrote on Instagram. “I just don't have the words right now.”

Neidhart received his “Anvil” nickname after winning an anvil throwing contest, the WWE said in a news release Monday. He last competed in the WWE in 1997, but his 36-year-old daughter, Natalya, has followed in his footsteps in the ring.

The wrestling icon passed away following a medical emergency in Florida, according to TMZ.

Tributes immediately started to pour out following his death.

“Saddened to hear Jim Neidhart has passed,” Sgt. Slaughter tweeted. “My prayers are with his families. Guess God needed an ‘Anvil' Angel RIP Jim.”

Ric Flair tweeted, “My Good Friend Jim Neidhart, A World Class Athlete And A Man Among Men. Rest In Peace.”

Neidhart was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart and made his wrestling debut in 1979.

He had set the California state record in the shot put in high school, according to Sports Illustrated.

He is survived by his wife, Ellie, and three daughters, including wrestler Natalya, who also stars on the E! network series “Total Divas.”