Wrestling star Big Van Vader says he has less than two years to live

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Former professional wrestling star Big Van Vader has announced to his fans on social media that he has less than two years to live.

"Told by 2.heart Drs at this time that my heart is wore out from footbal&wrestling I have 2 yrs to live , conjestive hesrt failure reality," Vader, real name Leon White, wrote on Twitter Tuesday.

"Told by 2 heart Drs that my heart is wore out Ihave been given less than two yrs to live Iam only now allowing this as part of my reality," the 61-year-old continued.

Known for his large stature and brute strength, Vader rose to prominence in WCW battling the likes of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Sting. He was a decorated champion within the company having held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship three times and the Untied States Championship.

Vader joined the WWF, now WWE, in 1996 and took on other top wrestling stars such as The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.

Prior to wrestling, Vader played two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams in 1978 and 1979, winning a Super Bowl with the team in the process but was forced to retire from football due to a knee injury.

Notably, current on-screen Raw general manager Mick Foley commented on Vader's announcement on Facebook noting how he was lobbying for him to be inserted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

"IT'S TIME...TO PUT VADER IN THE HALL OF FAME," Foley wrote on Tuesday alongside a photo of the pair competing inside a wrestling ring.

"His legacy is so important to him, and he has told me that being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame would mean so much on both a personal and professional level. On a global level, Vader was one of the greatest attractions the pro wrestling business has ever seen. I have talked with people at the highest levels at WWE, and hope and pray that Leon's name will be included in the class of 2017 Hall of Fame inductees," he continued.