Never got to see the "Big Cat" play football, but I did see him wrestle in the Aud in the mid-70s.
As I recall Bruno Sammartino was supposed to be on the main card, but was a no-show. When the announcer relayed this to the crowd the boos were deafening, until that is, it was announced that Ernie Ladd would be wrestling in his place. Suddenly, it sounded like HSBC does today when Danny Briere pots one to win a game.
RIP "Big Cat"
(This should be at OTW though)