Some men are just larger than life. That was certainly true of 6'7" Terry Gene Bollea, who most of us know as Hulk Hogan. He died at his Clearwater, Florida, home on Thursday at age 71.

If you thought World Wrestling Federation (later World Wrestling Entertainment and then just WWE — long story) matches weren’t scripted, you must have been living under a rock. As a kid in the 1980s, I didn’t care. It was still entertaining to see and talk about (by which I mean reenact) on the school playground. Hulk was the ultimate hero and showman for my friends and me.

I’ve got a few years on the vice president, but that was true of him, too. “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” said JD Vance yesterday. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.”

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the wrestling organization said in a statement yesterday. That was undoubtedly true. He defeated the Iron Sheik in 1984 for the first of his six championships, which helped create a huge following. In 1987, he body-slammed 7'4", 520lb Andre the Giant to the wild delight of 93,000 fans at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. He had famous WrestleMania partnerships or rivalries with other wrestling icons, including Randy Savage, the Ultimate Warrior, and The Rock.

In the 1990s, Hogan fueled the rise of another, older wrestling organization, World Championship Wrestling, where he transformed his hero persona into that of a villain, or heel. It launched him to new levels of fame, as the WCW actually beat the then-WWF in the ratings for the first time. Eventually, the WWE acquired the WCW, and he rejoined.

All the while, Hulk had a movie career that began with “Rocky III” and included such not-exactly-Oscar-worthy popcorn flicks as “No Holds Barred,” “Mr. Nanny,” and “Suburban Commando.” And never forget the 1985 cartoon series “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.”

Years later, Hogan achieved infamy for a tawdry sex tape that included racist comments, followed by a lawsuit that freed the world of the stain of a left-wing rag called Gawker by driving it into bankruptcy for releasing the tape. He had much-publicized family issues, as well, so his story wasn’t always one of good behavior.

Of course, Hogan gained fame with a new generation at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he endorsed Donald Trump and JD Vance in a thrilling speech that included his iconic T-shirt ripping routine. He dubbed Trump a “hero” who would bring “America back together, one real American at a time.” I know it was cheesy, and Hulk’s hollering speech wasn’t exactly Jeffersonian, but it was the best thing I have ever seen at a political convention. Not going to lie — I loved it and watched it repeatedly.

Hulk’s political turn was ultimately a sign of the American patriotism that had defined his entire career. Unlike far too many athletes and celebrities, he loved this country, and he was never afraid to say so or work it into a match (see his flag-waving defeat of Sergeant Slaughter as evidence). He decided he could no longer stand by as the “heels” who hate America so much were intentionally destroying it.

In 2023, however, Hulk Hogan made his most important decision — rededicating his life to Jesus Christ. “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life,” he said at the time of his baptism, along with his wife, Sky, and her children. “No worries, no hate, no judgment … only love.”

Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love! pic.twitter.com/gB43hTcLU6

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) December 20, 2023

He became just as theatrically intent on sharing his new faith as he ever was in wrestling or entertainment. He posted Scripture on social media, wore faith-based T-shirts, and often took the opportunity to share the Gospel in interviews. “The only way to true power is through the cross,” he said. “The only thing that really matters: Jesus.”

“Once you’re a Christian,” he explained, “you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior. You’re not gonna perish, but you’re gonna have everlasting life. That belief is pretty much the only thing that is real to me.”

The point isn’t that Terry Bollea lived a perfect life or that his over-the-top brand of entertainment appealed to everyone. The point is that he’s just like the rest of us — a sinful human in need of the Savior.

I grew up hearing my Southern Baptist pastor grandfather preach with similar gusto to Hogan’s public remarks. Everyone who greeted Grandpa called him “Brother,” which was, of course, always Hulk Hogan’s signature greeting, too. He’s a Christian brother, and it’ll be fun to see him again someday — maybe in a wrestling match with Jacob!

Rest in peace, brother.

Follow Nate Jackson on X/Twitter.