Professional wrestler Former WWF Intercontinental Champion Won the silver medal for weightlifting in the 1972 olympics Brother of former Seattle Seahawks coach, Jack Patera In 1971, Ken won four gold medals at the Pan American games. In 1978, Ken challanged WWWF World Champion, Bob Backlund, on several live events. Ken trained with Verne Gagne and made his pro wrestling debut in 1973. Won PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year in 1977 and 1981. A band called "The Swinging Neckbreakers" claim to have taken their name from watching him wrestle when they were growing up. Notable title wins include: Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight (2); Mid-Atlantic Tag Team titles with John Studd; WWF Intercontinental title; Missouri Heavyweight title; Georgia Heavyweight title; Missouri Heavyweight title; AWA Tag Team titles with Jerry Blackwell; AWA Tag Team titles with Brad Rheingans Patera went on to wrestle for the PWA and on independent cards primarily in the Minnesota area well into the 1990s, sometimes even promoting his own events.
