Gerald Brisco

Season 2 • Episode 6

Portraits in Chickasaw Strength and Resilience

Growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, introduced Gerald "Jerry" Brisco to "a hotbed of amateur wrestling" that would set the scene for his future as a WWE wrestler. It was clear from an early age that Jerry would be a gifted athlete and at just 6 years old, he started wrestling. His competitive spirit "runs hard, runs red, and it's all Chickasaw. And I'm proud of it."

Jerry and his older brother, Jack, shared a desire to "prove to everybody that [they] were as good as anybody sitting in the room," which drove The Brisco Brothers to achieve all that they did. Through sacrifice, dedication and hard work, Jerry earned a wrestling scholarship to Oklahoma State University and by the time he entered his final year, Jerry's brother Jack had secured a professional wrestling contract. After Jack’s tag team partner got injured, Jerry was given his first shot to wrestle at a professional level by filling in for Jack's partner. A short time later, The Brisco Brothers made their professional debut.

After a career spanning nearly two decades, Jerry decided to share his love of wrestling with the younger generation as a youth coach. He remembers what his mom taught him growing up, that "if you have nothing, there’s something in you that you can give back." Jerry's way of giving back was through "helping kids learn about wrestling, learn about athletics and learn about life." For Jerry, the most rewarding part of the job is watching his athletes learn about the sport, work hard, stay dedicated and finally win their first match. "That's it right there. That's why you do it. It's in the blood–you just don't want to give up. It's the Chickasaw pride in you."

Gerald Brisco

EPISODES

Larry Paul

Rachel Scott

Leonard Sealey

Brenda Kingery

Terri Reams & Rebecca Owens

Carlin Thompson

Chickasaw Veterans

Triana Browne-Hearrell

Jesse "Cab" Renick

Rose Shields-Jefferson

Margaret Roach Wheeler

Paula Vanbuskirk

Brandon Postoak

Gerald Brisco