Dani probert biography of williams

Among the myriad stories that weave the tapestry of sports history, the narrative of Dani Probert emerges as a poignant exemplar of resilience, familial devotion, and the enduring human spirit.

Probert’s battle with substance dependency following his career-ending injuries—specifically, the brutal toll of concussions and long-term physical trauma—is a stark testament to the frailty often masked beneath a tough exterior. That's part of Bob's legacy now. We're grateful to give back."

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Bob Probert glance

►Born: June 5, 1965

►Birthplace: Windsor

►Died: July 5, 2010

►Family: Wife Dani, children Brogan, Tierney, Jack, Decyln

►Drafted: Detroit Red Wings' 3rd-round pick in 1983

►Position: Left winger

►Height: 6'4"

►Weight: 225 pounds

►Regular season stats: 163 goals, 221 assists, 384 points, 3,300 penalty minutes in 935 games with the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks 

►Playoff stats: 16 goals, 32 assists, 48 points, 274 penalty minutes in 81 games

Dani Probert’s story became known when she married one of hockey’s most prominent enforcers, Bob Probert.

Together, they've raised $1.2 million dollars in nine years with the Bob Probert fundraising motorcycle ride.

This year's 10th annual event, which draws more than 1,200 motorcyclists from across the United States and Canada, as well as former NHLers Chris Chelios, Darren McCarty, Mark Laforest, Ryan VandenBussche and Dave Hutchison, was postponed until June 27, 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This has been a blessing, a healthy distraction," Probert said.

They married in 1993, and were together until Bob died in 2010. His tough physical style of play and natural talent attracted NHL scouts and made him one of the great players of his era.

Hockey Career

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Bob Probert in 1983. Recognizing and debunking these misconceptions is vital—not only for fostering accurate societal understanding but also for enhancing support systems that effectively address the multifaceted needs of athletes and their families.

Dani Probert expects Sunday to be bittersweet.

To mark 10 years after the sudden death of her husband, Bob Probert — the former Detroit Red Wings enforcer and one of Detroit's most popular and polarizing sports figures in the 1980s and '90s — the 52-year-old widow plans on a "somber" day with her four grownup children but also a day "full of celebration" in the Windsor and Essex County area.

Still, as a lifelong planner, organizer and now fundraiser who is helping to improve cardiac care in her community, Probert says there's also only so much she can prepare for when they get together Sunday to honor her husband and her children's father.

"We miss him so much," Dani Probert told The Detroit News.

His physical style defined his job as an enforcer, protecting his teammates and intimidating the opposing team. Now, we're even more grateful for every day, the simple moments, the true beauty in that. While Bob Probert’s tenure on the ice was marked by tumultuous physicality, Dani’s unwavering support played an essential role in his battles with substance abuse and health deterioration.

His tilts with other tough guys like Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Dave Brown, Marty McSorley and Mark Tinordi are legendary. "He always lived life in the moment, so spontaneous in everything he did, I was always the planner, organizer, thinking ahead.

Her efforts in maintaining her family’s well-being while fostering awareness about the challenges faced by athletes’ families serve as a model for holistic support frameworks—addressing physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions.

💡 Recognizing the intertwined nature of athlete welfare and family dynamics emphasizes the need for integrated support systems, including counseling, peer support groups, and targeted outreach programs.

Dani Probert’s struggles with addiction and mental health post-retirement serve as a stark counterpoint. My twins (Jack and Decyln) only had their dad for 10 years. Probert’s marriage to Bob Probert—legendary NHL enforcer—was characterized by a shared resilience amid adversity. During the pandemic, we've also asked her to use her time and skills to support our staff and help take care of others.