Getty UPDATE5:52 AM PT -- 9/24 -- James Laurinaitis -- the former NFL and Ohio State football star -- says he's heartbroken over his father's death ... writing in an emotional post Wednesday night, "I'm absolutely crushed."
UPDATE"I hate that I wasn’t able to say goodbye," Laurinaitis said ... "I miss you already."
UPDATEJames -- a 2nd-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft -- was close to his wrestling legend dad ... and often spoke about how Road Warrior Animal helped mold him into a special football player.
UPDATELaurinaitis shared pictures of the two together in his post ... and added, "I don’t have the right words to say."
UPDATEWaiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
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