Nick Hogan Tribute Honors His Late Father on What Would Have Been His 72nd Birthday

The Nick Hogan tribute touched fans worldwide when Hulk Hogan’s only son marked what would have been his father’s 72nd birthday. Nick Hogan shared a deeply emotional Instagram post to honor his late father’s memory.

He wrote:

“Happy birthday dad! I love you and miss you more than anything… I know you’re with me always.”

This touching message reflects a bond that defied time, media scrutiny, and personal challenges.

Early Life, Reality TV, and Motorsport Passion in the Nick Hogan Tribute

Born Nicholas Allan Bollea on July 27, 1990, Nick grew up in the spotlight alongside his sister Brooke on Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007), a VH1 reality series depicting their unusual family dynamics under their father’s watchful eye.

 

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Additionally, Nick developed a serious passion for cars, earning a Formula D drifting license in 2006 and competing in amateur drifting events in 2007 in a Nissan 350Z. According to family friends, their shared hobby helped strengthen family bonds during Hulk Hogan’s busy wrestling career.

Legal Challenges and Turning Points in Nick Hogan’s Tribute Story

Nick’s motorsport dreams were overshadowed by tragedy. In August 2007, a reckless driving crash severely injured his friend John Graziano. As a result, Nick served roughly six months in jail, received probation, and had his driver’s license suspended.

Furthermore, he later faced another DUI arrest in November 2023, resulting in probation and ongoing legal proceedings that continued into 2025.

Personal Growth, Career, and Public Appearances

Over time, Nick has pursued different paths:

• He appeared in the 2009 film Little Hercules in 3-D and briefly trained for wrestling in 2012.
• Moreover, he embraced music and DJing, performing and connecting with fans online.
• He also played a visible role in promoting his father’s Real American Beer brand in 2025 before Hulk Hogan’s passing.

In January 2025, Nick married his longtime partner, Tana Lea, with Hulk Hogan present—an example of the closeness that endured between father and son.

Honoring a Hero: The Emotional Legacy

After Hulk Hogan’s sudden death on July 24, 2025, Nick shared another Nick Hogan tribute on Instagram:

“My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known… best dad… mentor… best friend… I spent a lot of time with him… those memories are the best… He’ll always be watching over me.”

Additionally, he attended a WWE tribute at SummerSlam and later appeared on Raw for a ten-bell salute—both public moments honoring his father’s lasting impact on wrestling and pop culture.

A Complex, Resilient Family Story

Nick stands in stark contrast to his sister Brooke, who remained estranged. While Brooke mourned privately, Nick, on the other hand, chose to support their father publicly—thereby choosing presence over distance during a difficult time.

Despite previous controversies, Nick has demonstrated genuine growth and unwavering loyalty. Furthermore, he has committed himself wholeheartedly to healing and preserving his family’s legacy.

The Nick Hogan tribute is not just a way to remember Hulk Hogan—it’s a heartfelt reminder of resilience, love, and how family bonds endure. Moreover, it shows that even after hardship, commitment and unity can bring strength and hope.