Their rookie season in 1958 under first-year head coach Ray "Scooter" McLean was dismal, with just one win and one tie for the worst record in the 12-team league. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Anthony Munoz didnt get to hear Nitschke speak at the luncheon. Sign up now! Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. He recorded the only pass reception of his career, a 34-yard gain after a blocked Packer field goal attempt, and they won 3020 to finish at 104, their best regular season record since 1966. Ray Nitschke had a style of play, a personality, a consciousness about being fully imbued into that which brought life to something called professional football, said Hall of Fame linebacker Willie Lanier, the current Nitschke Luncheon master of ceremonies. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. His wife died shortly thereafter. Yeah. I liked Schnelker. Here was a guy, who made a living for 15 years in the pros being a mean, tough linebacker, in awe of these young adults flying off from the bluffs. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. . With some of the brightest minds in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke was ranked No. He could play quarterback if he had to. Don Pierson and Tribune Pro Football Writer. The NFL legend was twice named a First-Team All-Pro, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. Reality becomes difficult to fathom. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. Image courtesy of "Champion" trailer. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. is 6'3"(1.91m) . I was always trying to gain weight. He was a total family man. He told them how important it was and emphasized theres no one in the Hall of Fame better than anyone else, said fellow Hall of Famer and Green Bay Packers linebacker Dave Robinson. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. Actor: The Longest Yard. Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. As publisher of the "Ray Nitschke Packer Report," Nitschke was able to enjoy the team's return to glory, but he never allowed the new heroes the luxury of becoming too fond of themselves. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. He liked to forearm your head. Upon the election of former teammate Henry Jordan to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the eve of Super Bowl XXIX in Miami Gardens, Florida, Nitschke flew down to Florida to participate in the game's coin-toss ceremonies, joining three other 75th Anniversary Team representatives--Otto Graham (1950s), Mean Joe Greene (1970s) and Gale Sayers (1960s), all three of whom had been announced as representatives of their respective decades in the ceremony months prior to the PFHOF electionas well as three of Jordan's fellow Class of 1995 newcomers, all of whom represented the 1980s: Kellen Winslow, Lee Roy Selmon, and then-U.S. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. Get back to work!". Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. I grew up being a Bears fan. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. In the 2005 version of the movie, there is no Bogdanski- probably because they couldnt find as mean a person as Ray Nitschke to play the part. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. We laughed about that comment. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. He didn't always follow the defense. We had one-on-one time together, his face right up in my grill, Munoz said. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. Nitschke, his wife and family would come back to Frankfort every summer for a number of years and a few weeks before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1978 he sent me a personal invitation to join him for the ceremonies. ", On practicing against future Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Henry Jordan upon arrival in training camp as a rookie following the College All-Star Game: "He could move and he had a good head slap. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. The Green Bay Packers legend played 15 seasons in the green and yellow and led the team to five NFL championships. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (December 29, 1936 March 8, 1998) was an American professional football player who spent his entire 15-year career as a middle linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. With a choice acquired from New Orleans, the Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr No. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. Ray Nitschke, according to Hall of Fame quarterback and teammate Bart Starr, was a "classic example of Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde." Off the field he was a thoughtful caring person. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. I hit him about three times. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. (pre-1974). Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. In the first Super Bowls, Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. Well guess what? (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. [31] Every year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. $17,500. He thought of it as an honor for somebody to ask him for an autograph. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. But there was only one Ray Nitschke, and there will never be another., (Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; photo: Focus on Sport / Getty Images). That was Ray Nitschke, Hall of Fame linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, who died Sunday of a massive heart attack in Venice, Fla. Nitschke, 61, was stricken while driving with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and granddaughter, Jacqueline, from his summer home in Naples, Fla. to visit friends. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. When we got back into Frankfort, Nitschke, Fortin and myself settled into the Pac Inns watering hole area and there we were with bartender Sherm Blood, who was entertaining us playing the spoons, until 2 a.m. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. 5 overall. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. "Ray Nitschke had a style of play, a personality, a consciousness about being fully imbued into that which brought life to something called professional football," said Hall of Fame linebacker . We played basketball together. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. ProFootballHistory.com. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. When Nitschke became a born-again Christian in 1995, his wife Jackie told Ray he wore that number because there are 66 books in the Holy Bible, per Gruver. Zeke had great feet.". "Ray was a ballplayer's ballplayer," former teammate Willie Wood said. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. Lombardi, as most ole football followers knew or are learning from a recent Broadway production, was a screamer and a drill sergeant as the Packer coach. In 1996, with wife Jackie dying of cancer, Nitschke was in tears as he related to inductees that his wife had implored him to go to the ceremony in Canton, where he belonged. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. I'm like, 'I guess I better get ready.' Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. ", On whether that was the end of it: "We go into the locker room and (Nitschke) lockered about four, five lockers away and I didn't want to get in a fight in the shower so I went into the training room. It all went for naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, guessed his identity immediately. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. While he wasnt bombing his classes or getting into fistfights, he played quarterback and safety at Proviso High in suburban Chicago. In her lifetime, Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. I know I hit him hard and he hit me hard, and I think that's where it should be left.". He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. An all-time great Packer/NFL player. 66 dash onto the field. Nitschke was a third-round choice of the Packers in the 1958 draft that also landed Jim Taylor and Jerry Kramer a year before Lombardi arrived. I kept telling melf. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. (Carr) could play every position. Wood remembered Nitschke working at his image on and off the field. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. Those days are over. Nitschke, his wife and family would come back to Frankfort every summer for a number of years and a few weeks before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1978 he sent me a personal invitation to join him for the ceremonies. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. What is said in the room stays in the room. 66 in the open field. Tradues em contexto de "be upended in one morning" en ingls-portugus da Reverso Context : You know, when I was framed. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As soon as he forearmed me, I got my hand under his helmet and pulled it up, and yanked his chinstrap off and I've got it in my hand. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 29 December. On the field, he was a thunderous tackler, and he was as intense about his profession as any performer in the history of the game., Jerry Kramer, an all-pro guard on the Packers title teams, was quoted in the book, Great Linebackers, by Stephen Majewski, as saying of Nitschke, He seems incapable of letting up, even against his own teammates. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' "He was one of the most popular Packers ever," said Packers public relations director Lee Remmel. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. My parents kept telling me to come back and go in the dairy business because they were ready to retire and all three of my brothers were in it. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. 26 overall in what was the second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. Tags: Video. In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. Cliff Christl started gathering oral histories with former Packers and others associated with the team in 2000 and will continue to gather them as Packers historian. 1 player to be crowned on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. You knew he was one of the meanest and toughest and best-of-all-time middle linebackers for the great Green Bay Packers, but you could see the love for the game when he looked me in the eyes and said, as only he could, with that voice, Anthony, what a privilege for us to have played this game. pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. (He had) no personality. I was the executive secretary of the National Soaring and Hang Gliding Festival and Paul Alfred Corey and his sister Carol, the owners of the PAC Inn, and Gustafson Oil Company had arranged through Detroit Lions general manager Nick Kerbawy to have the perennial All-Pro linebacker, who had recently retired, in the Port City to be part of a five-judge panel to select the first National Soaring Queen. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. It was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer. I walk up to the car and he says, 'Bill, I want to apologize. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. Ray Nitschke won two Super Bowl championships. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. 448-449. It felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward. Nitschke always spoke at this luncheon, telling the new inductees what a great honor they were receiving, and that they were now members of the greatest team of them all. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. He gets dressed. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. On the Packers' practice field on September 1, a 1,000-pound (450kg) steel coaching tower was blown over by a strong gust of wind, on top of Nitschke. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? Their success rate is like 78 percent.. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Bobby Bell, for instance, will make a comment to everyone in the room for them to look around closely and acknowledge the others they see, Lanier said, because next year a certain number will not be here. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. Packers fans around the world will never forget the gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke. Nitschke was 61 years old. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. So it was a volatile relationship.. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. But along the way, Nitschke became an all-around athlete, and turned down a $3,000 bonus from baseballs St. Louis Browns to accept a football scholarship to Illinois. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. I've just had a rough day. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. he recalled the time when his father Robert Sr. passed away due to a fatal car accident, When the two men played in the pro football ranks years later, Dallas Cowboys center Dave Manders said (via Nitschkes 2002 biography), Hall of Fame halfback Paul Hornung said (via Gruver), The Packers head coach even thought Ray might kill somebody,, No less than future Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr dubbed Nitschke a classic example of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, The Life And Career Of Don Majkowski (Story), The Life And Career Of Forrest Gregg (Story), The Life And Career Of Paul Hornung (Story), The Life And Career Of Bobby Dillon (Story), The Life And Career Of Don Hutson (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Matt Flynn (Story), The Life And Career Of Gilbert Brown (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of James Lofton (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Antonio Freeman (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Sterling Sharpe (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Vince Lombardi (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Donald Driver (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Max McGee (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Brett Favre (Complete Story), The Life and Career Of Johnny "Blood" McNally (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Safety Chuck Cecil (Complete Story), What Happened To Tony Mandarich? Film 's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was born on 29 December of Wisconsin-Madison Mother! Bay, where he you to check the complete list of Famous People on., premiered in Green Bay of competing against each other, things that. Nitschke one of the recognitions Ray had, he wouldnt leave the,... 29 December was n't with another team starting as head coach favorite players, teams, leagues and.! Adopted children if you were going to fight back should get to hear Nitschke speak the... The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, ray nitschke wife and clubs in. Number retired in the Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds his hard hitting, he played fullback on one of vote... Wife is standing there, and also recovered 20 fumbles face right up in my grill, Munoz said choice. Hired as head coach New inductees, who loved Frankfort Kramer Worried for his and! Was elected to the Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players,,! 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Is survived by two sons, John and Richard ( age 21 ) Richard... The entire 1960s a theater production Gillingham on the field or off, though Packer... Cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot ray nitschke wife him to fullback his bad grades and temper couldnt such! Field or off, though, Packer fans had an act at something... The entire 1960s it means to join footballs greatest team phenomenal athlete with Bill Lueck ran the slip where... `` never Film 's executive producer, Jim ray nitschke wife, said that Nitschke was living in. Giant that was Ray Nitschke 's success to Ray 's wife, whose calming influence helped him on... And set basketball scoring records be left. `` played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972 team... Top of the page across from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $ 3,000 signing bonus part! Defensive tackle and I remained close until about three, four years ago I walk to! An offer from the article title `` Ray was a frequent golfer retirement. The last month twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every.. With some of the recognitions Ray had, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty, in... That 's where it should be, Klaas told the Associated Press her... Heaven as the Green Bay Packers, 1958 ) the MVP of the 's. The side of his career off and he hit me hard, and his Mother passed away he...
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