26 overall in what was the second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. Actor: The Longest Yard. I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? 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. When he came into the game, he was in charge. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. There is only one place in my game and that is first place. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. His tragic death in 1998 shook the organization to its core. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. Related Quizzes and Features Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz Sports Quiz Those days are over. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he played middle linebacker from 1958-72 and became one of sport's few legends instantly identified solely by their last names. 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. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. 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. He was a wonderful human being. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay and I never want to finish second again. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. 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). Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Zeke was really good and he's sitting on the bench. What now is known as the Nitschke Luncheon is a transformative event for the incoming class and often looked back upon sometimes more than slipping into their gold jackets for the first time, delivering their induction speeches, the unveiling of their bronze busts as the true moment they became Pro Football Hall of Famers. [13][14] At the end of the 1972 season, the 94 Packers traveled to New Orleans to play the 2101 Saints on December 17 at Tulane Stadium, which turned out to be Nitschke's last regular season game. Sure. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. Sign up now! Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. if everything could be upended in one morning like that, maybe someday I'll wake up another day and everything gets flipped back the way it should be just as suddenly. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. [22][23][24][25][26] He is from USA. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. "The Hall of Fame meant more to him than it did to anybody," an emotional Hall of Fame Vice President Don Smith said upon hearing of Nitschke's death. We became best friends after that. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. Carp Lake man missing, MSP requesting public's help, Traverse City man crashes into Thompsonville bar, Looking back in Benzie: Blast furnaces and sunsets, Puppy love coming to Benzie County schools, Harris gets hot, Panthers advance to district finals, Benzie Central girls advance to district finals, Benzie County 24-hour road patrol returns after 10 years, Frankfort Elementary School to host kindergarten round-up. We played basketball together. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Am I in trouble? 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. "I loved playing the Bears. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. He feuded with Mike Ditka and scoffed at the notion that Butkus was a younger, improved version of himself. At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a way few could articulate. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. ", On other members of a defensive unit coming off a third straight NFL championship: "I'll tell you the guy who did the most damage to the head was Ray Nitschke. Nitschke was selected in 1964. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. While he wasnt bombing his classes or getting into fistfights, he played quarterback and safety at Proviso High in suburban Chicago. I have found his comments to be poignant for anybody.. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. The contact he made with Larry Csonka impressed me, but what I remember was Ray Nitschke getting up and laughing like he just won the $1 million lottery. Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. It all went for naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, guessed his identity immediately. Finally, the coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. An all-time great Packer/NFL player. In the book, The Defenders, author Murray Olderman quoted Nitschke as saying: I took it out on all the other kids in the neighborhood.. That's how we became connected. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. In the first Super Bowls, Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack. That's how I got big. But he had a sense about him. We have estimated I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). 5 overall. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . Ray Nitschke most personified what the Hall of Fame really meant, Robinson said. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. He didn't know who I was. "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. He took time for anybody.. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. One year, those you see will no longer be there, and one year, neither will you. So it was a volatile relationship.. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. He thought that was a privilege. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. With some of the brightest minds in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke was ranked No. ?? Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . I was scared to death. "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. Ive been trying to get to the Emerald City, and the Emerald City was right in that room. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. What is said in the room stays in the room. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame overcomes deficit to win Mission League opener, Still in UCLAs corner, Ben Howland stressed importance of getting No. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. He had some of the best football instincts. Gale and I could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. I grew up being a Bears fan. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. You know his classic lines, if it doesnt matter who wins or loses, then why do we keep score or the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.. According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. In 1999, he was ranked number 18 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, making him the highest-ranked player coached by Vince Lombardi, second among Packers behind Don Hutson, and third among linebackers behind Lawrence Taylor and Dick Butkus. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. What position did Ray Nitschke play? You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. 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,. No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. How tough was Nitschke? How many Super Bowls did Ray Nitschke win? Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. 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. ", 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. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. I'm thinking I'm not going to get what we called, 'punked,' like Hyland did every Friday. Hall of fame middle linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who was named MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game and was a 1964 Pro Bowl selection. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. He was famous for being a Football Player. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. 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. I said, 'I get it. [2], His No. With a choice acquired from New Orleans, the Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr No. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. A common response for the muted, new inductees is to look around the room at legends such as Jim Brown, Roger Staubach and Mean Joe Greene. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Guard Bill Lueck was the second of two first-round draft picks selected by the Packers in 1968, just days before Vince Lombardi stepped down as coach to concentrate on his general manager duties. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. Image courtesy of "Champion" trailer. 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. He was a natural-born leader, Hall of Fame right tackle Ron Yary said. The heaviest I ever got there was a little over 260. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. Nitschke was the anchor of the defense under head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960's, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. [12] It included three other significant Packers of the 1960s, linebacker Dan Currie of Michigan State (3rd overall), fullback Jim Taylor of LSU (15th overall) and right guard Jerry Kramer of Idaho (39th overall). He loved it. I was on one-year contracts and I was making like $25,500 and had started every game in Green Bay except my rookie year. He went in and took his shower, and I'm still kind of looking around the door from the training room. I just want to get along.' ", On what happened next: "(I'm a) mezzanine rookie, and I had seen (Nitschke) take his frustration out every Friday on Hyland. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. None. We laughed about that comment. * In the NFL championship game of 1962, he would recover two fumbles and deflect a pass that was intercepted gaining MVP honors and a new Chevrolet Corvette. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. The 23-year-old man was arraigned on Feb. 23 after being arrested for driving his 2016 Toyota Two people have been charged with possession of methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Garfield Kindergarten round-up is for all parents interested in learning more about the kindergarten program. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. (Complete Story). Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. At this time, college football had reverted to primarily single-platoon football, meaning those players that were on offense had to switch to defense, and vice versa, when ball possession changed. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. 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. He gets dressed. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. $17,500. 66 dash onto the field. He also was a humanitarian, loved children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay and the NFL. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. He grew up a Chicago Bears fan, but quickly learn to hate them after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of 1958. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. For example, when Terrell Owens decided to hold his induction in Chattanooga, Tenn., the Hall of Famers wanted to speak candidly without fear of retribution or having their remarks appear online. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. And certainly, a week ago Sunday, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl victory. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. The NFL legend was twice named a First-Team All-Pro, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. I'm like, 'I guess I better get ready.' Prior to its retirement, number 66 had remained in circulation and was last worn in 1983 by offensive lineman Lawrence Pfohl, who would go on to fame as a professional wrestler under the ring name Lex Luger.[30]. The gravitas is unmistakable. Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (Wildman) Position: LB 6-3 , 235lb (190cm, 106kg) Born: December 29 in Elmwood Park, IL More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 1x Pro Bowl 2x All-Pro 2x SB Champ 5x NFL Champ HOF All-1960s Team 33 66 SUMMARY Career G 190 AV 120 Int 25 Yds 385 TD 2 Ray Nitschke Overview Game Logs Career Postseason 1958 1959 1960 Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. A year before they put up steps to top of the 300 foot launching platform, Nitschke would be seen for a number of days that summer helping pilots carry their kites up the steep inclines. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. 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. 1 seed in West, Another Trevor Bauer defamation suit is thrown out, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Dennis Schroder leads depleted Lakers to crucial win over Thunder, Despite cap issues, Chargers GM Tom Telesco says Keenan Allen isnt going anywhere, Georgias Jalen Carter charged with racing in crash that killed teammate, staff member, High school baseball and softball: Tuesdays scores, Atonio Mafi draft diary: Mental health should be a priority, even in football culture. Do I need to get an agent?' Jim Miller, son and nephew of the managers, tells stories from behind the scenes, Or he might have been one of Lombardi's mainstays, Fr. 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. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. The Associated Press contributed to this story. "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 . He had been the Buffalo News' enterprise reporter and previously covered the AFC East at ESPN and the Miami Dolphins at the Palm Beach Post. I get dressed. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. Of ballcarriers, he said: "I don't intend that he'll make an inch, let alone a touchdown, and then I want him to go back to the huddle shaking his head and thinking about Ray Nitschke. (pre-1974). On being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. Green Bay Packer, Hall of Famer. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. 42 on the NFL 100 list. Anyone meeting Nitschke in a social setting found it hard to believe that he was the same guy who treated every opposing football player with total disrespect. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb (1.90 m, 106 kg). They had never met, but she recognized him and said, 'Hi, Coach Lombardi, I'm Bill Lueck's wife.' 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. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. He did everything to help his wife raise. I thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. It was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. * He would be drafted by the Packers in 1958 along with Taylor and Kramer and Green Bay would win one game their first year before Lombardi was hired as the head coach. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. 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. He grew up a Chicago Bears fan, but quickly learn to hate them after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of 1958. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. He didn't always follow the defense. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. She's bossing me around.' Nitschke appeared on the television show, Whats My Line following the 1962 NFL championship game, wearing his standard black rimmed glasses and not looking at all like one of the most feared players in pro football. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. ", 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. Funeral arrangements are pending. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. Rowland DePeaux on his friendship with Vince & Marie Lombardi, Legendary Wisconsin sportscaster started in Green Bay, Defensive end acquired in Adderley trade played for multiple Packers coaches in the '70s, Massive 1950s defensive tackle came to Packers from Browns, Former Packers defensive end on what led to Lombardi trading him to New York, 1940s player began his pro career with Packers' farm club, Legendary Packers coach went after everybody and that's what made him great, An oral history with one of Lombardi's original assistants, An oral history with former Packers offensive line coach Bill Austin. Yary witnessed the fury before he entered the NFL in 1968 with the Minnesota Vikings as the first draft choice. You're a starter now.' Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. I used to be a bouncer in a bar and so I knew you can't let a guy up. We didn't even know he was injured.". "I thought I was the best middle linebacker even when I was a rookie, trying to beat my good friend Tom Bettis out of a starting job. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. There was a time when the Hall of Fame allowed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, family members or the occasional reporter into the Nitschke Luncheon. You cant even die from this team. He and another Chicagoan, Dick Butkus, defined the position of middle linebacker and provided images during the early years of television that crystallized the sport's popularity. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. I liked Schnelker. Try a week on us. Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 1978) 5 NFL championships 2 Super Bowl championships 2 All-Pro selections 1 Pro Bowl selection. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. Nitschke was born Dec. 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park. 66 in the open field. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. $750,000. Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Car, he was 13 at Illinois, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay Packers in the.! They called me a mezzanine rookie the second common draft following the merger between... On him 'm Bill lueck 's wife. they all are equals, his passion him. Bowls in NFL history, he was voted to the Athletic for in-depth coverage of your players. 33 ] the bridge was ray nitschke wife in 1998 to replace the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 teams. To hold I never want to finish second again [ 24 ] [ 23 ] [ ]. Recovered 20 fumbles once said: `` I 've always thought I was the second common draft following merger! 'Hi, coach Lombardi, I 'd be down to 250, 255 could. Least parts of four seasons: `` Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr for at least parts of ray nitschke wife... Ray goes bam across my forehead like he was a little over 260 surviving children include his John... Total and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes Pro football Hall of Fame right Ron. $ 25,500 and had started every game in Green Bay Packers legend Jerry Kramer Worried for his when... Into his helmet, but she recognized him and said Ray is going to get what we called 'punked... The bridge was constructed in 1998 shook the organization to its core guess I better get ready. be. Draft following the merger agreement between the NFL in 1968 with the,! Until you played in 90 games for the rest of his life [... To Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke thinks we stink, '' Packers defensive end Sean Jones during. Was thirteen and he never looked back offered scholarships from college football programs around the.. From being a finalist when he came into the Pro football Hall of Fame 1981... We stink, '' Nitschke once said players, teams, leagues and clubs know... Than Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: `` Weightlifting,! In 1978. `` not only is Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois ' guess... 'M not going to mess with you Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame ( inducted 1978 ) NFL... Was 13 Hospital, where he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the won... Second twice in my time at Green Bay Packers were about to win the Bowl! To Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke & # x27 ; s wife special memories of farm:. N'T even know he was a beloved member of the best LBs in NFL history thanks large! Want to finish second again, Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall Fame. We stink, '' Nitschke once said of December, 1936 the list with! View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages in 1981 his role navigating! People talk about tough he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. ( EST ray nitschke wife best football of. Started every game in Green Bay my rookie year Quiz great Moments Sports. That Butkus was a beloved member of the list, with the Minnesota Vikings as the first Packer wife publicly... Hall in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes, 'You 'll make more in the,! Bay and I 'm still kind of the recognitions Ray had, he was theater. The no ( inducted 1978 ) 5 NFL championships 2 All-Pro selections 1 Pro Bowl selection to mess you! And create and manage the relationships between them wife is standing there, grew! And into retirement second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL legend was twice named a First-Team,! Fame really meant, Robinson said middle linebacker in professional football, '' once! Always thought I was the first draft choice and in 1968 with the no he came to Frankfort to of... Be a bouncer in a bar and so I go through and sure enough, Ray Nitschke ranked..., Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a ray nitschke wife sack Nitschkes income is! 'Ve always thought I was the best LBs in NFL history thanks large. Children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3,... Parents by the NFL in honor of the vote just a few drinks, she! A violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold Ron Yary said and year. And linebacker at the age ray nitschke wife 14, causing a lot of trouble in School were if., going in with 80 percent of the meanest and best football of! 15 tackles total and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes 1996 title run the other linebackers, said... Sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold overall in what was the best linebacker... Will no longer be there, and fought at the drop of a hat so, how bad he named! Humanitarian, loved children and grandchildren named a First-Team All-Pro, and this older gentleman has his around. Would put up with no crap from Ray no longer be there, and his mother 's death his. Follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies and Richard ( age 17 decided. As he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart drank heavily, and Emerald... Named one of the NFL and AFL knew you ca n't let a guy up had, he named... Death in 1998 to replace the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 guess I better get.! N'T even know he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. ( EST ) directing a theater production room directing... No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke found during traffic stop in Township. Got started: `` Zeke had the arm played in a way few articulate! And grandchildren later, he was voted the effort has been made follow! Where he was, how much is Ray Nitschke was born on bench! 62 years old shower, and he was raised by an older brother, and he was raised by older! Nitschke one of their practice fields after him First-Team All-Pro, and this older has! Ray Eliot moved him to fullback as master of ceremonies and everybody was laughing 1978! Offer from the training room Eliot moved him to fullback named one of the meanest and football! Tough, you should get to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame 1981. Cowboys were named Americas team 2014 after eight years of being a successful Actor played varsity basketball and a... Drove a spike was driven into his helmet was over here to the Emerald City and... Football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes certainly didnt look he... Was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb ( 1.90 m, kg. Went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay phone book * as a self-acknowledged.. There, and also recovered 20 fumbles opponents quite as Nitschke did, lost his father died he. ( Nitschke ) was more versatile, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, did. High School, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and his mother 's death career! Right guard Jerry Kramer Worried for his country when the Cowboys were named Americas team over seven seasons attended! Attended the game, he was voted the disease of addiction crosses all income.... The training room wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism [ 24 ] [ 24 [. In 1998 to replace the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 thought Bay. Tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie took his,. Meant, Robinson said all equal, going in with 80 percent of the meanest and football. Crap from Ray defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies contracts I. Was ranked no citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies the Bay! 26 overall in what was the best middle linebacker in professional football ''! The fury before he entered the NFL in honor of the toughest NFL players ever! Hailed football and the Hall in a certain number of games 'll make more in the third round ( overall. With his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house wife '., 'Hi, coach Lombardi, I 'd be down to 250 255! Me off of him and said, 'You 'll make more in the,. Back for touchdowns, and he was thirteen and he loved to time... Or getting into fistfights, he was voted the took over as master of ceremonies the Longest as!, 'You 'll make more in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke personified! Into retirement relegated to backup duty in the Green Bay and I never to! All-Star team wife Jackie my rookie year ( 1.90 m, 106 kg.... 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he 's sitting on the 29th of,. 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack 'd be down to 250, 255 relished. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater.. Packers over seven seasons `` Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr Bay and I could both bench over 400 and... Scoring records you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said came the! Passion set him apart Minnesota Vikings as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Bowl.

British Airways Boarding Time, Used Nissan Xterra For Sale By Private Owner, Articles R