It was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. 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. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. He was a total family man. 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. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. Related Quizzes and Features Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz Sports Quiz One year, those you see will no longer be there, and one year, neither will you. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. This is a carousel. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. 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. That becomes a most profound reality. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. His annual treks to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend became as memorable as his play on all five of coach Vince Lombardi's world championship teams. Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. He gave it all to you. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. Lombardi molded the Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the best football teams of the 1960s. 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. With his bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he could have passed for a business executive or a college professor. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. He did everything to help his wife raise. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. He was famous for being a Football Player. Follow Tim on Twitter @ByTimGraham, Nitschke recorded 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. 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. Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. Then from 1969 to 1973, he unofficially started 67 of 70 regular-season games at left guard based on official play-by-plays (he also might have started another, but wasn't listed in the lineup) and also the 1972 NFC Divisional playoff. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. Ray Nitschke, one of the most fearsome middle linebackers in the history of professional football and an anchor of the championship Green Bay Packer teams of the 1960's, died yesterday in. I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. He thought that was a privilege. Ray played in the 230s, but he hit like he was 300 pounds. The review in Kirkus Reviews concluded, "This lacks the wider appeal of, say, an Instant Replay and it's antithetical to the juicy Ball Four genre. Many never knew who this man, one of the greatest NFL players of all time, was. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . When he walked off the field and put on his horn-rimmed glasses, Robinson said, youd think he was a CPA unless he took his teeth out.. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. So it was a volatile relationship.. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. Nitschke had a remarkable knack of being where the football was. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. I said, 'I get it. [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. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. ", On his relationship with fellow No. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. . They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. One guy, Grant Smith of Detroit, asked Nitschke if he wanted to learn how to hang glide and the Packer, then 36 years old at the time, said it looked too dangerous for him. Well guess what? His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. When I told Green Bay what I was offered, they matched it. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. What college did Ray Nitschke attend? Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. Ray Nitschke. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. He was a natural-born leader, Hall of Fame right tackle Ron Yary said. Nitschke started to feel sharp chest pains during the drive, and he pulled over to a nearby rest stop. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Lueck, 74, lives in suburban Phoenix. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. Supplement 1, pp. Nitschke was selected in 1964. Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. 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. There is only one place in my game and that is first place. 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. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. 448-449. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. There are too many guys who think it was a privilege for the league to have them., That was years and years ago, but I can hear him say it like it was yesterday. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. 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. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Get back to work!" Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". Zeke Bratkowski same thing. What is said in the room stays in the room. * 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. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. Biography in: "American National Biography". A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). I've just had a rough day. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. She's bossing me around.' New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. Wife: Jackie Forchette (waitress, m. 26-Jun-1961, d. 1996, two sons, one daughter) Son: John (adopted in 1963) Son: Richard (adopted in 1966) Daughter: Amy (adopted in 1972 . Zeke had great feet.". He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. When Ray met and married his wife, Jackie, he made an outstanding decision. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. Yary witnessed the fury before he entered the NFL in 1968 with the Minnesota Vikings as the first draft choice. Was it a mistake or an act of hate? I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. We laughed about that comment. And Gale told me if you let him know he can't just get away with abusing you like he does with Hyland, you'll get his respect. 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]. Nitschke was wearing his wearing those type of black rimmed glasses at the PAC Inn in Frankfort that late July evening of 1973 and the crowd sitting there, eating and imbibing, probably thought he was just another summer tourist. He definitely wasnt the fastest. 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. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. But he had a sense about him. He could play quarterback if he had to. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. [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. In his sophomore year in 1955, due to a depletion of players in the offensive backfield, Illini head coach Ray Eliot moved Nitschke from quarterback to fullback,[9] shattering his childhood dream of quarterbacking a team to a victory in the Rose Bowl. 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. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay and I never want to finish second again. The Green Bay Packers legend played 15 seasons in the green and yellow and led the team to five NFL championships. Fred was a great player. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. Nitschke became a full-time starter in 1962, the anchor of a disciplined defense that helped win five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls in the 1960s. He had football smarts. The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of Nitschke and his family, who were staying at the PAC Inn and the Crystal Beach Resort that week, fell in love with the town and in particular, the sport of hang gliding. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. premiered in Green Bay this week. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. Biography. We have estimated So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. We played basketball together. Watch the trailer for the documentary below: For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height [22][23][24][25][26] 42 on the NFL 100 list. Ray Nitschke's net worth However, he was chosen by the Green Bay Packers late in the third round (36th overall) of what is considered the greatest draft in the franchise's history. Actor: The Longest Yard. Ray Nitschke's life was the embodiment of the power of love, the power of family, and the power of an individual to transform himself into a better person. 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). ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. He was the one player who most represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. I have found his comments to be poignant for anybody.. For years after his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the NFL. 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. 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In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. (Nitschke) would test guys. 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. 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. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. 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. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Ray Nitschke, the meanest Packer of them all and the stalwart of five NFL championships including the first two Super Bowls, is the epitome of the storied franchise. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. How tough was Nitschke? Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. 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. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. 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. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. In that years Chicago College All-Star Game, played against the reigning NFL champs, a maniacal Nitschke gave Yary a glimpse of what lie ahead in the pros. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. The Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. She pushed back her student's hijab. Ray Nitschke. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. Yet while Nitschke himself would protest the notion, he did rise above the room. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). But Packer fans and others around the league who admired Nitschke's professional skills might pick this up as a reminder of the man beneath the armor."[28]. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. Reality becomes difficult to fathom. I look out and see he's gone. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Rivett says up to 14 people can live at the Jackie Nitschke Center for a month while they get sober. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Maybe it was the missing teeth or the oversized facemask, but no NFL player wanted to meet No. 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. "He was one of the most popular Packers ever," said Packers public relations director Lee Remmel. But in 1969, when Hall of Fame voters honored the NFLs 50th anniversary by naming its 16 best players, Nitschke was one of only five defenders and the lone linebacker. ?? ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. It felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Raised by two older brothers, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other high school coaches for keeping him on the right track. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Hell, even Tom Brady moved on from the New England Patriot after 20 historic years. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. "I never saw him turn down an autograph or a request to pose for a photo.". Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement speech. He played the rest of the game.[11]. ", 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. 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. He could throw the ball. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. 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 . Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. 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