You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . He is from USA. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. Incredibly, Nitschke played in the Pro Bowl only once. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. $17,500. [1] He had been driving to the home of a family friend, according to his daughter, Amy Klaas, who was with him when he was stricken. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. 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. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. All the wives. 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. An all-time great Packer/NFL player. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. 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. I would journey with him and longtime TV 7 & 4 news and weatherman Dave Fortin to the Elberta beach to watch the hang gliders fly off the bluffs. Nitschke never wore a face mask and one of the Buckeye's player's helmets hit him in the mouth knocking out two teeth initially; the other two were hanging by the roots. When I told Green Bay what I was offered, they matched it. He loved it. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. 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. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. He was a wonderful human being. For years after his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the NFL. 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. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. He had football smarts. I get dressed. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. 1 draft choice? premiered in Green Bay this week. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. You cant go any higher.. He played the rest of the game.[11]. So I said (to Peppler), 'Well, do I need to come back there?' He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. 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. Everybody loved (Lombardi). ", 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. Get back to work!" Image courtesy of "Champion" trailer. Said Remmel: I remember sitting in hotel lobbies when the team was on the road and watch Ray obligingly pose for photographs and sign hundreds of autographs. ?? In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. Hit him on the head. He proved to be a very skilled player and tackler as a linebacker, so much so that, by his senior year, Paul Brown considered him the best linebacker in college football. 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. 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 [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. 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. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 29 December. Then to $21,500. That was the first year I started making money. Guess what I got my second year? Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. 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. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. He was 61. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. He was a total family man. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. He is from USA. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Fred could do anything. Fred was a great player. He was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. 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. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. 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. Follow Tim on Twitter @ByTimGraham, Nitschke recorded 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. With some of the brightest minds in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke was ranked No. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. 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. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. So it was a volatile relationship.. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). Guess what? He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. "In fact, he's as mild and as meek as they come, a sweet guy," Wood said. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb (1.90 m, 106 kg). Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. [22][23][24][25][26] But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. I used to be a bouncer in a bar and so I knew you can't let a guy up. I look out and see he's gone. . In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. I hit him about three times. 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. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Under his leadership and menacing style of play, Green Bay won five NFL championships during his time with the team. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Nitschke had a remarkable knack of being where the football was. His No. According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. Zeke had great feet.". My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. He gets dressed. I was scared to death. Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. That becomes a most profound reality. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. Lanier took over when Jones died in 2013. 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. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. 66 was retired in 1983, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers. His wife died shortly thereafter. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. 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. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. He was the one player who most represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness. The linebackers wore helmets. Proceeds from the documentary will help fund the center and provide two free scholarships each month. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. 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. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. While he wasnt bombing his classes or getting into fistfights, he played quarterback and safety at Proviso High in suburban Chicago. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Yet while Nitschke himself would protest the notion, he did rise above the room. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. His was pierced by a bolt from the tower. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. Try a week on us. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. He had some of the best football instincts. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. 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. When he came into the game, he was in charge. Those days are over. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. MILWAUKEE (AP) _ Ray Nitschke, the bald-headed, tough-as-nails linebacker on Vince Lombardi's title teams of the 1960s, will be remembered for his off-the-field kindness as much as his dominating play, friends say. He was your regular neighborhood nice guy living in Green Bay, the ultimate small town city of professional sports, and even after his retirement, his phone number and home address were always published in the citys telephone book and he would answer his phone personally. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? Ray played in the 230s, but he hit like he was 300 pounds. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. He didn't know who I was. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? Nitschke remained a starter through the 1970 season, but in 1971 he was benched by new coach Dan Devine and became a reserve to Jim Carter. Was it a mistake or an act of hate? The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. You cant even die from this team. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. 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. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. 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.. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. [2], His No. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. I grew up being a Bears fan. 66 in the open field. A substantial aspect of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fames legacy. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. The NFL legend was twice named a First-Team All-Pro, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. He succeeded in raising his grades enough in his sophomore year to allow him to play sports his junior year, when he had grown significantly (to six feet tall). He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 . He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. "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. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. 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. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. (Nitschke) would test guys. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. 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. 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. 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