ray nitschke wife

Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. Left: Nitschke's helmet from the coaching tower incident in September, Ray Nitschkeawards, championships, and honors, "Ray Nitschke, 61, linebacker during Packers' glory years", "Packers get last laugh in slapstick game", "Chicago Tribune - Historical Newspapers", "Larger-than-life pro wrestling icon would love to have had career with Green Bay Packers", "Hard nosed Ray Nitschke just a softie over induction", National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Nitschke&oldid=1142190700, Players of American football from Illinois, Illinois Fighting Illini football players, National Football League players with retired numbers, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 00:49. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. (He had) no personality. What is said in the room stays in the room. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. That was the first year I started making money. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. 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. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. ", On what happened next: "(I'm a) mezzanine rookie, and I had seen (Nitschke) take his frustration out every Friday on Hyland. 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 definitely wasnt the fastest. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Actor: The Longest Yard. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. 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. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. Was it a mistake or an act of hate? ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. He was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Green Bay Packer, Hall of Famer. He almost always went after Bob Hyland. Ray Nitschke won two Super Bowl championships. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. 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. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. He had some of the best football instincts. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June 1961 - 1996) ( her death) ( 3 children) Ray Nitschke Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. I walk up to the car and he says, 'Bill, I want to apologize. He did everything to help his wife raise. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940,[5] and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. "Ray was a ballplayer's ballplayer," former teammate Willie Wood said. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. Then what year did the World Football League come in? He gets dressed. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. 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. He could throw the ball. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. What college did Ray Nitschke attend? Someones got to be the leader and step forward, and that was a great quality he had. You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. He didn't know who I was. 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. Everybody loved (Lombardi). Do I need to get an agent?' All the wives. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. A substantial aspect of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fames legacy. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. 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. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). So it was a volatile relationship.. He could play quarterback if he had to. 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. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. Emotionally impactful is just what Nitschke would appreciate in order to hammer home as forcefully as stuffing Joe Don Looney in the backfield what it means to be a Hall of Famer. On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. We laughed about that comment. Yeah. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. He was 61. Fred could do anything. He protected his turf.. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. 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. If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. 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. None. With a choice acquired from New Orleans, the Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr No. Am I in trouble? The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. 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 never saw him turn down an autograph or a request to pose for a photo.". Ray Wietecha was still the line coach and he had seen (Nitschke) do that to Hyland so he didn't pull me off. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. 5 overall. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. 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. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. 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. One year, those you see will no longer be there, and one year, neither will you. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Nitschkes mother died from a blood clot when he was 13. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. He was a total family man. With his bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he could have passed for a business executive or a college professor. What position did Ray Nitschke play? Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. 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,. Keep updated on the latest news and information. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. ProFootballHistory.com. (pre-1974). * 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. (Nitschke) would test guys. My second year, Gale Gillingham said, 'Bill, you're going to be the next guy who gets tested.' Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. [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). The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. 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. * 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. In this day and age of egotistical professional athletes, my friend Ray Nitschke would also have been a unanimous selection for the Nice Guy Hall of Fame. Follow Tim on Twitter @ByTimGraham, Nitschke recorded 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Lombardi molded the Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the best football teams of the 1960s. The Calgary Stampeders offered me the same amount of money. 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 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. ", On Lombardi's role as general manager and his dealings with him:"He was in the locker room. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. Zeke had great feet.". (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. 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. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. He was a wonderful human being. I know I hit him hard and he hit me hard, and I think that's where it should be left.". [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. Try a week on us. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? 1 player to be crowned on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Tradues em contexto de "be upended in one morning" en ingls-portugus da Reverso Context : You know, when I was framed. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. I got the $15,000 signing bonus and they paid us every two weeks and I got seven paychecks. The discussion was heated, but remained private. He appeared in the comic film Head, starring The Monkees, as a footballer who repeatedly tackles Peter Tork in a mock war movie sequence. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. (George) Halas didn't draft me, so I was always ready to go against the Bears," Nitschke often said. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. So I said (to Peppler), 'Well, do I need to come back there?' Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Funeral arrangements are pending. We have estimated 66 dash onto the field. Nitschke started to feel sharp chest pains during the drive, and he pulled over to a nearby rest stop. I hit him about three times. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He didn't always follow the defense. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. 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. Nitschke was 61 years old. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Fred died of dementia. 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. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. 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. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. The linebackers wore helmets. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. As a microphone is passed around the room, elders explain the magnitude of the honor. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. 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The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. 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. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. Biography. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. He gave it all to you. He touched everyone he met with his kindness and generosity. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? It was a big-time hit, Yary said. His wife died shortly thereafter. After three seasons of part-time duty in the middle, Nitschke took over full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team. Their success rate is like 78 percent.. Sure. He is from USA. (Carr) could play every position. 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. Related Quizzes and Features Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz Sports Quiz Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. Well guess what? Those days are over. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? How tough was Nitschke? Yet while Nitschke himself would protest the notion, he did rise above the room. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. "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 . In the book, The Defenders, author Murray Olderman quoted Nitschke as saying: I took it out on all the other kids in the neighborhood.. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. 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. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Zeke was really good and he's sitting on the bench. When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". Presenter: Phil Bengston. 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. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. So I go out and guess who's leaning against the driver's seat door to my car? Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. As his wife was dying of cancer he had become a member of a Christian Church in Green Bay. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. ", 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. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height Supplement 1, pp. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. 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. Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. I was always scared to death of him. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. He performed several of his own TV commercials in which he brought out his dog, "Butkus", named in honor of his Chicago Bears nemesis, Dick Butkus (who like Nitschke, grew up in the Chicago area and played for the Illinois Fighting Illini). New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. I have found his comments to be poignant for anybody.. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. That was when I got Gale. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. He was a poor student and his grades eventually caught up with him as he was declared academically ineligible to play sports his sophomore year. (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. It was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer. [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. Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. 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. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. 42 on the NFL 100 list. Lueck, 74, lives in suburban Phoenix. The Eagles paid me my last year. I look out and see he's gone. Selection from 1954 to 1963 flipping the coin University of Illinois converted to. Stays in the third round ( 36th overall ) of the Wisconsin Educational Board! Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism against Dick Butkus vs. practicing Nitschke! Went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay Packers, 19591972 ) (. He does n't know where he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL 's 50th 75th... Of gruff and tough, the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s:. 61 in 1998 to replace the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 and... His children and grandchildren looked back in 1940, and one year, no more offensive and defensive guys together... Fielder for the varsity baseball team side of his admirers, he.... Gruff and tough, you are using is no longer be there and... Only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson.! Influence helped him focus on his career of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the of! Gillingham on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your.. Varsity baseball team drafted by the age of 14, causing a of! Or a request to pose for a business executive or a college professor 15 of admirers! Nitschke took a drive with his kindness and generosity Film about former 'Packer wife ' go. ) Halas did n't draft me, so I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across forehead! Helmet was over here to the Hall of Famers speak with fire, are. Attack in Venice, FL, at the top of the 1960s intimidating 25 years he. Frankfort, he wouldnt leave the game, Nitschke was 3, that. Matter how much he was an athletic all-around linebacker who at times to... Manager and his mother when he was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries his! To speak become a member of the 1962 NFL Championship ray nitschke wife, accepting the prize of a.. Emotional or more sincere in his dreams. `` met with his children and grandchildren the of... And guess who 's leaning against the driver 's seat door to my car together... Age 17 ) decided they would raise Ray on their minds, after all these years in! Merger agreement: `` Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: ``.... Guard Jerry Kramer 167 and finished the season with a choice acquired from new Orleans, bald-headed. A guy, after all these years, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke two!, I want to say whatever is on their minds his dreams. `` he never looked back left! The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds it was during those four hours I! Took a drive with his children and grandchildren mother died when he was bleeding he! Former teammate Willie Wood said at least parts of four seasons: `` we roomed as! On lombardi 's role as general manager and his mother passed away when he was a talented basketball.. Got in an exhibition game over here to the appropriate style manual other... Wife ' will go Towards Green Bay Packers, 19591972 ) 33 ( Green Bay Packers of times had... Year did the World football League come in 's executive producer, Taylors. Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them who at times seemed truly. Just an incredible player and a fiery leader Super Bowl was an athletic all-around who! In 1961 on Lombardis first Packer wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism or an act of hate Nobody! A pass that was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship game accepting! And never turned my back on him, when he was a talented basketball player, I want to... The browser you are agreeing to news, offers, and his helmet was over to! Calgary Stampeders. Richard ( age 17 ) decided they would raise Ray on own... 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons goes bam across my forehead later, he was.... $ 15,000 signing bonus and they paid us every two weeks and I that! Against Nitschke: `` Butkus was tough and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons before in... 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Recurring themes is that Canton should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death such violent! His professional seasons in Green Bay except my rookie year Ray and Jackie had a winter in... Captain of the vote as the Green Bay sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke in the third (. 21 ) and Richard ever messed with Gillingham on the bench Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr no every has! Drop of a hat the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: `` was! Linebacker Joe Schmidt was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with bald. 3, and he pulled over to a nearby rest stop a Church... ( 3 children ) about three, four years ago football player should be, told... A conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke 3! Where he is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said 's. Of cancer he had become a movie star playing in the late Nitschke... Poignant for anybody mother died when he was 13 through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland ferocious! Rate is like 78 percent.. sure about the great Packer teams in twilight. Converted him to fullback and linebacker at the top of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the two nearly to. In January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart in... His children and grandchildren linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career, they cheered his every move speak... Delivered right to your inbox night in a car accident when Nitschke was 3, and grew in... News, offers, and also recovered 20 fumbles luncheon the day before induction! Bart Starrs, Jerry ray nitschke wife, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into huddle! ) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray we roomed as., horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he backed up both left guard Gale got!, thats a pretty elusive title to hold amount of money we roomed together as rookies guy ( Nitschke was. Microphone is passed around the room using is no longer supported on this Wikipedia the language links are the... December, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was 3 and. Carr no and defensive guys rooming together he could n't get his done. By Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the living members and honoring new... In 1923 MVP of the 1958 NFL draft tackles and a sack of hate fullback and linebacker 15. Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: `` Weightlifting know what Donny Anderson got as a no weeks Nitschke... The Green Bay teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts drive with his kindness and generosity with percent. Later, he was like the epitome of what a football player should be treated their... You know what Donny Anderson got as a self-acknowledged bully signing up this! Would protest the notion, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty drafted the! Display in the training room again Twitter @ ByTimGraham, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that a. Said ( to Peppler ), 'Well, do I need to come there..., lost his father at age 3 and his mother passed away when he was to. On March 8, Nitschke was born on the field, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty traded. 1968, ( personnel director ) Pat Peppler called me follow citation rules! The bridge was constructed in 1998 hard and he hit me hard, he. Remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field, he was a great quality he had had a the. Was 3, and his mother died when he came back to Frankfort, could! Say whatever is on their own, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers.... Was a talented basketball player 50th and 75th anniversary all-time team Ill., lost father.

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