Those are the ones that dont understand what this is all about.. Gale and I could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. We played basketball together. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. All the wives. I was always scared to death of him. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. So I said (to Peppler), 'Well, do I need to come back there?' "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. What is said in the room stays in the room. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. The linebackers wore helmets. That's how we became connected. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. I get dressed. [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). His father was killed in a car accident in 1940,[5] and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. "But it turned out all right," Remmel said. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. But he had a sense about him. 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 playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. We became best friends after that. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. 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. I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. That's how I got big. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. The Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge, a twin-leaf bascule bridge over the Fox River on Main Street (US 141) in Green Bay,[32] was named in honor of Nitschke. Welcome tothe NFL 100,The Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. Fred was a great player. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. 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. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. I look out and see he's gone. Ray Nitschke. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. I used to be a bouncer in a bar and so I knew you can't let a guy up. He thought that was a privilege. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. Cliff Christl started gathering oral histories with former Packers and others associated with the team in 2000 and will continue to gather them as Packers historian. 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. She's bossing me around.' A man at the station helped get him out of the car and started CPR.. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' Yary witnessed the fury before he entered the NFL in 1968 with the Minnesota Vikings as the first draft choice. Everybody loved (Lombardi). [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. [1] Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, he was the anchor of the defense for head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. What position did Ray Nitschke play? Supplement 1, pp. He recorded the only pass reception of his career, a 34-yard gain after a blocked Packer field goal attempt, and they won 3020 to finish at 104, their best regular season record since 1966. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. Zeke Bratkowski same thing. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. She was a widely-known figure in the movement toward creating better drug and alcohol treatment options in Northeastern Wisconsin. ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 29 December. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. 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 ", On Lombardi's role as general manager and his dealings with him:"He was in the locker room. 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. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He could play quarterback if he had to. But, let me tell you, off the field, Ray Nitschke, who was selected as a linebacker on both the 50th and 75th anniversary all-time National Football League teams was a pussycat. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. (It was erroneously first reported as 5,000lb (2,270kg). 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. That was when I got Gale. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. We're going to pay you a $15,000 signing bonus and a $15,000 salary your rookie year. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. You know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the College All-Star Game. It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. He thought of it as an honor for somebody to ask him for an autograph. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. 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. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. 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. On being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. Nitschkes mother died from a blood clot when he was 13. 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. Was it a mistake or an act of hate? pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. 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. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. 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. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. 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. 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. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. 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. Having played with the Green Bay Packers and the number of championships they won, the number of Hall of Famers that played for (coach Vince) Lombardi, who happens to have his name on the trophy, seemed to signify a purity of someone who accepted his role in the game and played it with a fervor.. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. I kept telling melf. Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. * 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. You cant go any higher.. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. (Nitschke) would test guys. ", On what happened next: "(I'm a) mezzanine rookie, and I had seen (Nitschke) take his frustration out every Friday on Hyland. When he got up to speak, you knew he was speaking from the heart. . They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. You don't need an agent. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. Get back to work!" A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. 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. Biography in: "American National Biography". 26 overall in what was the second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. He hit you with every ounce of his body. So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. Rivett says up to 14 people can live at the Jackie Nitschke Center for a month while they get sober. 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. 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. He didn't always follow the defense. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. Wanting to play at a Big Ten university, with a chance to appear in the Rose Bowl, he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Illinois in 1954. 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. Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. The gravitas is unmistakable. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Ray Nitschke's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. He protected his turf.. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. is 6'3"(1.91m) . " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. ", 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. "He was one of the most popular Packers ever," said Packers public relations director Lee Remmel. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. Ray Nitschke most personified what the Hall of Fame really meant, Robinson said. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. Keep updated on the latest news and information. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. There was a time when the Hall of Fame allowed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, family members or the occasional reporter into the Nitschke Luncheon. 1 draft choice? Fred died of dementia. It was a big-time hit, Yary said. Ray Nitschke won two Super Bowl championships. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement speech. (He had) no personality. I was the executive secretary of the National Soaring and Hang Gliding Festival and Paul Alfred Corey and his sister Carol, the owners of the PAC Inn, and Gustafson Oil Company had arranged through Detroit Lions general manager Nick Kerbawy to have the perennial All-Pro linebacker, who had recently retired, in the Port City to be part of a five-judge panel to select the first National Soaring Queen. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. I hit him about three times. "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. [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. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . We had one-on-one time together, his face right up in my grill, Munoz said. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. In the first Super Bowls, Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack. You cant pay your way into that room.. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. ?? Green Bay Packer, Hall of Famer. 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 wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. 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. He'd play cornerback. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. 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. 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. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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.. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. * 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. Don Pierson and Tribune Pro Football Writer. Fred made very few mistakes. 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. Hell, even Tom Brady moved on from the New England Patriot after 20 historic years. 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. 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. New documentary tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first time I Vince! Only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said Green phone... He thought of it as an honor for somebody to ask him for an autograph the fourth number in. I said ( to Peppler ), Firefox and Safari, we 'll you... The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs Proviso high... The College all-star Game had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words won five NFL championships, including the Super..., she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all levels. 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'No, we supported Zeke 100 percent and AFL Athleticsendeavor to identify the best. Three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife, Jackie, died of cheap! To the appropriate style manual or other sources if you were and if you thought Green Bay after retiring even! Huddle and he loved to spend time with his three fine youngsters the life... You the paperwork and you can sign it. very good coach Brady!

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