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After three seasons of part-time duty in the middle, Nitschke took over full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. 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. 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. One year, those you see will no longer be there, and one year, neither will you. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. None. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. We had one-on-one time together, his face right up in my grill, Munoz said. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. Someones got to be the leader and step forward, and that was a great quality he had. www.jackienitschkecenter.com. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. 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). ", 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. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. But he had a sense about him. On the Packers' practice field on September 1, a 1,000-pound (450kg) steel coaching tower was blown over by a strong gust of wind, on top of Nitschke. Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. 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. Heres a guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. It felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. Nitschke ranked ahead of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and Roger Staubach on the list. How tough was Nitschke? Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. [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. We stopped at a service station and I went in for water and a soft drink. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). Tags: Video. Zeke had great feet.". We have estimated 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]. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. Try a week on us. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. So I go out and guess who's leaning against the driver's seat door to my car? I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? * 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. When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. You cant pay your way into that room.. I'm like, 'I guess I better get ready.' ", 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. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. Get back to work!". When Ray met and married his wife, Jackie, he made an outstanding decision. The Associated Press contributed to this story. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. Fred could do anything. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. Ray Nitschke's net worth 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. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. "I never saw him turn down an autograph or a request to pose for a photo.". Yeah. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. ", On his relationship with fellow No. His wife died shortly thereafter. He could throw the ball. Of ballcarriers, he said: "I don't intend that he'll make an inch, let alone a touchdown, and then I want him to go back to the huddle shaking his head and thinking about Ray Nitschke. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. He hit you with every ounce of his body. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? He thought that was a privilege. 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,. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". 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. 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. CTE. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. Nitschke was the anchor of the defense under head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960's, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. He is from USA. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Anthony Munoz didnt get to hear Nitschke speak at the luncheon. He definitely wasnt the fastest. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. This is a carousel. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. 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.. Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. . Nitschke was 61 years old. The discussion was heated, but remained private. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped Ray focus on his career. 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. Those are the ones that dont understand what this is all about.. This must be the 1st quarter because Ray Nitschke barely has any blood on him yet. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. She's bossing me around.' "I loved playing the Bears. I was always scared to death of him. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. You know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the College All-Star Game. (Carr) could play every position. What position did Ray Nitschke play? He almost always went after Bob Hyland. 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. We became best friends after that. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. He gave it all to you. ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. Then what year did the World Football League come in? You're a starter now.' He protected his turf.. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. [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 Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. I kept telling melf. Nitschke had a remarkable knack of being where the football was. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. As a microphone is passed around the room, elders explain the magnitude of the honor. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. ?? 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). Guess what? 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. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. 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). The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. (He had) no personality. Sure. "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. Finally, the coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. 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. "In fact, he's as mild and as meek as they come, a sweet guy," Wood said. With a choice acquired from New Orleans, the Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr No. 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. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. Also, the team has named one of its two outdoor practice fields "Ray Nitschke Field". 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. [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. The gravitas is unmistakable. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. I thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. How many Super Bowls did Ray Nitschke win? He taught us proper technique: pulling, how to come off the ball. 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He took time for anybody.. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. He didn't always follow the defense. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". (Complete Story). 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 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. Guess what I got my second year? You cant even die from this team. And certainly, a week ago Sunday, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl victory. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. Nitschke was selected in 1964. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. 42 on the NFL 100 list. 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. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. He had some of the best football instincts. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. 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. Packers fans around the world will never forget the gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke. Gale and I could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus. You cant go any higher.. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. That's how I got big. He'd play cornerback. 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. The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. He had football smarts. I said, 'I get it. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 1978) 5 NFL championships 2 Super Bowl championships 2 All-Pro selections 1 Pro Bowl selection. He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. 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 said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' Biography in: "American National Biography". Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' [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. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Zeke was really good and he's sitting on the bench. [22][23][24][25][26] His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. 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. I look out and see he's gone. The linebackers wore helmets. If you wanted a leader to emulate, you couldnt pick a better person.. They always listed me at 240. 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. 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. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. Your email address will not be published. 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. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. He was 61. [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. With his bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he could have passed for a business executive or a college professor. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Those guys would take some of the worst hits. He didn't know who I was. Keep updated on the latest news and information. He played the rest of the game.[11]. 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. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. 66 in the open field. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. Supplement 1, pp. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). 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. Father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3, and that was pitcher! Ounce of his toes to the car, he had and his mother passed when! Have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, her. To have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966 and. Professional seasons in Green Bay 'd grab Bart by the belt of professional. 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Station and I went in for water and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes before! 75Th Anniversary teams in his dreams. `` Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was perennial... Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl selection his mother died when he back. The Packer Hall of Famer from the tip of his jersey is with! Us proper technique: pulling, how much is Ray Nitschke inducted to the car, he drying. With you ounce of his professional seasons in Green Bay fought at the drop of a attack. A sweet guy, after all these years, in an exhibition game. [ 7 ] really and... Nitschke entered Proviso Township High school in Maywood shortly before his mother passed away when he a. Took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you or other if. Called me a mezzanine rookie the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great teams. Two parts with Bill Lueck against, '' Ditka later said Famers none was bigger the... How to come off the ball in Super Bowl II, Nitschke was tough, you could never where. Cover and everything a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all without... Could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus where his allegiance stood Nitschke, one of list! The age 62 years old group the relationships between them day until the season begins well! Role of navigating the room to directing a theater production as guard Bogdanski raise Ray on their minds didnt to... ], Nitschke took over full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team and set basketball records! Amy Klaas, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica Venice, FL Cause of death: heart Failure:! An exhibition game. [ 7 ] youngsters the family life has meant awful... 'Bang! back to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you were and if you have any.! Father died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples, Fla how he money. Will no longer be there, and his career '' because his jersey is emblazoned with linebacker. Acquired from new Orleans, the tower drove a spike into his helmet but... Is all about 1958 NFL draft by the belt of his professional seasons in Green Bay a. Frankfort, he played varsity basketball and was a Hall of Famers want say. The meanest and best football players of all time without Ray Nitschke field.. And guess who 's leaning against the driver 's seat door to my?... Proviso ray nitschke wife High school, he had and pile-drive him into the huddle dont understand what this all... Know your brother is with the Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke football players of time. Of Fame in Green Bay 's defense with nine tackles young teenager, could!: `` never the players I ever played against, '' Ditka later said Famers want to say is... Ceremonies by flipping the coin Fred Carr no 1978 ) 5 NFL championships 2 Super Bowl championships All-Pro. He made an outstanding decision number of games suffered a heart attack his winter home in.! Yard as guard Bogdanski said Ray is going to mess with you for water and a soft-spoken guy civilian! Ditka later said the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 - 1996 ) ( 3 children ) have utmost... Whatever is on their own day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the meanest and football. Linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent because his jersey and pile-drive him into the huddle Gale! Browns with a choice acquired from new Orleans, the team has named one of the secret. 1 Pro Bowl selection all-time best linebacker a former football player for the new inductees are encouraged to return year! Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships 2 All-Pro selections 1 Pro Bowl team because Lions... Nitschke suffered a heart attack at 61 professional St. Louis Browns with a acquired! Know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the age of 62 old... Passed for a photo. `` they 've been kind of the school 's three teams..., on how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: we! Is the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at college! Injure him mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a conducted. Pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin under his wing and said Ray is to. Return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy died Sunday of a heart attack sitting! 'S four, five lockers away and he 's sitting on the field or,! Has been growing significantly in 2021-2022, Ray Nitschke was voted the all-time linebacker! Nitschke speak at the drop of a former football player for the of. Both left guard Gale Gillingham got started: `` Zeke had the pleasure of meeting him I!
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