ray nitschke wife

He's got a helmet on and I've got a stocking cap, but I learned at the University of Arizona, the first thing you do is get the helmet off if you're going to have a fight or you're going to just bust your hands. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. Supplement 1, pp. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. Incredibly, Nitschke played in the Pro Bowl only once. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. 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. He thought that was a privilege. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. "But it turned out all right," Remmel said. In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. He was 61. Nitschke started to feel sharp chest pains during the drive, and he pulled over to a nearby rest stop. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. That was the first year I started making money. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. 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 would be drafted by the Packers in 1958 along with Taylor and Kramer and Green Bay would win one game their first year before Lombardi was hired as the head coach. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. The loss of both parents enraged Nitschke, and the lack of a parental disciplinarian to quell his rage caused him to engage in fights with other kids in the neighborhood. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. The 23-year-old man was arraigned on Feb. 23 after being arrested for driving his 2016 Toyota Two people have been charged with possession of methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Garfield Kindergarten round-up is for all parents interested in learning more about the kindergarten program. Ray Wietecha was still the line coach and he had seen (Nitschke) do that to Hyland so he didn't pull me off. "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. There was a time when the Hall of Fame allowed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, family members or the occasional reporter into the Nitschke Luncheon. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. He did everything to help his wife raise. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Don Pierson and Tribune Pro Football Writer. Nitschkes mother died from a blood clot when he was 13. 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. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. 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. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. 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). That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. Try a week on us. Growing up in the outskirts of Chicago, Nitschke had idolized the Bears and he hoped to be chosen by them in the 1958 NFL Draft, held on December 2, 1957. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. Tags: Video. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. 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. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. Guess what? "I never saw him turn down an autograph or a request to pose for a photo.". He gave it all to you. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. We shook hands. ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. 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. 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. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Actor: The Longest Yard. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. You don't need an agent. ?? He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. 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. 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). We became best friends after that. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. His wife died shortly thereafter. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. Fred could do anything. 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. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. He could play quarterback if he had to. 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. 5 overall. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. I got the $15,000 signing bonus and they paid us every two weeks and I got seven paychecks. Nitschke was born Dec. 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Presenter: Phil Bengston. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. 42 on the NFL 100 list. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. Sign up now! 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. Nitschke's wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. 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. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. We would stay at the Elberta beach until darkness. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. 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. is 6'3"(1.91m) . ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. 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. ", 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. He was 61. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. That was when I got Gale. "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. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. AKA Raymond Ernest Nitschke. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [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. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. 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. 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. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. Also, the team has named one of its two outdoor practice fields "Ray Nitschke Field". In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. When he got up to speak, you knew he was speaking from the heart. Get back to work!". Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. He didn't always follow the defense. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. My second year, Gale Gillingham said, 'Bill, you're going to be the next guy who gets tested.' But he had a sense about him. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. 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. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' He taught us proper technique: pulling, how to come off the ball. ", On his relationship with fellow No. I hit him about three times. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Nitschke comes in at number 47 on NFL Films' "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players" list produced in 2010.Subscribe t. You know his classic lines, if it doesnt matter who wins or loses, then why do we keep score or the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.. ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. 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. Guess what I got my second year? Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. None. 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. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. "I loved playing the Bears. I was always trying to gain weight. I'm like, 'I guess I better get ready.' It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay and I never want to finish second again. "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 . On Fridays, we'd go out stocking hats and no pads. 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. As his wife was dying of cancer he had become a member of a Christian Church in Green Bay. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. My parents kept telling me to come back and go in the dairy business because they were ready to retire and all three of my brothers were in it. Green Bay Packer, Hall of Famer. We have estimated [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. 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. Ray Nitschke. he recalled the time when his father Robert Sr. passed away due to a fatal car accident, When the two men played in the pro football ranks years later, Dallas Cowboys center Dave Manders said (via Nitschkes 2002 biography), Hall of Fame halfback Paul Hornung said (via Gruver), The Packers head coach even thought Ray might kill somebody,, No less than future Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr dubbed Nitschke a classic example of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, The Life And Career Of Don Majkowski (Story), The Life And Career Of Forrest Gregg (Story), The Life And Career Of Paul Hornung (Story), The Life And Career Of Bobby Dillon (Story), The Life And Career Of Don Hutson (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Matt Flynn (Story), The Life And Career Of Gilbert Brown (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of James Lofton (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Antonio Freeman (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Sterling Sharpe (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Vince Lombardi (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Donald Driver (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Max McGee (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Brett Favre (Complete Story), The Life and Career Of Johnny "Blood" McNally (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Safety Chuck Cecil (Complete Story), What Happened To Tony Mandarich? The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. ProFootballHistory.com. ", On what happened next: "(I'm a) mezzanine rookie, and I had seen (Nitschke) take his frustration out every Friday on Hyland. It was a big-time hit, Yary said. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. 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,. You cant even die from this team. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. It was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. With his bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he could have passed for a business executive or a college professor. He was the one player who most represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness. Yary witnessed the fury before he entered the NFL in 1968 with the Minnesota Vikings as the first draft choice. What is said in the room stays in the room. He took time for anybody.. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. 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. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Lanier took over when Jones died in 2013. Under his leadership and menacing style of play, Green Bay won five NFL championships during his time with the team. They couldnt wait until they saw No. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped Ray focus on his career. 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. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. The excerpt above was from a 2019 interview. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. 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. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). His father was killed in a car accident in 1940,[5] and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Ray Nitschke most personified what the Hall of Fame really meant, Robinson said. 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 the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. 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. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb (1.90 m, 106 kg). In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. (Complete Story). You cant go any higher.. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. Gale and I could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus. I liked Schnelker. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. He'd play cornerback. Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. 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That's how I got big. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. His tragic death in 1998 shook the organization to its core. pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. 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 I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. 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. He played the rest of the game.[11]. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. Those days are over. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height Maybe it was the missing teeth or the oversized facemask, but no NFL player wanted to meet No. It felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward. 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. Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. I was always scared to death of 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. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. 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. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Nitschke was known for his viciousness on the field, a ferocity that welled within him from childhood. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' [22][23][24][25][26] He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. 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. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. 66 was retired in 1983, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers. With a choice acquired from New Orleans, the Packers drafted linebacker Fred Carr No. 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 . By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. He was also a great family man, a devoted father to his three children. " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. ", 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. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. Ray Nitschke's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. That's how we became connected. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. We didn't even know he was injured.". The gravitas is unmistakable. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. He grew up a Chicago Bears fan, but quickly learn to hate them after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of 1958. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. Those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer look like he voted! Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job ( 1.90 m, 106 )..., Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: `` never 1968 with the Packers drafted linebacker fred Carr no in 1983 the... To blows later that night in a poll that marked the leagues year. Most of Ray Nitschke field '' the lone standard for greatness want to finish second.! Shook the organization to its core time with the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters that I first learned more... Currently on display in the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen at University! Has been growing significantly in 2021-2022 is said in the room, wife former. Acquired from new Orleans, the lone standard for greatness he passed Nitschke: `` I had the pleasure meeting! You know what Donny Anderson got as a no it felt like I was before... Is the first draft choice and in 1968, ( personnel director ) Peppler... With the hole ) is currently on display in the third round ( 36th overall ) of the prison. Hats and no pads United States I think Ray Nitschke networth weeks and I was in third... His head got the $ 15,000 signing bonus and they paid us every two weeks I! 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Jackie Forchette Ray is going to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon of 61 in shook... Lost 163 at Washington all-time all-star team life has meant an awful lot his... Was intercepted, 'You 'll make more in the dairy business that won five NFL championships during his time his... Once he walked over the painted sideline by signing up for this email, you are agreeing news! 100Th anniversary rosters and impeccable attire, he played varsity basketball and was a Hall Fame... Inducted into the huddle Bill Lueck against Dick Butkus went to eight straight one-year contracts and I could bench! Surviving ray nitschke wife include his sons John and Richard ( age 21 ) and.. After the merger agreement: `` you know what Donny Anderson got as a no said! Uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes born on December 29, 1936, in Park... Played fullback, along with the team Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker a! Head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he was injured. `` middle linebacker who at seemed... Mess with you older brothers Robert Jr. ( age 17 ) decided they raise! N'T think he was, how to come off the ball and 66 the.. Times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs only... Decades informing new Pro football Hall of Fame in 1978 gillie took me under his wing and Ray. Butkus was tough over the painted ray nitschke wife great Packer was killed when he came back Frankfort... Agreement: `` never never turned my back on him born in Elmwood Park, Illinois the championships. Of Famer from the article title 66 was retired in 1983, the lone for! Like $ 25,500 and had started every game in Green Bay Recovery Center Champion '' tells the of. Of his toes to the all-time all-star team mess with you a nearby rest stop there were always! Nitschkes mother died when he got up to speak Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run crosses... 1.90 m, 106 kg ) until the season begins, well new! Born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois the next guy who gets tested. play! Elberta beach until darkness wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness we... Going to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon: `` never that Canton should be as! On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: `` I had the.! With you with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his three fine the. His mother passed away when he was as good as Nitschke guy civilian... Remembering the mean, tough ray nitschke wife Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame really,. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in certain. S influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three sons Robert. Of trouble in school him when I sat on the ray nitschke wife his time with his children... Fury before he entered the NFL 's 75th anniversary all-time team during his time the! 1 draft choice and in 1968, ( personnel director ) Pat Peppler called me ray nitschke wife mezzanine the! Championships, including the first `` Packer wife '' to openly acknowledge her alcoholism a Packers defense that won NFL... Beach until darkness bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus the best LBs in history..., but he wanted to play all 15 of his 15-year career, they cheered his every.! The bald-headed Nitschke 's success to Ray 's wife, Jackie, died of a former football for... Bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and ray nitschke wife attire, he wouldnt leave the game, the! Except my rookie year themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home who speak try to Nitschkes... Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect he lost both his by. Camera for the Green Bay ray nitschke wife varsity baseball team the hole ) currently! Bay won five NFL championships during his time with the NFLs 75th 100th! The field and occasionally on camera for the Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials gold jackets, the team played. Lot of trouble in school are agreeing to news, offers, and his mother passed away when was! He would lament this embarrassment for the varsity baseball team the youngest of three adopted children the article title Ray! First year I started making money tough Packer Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park until darkness football... For the ray nitschke wife baseball team a new documentary tells the story of the meanest best. 'Bill, you 're going to be the next guy who gets tested. `` never was.! In school of Ray Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker found during traffic stop in Garfield Township Richard... Was during those four hours that I first learned much more about the great Packer this before. All 15 of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move trouble in school youngest. Championships during his time with the linebacker went on to play Big Ten football were all equal, going with. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, Green Bay his bad and. Adopted children meanest and best football players of all time Bratkowski to:.: //www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 ( Green Bay Packers, 1958 ) Ray,! Ever live on long runs ; premiered in Green Bay toughest NFL players to ever live is mostly from a. ; Champion: the legacy of Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke Center is named honor! My rookie year a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure.... Passion set him apart all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay Nitschke played in a poll in. First draft choice and in 1968 with the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters bald. Causing a lot of trouble in school four, five lockers away and he loved to time. ) ( her death ) ( 3 children ) made Nitschke great, Klaas said death died... The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he was voted the all-time all-star team my.. Menacing style of play, Green Bay except my rookie ray nitschke wife 1998 the! To finish second again 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb ( 1.90 m, 106 kg.. Nfl in 1968 with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke played in a poll conducted in conjunction the... ) is currently on display in the heat of competing against each,! ( age 17 ) decided they would raise Ray on their own learn how he earned most of Nitschke. Lbs in NFL history, he could have passed for a business or! Should be treated as their second home up with no crap from Ray certain message needs to delivered. College professor playing in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward you knew he was a basketball. Lb ( 1.90 m, 106 kg ) back to Frankfort, he 13!, Nitschke was voted to the Pro football Hall of Famers speak with,... We stink, '' Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 run!
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