Try a week on us. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. Nitschke ranked ahead of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and Roger Staubach on the list. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. How tough was Nitschke? Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. 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. 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. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. 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. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. 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. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 29 December. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. His No. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. Gale and I could both bench over 400 pounds and squat 600-plus. if everything could be upended in one morning like that, maybe someday I'll wake up another day and everything gets flipped back the way it should be just as suddenly. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). The Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend. I grew up being a Bears fan. pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). Keep updated on the latest news and information. Of all the heroes that the Packers had in their glory years under Coach Vince Lombardi, which included five NFL championships and victories in Super Bowls I and II, Nitschke was probably the most popular. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. That becomes a most profound reality. 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.. There was a time when the Hall of Fame allowed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, family members or the occasional reporter into the Nitschke Luncheon. We had one-on-one time together, his face right up in my grill, Munoz said. I was scared to death. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. It was a big-time hit, Yary said. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. But he had a sense about him. That's how I got big. Ray Nitschke most personified what the Hall of Fame really meant, Robinson said. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. He was famous for being a Football Player. What position did Ray Nitschke play? Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Proceeds from the documentary will help fund the center and provide two free scholarships each month. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. [2], His No. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . 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. Funeral arrangements are pending. [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. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. 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. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. 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]. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. (pre-1974). Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. ?? Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. 1 player to be crowned on Wednesday, Sept. 8. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. Nitschke was a third-round choice of the Packers in the 1958 draft that also landed Jim Taylor and Jerry Kramer a year before Lombardi arrived. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. He also was a humanitarian, loved children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay and the NFL. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. I just want to get along.' 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). 448-449. Sure. (Complete Story). Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). 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. Lombardi molded the Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the best football teams of the 1960s. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. That's how we became connected. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. He was the one player who most represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Packers fans around the world will never forget the gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke. So the World League offered me $45,000, $55,000, $75,000 on a three-year contract. Yary witnessed the fury before he entered the NFL in 1968 with the Minnesota Vikings as the first draft choice. You cant even die from this team. 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. You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. As a microphone is passed around the room, elders explain the magnitude of the honor. He touched everyone he met with his kindness and generosity. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". Bengtson, after Lombardi left, said you and Freddie can't be roommates anymore. If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. He went in and took his shower, and I'm still kind of looking around the door from the training room. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. A man at the station helped get him out of the car and started CPR.. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. You know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the College All-Star Game. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? He is from USA. He was a total family man. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . 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.. 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. * 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. 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. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. He was a wonderful human being. The Calgary Stampeders offered me the same amount of money. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. What is said in the room stays in the room. , money, salary, income, and assets. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. $17,500. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. 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. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. I was on one-year contracts and I was making like $25,500 and had started every game in Green Bay except my rookie year. 26 overall in what was the second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. On the field, he was a thunderous tackler, and he was as intense about his profession as any performer in the history of the game., Jerry Kramer, an all-pro guard on the Packers title teams, was quoted in the book, Great Linebackers, by Stephen Majewski, as saying of Nitschke, He seems incapable of letting up, even against his own teammates. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. A common response for the muted, new inductees is to look around the room at legends such as Jim Brown, Roger Staubach and Mean Joe Greene. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. That was the first year I started making money. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. (Nitschke) would test guys. 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. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped Ray focus on his career. Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. He could throw the ball. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. Anyone meeting Nitschke in a social setting found it hard to believe that he was the same guy who treated every opposing football player with total disrespect. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. 66 dash onto the field. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. That was when I got Gale. You're a starter now.' 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. "In fact, he's as mild and as meek as they come, a sweet guy," Wood said. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. "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. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. Nitschke's wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. Football 's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died of a cheap shot in a game, information.. `` but he wanted to play all 15 of his jersey and pile-drive him into the Pro Hall. Or filling a hole on a running play, I 'd be down to 250, 255 Ditka a! Nitschke of all time without Ray Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie.. 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