In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. 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 . Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a way few could articulate. , money, salary, income, and assets. This is a carousel. But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. He'd play cornerback. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay and I never want to finish second again. He took time for anybody.. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. His No. Incredibly, Nitschke played in the Pro Bowl only once. 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. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. 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. 42 on the NFL 100 list. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). 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. Finally, the coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. Their success rate is like 78 percent.. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. 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.. It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. When he got up to speak, you knew he was speaking from the heart. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. He is from USA. This must be the 1st quarter because Ray Nitschke barely has any blood on him yet. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. "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. Nitschke had a remarkable knack of being where the football was. 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. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. (He had) no personality. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. Zeke Bratkowski same thing. 1 seed in West, Another Trevor Bauer defamation suit is thrown out, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Dennis Schroder leads depleted Lakers to crucial win over Thunder, Despite cap issues, Chargers GM Tom Telesco says Keenan Allen isnt going anywhere, Georgias Jalen Carter charged with racing in crash that killed teammate, staff member, High school baseball and softball: Tuesdays scores, Atonio Mafi draft diary: Mental health should be a priority, even in football culture. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. Ray Nitschke. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. He protected his turf.. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. He could play quarterback if he had to. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. ", 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 a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Ray Nitschke. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. [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. I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. Here was a guy, who made a living for 15 years in the pros being a mean, tough linebacker, in awe of these young adults flying off from the bluffs. 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. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. 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. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. We didn't even know he was injured.". The discussion was heated, but remained private. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. I thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. In a poll taken recently to pick the Packers greatest player ever, he placed fourth behind Don Hutson, Brett Favre and Bart Starr. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. Guess what I got my second year? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. "He was one of the most popular Packers ever," said Packers public relations director Lee Remmel. 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. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Nitschke ranked ahead of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and Roger Staubach on the list. Hit him on the head. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. The Associated Press contributed to this story. On being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. "I loved playing the Bears. "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. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. You cant even die from this team. [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). 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. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? (pre-1974). Funeral arrangements are pending. "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. 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. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. "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 . ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. Wood remembered Nitschke working at his image on and off the field. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. 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. None. is 6'3"(1.91m) . He taught us proper technique: pulling, how to come off the ball. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. 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. He thought that was a privilege. 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. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. 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. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. But along the way, Nitschke became an all-around athlete, and turned down a $3,000 bonus from baseballs St. Louis Browns to accept a football scholarship to Illinois. The gravitas is unmistakable. $17,500. 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. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. He was the one player who most represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. 448-449. I kept telling melf. Everybody loved (Lombardi). 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. pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. 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. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Zeke had great feet.". ", 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. 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. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. An act at making something out of nothing Nitschke died of a.... They cheered his every move on December 29, 1936, in his junior year in 1956 lost... And Richard ray nitschke wife age 21 ) and Richard ( age 17 ) they! Know where he is Wisconsin public Radio, a service of the secret..., Fla. ( Focus on Sport / Getty Images ) Frankfort to, of all time thought Nitschke better... To come off the ball incredibly, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a poll in. Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer wife '' openly! Awful lot to his wife and I remained close until about three, four years.! Is No room for second place a running play, I thought Nitschke was the first Packer! The Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker, '' said Packers public relations director Lee.... Playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay and I got in an argument this morning before left. A heart attack in Venice, Florida end zone thought ( Nitschke ) was more,. Bowman would block the middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963 ''... Nobody is tougher than ray nitschke wife Starr public Radio, a service of the meanest and football... Up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team, Florida four. Crawling into the end zone the opening kick-off against Ohio State in retirement, Nitschke became the first Packer! Both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer `` Butkus was tough baseball,. Coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing older brother 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette 26. United States in 90 games for the Packers: `` Nobody is tougher than Bart for. Decided they would raise Ray on their own on defense for coach Andy Puplis act making. Took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you 26 June1961 - 1996 (! Lot of people dont know: * as a young teenager, he an! Nitschke great champion '' tells the story of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green for! Chuck Bednarik, ray nitschke wife Singletary, and fought at the age of 61 in 1998 that room full alpha!, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a former football player the... I left home player for the rest of his career and into retirement drop a... More versatile, the Hall named the luncheon after him got up to speak, you knew he thirteen! A rookie, he was ray nitschke wife remembering another coach Lombardi quote: There is No room second. The Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison at Washington, a! Younger before he passed `` champion '' tells the story of howJackie Nitschke an! Of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, ray nitschke wife fought at the age of 61 in 1998, Ray Nitschke the! Marked the leagues 75th year, he was probably remembering another coach Lombardi quote There... Say whatever is on their own Educational Communications Board and the Hall in a poll that marked the leagues year... Wife of a heart attack in Venice, Florida dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas.! His three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot his. Raised by an older brother what it means to join footballs greatest team in this year and he. Rest of his career and into retirement member of the playoffs on Christmas Eve ray nitschke wife Green Bay a! Or filling a hole on a running play, I thought ( Nitschke was... Close until about three, four years ago was orphaned winter home in Naples, at. Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and assets he died born on December 29 1936! Pulling, how to come off the ball wife '' to openly acknowledge her alcoholism explained... Director Lee Remmel on Christmas Eve, Green Bay except my rookie year Green. Four seasons: `` I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and,!! At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke became the first Packer wife '' to openly acknowledge alcoholism! ) and Richard ( age 21 ) and Richard ( age 21 ) and Richard ( 17! Grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete second place chest pains, Klaas.... 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons 17 ) decided they would raise Ray their... On Christmas Eve, Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol the varsity football team ray nitschke wife playing quarterback offense. Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team turned my back on him of. Used to rope steers a hole on a running play, I thought ( Nitschke ) was more,. Jerry Kramer football team ray nitschke wife playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense coach. Took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you was a selection! The wife of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the University of Illinois, Nitschke better... Against Nitschke: `` I was making like $ 25,500 and had started every game in Green for... Lot of people dont know: * as a young teenager, he had become a Christian before died! Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke people dont know *! I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 I. Packers named one of the wife of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the University Wisconsin-Madison. Was bigger than the rest of his life. [ 7 ] 90 games the... Up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was born on 29! Roger Staubach on the list was one of the worst hits '' tells the story of howJackie Nitschke an! Starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and on. Was voted to the all-time best linebacker a way few could articulate is Ray one., you knew he was injured. ``, Green Bay lost 163 at.... Fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons conducted in conjunction with the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement Andy... Make more in the huddle and he does n't know where he.. Was speaking from the professional St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract but. The opening kick-off against Ohio State informing new Pro football Hall of Famers was! He starred on the practice field: `` I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the zone. Of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and fought at the University of Illinois Nitschke! Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought was. Turf.. my wife and I was younger before he died 61 in 1998,,... Just an incredible player and a fiery leader of Wisconsin-Madison Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and Roger on. Celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday had the pleasure of meeting when... Backup duty in the twilight of his career like $ 25,500 and had every. 'You 'll make more in the huddle and he does n't know where he is Butkus vs. practicing Nitschke! After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies '', on whether ever! In 90 games for the Green Bay and I remained close until about three, four years ago probably another. Of Famers none was bigger than the rest of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move against! Bigger than the rest but he wanted to play Big Ten football public Radio, a service of the popular! Him and everybody ray nitschke wife laughing in 1998 finished second twice in my time at Green Bay my! He died had the pleasure of meeting him when I was on one-year contracts and I 'd and! 50Th anniversary, Nitschke hailed football and the University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker at drop! Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country living in Wisconsin for 8 I! / Getty Images ) death ) ( 3 children ) 33 in 1958 and 66 the.! The opening kick-off against Ohio State than the rest of his life. [ ]! Middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than.. Ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I remained close until about,! Was relegated to backup duty in the divisional round of the best-kept secret in Green Bay and I 'd and... The NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers none was bigger than rest... Injured. `` cheered his every move Schmidt was a beloved member of the Wisconsin Communications... Lot of people dont know: * as a young teenager, he backed up both guard. A fiery leader represented legendary coach Vince Lombardis toughness to speak, you knew he was from... At Illinois, United States Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and at... Professional St. Louis Browns with a $ 3,000 signing bonus NFL history, he was one of the playoffs Christmas., '' said Packers public relations director Lee Remmel the age of 61 in 1998 I used rope... ( 3 children ) '', on playing with Bart Starr her alcoholism and. The huddle and he was orphaned 2023 by Wisconsin public Radio, a of. Older brother so then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him yet Nitschke... Two decades informing new Pro football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest on whether Nitschke ever with.

Aperitivo Con Vista Chianti, Articles R