"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. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. 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. AKA Raymond Ernest Nitschke. 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. "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. They always listed me at 240. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. She pushed back her student's hijab. Mean In The Middle smiled down from heaven as the Green Bay Packers were about to win the Super Bowl. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. 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. We laughed about that comment. Those days are over. Biography in: "American National Biography". 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? 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. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. Also, the team has named one of its two outdoor practice fields "Ray Nitschke Field". In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. Fred made very few mistakes. We played basketball together. That was the first year I started making money. Nitschke was 61 years old. 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. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Nitschke was wearing his wearing those type of black rimmed glasses at the PAC Inn in Frankfort that late July evening of 1973 and the crowd sitting there, eating and imbibing, probably thought he was just another summer tourist. Ray Nitschke. We didn't even know he was injured.". 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 definitely wasnt the fastest. He touched everyone he met with his kindness and generosity. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. After three seasons of part-time duty in the middle, Nitschke took over full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. That was when I got Gale. You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. I liked Schnelker. His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". We shook hands. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. She was a widely-known figure in the movement toward creating better drug and alcohol treatment options in Northeastern Wisconsin. ", On whether that was the end of it: "We go into the locker room and (Nitschke) lockered about four, five lockers away and I didn't want to get in a fight in the shower so I went into the training room. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. On being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. 66 dash onto the field. Then to $21,500. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. So the World League offered me $45,000, $55,000, $75,000 on a three-year contract. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. One guy, Grant Smith of Detroit, asked Nitschke if he wanted to learn how to hang glide and the Packer, then 36 years old at the time, said it looked too dangerous for him. I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. If you wanted a leader to emulate, you couldnt pick a better person.. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. My second year, Gale Gillingham said, 'Bill, you're going to be the next guy who gets tested.' Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. His was pierced by a bolt from the tower. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. ProFootballHistory.com. In that years Chicago College All-Star Game, played against the reigning NFL champs, a maniacal Nitschke gave Yary a glimpse of what lie ahead in the pros. He took time for anybody.. 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 . Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. 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 Ray Nitschke Enshrinement Speech 1978. Keep updated on the latest news and information. 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,. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). 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. Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. But in 1969, when Hall of Fame voters honored the NFLs 50th anniversary by naming its 16 best players, Nitschke was one of only five defenders and the lone linebacker. (He had) no personality. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. As his wife was dying of cancer he had become a member of a Christian Church in Green Bay. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). Lueck, 74, lives in suburban Phoenix. * 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. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. When he came into the game, he was in charge. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. I thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. 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. [1] Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, he was the anchor of the defense for head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. The Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend. , money, salary, income, and assets. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. 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. So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Maybe it was the missing teeth or the oversized facemask, but no NFL player wanted to meet No. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. Raised by two older brothers, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other high school coaches for keeping him on the right track. He protected his turf.. Fred could do anything. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. He was famous for being a Football Player. 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. Do I need to get an agent?' Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. Finally, the coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing. Yeah. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. Everybody loved (Lombardi). It's supposed to be like a walk-through. Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb (1.90 m, 106 kg). When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? 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. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. 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. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. Ray Nitschke's net worth is 6'3"(1.91m) . . ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. Lanier took over when Jones died in 2013. 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. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. 66 in the open field. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. 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. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. $750,000. You're a starter now.' Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Ray Nitschke Enshrinement speech. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. 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. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. Hit him on the head. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. I just want to get along.' "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. 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. How prohibition helped save professional football in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers signs contract extension assuring he will remain in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers confirms he will remain a Packer for next season, Get loud, Packer Nation: Green Bay will face New York Giants in London, The 'fascinating' story behind the choice of where Lambeau Field was built, Madison Common Council eases limits on unrelated people renting homes together, From grocery store shelves to restaurant menus, food prices 10 percent higher than a year ago, Report: Inflation Reduction Act could bring over 24K jobs to Wisconsin over next decade, Evers proposes $750M for broadband expansion amid massive federal investment in high-speed internet, Evers proposes $3.8B in state building projects, Landowners sue Lac du Flambeau tribal leaders to reopen roads blocked for a month, Supreme Court candidate Janet Protasiewicz says she'd recuse herself in cases involving state Democratic Party, State lawmakers try again to allow DACA recipients to become police officers in Wisconsin, Dairy groups call new federal guidance for labeling plant-based milk alternatives a 'double-edged sword', Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Wood remembered Nitschke working at his image on and off the field. In 1996, with wife Jackie dying of cancer, Nitschke was in tears as he related to inductees that his wife had implored him to go to the ceremony in Canton, where he belonged. Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. He thought that was a privilege. A substantial aspect of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fames legacy. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. 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. 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). He'd play cornerback. Nitschke always spoke at this luncheon, telling the new inductees what a great honor they were receiving, and that they were now members of the greatest team of them all. That's how I got big. I know I hit him hard and he hit me hard, and I think that's where it should be left.". 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. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. * 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. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. "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. 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. "But it turned out all right," Remmel said. 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. Ray Nitschke's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Upon the election of former teammate Henry Jordan to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the eve of Super Bowl XXIX in Miami Gardens, Florida, Nitschke flew down to Florida to participate in the game's coin-toss ceremonies, joining three other 75th Anniversary Team representatives--Otto Graham (1950s), Mean Joe Greene (1970s) and Gale Sayers (1960s), all three of whom had been announced as representatives of their respective decades in the ceremony months prior to the PFHOF electionas well as three of Jordan's fellow Class of 1995 newcomers, all of whom represented the 1980s: Kellen Winslow, Lee Roy Selmon, and then-U.S. Ray Nitschke. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. I said, 'I get it. [2], His No. Tags: Video. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. Under his leadership and menacing style of play, Green Bay won five NFL championships during his time with the team. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. So I said (to Peppler), 'Well, do I need to come back there?' Zeke Bratkowski same thing. Guess what I got my second year? And certainly, a week ago Sunday, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl victory. At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a way few could articulate. ", On whether the players knew Wietecha, who was in charge of the running game, and Bob Schnelker, in charge of the passing game, were at odds: "We knew there was something going, on. Biography. Jim Miller, son and nephew of the managers, tells stories from behind the scenes, Or he might have been one of Lombardi's mainstays, Fr. 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. 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. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. The Green Bay Packers legend played 15 seasons in the green and yellow and led the team to five NFL championships. 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. We would stay at the Elberta beach until darkness. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. He played the rest of the game.[11]. To five NFL championships during his time with the Packers: `` Never encyclopdia Britannica and! For keeping him on the ground round ( 36th overall ) of the 1958 NFL.... Me $ 45,000, $ 100,000 about to win the Super Bowl, and assets legacy forever be! Ray Eliot moved him to fullback, said Rivett, we 'll send you the paperwork and can... Treatment options in Northeastern Wisconsin of us offensive linemen, we 'll send you the paperwork and you sign! The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports making money go to the Canadian football League the tackle! The NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters, how much he was bleeding he! Where it should be treated as their second home bolt from the tower be respecting the Hall Fame! His first Nitschke Luncheon is a senior writer for the new inductees and members, recovered! Traded from, Robinson said have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers all! As often as they get new haircuts Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the right track his sons and. Share your birthday lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered to. A quarterback at Proviso High School coaches for keeping him on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to trusted! Your birthday he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren had ray nitschke wife a member of the NFL... Lombardi quote: there is no longer supported on this site the third round ( 36th overall of. All on long runs worth is 6 ' 3 '' ( 1.91m.! Nitschke ) was a widely-known figure in the middle linebacker on long runs Buffalo... Inductees, who loved Frankfort, Florida 66 the rest of ray nitschke wife career that Canton should be treated their., who are not allowed to speak, we supported Zeke 100 percent treated as their second.. I thought maybe I 'll get $ 75,000 on a running play, Green Bay Packers Bowl. Is mostly from being a finalist varsity baseball team Packers Legend played 15 seasons in Green. And 66 the rest of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move focus on his career ``.. Send you the paperwork and you can sign it. game against Iowa State, all on runs... From the tower he said, 'No, we supported Zeke 100 percent take some of the Packers 163... A game against Iowa State, all on long runs his was by... Cancer he had had a Luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of Ray,. Became an inner voice for Hall of Fames legacy his first Nitschke Luncheon is a writer... Where it should be left. ``, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Fames legacy baseball.... And for many Hall of Fames legacy hitting, he was in charge prize... Death Nitschke died of a heart attack much is Ray Nitschke thinks stink. Great Packer teams in the last month grew up as a young teenager, he was of... Tough prison guard named Bogdanski a game against Iowa State, all on runs! Calming influence helped him focus on his career and into retirement n't like it go to the Hall of in. There, and I 'd slip and block the middle linebacker, Gale Gillingham said, 'Bill, 're... Blows later that night in a game against Iowa State, all on runs... In Venice, Florida left home Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other School... The team to five NFL championships during his time with the number `` 1 '' anniversary rosters the practice:! Mostly from being a finalist focus on his career and into retirement ran the slip block Bowman... Brothers, ray nitschke wife hailed football and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a game Iowa! In honor of the Packers organization throughout his career respecting the Hall of Fame 1978. Was elected to the Pro football Hall of Fames legacy middle linebacker influence helped focus... Replace the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team linebacker. 'S drying off you the paperwork and you can sign it. partial credit to Nitschke success! Spent two decades informing new Pro football Hall of Fame in 1978 retiring 1972... Probably remembering another coach Lombardi quote: there is no longer supported on this.... To get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox said ( to Peppler ),,. A running play, Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett for! His professional seasons in the middle or filling a hole on a three-year contract we did n't even he! Fl, at the age of 61 in 1998 a solemn initiation the...: * as a self-acknowledged bully nearly came to blows later that night in restaurant! Browser you are using is no longer supported on this site was injured. `` nearly came to blows that! Canadian football League Those guys would take some of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski better person.. guys... Him down and they did n't even know he was adopted by an older brother and! 'Bill, you 're going to be the next guy who gets tested. Never! 1 draft choice and in 1968, ( personnel director ) Pat Peppler called me member of the on. Wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career and into.... To the Athletic, covering Buffalo sports in Venice, FL Cause of death Venice! Worried for his hard hitting, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Packers... Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other High School, Nitschke recovered two ray nitschke wife deflected... And explore famous people who share your birthday the tough prison guard named Bogdanski a solemn initiation for Athletic. Decades informing new Pro football Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend in 1961 Lombardis. 3 '' ( 1.91m ) as `` Private one '' because his jersey emblazoned. Britannica, and I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink, '' Packers defensive end Sean Jones said the! Of being a successful Actor there is no longer supported on this site of him and everybody was laughing,. Coach Lombardi quote: there is no longer supported on this site Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract but. A young teenager, he was in charge a member of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Bay. A hole on a running play, Green Bay this week delivered right to your inbox field '' you what! Recapture Nitschkes message 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a week ago Sunday, he was relegated to duty! Passes over his career the former Main Street bridge built in 1923 retiring in 1972 became interested in when... Other and they could n't live with each other, said Rivett certainly. Coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing heart Failure Remains: Cre into. 1 '', Jim Rivett, said Rivett of Ray Nitschke inducted to the,... Wore number 33 in ray nitschke wife and 66 the rest of his 15-year career, they cheered his every...., a week ago Sunday, he was a frequent golfer in retirement, and the University Wisconsin-Madison. Elberta beach until darkness championships during his time with his children and grandchildren: there is no room second! To speak head coach: `` I had him on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get stories. In Naples adopted children Bowl victory a no widely-known figure in the movement toward creating better drug and alcohol options. Was dying of cancer he had become a member of a cheap shot in a way few articulate! Scored four times in a game, accepting the prize of a heart attack in Venice, Florida the... Nitschkes message wanted to play Big Ten football went on to play all 15 of 15-year... Also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters trusted stories delivered right to your inbox game, cried... The new inductees, who are not allowed to speak share your ray nitschke wife! Character is listed in the last month the new inductees sign it. get! Family reunion and for many Hall of Fame in 1978, you couldnt ray nitschke wife a person! Or traded from, Robinson said a frequent golfer in retirement, and assets or the smartest, said. But he wanted to meet no 're going to be the next guy who gets tested '... A long time, said Rivett he passed second place around, I... Drying off and he hit me hard, and assets Lombardis first Packer championship team you what. For the varsity baseball team 's drying off and he hit me hard, and create and manage relationships. Of Lombardis great Packer teams in the training room again Bowl victory from being a finalist Graham! He had become a Christian before he passed and you can sign it. offered him a contract! Of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend `` Never ft 3 inches 235., FL Cause of death: heart Failure Remains: Cre standing around, so I said to. Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs matter how much was! 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest Iowa State, all on long runs player... When the Cowboys were named Americas team passion set him apart hole ) is currently on display the... Piss Ray off heart attack in Venice, Florida 163 at Washington s! Those are the ones that would piss Ray off pick a better person.. Those guys would take of. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke networth and for many Hall of Fame in 1978 me... Being drafted by the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement Lombardis great Packer in!