Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. 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. Related Quizzes and Features Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz Sports Quiz In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. 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? Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. [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. "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. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. 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. Your email address will not be published. Get back to work!" . What position did Ray Nitschke play? They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. This is a carousel. Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. I was scared to death. He is from USA. 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. Ray Nitschke. In her lifetime, Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. I just want to get along.' Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. On the Packers' practice field on September 1, a 1,000-pound (450kg) steel coaching tower was blown over by a strong gust of wind, on top of Nitschke. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. 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 . I get dressed. 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. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. [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. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. premiered in Green Bay this week. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. What is said in the room stays in the room. The linebackers wore helmets. Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Anthony Munoz didnt get to hear Nitschke speak at the luncheon. He went in and took his shower, and I'm still kind of looking around the door from the training room. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. ", On his relationship with fellow No. That was when I got Gale. When he got up to speak, you knew he was speaking from the heart. 5 overall. Their success rate is like 78 percent.. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. is 6'3"(1.91m) . 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. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. Under his leadership and menacing style of play, Green Bay won five NFL championships during his time with the team. Then to $21,500. The Associated Press contributed to this story. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. 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. ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. 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). Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. He was a wonderful human being. Lueck, 74, lives in suburban Phoenix. 448-449. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Prior to its retirement, number 66 had remained in circulation and was last worn in 1983 by offensive lineman Lawrence Pfohl, who would go on to fame as a professional wrestler under the ring name Lex Luger.[30]. Get back to work!". Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Nitschke's wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? Fred died of dementia. ?? Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? The excerpt above was from a 2019 interview. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. That's how I got big. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. I know I hit him hard and he hit me hard, and I think that's where it should be left.". He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. 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. 1 draft choice? Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. We didn't even know he was injured.". Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. With some of the brightest minds in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke was ranked No. Having played with the Green Bay Packers and the number of championships they won, the number of Hall of Famers that played for (coach Vince) Lombardi, who happens to have his name on the trophy, seemed to signify a purity of someone who accepted his role in the game and played it with a fervor.. 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 thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. 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, Amy Klaas, and granddaughter, Jacqueline, from his summer home in Naples, Fla. to visit friends. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. 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. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. Sign up now! He definitely wasnt the fastest. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. (pre-1974). How tough was Nitschke? He was famous for being a Football Player. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. Bengtson, after Lombardi left, said you and Freddie can't be roommates anymore. The Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge, a twin-leaf bascule bridge over the Fox River on Main Street (US 141) in Green Bay,[32] was named in honor of Nitschke. AKA Raymond Ernest Nitschke. 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. Keep updated on the latest news and information. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. He thought of it as an honor for somebody to ask him for an autograph. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. 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. All the wives. In the book, The Defenders, author Murray Olderman quoted Nitschke as saying: I took it out on all the other kids in the neighborhood.. Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June 1961 - 1996) ( her death) ( 3 children) Ray Nitschke Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Cliff Christl started gathering oral histories with former Packers and others associated with the team in 2000 and will continue to gather them as Packers historian. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. 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 Willie Lanier, the current Nitschke Luncheon master of ceremonies. I liked Schnelker. CTE. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. 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. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. 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. Supplement 1, pp. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. That becomes a most profound reality. Nitschke was born Dec. 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Am I in trouble? In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. 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Nitschke started to feel sharp chest pains during the drive, and he pulled over to a nearby rest stop. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. 66 was retired in 1983, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. Actor: The Longest Yard. Every year, in a private space only Hall of Famers may enter, Nitschke presided on the first afternoon of induction weekend until his death in March 1998. As a rookie, he backed up both left guard Gale Gillingham and right guard Jerry Kramer. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. 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. 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