His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. Ray Nitschke was 6 ft 3 inches, 235 lb (1.90 m, 106 kg). That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. He liked to forearm your head. They always listed me at 240. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. 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. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. 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. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. ", On playing with Bart Starr for at least parts of four seasons: "Nobody is tougher than Bart Starr. An all-time great Packer/NFL player. (pre-1974). Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. He proved to be a very skilled player and tackler as a linebacker, so much so that, by his senior year, Paul Brown considered him the best linebacker in college football. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. 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. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. 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. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. The NFL legend was twice named a First-Team All-Pro, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Tags: Video. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. 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 was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. 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. You're a starter now.' Image courtesy of "Champion" trailer. This is a carousel. Nitschke never wore a face mask and one of the Buckeye's player's helmets hit him in the mouth knocking out two teeth initially; the other two were hanging by the roots. What position did Ray Nitschke play? The Associated Press contributed to this story. Sign up now! In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Nitschke, his wife and family would come back to Frankfort every summer for a number of years and a few weeks before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1978 he sent me a personal invitation to join him for the ceremonies. ProFootballHistory.com. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 42 on the NFL 100 list. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. As his wife was dying of cancer he had become a member of a Christian Church in Green Bay. I was scared to death. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped Ray focus on his career. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. 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. A man at the station helped get him out of the car and started CPR.. Nitschke grew up in Maywood, Ill., lost his father at age 3 and his mother when he was 13. Presenter: Phil Bengston. Biography in: "American National Biography". According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. Hit him on the head. 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. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. He took time for anybody.. I said, 'I get it. "In fact, he's as mild and as meek as they come, a sweet guy," Wood said. The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. 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. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. 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. We're going to pay you a $15,000 signing bonus and a $15,000 salary your rookie year. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 62 years old group. 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. 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. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Lombardi molded the Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the best football teams of the 1960s. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. It all went for naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, guessed his identity immediately. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. She pushed back her student's hijab. When he came into the game, he was in charge. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. While he wasnt bombing his classes or getting into fistfights, he played quarterback and safety at Proviso High in suburban Chicago. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). He gets dressed. ", 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. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). "But it turned out all right," Remmel said. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. 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. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. He was a wonderful human being. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. 448-449. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. You cant pay your way into that room.. And certainly, a week ago Sunday, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl victory. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. 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 go any higher.. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. * 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. "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 starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. How tough was Nitschke? He hit you with every ounce of his body. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Related Quizzes and Features Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz Sports Quiz . If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Fred died of dementia. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? 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. 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. Ray Wietecha was still the line coach and he had seen (Nitschke) do that to Hyland so he didn't pull me off. 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A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he played middle linebacker from 1958-72 and became one of sport's few legends instantly identified solely by their last names. So I said (to Peppler), 'Well, do I need to come back there?' 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 such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. I got the $15,000 signing bonus and they paid us every two weeks and I got seven paychecks. Zeke Bratkowski same thing. Incredibly, Nitschke played in the Pro Bowl only once. Then from 1969 to 1973, he unofficially started 67 of 70 regular-season games at left guard based on official play-by-plays (he also might have started another, but wasn't listed in the lineup) and also the 1972 NFC Divisional playoff. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. "I never saw him turn down an autograph or a request to pose for a photo.". Of ballcarriers, he said: "I don't intend that he'll make an inch, let alone a touchdown, and then I want him to go back to the huddle shaking his head and thinking about Ray Nitschke. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. At this time, college football had reverted to primarily single-platoon football, meaning those players that were on offense had to switch to defense, and vice versa, when ball possession changed. They had never met, but she recognized him and said, 'Hi, Coach Lombardi, I'm Bill Lueck's wife.' Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. You cant even die from this team. Nitschke and his family, who were staying at the PAC Inn and the Crystal Beach Resort that week, fell in love with the town and in particular, the sport of hang gliding. A new documentary tells the story of the wife of a former football player for the Green Bay Packers and her struggle with alcohol. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. Nitschke was the anchor of the defense under head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960's, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. In 1999, he was ranked number 18 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, making him the highest-ranked player coached by Vince Lombardi, second among Packers behind Don Hutson, and third among linebackers behind Lawrence Taylor and Dick Butkus. We didn't even know he was injured.". 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. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. Guess what I got my second year? On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. The Calgary Stampeders offered me the same amount of money. Well guess what? 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He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. 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. Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? 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. When I came back to the car, he had had a heart attack. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Fred made very few mistakes. Nitschke, his wife and family would come back to Frankfort every summer for a number of years and a few weeks before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1978 he sent me a personal invitation to join him for the ceremonies. " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. Watch the trailer for the documentary below: For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. The loss of both parents enraged Nitschke, and the lack of a parental disciplinarian to quell his rage caused him to engage in fights with other kids in the neighborhood. premiered in Green Bay this week. ?? Every day until the season begins, well unveil new members of the list, with the No. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The 23-year-old man was arraigned on Feb. 23 after being arrested for driving his 2016 Toyota Two people have been charged with possession of methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Garfield Kindergarten round-up is for all parents interested in learning more about the kindergarten program. 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. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of Get back to work!". 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]. He almost always went after Bob Hyland. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. I grew up being a Bears fan. None. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. For years after his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the NFL. He had been the Buffalo News' enterprise reporter and previously covered the AFC East at ESPN and the Miami Dolphins at the Palm Beach Post. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. That was the first year I started making money. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. His annual treks to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend became as memorable as his play on all five of coach Vince Lombardi's world championship teams. We had one-on-one time together, his face right up in my grill, Munoz said. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. Ray Nitschke's net worth He was famous for being a Football Player. Nitschke was selected in 1964. So I go out and guess who's leaning against the driver's seat door to my car? He was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Packers fans around the world will never forget the gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' He had some of the best football instincts. We became best friends after that. [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. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. Am I in trouble? Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. 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. We have estimated Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". 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. I've just had a rough day. What college did Ray Nitschke attend? So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. He was 61. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. With some of the brightest minds in the sport weighing in, Ray Nitschke was ranked No. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. So it was a volatile relationship.. Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. 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