Fred died of dementia. The heaviest I ever got there was a little over 260. Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Anthony Munoz didnt get to hear Nitschke speak at the luncheon. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. "Champion" tells the story of howJackie Nitschke became the first "Packer Wife" to openly acknowledge her alcoholism. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. 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. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. Your email address will not be published. If you don't like it go to the Canadian Football League. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. Welcome tothe NFL 100,The Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history. Am I in trouble? Raymond Ernest Nitschke was a middle linebacker that spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers. I walk up to the car and he says, 'Bill, I want to apologize. You knew he was one of the meanest and toughest and best-of-all-time middle linebackers for the great Green Bay Packers, but you could see the love for the game when he looked me in the eyes and said, as only he could, with that voice, Anthony, what a privilege for us to have played this game. 66 in the open field. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. Ray Nitschke won two Super Bowl championships. I hit him about three times. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' He was a natural-born leader, Hall of Fame right tackle Ron Yary said. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. When he came into the game, he was in charge. 1 player to be crowned on Wednesday, Sept. 8. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. He played on the 1953 state baseball championship team and set basketball scoring records. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. But usually by the time we got done with the preseason, I'd be down to 250, 255. Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community, sharing her stories of treatment and rebuilding her life. (It was erroneously first reported as 5,000lb (2,270kg). In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. His was pierced by a bolt from the tower. 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. The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Tags: Video. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. So the World League offered me $45,000, $55,000, $75,000 on a three-year contract. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). 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. Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. 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. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. He definitely wasnt the fastest. 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. 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. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. Fred was a great player. [31] Every year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. "Ray was a ballplayer's ballplayer," former teammate Willie Wood said. 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. 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 played in the 230s, but he hit like he was 300 pounds. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. '", On any special memories of farm life: "I used to rope steers. (He had) no personality. 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. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. [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). Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. My second year, Gale Gillingham said, 'Bill, you're going to be the next guy who gets tested.' Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. (George) Halas didn't draft me, so I was always ready to go against the Bears," Nitschke often said. 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. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. Lueck, 74, lives in suburban Phoenix. Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? I used to be a bouncer in a bar and so I knew you can't let a guy up. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Gillie took me under his wing and said Ray is going to mess with you. What now is known as the Nitschke Luncheon is a transformative event for the incoming class and often looked back upon sometimes more than slipping into their gold jackets for the first time, delivering their induction speeches, the unveiling of their bronze busts as the true moment they became Pro Football Hall of Famers. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. Discover Ray Nitschke's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Actor: The Longest Yard. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Then to $21,500. Packers Experiences powered by QuintEvents. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. Try a week on us. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. 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. Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. 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. 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. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. That was the first year I started making money. $17,500. Guess what I got my second year? All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. 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. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. On Fridays, we'd go out stocking hats and no pads. 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. 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. Nitschke was 61 years old. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. "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. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. 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. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. Encyclopdia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 29 December. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. 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. He played the rest of the game.[11]. Nitschke ranked ahead of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and Roger Staubach on the list. Ray Nitschke's net worth 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. 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. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. ", On his relationship with fellow No. Nitschke leaves three adopted children: John, 34; Richard, 32; and Amy, 26, and one granddaughter, Jacqueline Rae, 17 months. Heres some tidbits about him that a lot of people dont know: * As a young teenager, he was orphaned. In 2019, USA TODAY compiled a group of 19 veteran reporters to vote on and rank the 100 greatest NFL players of all time. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. Carp Lake man missing, MSP requesting public's help, Traverse City man crashes into Thompsonville bar, Looking back in Benzie: Blast furnaces and sunsets, Puppy love coming to Benzie County schools, Harris gets hot, Panthers advance to district finals, Benzie Central girls advance to district finals, Benzie County 24-hour road patrol returns after 10 years, Frankfort Elementary School to host kindergarten round-up. The gravitas is unmistakable. Hit him on the head. He gave it all to you. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. They called me a mezzanine rookie the second year until you played in a certain number of games. Do I need to get an agent?' Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. Bengtson, after Lombardi left, said you and Freddie can't be roommates anymore. 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. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a way few could articulate. We leave the huddle and Gale says, 'Watch out.' I became interested in Nitschke when after living in Wisconsin for 8 years I learned that he had become a Christian before he died. Also, the team has named one of its two outdoor practice fields "Ray Nitschke Field". The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. 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. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. Ray Nitschke's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. 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.. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. "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. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. "I loved playing the Bears. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. ", 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. Well guess what? I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Fred weighed about 118 pounds when he died. 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. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. The excerpt above was from a 2019 interview. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. We shook hands. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. (pre-1974). Rowland DePeaux on his friendship with Vince & Marie Lombardi, Legendary Wisconsin sportscaster started in Green Bay, Defensive end acquired in Adderley trade played for multiple Packers coaches in the '70s, Massive 1950s defensive tackle came to Packers from Browns, Former Packers defensive end on what led to Lombardi trading him to New York, 1940s player began his pro career with Packers' farm club, Legendary Packers coach went after everybody and that's what made him great, An oral history with one of Lombardi's original assistants, An oral history with former Packers offensive line coach Bill Austin. How many Super Bowls did Ray Nitschke win? He did everything to help his wife raise. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. 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