Presenter: Phil Bengston. Nitschke's wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. But he had a sense about him. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. So it was a volatile relationship.. 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. 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 is from USA. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. (Complete Story). Nitschke had a remarkable knack of being where the football was. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. ", On whether Nitschke ever messed with Gillingham on the practice field: "Never. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. They couldnt wait until they saw No. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. Zeke Bratkowski same thing. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. I just want to get along.' He had some of the best football instincts. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. His tragic death in 1998 shook the organization to its core. They had never met, but she recognized him and said, 'Hi, Coach Lombardi, I'm Bill Lueck's wife.' In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friend's house. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. We're going to pay you a $15,000 signing bonus and a $15,000 salary your rookie year. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. He played the rest of the game.[11]. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. Nitschke was 61 years old. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. 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. The discussion was heated, but remained private. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Nitschke was known for his viciousness on the field, a ferocity that welled within him from childhood. (Focus on Sport / Getty Images). Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. ?? (It was erroneously first reported as 5,000lb (2,270kg). Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Get back to work!" The Eagles paid me my last year. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. Guess what I got my second year? Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. . I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. I would journey with him and longtime TV 7 & 4 news and weatherman Dave Fortin to the Elberta beach to watch the hang gliders fly off the bluffs. He was a wonderful human being. 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. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. His No. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. 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 being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. None. We shook hands. That was the first year I started making money. The Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. (Nitschke) would test guys. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. 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. 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. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. Wood remembered Nitschke working at his image on and off the field. ProFootballHistory.com. 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.. 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 told them how important it was and emphasized theres no one in the Hall of Fame better than anyone else, said fellow Hall of Famer and Green Bay Packers linebacker Dave Robinson. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. 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. Fred was a great player. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. 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. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. Ray Nitschke was born in IL. 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. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. He touched everyone he met with his kindness and generosity. Ray played in the 230s, but he hit like he was 300 pounds. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Nitschkes death was the second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the last month. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. This must be the 1st quarter because Ray Nitschke barely has any blood on him yet. Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. 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. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? The Associated Press contributed to this story. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. The linebacker went on to play all 15 of his professional seasons in Green Bay. (Carr) could play every position. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). 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. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. The Green Bay Packers legend played 15 seasons in the green and yellow and led the team to five NFL championships. 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. On the field or off, though, Packer fans had an unwavering love affair with Nitschke. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. Proceeds from the documentary will help fund the center and provide two free scholarships each month. 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. Ray Nitschke (Raymond Edward Nitschke) was born on 29 December, 1936 in Elmwood Park, Illinois, USA, is an Actor. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. For years after his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the NFL. In the first Super Bowls, Nitschke had 15 tackles total and a quarterback sack. What position did Ray Nitschke play? I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He went in and took his shower, and I'm still kind of looking around the door from the training room. ", On practicing against future Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Henry Jordan upon arrival in training camp as a rookie following the College All-Star Game: "He could move and he had a good head slap. He loved it. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. 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. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. This is the only team you cant get cut from or traded from, Robinson said. Ray Nitschke's net worth It was a big-time hit, Yary said. At 62 years old, Ray Nitschke height [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. 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. 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. That becomes a most profound reality. I have found his comments to be poignant for anybody.. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. 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. Second to strike the ranks of Lombardis great Packer teams in the first two Super Bowls in NFL thanks. 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