To search by Team Set, be sure to use “set” in your search words. Other. Subscribe to our Free Newsletter. [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). While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. Sports Teams. He played the rest of the game.[11]. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? I left Hornung off the roster, but included Nitschke. On the field he was anything but that. The Packers won 16–7 and finished the season with a 14–1 record. Raymond Ernest "Ray" Nitschke (December 29, 1936 – March 8, 1998) was a professional American football middle linebacker who spent his entire 15-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Green Bay Packers. [15] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 16–3 at Washington. After the passing of both his parents by the age of 13, Ray was raised by his two older brothers. He followed his Illini career with a 15-year NFL Hall of Fame career with the Green Bay Packers. RAY NITSCHKE Green Bay Packers Photo Picture LAMBEAU Field Legend Vintage Football Photograph Print 8x10, 8.5x11, 11x14 or 16x20 (RN5) Fotovint 5 out of 5 stars (363) Similar to his contemporary, Jerry Kramer, Nitschke was ostracized by his professors because he attended the university as the result of a football scholarship. SOS: 9.49 (6th of 112) . Do you have a sports website? Raymond Ernest Nitschke (Wildman) Position: LB 6-3, 235lb (190cm, 106kg) Born: December 29, 1936 in Elmwood Park, IL. Willie Edward Lanier (born August 21, 1945) is an American former professional football player who was a middle linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967 through 1977. More bio, uniform, draft info. ILLINI ATHLETICS Ray Nitschke was a two-way star for Illinois as a linebacker on defense and fullback on offense, where he led the Illini in rushing with 514 yards in 1957. Now it becomes clear. Butkus Award winner Kevin Hardy & NBA veteran Derek Harper highlights 2020 Illinois Hall of Fame class. [26] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose #15 was retired in 1973. Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. 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. But he was named to … Draft: 3rd round, 36th overall of the 1958 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, April 2, 6:25AM. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. View the most current football statistics for Ray Nitschke, Linebacker, for the Green Bay Packers at The Football Database. Find out more. According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Most Recent Games and Any Score Since 1869. Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke (December 29, 1936 – March 8, 1998) was a professional American football middle linebacker who spent his entire 15-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Green Bay Packers.A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 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 … RAY NITSCHKE College: Illinois Pro Career: 1958-1972 Green Bay Packers. See more ideas about ray nitschke, packers football, green bay packers. HOF: 1978 When the Green Bay Packers were racking up multiple championships in the 1960s, Nitchske was a large reason why the team dominated. [20][21][22][23][24] We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. In his sophomore year in 1955, due to a depletion of players in the offensive backfield, Illini head coach Ray Eliot moved Nitschke from quarterback to fullback,[9] shattering his childhood dream of quarterbacking a team to a victory in the Rose Bowl. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. [27] 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. He followed his Illini career with a 15-year NFL Hall of Fame career with the Green Bay Packers. Site Last Updated: Friday, March 26, 5:46AM Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? We present them here for purely educational purposes. He was born on December 29, 1936, and died on March 8, 1998. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. [13][14] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. One of the most respected defenders in the NFL, he was one of the hardest hitters in the league. Site Last Updated: Monday, January 18, 7:02AM Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Illinois Fighting Illini 1957-60 (Ray Nitschke) College Throwback Full Size Helmet by Helmet Hut. New York Rangers. While attending the University of Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Team. Latest on LB Ray Nitschke including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on NFL.com See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. 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. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke 8x10 Glosy Photo. Ray Nitschke. 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. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. )[20][21] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Died: March 8, 1998 in Venice, FL. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. 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. To search by Team Set, be sure to use “set” in your search words. Also search by player, team, or college. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. [10], In his junior year in 1956 against Ohio State, Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off. [29] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940,[5] and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. This Month in Sports Reference New Rochelle, New York. At the end of the 1972 season, the 9–4 Packers traveled to New Orleans to play the 2–10–1 Saints on December 17 at Tulane Stadium, which turned out to be Nitschke's last regular season game. 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. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. Subscribe to our Free Newsletter. [2][3], Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. 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 was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. I have been selling photos for many years now so you will be getting the best value for your buck! The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. Or write about sports? In 1969, he was awarded as the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. All-America DT Moe Gardner, fmr. [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. ... Ray Nitschke. Bill Lueck, Part I: Ray Nitschke was better than Butkus Guard from initial post-Lombardi era was first-round pick in ‘68 May 28, 2020 at 09:30 AM ... my wife met him at the College … Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. One of the big reasons why the College All-Stars have trouble with the professional football champions every summer in Chicago is that they are so awed by the reputations of the pros it takes them half the game to realize that Ray Nitschke, or somebody, isn't going to bite off a forearm every time they try to run by. 26 overall in what was the second common draft following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. Latest on LB Ray Nitschke including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on NFL.com [25] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Ray Nitschke speaks to our 1990 Illinois football team prior to Purdue game that year. Nitschke was an unheralded collegian, having been drafted in the third round after playing fullback at the University of Illinois. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. He appeared in the comic film Head, starring The Monkees, as a footballer who repeatedly tackles Peter Tork in a mock war movie sequence. "In my opinion, there will never be another Ray Nitschke." 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. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. More Team Info RAY NITSCHKE College: Illinois Pro Career: 1958-1972 Green Bay Packers. Get back to work!" On the Packers' practice field on September 1, a 1,000-pound (450 kg) steel coaching tower was blown over by a strong gust of wind, on top of Nitschke. Play Index. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (December 29, 1936 – March 8, 1998) was a professional American football middle linebacker who spent his entire 15-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Green Bay Packers. Nitschke, the Hall of Fame middle linebacker who played for the Packers from 1958 … He flourished at defensive left end, alongside his fellow Hall of Famers Henry Jordan at tackle, Ray Nitschke and Dave Robinson at linebacker, Herb … In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. With his domelike head and horn-rimmed glasses, Ray Nitschke, the Green Bay Packers' middle linebacker, could have been taken for a college professor. On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. He starred on the varsity football team, playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense for coach Andy Puplis. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. One of the most respected defenders in … Are you a Stathead, too? ... College Football Scores. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940,and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. We're talking about the original Mean Machine—the one that had Burt Reynolds and Packers legend Ray Nitschke. His No. Position: RB Draft: 3rd round, 36th overall of the 1958 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. Just as they were produced years ago, each helmet is individually painted, with hand applied decals/striping and manually assembled from more than 70 parts. Wearing #66, he played fifteen seasons, from 1958-72. Find Guaranteed Verified Ray Nitschke Game-Used and Signed Balls, Helmets, Pictures and More at www.steinersports.com Record: 4-5 (72nd of 112) (Schedule & Results) Conference: Big Ten Conference Record: 3-4 Coach: Ray Eliot (4-5) Points For: 167 Points/G: 18.6 (40th of 112) Points Against: 133 Opp Pts/G: 14.8 (62nd of 112) SRS: 11.60 (18th of 112) . Football. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. You are buying a glossy 8x10 reprint photo of Legendary Fullback and Linebacker for the Fighting Illini, Ray Nitschke.This photo was taken in the mid 1950's. Due to his desire to play at a Big Ten college, with a chance to play in the Rose Bowl, he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Illinois in 1954. [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. His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". Headline has all the disclaimers you need Source : Bathroom stall wall in the Harvard Coop retail establishment circa late 1970's 3 Lines God is dead - Nietzsche Nietzsche is dead - God God is Vince Lombardi - Ray Nitschke — Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.252.76.29 01:22, 21 January 2020 (UTC) 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. In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Due to the loss of both parents Ray suffered from a lack of parental guidance and discipline. Ray Nitschke was an NFL football player. By Dean Hanley. Ray Nitschke was a two-way star for Illinois as a linebacker on defense and fullback on offense, where he led the Illini in rushing with 514 yards in 1957. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. He would lament this embarrassment for the rest of his life.[7]. School: Illinois. 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. Check out my eBay Store for more photos! That was an awesome fictional sports team. The Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge, a twin-leaf bascule bridge over the Fox River on Main Street (US 141) in Green Bay,[28] was named in honor of Nitschke. College … He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. [16] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[17][18][19]. All rights reserved. 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. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. This Month in Sports Reference College: Illinois (College Stats) Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 95 (233rd overall since 1960) High School: Proviso East 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. 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