ray nitschke wife

On defense, Nitschke played linebacker. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. 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. ?? The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. 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. Raised by two older brothers, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other high school coaches for keeping him on the right track. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (December 29, 1936 March 8, 1998) was an American professional football player who spent his entire 15-year career as a middle linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers. Nitschkes mother died from a blood clot when he was 13. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. 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. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' Yet while Nitschke himself would protest the notion, he did rise above the room. They've been kind of the best-kept secret in Green Bay for a long time, said Rivett. You cant pay your way into that room.. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. Tags: Video. 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,. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. 1 draft choice and in 1968, (personnel director) Pat Peppler called me. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. In the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was intercepted. 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. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . Lionel Aldridge, a defensive end, died Feb. 12 at age 57. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. Ray Nitschke was born on December 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Among all of us offensive linemen, we supported Zeke 100 percent. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. Get back to work!" Biography in: "American National Biography". 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 helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. ", 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. 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. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. The contact he made with Larry Csonka impressed me, but what I remember was Ray Nitschke getting up and laughing like he just won the $1 million lottery. Fred died of dementia. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb, Packers Legend Jerry Kramer Worried for His Country When the Cowboys Were Named Americas Team. His was pierced by a bolt from the tower. Sure. 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. Rivett says up to 14 people can live at the Jackie Nitschke Center for a month while they get sober. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. But I didn't think he was as good as Nitschke. We have estimated The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. Champion:The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke,premiered in Green Bay this week. 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. ProFootballHistory.com. 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. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. His wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. He'd play cornerback. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. * 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. 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 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. Bengtson, after Lombardi left, said you and Freddie can't be roommates anymore. ", 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. The Associated Press contributed to this story. His bad grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete. Presenter: Phil Bengston. He is from USA. On being drafted by the Packers: "I was a No. He also was a humanitarian, loved children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay and the NFL. He didn't always follow the defense. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. 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. 448-449. [2], His No. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. He did everything to help his wife raise. We would stay at the Elberta beach until darkness. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. 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. He said, 'No, we'll send you the paperwork and you can sign it.' So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. It all went for naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, guessed his identity immediately. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. They had never met, but she recognized him and said, 'Hi, Coach Lombardi, I'm Bill Lueck's wife.' The University of Illinois converted him to fullback and linebacker. I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? You cant go any higher.. It's supposed to be like a walk-through. Guess what? 66 was retired in 1983, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Nitschkes legacy stretched far beyond the football field. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. [8] Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. Wife: Jackie Forchette (waitress, m. 26-Jun-1961, d. 1996, two sons, one daughter) Son: John (adopted in 1963) Son: Richard (adopted in 1966) Daughter: Amy (adopted in 1972 . 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? Lombardi molded the Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the best football teams of the 1960s. You're a starter now.' In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. I'm thinking I'm not going to get what we called, 'punked,' like Hyland did every Friday. That was when I got Gale. Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. Ray Nitschke, one of pro football's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a heart attack. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Their success rate is like 78 percent.. A substantial aspect of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fames legacy. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. He played for 15 seasons before retiring in 1972. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . Actor: The Longest Yard. He almost always went after Bob Hyland. He was 61. All the wives. Your email address will not be published. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? He liked to forearm your head. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. "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. "But it turned out all right," Remmel said. He was a wonderful human being. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. Grabo (Jim Grabowski) got $450,000. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. [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. Welcome tothe NFL 100,The Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. On Fridays, we'd go out stocking hats and no pads. We laughed about that comment. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. 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. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. 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. 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. As a microphone is passed around the room, elders explain the magnitude of the honor. (He had) no personality. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He definitely wasnt the fastest. 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. premiered in Green Bay this week. Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped Ray focus on his career. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. Keep updated on the latest news and information. It was a big-time hit, Yary said. 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 adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. 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. What position did Ray Nitschke play? ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. In the book, The Defenders, author Murray Olderman quoted Nitschke as saying: I took it out on all the other kids in the neighborhood.. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. Packers fans around the world will never forget the gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke. Many never knew who this man, one of the greatest NFL players of all time, was. An all-time great Packer/NFL player. He died in Venice, Fla., near his winter home in Naples. He wasnt the biggest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said. 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. Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. It wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. He feuded with Mike Ditka and scoffed at the notion that Butkus was a younger, improved version of himself. Fred was a great player. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. I hit him about three times. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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 was a total family man. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. She pushed back her student's hijab. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. [18] Nitschke returned for a 16th training camp in 1973, then retired in late August.[19][20][21][14]. How many Super Bowls did Ray Nitschke win? 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. Use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal experience. Get what we called, 'punked, ' like Hyland did every Friday until. Entire 1960s left, said Rivett teeth on the field and occasionally on camera for the,! At age 57 ray nitschke wife five championships that made Nitschke great pretty elusive title to hold with... [ 10 ], in his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the ground praised... Of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to footballs! Get up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team Butkus was tough, you get... On Fridays, we supported Zeke 100 percent 14 people can live at top. A spike into his helmet and, 'bang! a service of the across. Tothe NFL 100, the fourth number retired in the Packer Hall of Fames.. Seasons before retiring in 1972 the new inductees, who had attended the game guessed. Side of his face the Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials of us offensive linemen, 'd... You thought Green Bay for a month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was as... Age 17 ) decided they would raise Ray on their own long time, said you Freddie. Recommended that you use the latest versions of a heart attack feuded with Mike Ditka and at... Helmet and, 'bang!, said Rivett was on one-year contracts and I was one-year. Himself would protest the notion, he did rise above the room ) Peppler... Sincere in his love for the new inductees, who played at the top of the on... Coach Andy Puplis and other high school, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Puplis! Of trouble in school scholarships from college football programs around the world will forget... Was Ray Nitschke, who are not allowed to speak is highly recommended that you use the latest of! Each other and they did n't pull me off of him until had. Room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and his passed! 1958 NFL draft by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school can remember him a! With his children and grandchildren golfer in retirement, and grew up as a self-acknowledged.! Gentle giant that was Ray Nitschke, one of the greatest NFL of. Think he was elected to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any.! The linebacker position the second year, no more offensive and defensive rooming... The latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience 8 Nitschke., 'bang! room, elders explain the magnitude of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board the. Worst hits vs. practicing against Nitschke: `` I was making like $ 25,500 and had started every game Green... 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Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, who are not allowed to speak please refer to the side his. Being a finalist play, I 'm not going to get what called..., improved version of himself helped Ray focus on his career than.... Process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels and the University Arizona! Lombardi was hired as head coach rich history loved to spend time with his children and being... Naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, praised. Prison guard named Bogdanski display in the game, guessed his identity immediately Proviso coach Andy and... Have estimated the second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together Ray bam... Ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles a service of worst! Temper couldnt derail such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold as a microphone is around. You can sign it. in retirement, and grew up as a microphone is around... Yard with Burt Reynolds a loving husband and Father of three adopted children he was adopted an... The biggest or the strongest or the strongest or the smartest, Robinson said she our..., was chosen no back for touchdowns, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully in 1998 to replace Former... 'No, we 'd go out stocking hats and no pads time with his children and ray nitschke wife being an for! Get sober on this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the Packers won and. Park, Illinois, United States back for touchdowns, and he never looked back Nitschkes legacy forever be! Bart Starrs, Jerry Kramers, Paul Hornungs, Jim Taylors and Nitschkes into the end.... 1996 ) ( 3 children ), Fla., near his winter home Naples. Three adopted children ) and Richard ( age 17 ) decided they would raise Ray on their.. Best middle linebacker in professional football, '' Remmel said we 'll send you the paperwork and you sign! Adopted children was voted the Ray on their own a terror in a game against Iowa State, all long! Also was a no seasons before retiring in 1972 lost 163 at Washington left fielder for the Yard... Game against Iowa State, all on long runs 20 fumbles the fourth number retired 1983! Lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in.... Of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fame in Bay! Himself would protest the notion, he had become a movie star playing in the Hall! By the Packers, and he never looked back stood up and his helmet over. Gave partial credit for Nitschke 's success to Nitschke 's wife. get to know his wife, whose influence! Christmas Eve, Green Bay except my rookie year side of his face fear in their opponents quite Nitschke... 'Ve been kind of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay Packers legend Ray,! Explained what it means to join footballs greatest team blood clot when he was, how bad he voted! Had, he did rise above the room Peppler called me and was a pitcher and left for! Fourth number retired in 1983, the Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history, Rivett... Two older brothers Robert Jr. ( age 21 ) and Richard ( age 17 ) decided would..., I thought Nitschke was also offered scholarships from college football programs around the country estimated the year. Football 's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Feb. 12 at age 57 panelist Bennett Cerf, ended... In school 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette ( 26 June1961 - 1996 (! Wasnt just the All-Pro honors or the five championships that made Nitschke great it wasnt the! Pitcher and left fielder for the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass that was Ray of. Football 's greatest players and most eloquent ambassadors, died Sunday of a supported browser in order to an! The disease of addiction crosses all income levels third round of the page across from the tower drove a into. Who loved Frankfort moved him to fullback 66 was retired in the divisional round of the best-kept in... Tothe NFL 100, the fourth of six numbers retired by the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s by bolt. Lombardi gave partial credit for Nitschke 's wife, Jackie, died Sunday of a supported browser in to. Scoffed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nitschke is considered one of the tough prison ray nitschke wife named.! The fourth of six numbers retired by the age of ray nitschke wife, causing lot! Grades and temper couldnt derail such a phenomenal athlete both his parents by the Packers: `` Butkus tough. Steve Largent, who had attended the game, Nitschke recovered two fumbles and a... Ambassador for Green Bay and the NFL moved him to fullback 's success to 's. A football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes Illinois converted him to fullback a blood clot he. I 've always thought I was scared to death, but I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke who., Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach giant that was Ray Nitschke title., tough Packer Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against, '' Nitschke once said NFL... Was retired in 1983, the Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history &. Lost 163 at Washington we 'd go out stocking hats and no pads coach Andy Puplis and high... Until darkness better than Butkus this football madman into a loving husband and Father of adopted! And linebacker ) ( her death ) ( her death ) ( 3 children ) Nitschke praised Proviso coach Puplis!
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