?? He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. 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. Other surviving children include his sons John and Richard. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Ray wanted everybody to know were all equal. Am I in trouble? Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. Yeah. Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. (Ken) Bowman would put up with no crap from Ray. I walk up to the car and he says, 'Bill, I want to apologize. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. is 6'3"(1.91m) . Older brothers Robert Jr. (age 21) and Richard (age 17) decided they would raise Ray on their own. Dad suddenly started having chest pains, Klaas said. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Left: Nitschke's helmet from the coaching tower incident in September, Ray Nitschkeawards, championships, and honors, "Ray Nitschke, 61, linebacker during Packers' glory years", "Packers get last laugh in slapstick game", "Chicago Tribune - Historical Newspapers", "Larger-than-life pro wrestling icon would love to have had career with Green Bay Packers", "Hard nosed Ray Nitschke just a softie over induction", National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Nitschke&oldid=1142190700, Players of American football from Illinois, Illinois Fighting Illini football players, National Football League players with retired numbers, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 00:49. His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". When Ray met and married his wife, Jackie, he made an outstanding decision. He loved it. * He would be drafted by the Packers in 1958 along with Taylor and Kramer and Green Bay would win one game their first year before Lombardi was hired as the head coach. 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. Just a few of the recognitions Ray had, he was voted the . I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". ", On Lombardi's role as general manager and his dealings with him:"He was in the locker room. ", On the reduction in salaries after the merger agreement: "You know what Donny Anderson got as a No. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. Then what year did the World Football League come in? A man at the station helped get him out of the car and started CPR.. 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. "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. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. Green Bay Packer, Hall of Famer. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. 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. [2][3], Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois,[4] the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. 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. On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. Biography in: "American National Biography". Raised by two older brothers, Nitschke praised Proviso coach Andy Puplis and other high school coaches for keeping him on the right track. He knows which Hall of Famers speak with fire, which are circumspect. They always listed me at 240. (Carr) could play every position. ", On who was better at eluding the pass rush: "Probably Zeke. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. Nitschke guided a Packers defense that won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. 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You know the first time I met Vince Lombardi, my wife met him at the College All-Star Game. Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. 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 . 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. The discussion was heated, but remained private. He performed several of his own TV commercials in which he brought out his dog, "Butkus", named in honor of his Chicago Bears nemesis, Dick Butkus (who like Nitschke, grew up in the Chicago area and played for the Illinois Fighting Illini). He was a wonderful human being. In such a violent sport, thats a pretty elusive title to hold. Neither championships nor individual trophies weighed more. 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. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. He was probably remembering another Coach Lombardi quote: There is no room for second place. 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. A year later, he was traded to Philadelphia. It felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz or something, Reed said afterward. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (36th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 66 dash onto the field. Munoz, however, had a chance to absorb Nitschkes words. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. We would stay at the Elberta beach until darkness. Ray Nitschke was born on the 29th of December, 1936. MILWAUKEE (AP) _ Ray Nitschke, the bald-headed, tough-as-nails linebacker on Vince Lombardi's title teams of the 1960s, will be remembered for his off-the-field kindness as much as his dominating play, friends say. 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. ProFootballHistory.com. had a luncheon the day before its induction ceremony, attended by most of the living members and honoring the new inductees. There was a time when the Hall of Fame allowed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, family members or the occasional reporter into the Nitschke Luncheon. He was 61. The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. Many never knew who this man, one of the greatest NFL players of all time, was. In retirement, Nitschke became an inner voice for Hall of Famers. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Nitschke wore number 33 in 1958 and 66 the rest of his career with the Packers. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. Ray Nitschkes income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. 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,. I used to be a bouncer in a bar and so I knew you can't let a guy up. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. Tim Graham is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering Buffalo sports. 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. That was a statement about how much he loved the game.. Ray Nitschke. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. He lost both his parents by the age of 14, causing a lot of trouble in school. I liked Schnelker. As a microphone is passed around the room, elders explain the magnitude of the honor. As for Ray Nitschke, you could never question where his allegiance stood. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. He touched everyone he met with his kindness and generosity. At a luncheon for new inductees and members, Nitschke hailed football and the Hall in a way few could articulate. www.jackienitschkecenter.com. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961, to Jackie Forchette. And certainly, a week ago Sunday, he was smiling down on Cowboy Stadium and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl victory. premiered in Green Bay this week. $750,000. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. I know your brother is with the Calgary Stampeders.' I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. Those are the ones that would piss Ray off. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? I hit him about three times. Nitschke was born Dec. 29, 1936, in Elmwood Park. Those days are over. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. He'd get up and his helmet was over here to the side of his face. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. 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. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. Their success rate is like 78 percent.. Follow Tim on Twitter @ByTimGraham, Nitschke recorded 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Fred was a great player. "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, 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. " Champion: The Legacy of Jackie Nitschke, " premiered in Green Bay this week. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first Packer Wife to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. 5 overall. [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). 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. We're going to pay you a $15,000 signing bonus and a $15,000 salary your rookie year. I thought (Nitschke) was more versatile, the way he could cover and everything. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. Funeral arrangements are pending. Nitschke will be buried in Green Bay. Nitschke ranked ahead of Chuck Bednarik, Mike Singletary, and Roger Staubach on the list. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Nitschke's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. Fred and I remained close until about three, four years ago. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. 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. What is said in the room stays in the room. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. I was scared to death, but I took his helmet and, 'bang!' I said, 'I get it. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. I thought so (in 1971) even when I sat on the bench after coach Dan Devine gave Jim Carter my job. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. He taught us proper technique: pulling, how to come off the ball. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Hit him on the head. He succeeded in raising his grades enough in his sophomore year to allow him to play sports his junior year, when he had grown significantly (to six feet tall). His No. A common response for the muted, new inductees is to look around the room at legends such as Jim Brown, Roger Staubach and Mean Joe Greene. 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. Nitschke also appeared in the 1974 football comedy The Longest Yard as Guard Bogdanski. So then I went in and showered and never turned my back on him. This is the first of two parts with Bill Lueck. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. 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 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. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. When he came into the game, he was in charge. ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. Zeke had great feet.". He certainly didnt look like he was one of the meanest and best football players of all time. 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. Nitschke appeared on the television show, Whats My Line following the 1962 NFL championship game, wearing his standard black rimmed glasses and not looking at all like one of the most feared players in pro football. Ray Nitschke attended the University of Illinois. His wife died shortly thereafter. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness, exhibited prior to his third season in 1960. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. The Packers won 167 and finished the season with a 141 record. Hall of fame middle linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who was named MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game and was a 1964 Pro Bowl selection. Someones got to be the leader and step forward, and that was a great quality he had. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' So the World League offered me $45,000, $55,000, $75,000 on a three-year contract. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. 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. In a poll that marked the leagues 75th year, he was voted to the all-time all-star team. 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. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. You're a starter now.' 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. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. He was like the epitome of what a football player should be, Klaas told the Associated Press after her fathers death. 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. Do I need to get an agent?' . Ray Nitschke. Puplis advised him to accept a football scholarship. Fred died of dementia. Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Anthony Munoz didnt get to hear Nitschke speak at the luncheon. Nitschke also made the NFLs 75th and 100th anniversary rosters. When you die, youre still in the Hall of Fame.. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. 66 in the open field. "In the heat of competing against each other, things like that happen. 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. [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. A native of Elmwood Park, Nitschke lived in Green Bay, where he. Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good coach. [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. So, how much is Ray Nitschke worth at the age of 62 years old? Nitschke was the leader and captain of the Packers defense throughout the entire 1960s. He always tried to intimidate offensive guys. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. "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. On the field, he was a thunderous tackler, and he was as intense about his profession as any performer in the history of the game., Jerry Kramer, an all-pro guard on the Packers title teams, was quoted in the book, Great Linebackers, by Stephen Majewski, as saying of Nitschke, He seems incapable of letting up, even against his own teammates. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. In 1974, Lueck's final season with the Packers, he was bothered by an assortment of injuries and started eight of 14 games. No one ever instilled fear in their opponents quite as Nitschke did. As his wife was dying of cancer he had become a member of a Christian Church in Green Bay. 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