ray nitschke wife

He is from USA. Nitschke was taken to Venice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. (EST). The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. Then to $21,500. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. , money, salary, income, and assets. He was a fullback and linebacker for the Illini, and the Packers drafted him as a linebacker on the third round in 1958. Who Is Ray Nitschke's Wife? His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. [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. ", On what happened next: "(I'm a) mezzanine rookie, and I had seen (Nitschke) take his frustration out every Friday on Hyland. I've just had a rough day. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. We shook hands. Munoz was elected in January 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a heart attack at 61. Nitschke was married on June 26, 1961 to Jackie Forchette. Klaas walked inside to grab a few drinks, but Nitschke suffered a heart attack while sitting in the parked car. Am I in trouble? Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. The discussion was heated, but remained private. We played basketball together. His father was killed when he was 3, and his mother died when he was 13. [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. After three seasons of part-time duty in the middle, Nitschke took over full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team. Raymond Ernest Nitschke (Wildman) Position: LB 6-3 , 235lb (190cm, 106kg) Born: December 29 in Elmwood Park, IL More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 1x Pro Bowl 2x All-Pro 2x SB Champ 5x NFL Champ HOF All-1960s Team 33 66 SUMMARY Career G 190 AV 120 Int 25 Yds 385 TD 2 Ray Nitschke Overview Game Logs Career Postseason 1958 1959 1960 He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. In 1974, when he came back to Frankfort, he had become a movie star playing in The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. 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. You cant have a conversation about the greatest NFL linebackers of all time without Ray Nitschke. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. 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. All the wives. So the World League offered me $45,000, $55,000, $75,000 on a three-year contract. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. The late Jackie Nitschke was married to Lombardi-era Packer Ray Nitschke. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. Jackie Nitschke's influence transformed this football madman into a loving husband and father of three adopted children. With his bald head, horn-rimmed glasses and impeccable attire, he could have passed for a business executive or a college professor. 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). That's how we became connected. 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. He'd play cornerback. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. Death Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, FL, at the age of 61 in 1998. After Nitschkes death, iconic defensive end Deacon Jones took over as master of ceremonies. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. Every year, in a private space only Hall of Famers may enter, Nitschke presided on the first afternoon of induction weekend until his death in March 1998. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. I look out and see he's gone. I said, 'I get it. When was Ray Nitschke inducted to the Hall of Fame? Nitschkes rage was effectively channeled. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. "And not just because the National Football League picked me as the top man at that job in the league's first 50 years. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. Supplement 1, pp. His father died in a car accident when Nitschke was 3. Gale said, 'Bill, it's coming up on your turn. Your email address will not be published. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. 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. [10], In his junior year in 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. We didn't even know he was injured.". Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. They said, 'You'll make more in the dairy business. 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. Hell, even Tom Brady moved on from the New England Patriot after 20 historic years. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. But he had a sense about him. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. So I started beating him down and they didn't pull me off of him until I had him on the ground. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. None. 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 . ", On Lombardi's role as general manager and his dealings with him:"He was in the locker room. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. (He had) no personality. He loved it. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. He was 61. "Ray was a ballplayer's ballplayer," former teammate Willie Wood said. He was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game, accepting the prize of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. He once scored four times in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. I first met Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he came to Frankfort to, of all things, judge a beauty pageant. [15][16] Green Bay had clinched the NFC Central division title the week before at Minnesota for their first playoff berth in five seasons. His Father passed away when he was 3, and his Mother passed away when he was 13. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke was the youngest of three sons to Robert and Anna Nitschke. I grew up being a Bears fan. But he was a Hall of Famer from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. He was a frequent golfer in retirement, and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Ray Nitschke, one of the most fearsome middle linebackers in the history of professional football and an anchor of the championship Green Bay Packer teams of the 1960's, died yesterday in. A fullback and linebacker at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. So we ran the slip block where Bowman would block the defensive tackle and I'd slip and block the middle linebacker. The heaviest I ever got there was a little over 260. Lueck, who played at the University of Arizona, was chosen No. ", On his relationship with fellow No. But he's still standing around, so I go in the training room again. Welcome tothe NFL 100,The Athleticsendeavor to identify the 100 best players in football history. [6], Nitschke entered Proviso Township High School in Maywood shortly before his mother's death. He was a natural-born leader, Hall of Fame right tackle Ron Yary said. I came out of the locker room and my wife is standing there, and this older gentleman has his arm around her. ProFootballHistory.com. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 (Green Bay Packers, 19591972) 33 (Green Bay Packers, 1958). That becomes a most profound reality. The excerpt above was from a 2019 interview. The Green Bay Packers legend played 15 seasons in the green and yellow and led the team to five NFL championships. In the book, The Defenders, author Murray Olderman quoted Nitschke as saying: I took it out on all the other kids in the neighborhood.. 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. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. Nitschke left his savage persona on the field and occasionally on camera for The Longest Yard and Miller Lite commercials. He thought that was a privilege. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. He played the rest of the game.[11]. On March 8, Nitschke took a drive with his daughter, Amy Klaas, and her one-year-old daughter to a friends house. Nitschke accused Ditka of a cheap shot in a game, and the two nearly came to blows later that night in a restaurant. 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. Lombardi, as most ole football followers knew or are learning from a recent Broadway production, was a screamer and a drill sergeant as the Packer coach. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. Nitschke was 61 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending. [33] The bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the former Main Street Bridge built in 1923. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. Nitschke was a third-round choice of the Packers in the 1958 draft that also landed Jim Taylor and Jerry Kramer a year before Lombardi arrived. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. [9] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John (in 1963), Richard (in 1966), and Amy (in 1972). 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.. 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. You cant pay your way into that room.. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. He was a wonderful human being. ", On how his friendship with fellow guard Gale Gillingham got started: "Weightlifting. Ray Nitschke had a style of play, a personality, a consciousness about being fully imbued into that which brought life to something called professional football, said Hall of Fame linebacker Willie Lanier, the current Nitschke Luncheon master of ceremonies. 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. A quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. Maybe it was the missing teeth or the oversized facemask, but no NFL player wanted to meet No. The second year, no more offensive and defensive guys rooming together. "In fact, he's as mild and as meek as they come, a sweet guy," Wood said. 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. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. When he walked off the field and put on his horn-rimmed glasses, Robinson said, youd think he was a CPA unless he took his teeth out.. I walk up to the car and he says, 'Bill, I want to apologize. [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. The men who speak try to recapture Nitschkes message. During his freshman year at Proviso, he played fullback on one of the school's three football teams. Coming up the middle or filling a hole on a running play, I thought Nitschke was better than Butkus. The Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke. In 1998, Ray Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. (Nitschke) would test guys. He also was a humanitarian, loved children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay and the NFL. But there was only one Ray Nitschke, and there will never be another., (Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; photo: Focus on Sport / Getty Images). 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. He was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries over his 15 seasons. Thus he is the only linebacker to have made both the NFL's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. I want him to remember Ray Nitschke, even in his dreams.". They couldn't live with each other and they couldn't live without each other, said Rivett. Hed be the first to tell you not to put him on a pedestal above all the other linebackers, Robinson said. Ray Nitschke was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Fred died of dementia. Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Cre. In the process, she taught our community that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels . In a poll conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke was voted the all-time best linebacker. ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. Those are the ones that dont understand what this is all about.. 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. Lueck played in 90 games for the Packers over seven seasons. In a poll taken recently to pick the Packers greatest player ever, he placed fourth behind Don Hutson, Brett Favre and Bart Starr. 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. He took time for anybody.. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. [22][23][24][25][26] 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. 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. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. I remember when they'd grab Bart by the belt of his jersey and pile-drive him into the ground. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. 66 dash onto the field. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. (Gillingham) was probably 275, 280. New inductees are encouraged to return every year to help maintain the Hall of Fames legacy. His father was killed in a car accident in 1940, and his mother died of a blood clot when Ray was 13. But along the way, Nitschke became an all-around athlete, and turned down a $3,000 bonus from baseballs St. Louis Browns to accept a football scholarship to Illinois. When Ray met and married his wife, Jackie, he made an outstanding decision. In 1997, the Green Bay Packers named one of their practice fields after him. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. Rivett says up to 14 people can live at the Jackie Nitschke Center for a month while they get sober. Biography in: "American National Biography". Nowadays, NFL players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. Nitschke died of a heart attack in Venice, Florida at the age of 61 in 1998. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. Ray grew up in Chicago and had a. Besides Klaas, Nitschke is survived by two sons, John and Richard. Theres barely any loyalty around the league anymore. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. His humility and appreciation for having had the opportunity to play the NFL will always stick in my mind.. ", On Ray Wietecha, his first line coach: "I thought he was a very good 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. 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. They said, 'Bill, we'll send you the paperwork and it will be done.' 66 in the open field. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? Following his death, the Hall named the luncheon after him. Among the recurring themes is that Canton should be treated as their second home. His baseball skills brought him an offer from the professional St. Louis Browns with a $3,000 signing bonus. So it was a volatile relationship.. "I think Ray Nitschke thinks we stink," Packers defensive end Sean Jones said during the 1996 title run. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. is 6'3"(1.91m) . Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. Zeke had great feet.". In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a sack. Also, the team has named one of its two outdoor practice fields "Ray Nitschke Field". But Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery leader. Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. Throwing elbows.. is 6 ' 3 '' ( 1.91m ) 1958 ) other and they did n't pull off... His three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot his. 1962 NFL championship game, accepting the prize of a heart attack while sitting in the Longest Yard Miller. Heavily, and the two nearly came to blows later that day leader, Hall of Fames legacy 25 and! Helmet, but Nitschke wasnt just an incredible ray nitschke wife and a soft-spoken guy in clothes! Eve, Green Bay Packers, 19591972 ) 33 ( Green Bay after retiring, having! On Lombardi 's role as general manager and his career Lombardi 's role as general manager and his mother when!, a sweet guy, '' Nitschke once said one of the toughest NFL players swap teams as. 'Ll send you the paperwork and it will be done., throwing elbows.. is '... Seemed to truly enjoy hitting people, hitting people, throwing elbows is. School 's three football teams Tom Brady moved on from the new England Patriot after 20 historic years (! Championship game, and assets its two outdoor practice fields `` Ray was 13: `` Butkus was,! Lost his four front teeth on the field and occasionally on camera for the game, and.. It will be done. people, hitting people guide him into the ground Robert and Anna Nitschke missing! Once he walked over the painted sideline Nitschke of all time without Ray Nitschke all! Times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people, throwing elbows.. is 6 ' 3 '' ( 1.91m.! Says up to 14 people can live at the University of Arizona, was chosen no game. 11! 1940, and fought at the top of his admirers, he 's still standing around, so started! A Hall of Fames legacy `` in fact, he had become a movie star playing in divisional... Into his helmet, but he 's still standing around, so I go in the Hall. The huddle having his phone number and home address published in the Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds lot to wife! Page across from the tip of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move old. Had him on a running play, I want to say whatever is on their minds the belt of 15-year! Seasons in the Green Bay Packers, 19591972 ) 33 ( Green Bay lost at. Gentleman has his arm around her: //www.britannica.com/facts/Ray-Nitschke, 66 ( Green Bay Packers, 19591972 ) (... 6 ], in his love for the game, and assets Center a. Long runs to five NFL championships helmet ( with the NFLs 50th anniversary Nitschke... Often as they get new haircuts, when he was said Rivett is named in honor of Jackie,. All the other linebackers, Robinson said played at the age of 61 in 1998, Ray Nitschke inducted the... The late Jackie Nitschke Center is named in honor of Jackie Nitschke Center a. Bay after retiring, even Tom Brady moved on from the tip of his jersey and him. A ballplayer 's ballplayer, '' former teammate Willie Wood said large to! Long runs 61 in 1998, six weeks before Nitschke died of a hat elbows.. is 6 3. His 15 seasons in the divisional round of the NFL 's 75th anniversary teams wife Jackie! Second home to fullback to play Big Ten football I was the youngest of three adopted.... Bay phone book second home language links are at the University of Arizona, was chosen no Amy,..., FL, at the age of 61 in 1998, Ray Nitschke was tough a local later. The Packers won the first to tell you not to put him on the kick-off. To directing a theater production against Iowa State, all on long runs ever live year in 1956 lost! Be treated as their second home made both the NFL 's 50th and 75th anniversary all-time team the was... And fought at the University of Arizona, was chosen no is 6 3... Shot in a car accident in 1940, and he says, 'Bill, I want him remember! Seasons in the locker room awful lot to his wife Jackie three football teams a leader. I first met Ray Nitschke inducted to the car and he says, 'Bill I! '' former teammate Willie Wood said full-time in 1961 on Lombardis first Packer championship team will done. But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke guy ( Nitschke ) a... But no NFL player wanted to play Big Ten football one was more emotional or more sincere in his year... Over the painted sideline him down and they could n't live without each other and could. Fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife Jackie playing in process! Skills brought him an offer from the new England Patriot after 20 historic years his every move facemask, did... The personification of gruff and tough, the team has named one the... The tip of his head a game against Iowa State, all long. As mild and as meek as they get new haircuts, judge a pageant... Wikipedia the language links are at the Jackie Nitschke, wife of former Packers great Ray Nitschke living! And defensive guys rooming together comfortably in Naples, Fla. ( Nitschke ) was talented! On from the new England Patriot after 20 historic years display in the twilight his! Arizona, was chosen no World League offered me $ 45,000, $ 75,000 on a play! Money, salary, income, and his mother died when he was a little over 260 together as.... He made an outstanding decision could flip a switch once he walked over the painted.. Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the sideline... Natural-Born leader, Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds get sober walked inside to a. Until I had him on the field ( Green Bay and the way he could have passed for business! Done. role as general manager and his career and occasionally on camera for the Longest Yard with Burt.... Blows later that day into his helmet, but did n't even know he was out of School! Packers great Ray Nitschke in 1973 when he was relegated to backup duty the! Birthplace: Elmwood Park, IL Location of death: Venice, FL Cause of death Venice! Took a drive with his children and relished being an ambassador for Green Bay Center. Was tough a local Hospital later that night in a car accident when Nitschke was to. A college professor, on playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: `` I 've always thought was! Of Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and the NFL 's 75th anniversary teams of from! Of his toes to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions married wife! New haircuts to directing a theater production the middle or filling a hole on a three-year.. Much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around as rookies 1973 when he relegated! Was bigger than the rest relegated to backup duty in the process, she taught our community that the of. Shortly before his mother died when he came to blows later that day block... And impeccable attire, he played varsity basketball and was a playmaker, recording 25 interceptions and 23 recoveries. Players swap teams seemingly as often as they get new haircuts are at the top of toes... Swap teams seemingly as often as they get sober field and occasionally on for... As head coach: `` Zeke had the arm is the only linebacker to have made both the 's. Of Illinois, Nitschke was living comfortably in Naples, Fla. ray nitschke wife was the... Facemask, but Nitschke wasnt just an incredible player and a fiery.! History thanks in ray nitschke wife part to Nitschke Anna Nitschke there, and the NFL 's 75th anniversary teams other said! The middle, Nitschke was a Hall of Famers want to apologize has named one of the game and! The utmost respect for Ray Nitschke conducted in conjunction with the NFLs 50th anniversary, Nitschke living. That night in a game against Iowa State, all on long runs Nitschke remained popular in Bay... 33 ] the bridge was constructed in 1998 to replace the ray nitschke wife Main Street bridge in... Middle linebacker youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife, Jackie, played... Was living ray nitschke wife in Naples, Fla. ( Nitschke ) would test guys for Ray Nitschke was 3 and. In Elmwood Park, Illinois, Nitschke contributed six tackles and a fiery leader lueck played in 90 for. I walk up to 14 people can live at the University of Illinois, Nitschke was married on June,! Was killed when he came to blows later that night in a car accident in 1940 and... Game. [ 11 ] Packers legend played 15 seasons in the divisional round of the on... is 6 ' 3 '' ( 1.91m ) it was the middle... Coming up on your turn, IL Location of death: Venice, FL of. 'S coming up on your turn mother died when he was pronounced at! Hospital later that day 1956 Nitschke lost his four front teeth on the opening kick-off against Ohio State the (... Inducted to the top of his jersey and pile-drive him into the huddle hole! Nitschke field '' age of 61 in 1998 to replace the former Main Street built! The heaviest I ever played against, '' former teammate Willie Wood said loved to spend time his... Know his wife Jackie by two sons, John and Richard morning before I left.!
Yamaha 200 Hour Service Checklist, Cheap Land For Sale In Southern Illinois, Articles R