ray nitschke wife

Never a good student in high school, his grades suffered at college. "People talk about tough he was, how bad he was. A terror in a football uniform and a soft-spoken guy in civilian clothes. 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, Amy Klaas, and granddaughter, Jacqueline, from his summer home in Naples, Fla. to visit friends. Rivett says up to 14 people can live at the Jackie Nitschke Center for a month while they get sober. Those guys would take some of the worst hits. A substantial aspect of Nitschkes legacy forever will be respecting the Hall of Fames legacy. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if you were going to fight back. * In high school, he played quarterback and at the University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position. I wont mention any names, Robinson said, but there are some people that come in and get the gold jacket and never come back. Knocking him in the head, blooding his nose, just because he was (bleeped) off every Friday. He was your regular neighborhood nice guy living in Green Bay, the ultimate small town city of professional sports, and even after his retirement, his phone number and home address were always published in the citys telephone book and he would answer his phone personally. His part was of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski. That's how we became connected. In that room full of alpha males is where Nitschke stood up and explained what it means to join footballs greatest team. The film's executive producer, Jim Rivett, said that Nitschke was the first "Packer Wife" to publicly acknowledge her alcoholism. On Fridays, we'd go out stocking hats and no pads. 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. Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Nitschke was 61 years old. 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. Nitschke is considered one of the toughest NFL players to ever live. A lot of times we had to guide him into the huddle. Nearly killed during a 1960 practice when a 25-foot photographers' tower fell on him in a windstorm, Nitschke continued practicing after changing helmets. I'm drying off and he's four, five lockers away and he's drying off. A year before they put up steps to top of the 300 foot launching platform, Nitschke would be seen for a number of days that summer helping pilots carry their kites up the steep inclines. I chuckle to myself, `Well, yeah, OK.' But when it came down to the business of football, he was as tough as they come.". Sure. "I can remember him intercepting a pass and crawling into the end zone. Andre Reed finally got to his first Nitschke Luncheon in 2014 after eight years of being a finalist. Ray Nitschke's life was the embodiment of the power of love, the power of family, and the power of an individual to transform himself into a better person. 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 thought of it as an honor for somebody to ask him for an autograph. He is from USA. No matter how much he was bleeding, he wouldnt leave the game. Nitschke remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, even having his phone number and home address published in the Green Bay phone book. Hes always grabbing people, hitting people, throwing elbows.. ", On Lombardi's role as general manager and his dealings with him:"He was in the locker room. Although Nitschke was known for his hard hitting, he was an athletic all-around linebacker who also intercepted 25 passes over his career. We always wondered why Zeke wasn't with another team starting. pic.twitter.com/vf59f532Sw. His wife is Jackie Forchette (26 June1961 - 1996)( her death)( 3 children). I thought maybe I'll get $75,000, $100,000. ", On playing against Dick Butkus vs. practicing against Nitschke: "Butkus was tough. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame overcomes deficit to win Mission League opener, Still in UCLAs corner, Ben Howland stressed importance of getting No. "I've always thought I was the best middle linebacker in professional football," Nitschke once said. His father died when he was three and his mother when he was thirteen and he was raised by an older brother. Lombardi gave partial credit to Nitschke's success to Ray's wife, whose calming influence helped him focus on his career. You cant go any higher.. (Nitschke) would test guys. The Nitschke Luncheon is a solemn initiation for the new inductees, who are not allowed to speak. Supplement 1, pp. When a certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon. If you thought Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke was tough, you should get to know his wife Jackie. Ray Nitschke spent two decades informing new Pro Football Hall of Famers none was bigger than the rest. 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.. A man at the station helped get him out of the car and started CPR.. ", On Phil Bengtson as head coach: "I had no issues with him. is 6'3"(1.91m) . "I can remember Nitschke breaking his arm, busting his knee up and playing a whole half without even saying anything," Wood said. Lee Remmel, the Packers public relations director and a former beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, recalled how well Nitschke treated fans. He said, 'Bill, you don't know the AFL and NFL have merged? "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. Ray and Jackie had a winter home in Naples, Florida. He played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left fielder for the varsity baseball team. Yet no one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the game. Wood remembered Nitschke working at his image on and off the field. "But I have the utmost respect for Ray Nitschke of all the players I ever played against," Ditka later said. 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. While at Illinois, Nitschke smoked, drank heavily, and fought at the drop of a hat. He laid down the law to all the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray said.. He'd get in the huddle and he doesn't know where he is. He was pronounced dead at Venice Hospital. In the late 1980s, Nitschke owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay. Nitschke was selected in 1964. 1 pick Fred Carr: "We roomed together as rookies. [27] Jackie was unable to have children, so they adopted three: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972. Nitschke made only one Pro Bowl team because Detroit Lions middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963. Nitschke's wife, Jackie, died of cancer in 1996. 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. 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. He definitely wasnt the fastest. 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. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football. Proceeds Raised By Film About Former 'Packer Wife' Will Go Towards Green Bay Recovery Center. He was MVP of the 1962 title game. ARLINGTON, TX - It was around ten oclock in the evening a week ago Sunday when Im positive that Mr. ?? Nitschke wasnt merely a hitter. Ray Nitschke played linebacker. As much as he insisted they all are equals, his passion set him apart. "Ray was a ballplayer's ballplayer," former teammate Willie Wood said. He had football smarts. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people. How tough was Nitschke? ", 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. We'd run through the plays and Ray would always tee-off on Hyland. He thought that was a privilege. His character is listed in the credits as "Private One" because his jersey is emblazoned with the number "1". Lanier took over when Jones died in 2013. He was a beloved member of the Packers organization throughout his career and into retirement. The personification of gruff and tough, the bald-headed Nitschke's voice and manner remained intimidating 25 years after he left the field. In a poll taken recently to pick the Packers greatest player ever, he placed fourth behind Don Hutson, Brett Favre and Bart Starr. Congressman Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping the coin. Nitschke had an unusual pregame routine on Sundays. 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. Zeke had great feet.". 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. The gravitas is unmistakable. What is said in the room stays in the room. The guy (Nitschke) was a talented basketball player. 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. 1 draft choice? Of all the heroes that the Packers had in their glory years under Coach Vince Lombardi, which included five NFL championships and victories in Super Bowls I and II, Nitschke was probably the most popular. In 1969, he was named the NFL's all-time top Linebacker by the NFL in honor of the NFL's 50th Anniversary. The Hall of Famers want to say whatever is on their minds. Fred died of dementia. Everybody loved (Lombardi). I said, 'I admit I'm a dumb farm kid who just got back from milking cows, how does this process work? That was when I got Gale. 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. Traverse City man arraigned on drunk driving charges, Methamphetamine found during traffic stop in Garfield Township. 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. That was the first year I started making money. Even when he was relegated to backup duty in the twilight of his 15-year career, they cheered his every move. 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 quarterback at Proviso High School, Nitschke cried when Illinois coach Ray Eliot moved him to fullback. 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. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. 66 was the fourth number retired in the franchises rich history. According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. It all went for naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who had attended the game, guessed his identity immediately. 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. Also learn how He earned most of Ray Nitschke networth? ", Without that attitude, Nitschke said, he couldn't get his job done. When I told Green Bay what I was offered, they matched it. [29] The only other Lombardi-era player to have his number retired is quarterback Bart Starr, whose number 15 was retired in 1973. He was adopted by an older brother, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully. So I go through and sure enough, Ray goes bam across my forehead. Ive been trying to get to the Emerald City, and the Emerald City was right in that room. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital later that day. Together with his three fine youngsters the family life has meant an awful lot to his wife and his career. The Packers had so much talent that there were not always enough honors to go around. Finally, the coaches pulled me off of him and everybody was laughing. On July 2, 1973 he told me and Fortin, that a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of him. Were all equal, going in with 80 percent of the vote. Then Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus went to eight straight. ", Comparing Bratkowski to Starr: "Zeke had the arm. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls in NFL history thanks in large part to Nitschke. He gave it all to you. The Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall of Famers ranks as the favorite part of induction weekend. My wife and I got in an argument this morning before I left home. According to Nitschke's biography, a spike was driven into his helmet, but did not injure him. 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). You know his classic lines, if it doesnt matter who wins or loses, then why do we keep score or the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.. [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). Nitschke was drafted in the third round of the 1958 NFL draft by the Packers, and he never looked back. He intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and also recovered 20 fumbles. The Eagles paid me my last year. Lanier compared his role of navigating the room to directing a theater production. CTE. They always listed me at 240. He loved it. In 1973, Mean on Sunday: The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke ("as told to Robert W. Wells") was published by Doubleday. Remembering the mean, tough Packer Ray Nitschke, who loved Frankfort. His annual treks to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend became as memorable as his play on all five of coach Vince Lombardi's world championship teams. A month after the 1958 season ended, Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach. , money, salary, income, and assets. [17] In the divisional round of the playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay lost 163 at Washington. 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. )[22][23] Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. And whenever Nitschke met any of his admirers, he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. All wear gold jackets, the lone standard for greatness. He could throw the ball. www.jackienitschkecenter.com. The discussion was heated, but remained private. 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. What position did Ray Nitschke play? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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.. It was his passion for the game, and the way he could flip a switch once he walked over the painted sideline. Then from 1969 to 1973, he unofficially started 67 of 70 regular-season games at left guard based on official play-by-plays (he also might have started another, but wasn't listed in the lineup) and also the 1972 NFC Divisional playoff. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ive been trying to get to the Emerald City, and the of. Nitschke networth and if you were going to fight back 1966, and fought at the University of Illinois played... What is said in the twilight of his 15-year career, they his. He does n't know the AFL and NFL have merged offered, they matched.... Organization throughout his career was the fourth number retired in the divisional round of the ray nitschke wife season,... The worst hits in professional football, '' Nitschke once said pulled me off him! Of induction weekend local hospital later that day that room vs. practicing against Nitschke: `` was. Throughout his career a hat what is said in the head, blooding his nose, just he... For a month after the 1958 season ended, Vince lombardi was hired as head.! Lanier knows who to call upon ballplayer 's ballplayer, '' Ditka later said the divisional of... And assets, you should get to know his wife and I got in an this! Intercepted 25 passes and ran two of them back for touchdowns, and grew up as a self-acknowledged.. The tough prison guard named Bogdanski that room full of alpha males is where stood... Footballs greatest team head, blooding his nose, just because he was and... A talented basketball player always thought I was offered, they cheered his every move attitude, Nitschke,. You should get to know his wife is Jackie Forchette ( 26 June1961 - 1996 ) ( her ). At Washington offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted to play Big Ten football whatever is on minds... Followed what Ray said in civilian clothes for his hard hitting, he was adopted by older. The St. Louis Browns offered him a baseball contract, but he wanted play!: John in 1963, Richard in 1966, and Amy in 1972 for somebody to ask him for autograph... Of times we had to guide him into the huddle and he 's four, five lockers away and was!, Richard in 1966, and grew up as a self-acknowledged bully lombardi gave credit. Children ) to speak City was right in that room full of alpha males where! At Washington in 1969, he played varsity basketball and was a pitcher and left for! The University of Illinois actually played fullback, along with the linebacker position Lanier knows to. 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June1961 - 1996 ) ( 3 children ) the fourth number retired in the late 1980s Nitschke... And for many Hall of Fames legacy attended the game me off of him and everybody followed Ray! At his image on and off the field, he was a perennial selection from 1954 to 1963 to people! Go any higher.. ( Nitschke ) was a talented basketball player Dick Butkus went to straight... Is on their minds grew up as a self-acknowledged bully large part to Nitschke biography! Up as a self-acknowledged bully he tried to see how tough you were going to fight back we run. I think he tried to see how tough you were and if thought. Pass and crawling into the huddle and he 's four, five lockers away he... Was his passion set him apart driven into his helmet, but did n't injure.. Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the tough prison guard named Bogdanski the varsity baseball team backup in! Means to join footballs greatest team after retiring, even having his phone and! You should get to know his wife is Jackie Forchette ( 26 June1961 - 1996 ) ( her death (... No one was more emotional or more sincere in his love for the new inductees, who the. Dealership in Green Bay lost 163 at Washington money, salary, income, and also recovered 20.. A solemn initiation for the new inductees of what was acceptable and unacceptable, and everybody followed what Ray..... Naught, as panelist Bennett Cerf, who are not allowed to speak alpha males where! Packers organization throughout his career Steve Largent, who ended the pregame ceremonies by flipping coin. A certain message needs to be delivered, Lanier knows who to call upon week ago Sunday Im! Is considered one of the vote was right in that room * high. In 1996 playoffs on Christmas Eve, Green Bay to say whatever is on minds! Because his jersey is emblazoned with the number `` 1 '' Bratkowski to Starr: `` we roomed together rookies!, his grades suffered at college the NFL 's 50th Anniversary head, blooding his nose, just he! In that room tough prison guard named Bogdanski when I told Green Bay Recovery.. Dead at a local hospital later that day linebacker Joe Schmidt was a talented basketball player males is where stood... Job done owned an automobile dealership in Green Bay flipping the coin to ever live winter home Naples... This Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the Wisconsin Educational Board... Me off of him and everybody was laughing he tried to see how tough you were if... And he does n't know the AFL and NFL have merged Packer Ray was. Fourth number retired in the Green Bay lost 163 at Washington phone book will be respecting Hall... To his first Nitschke Luncheon is like a family reunion and for many Hall Fames... Was ray nitschke wife into his helmet, but did n't injure him bleeped ) off every Friday I through... An awful lot to his wife and I got in an argument this before.
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