Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. For fifteen seasons (1958 to 1972), he played at the middle-linebacker position in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. A feared opponent and a well-respected player, he was the heart of Vince Lombardi's defensive line which was a key factor in the Packers' dynasty teams of the 1960s that captured five world championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1967), including the first two Super Bowls. He was named MVP of the 1962 NFL Title Game. Off the field, he was a soft-hearted and caring individual. Born Raymond Ernest Nitschke, he attended Proviso East High School (Illinois) and played collegiate football at the University of Illinois. He was selected by the Packers during the 3rd round (36th overall pick) of the 1958 NFL Draft and appeared in 190 regular season games. During the course of his career, he earned Pro-Bowl honors in 1964 and First-Team All-Pro status twice (1964 and 1966). He recorded 25 interceptions for 385 yards with 2 touchdowns. His success in football led to his appearances in the Monkees' film "Head" (1968) and the Burt Reynolds' vehicle "The Longest Yard" (1974). He was enshrined into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers Hall of Fame in 1978. He was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1997 and was selected to the 1960s NFL All-Decade Squad. He died from a heart attack.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. For fifteen seasons (1958 to 1972), he played at the middle-linebacker position in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. A feared opponent and a well-respected player, he was the heart of Vince Lombardi's defensive line which was a key factor in the Packers' dynasty teams of the 1960s that captured five world championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1967), including the first two Super Bowls. He was named MVP of the 1962 NFL Title Game. Off the field, he was a soft-hearted and caring individual. Born Raymond Ernest Nitschke, he attended Proviso East High School (Illinois) and played collegiate football at the University of Illinois. He was selected by the Packers during the 3rd round (36th overall pick) of the 1958 NFL Draft and appeared in 190 regular season games. During the course of his career, he earned Pro-Bowl honors in 1964 and First-Team All-Pro status twice (1964 and 1966). He recorded 25 interceptions for 385 yards with 2 touchdowns. His success in football led to his appearances in the Monkees' film "Head" (1968) and the Burt Reynolds' vehicle "The Longest Yard" (1974). He was enshrined into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers Hall of Fame in 1978. He was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1997 and was selected to the 1960s NFL All-Decade Squad. He died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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