Throwback Thursday: Focusing on the one and only Ray Nitschke

Ray Nitschke played during the Vince Lombardi era.  Nitschke was named All-Pro six times and was named to only one Pro Bowl squad for some ridiculous reason. Nitschke was also MVP of the 1962 NFL championship game against the New York Giants as he deflected one pass for an interception and also recovered two fumbles.

Nitschke was known as a ferocious player.  In his own words, Nitschke one said: “I’m not the biggest guy or the strongest guy either. I have to make up for lack of size with aggressiveness. I’ve always learned that the best way to play the game is to hit your opponent a little harder than he hits you. It’s self-preservation.”  Yet, off the field, Nitschke was a different man. Bart star once observed that Nitschke was a “classic example of Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde.” Off the field he was a thoughtful caring person. On the field, he was a ferocious middle linebacker who at times seemed to truly enjoy hitting people.”

Overall, Nitschke played on five NFL championship teams and is both in the Packer Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nitschke . The Packers also retired Nitschke’s jersey (No. 66). Nitschke also has one of the two outdoor practice fields named for him across from Lambeau Field.