Ray Nitschke.

Ray Nitschke. Ray Nitschke (1936-1998), American football player, who helped the Green Bay Packers become the most feared team in the National Football League (NFL) in the early 1960s. A powerful middle linebacker, Nitschke was named most valuable player in the 1962 NFL Championship Game. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Raymond Ernest Nitschke was raised by his brother after being orphaned at a young age. He excelled in high school sports--so much so that the St. Louis Browns baseball team offered him a professional contract upon graduation. Nitschke instead chose to accept a football scholarship at the University of Illinois, where he played fullback. The Packers selected him in the 1958 NFL draft, and before the end of his rookie season, legendary coach Vince Lombardi assigned Nitschke to the linebacker position. His physical strength and ferocity as a tackler were essential parts of the Packers' renowned defense. Nitschke became known as one of the hardest-hitting players in the NFL, but he was also hailed for his speed and agility. With the Packers, Nitschke captained the defense and helped lead the team to five NFL titles (1961, 1962, 1965-1967) and victories in Super Bowls I and II. Despite his imposing physical presence and notoriety as a brute on the gridiron, Nitschke was a gentle and thoughtful man off the field, appreciated by many Green Bay fans and teammates. Nitschke retired in 1972. For his career he totaled 25 interceptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, the first player from the famous 1960s Green Bay defense to receive the honor. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.