Sports Biofile: Ray Nitschke

Childhood ambition: "I always wanted to be in sports. Playing college football, then playing professional ... I think I had a dream come true. Always wanted to be an athlete. I really had a great desire to be the best."

Childhood sports hero: Stan Musial ("I liked the way he carried himself as a player and as a man. Always came to the ballpark to play hard. Always a gentleman. Always admired him. Then I read his book as a kid. Always admired him. Still do. Matter of fact, he sent me a big, big picture yesterday. He said, 'To my greatest fan ... Ray Nitschke.' I put it up in my office in the basement. He's got one up there already."), Johnny Lujack

Family: Wife, Jackie; sons, John, Richard; daughter, Amy; dogs, Butkus, Mutley; cats, Sassy, Bogey, Birdie

Early football memory: "Just enjoyed the competition. Always wanted to win. I'm very competitive. Was always that way ... in elementary school. Always trying to be a winner. In order to be good at anything you had to work hard and practice hard, which I did. It was important to me to be as good as I possibly could. My motivation was good. I was just a poor loser. I had an older brother (Richard) four years older. He always beat me in everything. Always a better athlete. That's life, man. (laughs) I think he gave me the attitude that I didn't want to be beat."

Greatest sports moment: "Can't pinpoint. Had many. A lot of great moments. When they had a day for me (Ray Nitschke Day in Green Bay in '71) was a big deal. When they retired my number (66) in Green Bay. That was a big deal for me."

Most painful moment: "Opening game 1971. My 14th season. I had hurt my back in the last exhibition game. And I didn't practice all week. Opening game against Detroit. I had a very humbling game. Wanted to be out there and shouldn't have been out there. I think that was the longest day I had. Couldn't do nothing and Detroit beat us 40-0. Long day and tough experience for me."

Most treasured possession: "My first NFL championship ring in 1951. 4th season. Beat the Giants 37-0. (It's) in a safety deposit box."

Pregame feeling: "Very excited. Always excited for every game I played. Always chomping on the bit. Fired up. Emotionally ready, nervous. To play football you always have the fear of getting hurt and fear of failing. The feeling of excitement ... maybe football was my best sport because of my nature -- I was always fired up. To do the best I possibly could, I needed spiritual help. I always prayed before I went out.

Toughest competitor: "I didn't meet any -- not any more fierce than me. Jim Parker of the Baltimore Colts; I always thought he was the best offensive lineman I played against.

Favorite athletes: Reggie White ("A consummate pro. Plays every down.") Dick Butkus ("He was a force on the field."), Oscar Robertson, Henry Aaron, Gordie Howe ("A great force. Great player, big, tough. Kinda controlled the game."), Pete Sampras ("I like that Pete Sampras. He's a great player and seems to be a good kid.")

Favorite movie: The Longest Yard

Favorite TV show: "Man, I don't watch much TV."

Favorite meal: "What's my favorite? I like it all."

Favorite breakfast cereal: Wheaties.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla.

Musical tastes: All music, country.

Hobbies: Golf ("I'm a big golfer ... five handicap."), watch all sports.

First job: Caddy at Oak Park Country Club outside of Chicago (age 11).

Favorite vacation spot: Naples, Fla.

Contact ESPNET SportsZone
Copyright © 1996 Starwave Corporation and ESPN Inc. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.