Run-Ins With Nitschke Weren’t That Painful

In 1969, Ray Nitschke and several other Packer players were trying to enjoy a peaceful dinner in Green Bay. Unfortunately for them, my parents and I happened to be eating at the same restaurant. So I did what any 7-year-old Packer fan would do: I ran over and asked them for their autographs.

Not only did these men interrupt their meal to give me their autographs, but they seemed genuinely happy to speak with me. I suggested that Nitschke give me his phone number so that we could stay in touch. This suggestion was greeted with enthusiastic support from the other players, especially Ken Bowman, the Packers’ center. Nitschke grinned at me and told me, “Sure, kid” and jotted down a phone number on a cocktail napkin for me.

A week went by. I asked my dad to dial the number for me. My dad dialed it and asked to speak with Ray Nitschke. The woman who answered politely informed my dad that he must have the wrong number. When my dad asked what number he had reached, the woman replied, “Ken Bowman’s residence.”

Though I was a little disappointed not to speak with Ray, I always felt that I had shared an inside joke with my childhood hero. I will miss him.

BOB SHANNON, South Pasadena

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A lifetime ago, while I was a wild-eyed, anything-to-attract-attention radio disc jockey, I encountered a bumper sticker reading, “Bloomer, Wisconsin--Rope Jumping Capitol of the World.” This prompted a series of quirky, on-air phone conversations with the coach of Bloomer’s vaunted rope jumping team, which led to my San Diego-Wisconsin flight for public competition with their gladiator, Ray Nitschke of the Green Bay Packers.

I was in awe and properly intimidated by his bulk and misleading ferocious mask of football prowess. Several days spent in his company were warming and comfortable. Although he certainly was no cliche, upon hearing of his death, it should be noted he was a true gentle giant. He was so tall and I so small. He let me win that rope-jump. Suddenly, that moment now becomes more significant.

PERRY ALLEN, Carlsbad