I talked to Ray Nitschke several years ago to get his authentication/feedback on a 1966 signed GBP Championship signed football I have. Arguably the best middle linebacker of all time. Bears fans will disagree saying it was Dick Butkus. Could go either way but bottom line amazing athletes one and all.
They also played in a different era where late hits were common and allowed. Unless you were a superstar you also did not make great money for the punishment you put your body through. I think it was Starr who said he still had numbness in his fingers from the Ice Bowl.
I’m a Bears fan, and I have nothing but respect for Bart Starr. RIP.
Yup, Nitschke is among the elite all-time best linebackers, a tremendously hard hitter!