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46. Pete Retzlaff

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46.  Pete Retzlaff
In this era of sports specialization, it is hard to imagine that football players used to change positions regularly.  Pete Retzlaff played various offensive positions, but he could always be counted on to catch the ball.

On five different occasions, Pete Retzlaff had seasons of 50 or more receptions.  Considering the era in which he played, that tally becomes even more impressive.  His best offensive seasons occurred after he moved to Tight End, where he was one of the few at that position who was sure handed.  He continued to put up impressive stats and was the recipient of the Bert Bell Award in 1965.

Retzlaff was not the best blocker and this may inhibit his overall performance at the Tight End slot.  Still, with the numbers he could put up at a time where it was not common, the fact that he was not the League’s best blocker could be forgiven somewhat.

Should Pete Retzlaff be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.6%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.7%
No opinion. - 1.7%
No way! - 4.2%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Ellendale, North Dakota, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1972
  • Position: Tight End
  • Games Played: 132
  • Notable Statistics: 452 Receptions
    7,412 Receiving Yards
    47 Receiving Touchdowns
    6 Rushing Attempts
    -4 Rushing Yards
    67 Approximate Value*

    1 Playoff Game
    1 Reception
    41 Receiving Yards

    *Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of 1960.
  • Played For: Philadelphia Eagles
  • College: South Dakota State
  • Drafted: 22nd Round, 265th Overall in 1956
  • Major Accolades and Awards: NFL Championship Rings (1) (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)
    Bert Bell Award (1) (1965)
    First Team All-Pro Selections (1) (1965)
    Second Team All-Pro Selections (2) (1958 & 1964)
    Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1958, 1960, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Most Receptions (1) (1958)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (5) (1958, 1960, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (5) (1958, 1960, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (5) (1960, 1961, 1964, 1965 & 1966)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (5) (1959, 1960, 1962, 1964 & 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (7) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (1) (1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (1) (1965)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (1) (1965)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 86.  Yards per Reception: 16.4

Should Pete Retzlaff be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.6%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.7%
No opinion. - 1.7%
No way! - 4.2%
Last modified on Tuesday, 21 March 2023 17:44

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