60. Pete Retzlaff

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In this era of sports specialization, it is hard to imagine football players changing 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 received the Bert Bell Award in 1965.

Retzlaff was not the best blocker, which may have limited his overall performance at tight end.  Still, with the numbers he could put up at a time when 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! - 80.5%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.3%
No opinion. - 1.6%
No way! - 3.9%

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: 117 Games Started
    452 Receptions
    7,412 Receiving Yards
    47 Receiving Touchdowns
    6 Rushing Attempts
    -4 Rushing Yards
    67 Approximate Value*

    1 Playoff Game
    1 Playoff Game Started
    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 Selection (1) (1965)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1958 & 1964)
    Pro Bowl Selection (5) (1958, 1960, 1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Most Receptions (1) (1958)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
    4th in 1965

    Finished 6th in Comeback Player of the Year Voting in 1965

    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
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Pete Retzlaff be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 80.5%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.3%
No opinion. - 1.6%
No way! - 3.9%
Last modified on Thursday, 17 September 2026 05:18

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