Walk It Off, Son
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by Cheezer
Former Green Bay Packer Jim Ringo passed away on November 19, 2007. The Hall of Fame center was almost 76 years old.
The undersized (225 lbs) and unheralded center was the lynchpin for the famous Power Sweep employed by Lombardi’s Packers in the 60’s. He was instrumental in helping clear the way running backs Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor. Often matched up against players that were 250-270 lbs, his role was to get off the ball and make a sweeping cut block against the opposing tackle. Ringo was the center for all but one of Taylor’s five 1,000-yard seasons, including his record 1962 season of 1,474-yards.
Ringo started a record (at the time) 182 (or 183-dependent on source) consecutive games between 1954 and 1967. Fathers and coaches all over Packerland tell the tale of Ringo’s bout with pneumonia. It is a tale of legendary toughness. After being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, Ringo left on Saturday and played in the Packers game on Sunday. He returned to the hospital on Monday to fight his illness.
Those of you familiar with the Lombardi Packers must have heard of the Jim Ringo trade story. Packer Lore has it that following the 1963 season, Ringo, with an agent, showed up in Lombardi's office seeking to renegotiate his contract and get a raise. As legend has it, Lombardi was so angered by one of his players employing a legal advisor that he that he excused himself from the meeting for several minutes. Upon his return, he announced that he had just traded Ringo to the Eagles.
Jim Ringo confirmed this story himself, but Lombardi had probably been working the trade for some time. Also included in the transaction were Packer FB Eric Gros, Philly LB Lee Roy Caffey and a first round draft pick.
During his career, Ringo went to 10 pro-bowls and was named to the all decade team for the 60’s. He was voted onto the all NFL team 7 times during his career.
It is interesting to note that both Ringo and former teammate Max McGee, who passed earlier this Autumn, suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. During the latter stages of Ringo’s life, his wife, Judy, got involved with the group working with former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to help former NFL players suffering from the disease.
Hattip: jsonline, Packers team website
