- Bob Schmitz
Bob Schmitz (1939 –
June 8 ,2004 ) was aNFL player who played for thePittsburgh Steelers . Schmitz graduated from New Holstein High School inNew Holstein, Wisconsin . He then went on to attend college atMontana State University where he playedfootball and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.In 1961 Schmitz was drafted by the
Pittsburgh Steelers in the 14th-round of theNational Football League draft. Schmitz was also drafted in the 1960 AFL draft by theOakland Raiders , but he chose the Steelers. He is most notable for playinglinebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1961- 1966. Schmitz played in a total of 51 NFL games. During his career he recorded threeinterceptions for 65 yards and atouchdown . Also he recorded one safety from the linebacker spot. Perhaps his most memorable moment came atPitt Stadium onNovember 10 ,1963 where he recorded his only safety. Schmitz tackledPro Football Hall of Fame running backJim Brown of theCleveland Browns in the end zone for a safety that gave the Steelers a 9-7 victory. Schmitz was then named NFL Player of the Week for his winning score. After winning the honor Schmitz said, "Gee, that's probably the best thing that ever happened to me." [http://www.postgazette.com/pg/04162/329571.stm] His last season in the NFL came in 1966; a season in which he slpit time between the Pittsburgh Steelers and theMinnesota Vikings .After his playing career ended Schmitz took up scouting in the NFL. In 1971 he was hired by the NFL’s BLESTO combine, a scouting service that was located in Pittsburgh. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as an area scout in 1976 after being hired by
Art Rooney Jr . Schmitz worked for the Steelers until 1995. Schmitz then accepted a scouting job for theNew York Jets in 1995 because he was offered more money by his former boss with the Steelers Dick Haley. Schmitz assisted the Jets with their drafts and college free agent signing periods. Throughout his career Schmitz specialty was grading defensive players. Schmitz retired as a scout onJune 1, 2004 after a successful 33 year run.On
June 8, 2004 Schmitz took a late-morning nap at his home inGlendale, Arizona and never woke up. His death was ruled an apparent heart attack. Bob Schmitz was 65 years old.External links
* [http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7406190 Obituary from NFL.com]
* [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04162/329571.stm Obituary from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
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