Pete Retzlaff

Palmer Edward "Pete" Retzlaff, nicknamed "Pistol Pete" and "The Baron", (born August 21, 1931 in Ellendale, North Dakota) is a former professional American football player and general manager.

Retzlaff played football at Ellendale High School in Ellendale, North Dakota and starred in track and field and football at South Dakota State College. In 1952, he rushed for 1,016 yards.

He was selected in the 1953 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League but did not make the team. After two years in the army, he was sold to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played at running back, wide receiver, and tight end for eleven seasons. In 1958, despite never having caught a pass in college, he led the NFL with 56 pass receptions. He went to the Pro Bowl five times, and won the Bert Bell Award for NFL player of the year in 1965, when he caught 66 passes including ten touchdowns. He also served as president of the NFL Players Association.

From 1969 to 1972, he served as the Eagles' vice president and general manager. In 1973 and 1974, he worked as a color analyst for NFL coverage on CBS television.

Retzlaff's number 44 jersey has been retired by the Eagles.

References

• Philadelphia Eagles history page on Retzlaff
• Hickok Sports biography