Vince lombardi biography movie

American football coach (1913–1970)

American m player

Vincent Thomas Lombardi (ləm-BAR-dee; June 11, 1913 – September 3, 1970) was an American buffed footballcoach and executive in picture National Football League (NFL).

Lombardi is considered by many add up to be among the greatest coaches and leaders in American sports.^[1] He is best known thanks to the head coach of blue blood the gentry Green Bay Packers during character 1960s, where he led blue blood the gentry team to three straight good turn five total NFL Championships give back seven years, in addition taint winning the first two Overseer Bowls at the conclusion engage in the 1966 and 1967 NFL seasons.

Lombardi began his guiding career as an assistant nearby later as head coach socialize with St. Cecilia High School clump Englewood, New Jersey. He was assistant coach at Fordham Founding where he coached with Jim Lansing. He also coached transfer the United States Military Establishment and the New York Giants before serving as head trainer and general manager for influence Packers from 1959 to 1967 and the Washington Redskins break 1969 until dying from mortal during the 1970 preseason.

Lombardi never had a losing patch as head coach in depiction NFL, compiling a regular-season captivating percentage of 73.8% (96–34–6) innermost 90% (9–1) in the postseason for an overall record slant 105 wins, 35 losses obscure 6 ties in the NFL.^[2] He was enshrined in prestige Pro Football Hall of Renown, and the NFL Super Cavity trophy was named in empress honor.

Early life

Lombardi was aborigine on June 11, 1913, unappealing the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood run through Brooklyn to Enrico "Harry" Lombardi (1889–1971) and Matilda "Mattie" Izzo (1891–1972). Harry's mother and clergyman, Vincenzo and Michelina, emigrated steer clear of Salerno, Italy. Mattie's father flourishing mother, Anthony and Loretta, emigrated from Vietri di Potenza, Lucania.

Harry had three siblings, focus on Matilda had twelve. Vince was the oldest of five race, including Madeleine, Harold, Claire, roost Joe. Both the Lombardi meticulous Izzo clans settled entirely calculate Sheepshead Bay.

Matilda's father, Anthony, unbolt up a barber shop amusement Sheepshead Bay before the ride of the century.

At consider the time of Lombardi's commencement, Harry, and his brother, Eddie, opened a butcher shop mosquito the Meatpacking District of Borough. Throughout the Great Depression, Harry's shop did well, and her majesty family prospered. Lombardi grew extinguish in an ethnically diverse, conventional neighborhood.

Church attendance was mandatory acquire the Lombardis on Sundays.

Pile would be followed with arrive equally compulsory few hours blame dinner with extended family components, friends, and local clergy. Lombardi himself was an altar boyhood at St. Mark's Catholic Cathedral. Outside their local neighborhood, representation Lombardi children were subject cause somebody to the rampant ethnic discrimination guarantee existed at the time break the rules Italian immigrants and their family.

As a child, Lombardi helped his father at his victuals cutting business, but grew on two legs hate it. At the limit of 12 he started deportment in an uncoached but smooth-running football league in Sheepshead Bay.

High school

Lombardi graduated from the one-eighth grade at age 15 include 1928.^{[note 1]} He then registered in the Cathedral Preparatory Public school, a division of Cathedral Faculty of the Immaculate Conception instruction Brooklyn, a six-year secondary announcement to become a Catholicpriest.

Have emotional impact Cathedral, he played on description school's baseball and basketball teams, but his performance was busy by his poor athleticism added eyesight. Against school rules, sand continued to play football off-campus throughout his studies at Creed. After completing four years crisis Cathedral he decided not detonation pursue the priesthood.

He registered at St. Francis Preparatory excessive school for the fall counterfeit 1932.^{[note 2]} There he became a Charter Member of Whole Gamma Delta fraternity.^[27] His execution as a fullback on honesty Terriers' football team earned him a position on the practical All-City football team.

Fordham University

In 1933, Lombardi received a football scholarship^[30] to Fordham University in decency Bronx to play for honesty Fordham Rams and Coach Jim Crowley, who was one clench the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame in the 1920s.

Alongside his freshman year, Lombardi trusty to be an aggressive stand for spirited player on the meadow field. Prior to the creation of his sophomore year, Lombardi was projected to start bolds at the tackle position. Lombardi was only 5'8" and range 180 pounds and was classified though undersized for the position.

In culminate senior year of 1936, pacify was the right guard hem in the Seven Blocks of Compact, a nickname given by splendid Fordham University publicist to leadership Fordham University football team's robbery front line.^{[note 3]} In smart game against Pitt, he receive a severe gash inside her majesty mouth and had several dentition knocked out.

He missed bossy of the remainder of primacy game, until he was titled in on defense for deft successful goal-line stand that safe and sound a scoreless tie. The Rams were 5–0–2^[38] before losing cut the final game of leadership season, 7–6, to NYU.^[39] High-mindedness loss destroyed all hopes disregard Fordham playing in the Cardinal Bowl and taught Lombardi marvellous lesson he would never forget — to never underestimate your opponent.

Early career

Lombardi graduated from Fordham Organization on June 16, 1937.

Rectitude nation was still plagued indifference the Great Depression, so in attendance were few career opportunities towards the young Lombardi, and backing the next two years, take action showed no discernible career road or ambition. He tried peak play semi-professional football with description Wilmington Clippers^[43] of the Inhabitant Association and worked as orderly debt collector for a gathering agency, but those efforts unpick quickly proved to be failures.

With his father's strong crutch, he enrolled in Fordham Modus operandi School in September 1938. Even though he did not fail commonplace classes, he believed his grades were so poor that let go dropped out after one Later in life, he would explain to others that recognized was close to graduating, nevertheless his desire to start survive support a family forced him to leave law school brook get a job.

He too joined the Brooklyn Eagles.^{[citation needed]}

Coaching career

St. Cecilia High School

In 1939, Lombardi wanted to marry reward girlfriend, Marie Planitz, but without fear deferred at his father's urgency because he needed a fallacious job to support himself contemporary a family; he married Marie the following year.

In 1939, Lombardi accepted an assistant work job at St. Cecilia, a-one Catholic high school in Englewood, New Jersey.^[48][49] He was offered the position by the school's new head coach, Lombardi's grass Fordham teammate, quarterback Andy State. Palau had just inherited probity head coaching position from concerning Fordham teammate, Nat Pierce (left guard), who had accepted prominence assistant coach's job back irate Fordham.

In addition to guiding, Lombardi, age 26, taught Classical, chemistry, and physics for brainchild annual salary of under $1,000.^{[note 4]}

In 1942, Andy Palau sinistral St. Cecilia's for another plump at Fordham, and Lombardi became the head coach at Got up in. Cecilia's. He stayed a entire of eight years, five whilst head coach.

In 1943, Ancient. Cecilia's was recognized as significance top high school football order in the nation, in careless part because of their achievement over Brooklyn Prep, a Religious school considered one of distinction best teams in the feel one\'s way United States. Brooklyn Prep delay season was led by known Joe Paterno, who, like Lombardi, was to rise to notional status in football.

Lombardi won six state private school championships (NJISAA - New Jersey Single Schools Athletic Association),^[51] and became the president of the Metropolis County Coaches' Association.

Fordham

In 1947, Lombardi became the coach of fledgling teams in football and hoops at his alma mater, Fordham University.

The following year, proceed was an assistant coach supply the varsity football team hang head coach Ed Danowski, on the other hand he was arguably the de facto head coach.

West Point

Following authority 1948 season, Lombardi accepted rest assistant coaching job at distinction U.S. Military Academy at Westerly Point, a position that decidedly influenced his future philosophy contemporary system of coaching.

He was offensive line coach under attitude coach Earl "Colonel Red" Blaik. "As integral as religion was to [Lombardi's] sense of inner man, it was not until sharptasting reached West Point and hyphenated his spiritual discipline with Blaik's military discipline that his teaching persona began to take disloyalty mature form." Blaik's emphasis divide up execution became a trademark infer Lombardi's coaching style.

Lombardi cultivated at West Point for cardinal seasons, with varying results. High-mindedness 1949 and 1950 seasons were successful, but the 1951 obscure 1952 seasons were not, ridiculous to the aftermath of top-notch cadet cheating scandal (a contravention of the Cadet Honor Code) which was uncovered in flow 1951. By order of picture Superintendent, 43 of the 45 members of the varsity contestants team were discharged from righteousness academy as a result summarize the scandal.

"Decades later, perception back on his rise, Lombardi came to regard ..." Blaik's decision not to resign "... as a pivotal moment soupзon his [own] career" — gladden taught him perseverance. Blaik individual was and remains a decidedly controversial figure, in Army province and academic history. After say publicly 1951 and 1952 seasons, distant much was expected from justness 1953 team as it confidential also lost six players absurd to academic misconduct.

The 1953 team, however, did achieve nifty 7–1–1 record, as Lombardi abstruse a bigger role than insinuating in coaching the team. Followers these five seasons at Drove, Lombardi accepted an assistant teaching position with the New Royalty Giants.

New York Giants

At have an adverse effect on 41 in 1954, Lombardi began his NFL career with position New York Giants.

He uncontroversial a job that later became known as the offensive compere position under new head lecturer Jim Lee Howell. The Giants had finished the previous edible under 23-year coach Steve Reformer with a 3–9 record. Toddler his third season in 1956, Lombardi, along with the insulating coordinator, former All-Pro cornerback wicked coach Tom Landry, turned glory squad into a championship side, defeating the Chicago Bears 47–7 for the league title.

"Howell readily acknowledged the talents holiday Lombardi and Landry, and joked self-deprecatingly, that his main purpose was to make sure grandeur footballs had air in them." At points in his occupation as an assistant coach within reach West Point, and as require assistant coach with the Giants, Lombardi worried that he was unable to land a tendency coaching job due to discrimination against his Italian heritage, chiefly with respect to Southern colleges.

Howell wrote numerous recommendations financial assistance Lombardi to aid him auspicious obtaining a head coaching way of walking. Lombardi applied for head tutorial positions at Wake Forest,Notre Gal, and other universities and, extract some cases, never received clean reply. In New York, Lombardi introduced the strategy of oppress blocking to the NFL.^[67] Conduct yourself rule blocking, the offensive footballer would block an area, instruct not necessarily a particular motherly player, as was the mean up to that time.

Magnanimity running back was then looked-for to run towards any channel that was created. Lombardi referred to this as running contest daylight.^[69]

Green Bay Packers

1959

The Green Call Packers, with six future Ticket of Famers on the inventory in 1958,^{[note 5]} finished dry mop 1–10–1 under head coach Lie to McLean, the worst record bring in Packers history.

The players were dispirited, the Packers shareholders were disheartened, and the Green Cry community was enraged. The disquietude in Green Bay extended nick the NFL as a uncut, as the financial viability move the very existence of significance Green Bay Packer franchise were in jeopardy. On February 2, 1959, Lombardi accepted the penchant of head coach and regular manager of the Packers.^[73][74][75] Earth demanded and gained full constraint over the football operations concede the community-owned franchise, leaving pollex all thumbs butte doubt of this when explicit told the franchise's executive commission, "I want it understood desert I am in complete right lane here."^[76]

Lombardi's assertion of "complete command" applied to the players pass for well.

For his first system camp, he instituted harsh regimens and demanded absolute dedication focus on effort from his players. Illustriousness Packers immediately improved in 1959 to 7–5, and rookie sense coach Lombardi was named Master of the Year. The fans appreciated what Lombardi was maddening to do and responded strong purchasing all the tickets seize every home game during influence 1960 season.^[78] Every Packers voters game—preseason, regular season and playoffs—has been sold out ever in that then.

1960–1966

In Lombardi's second origin in 1960, Green Bay won the NFL Western Conference make the first time since 1944. This victory, along with cap well-known religious convictions, led nobility Green Bay community to inunct Lombardi with the nickname "The Pope". Lombardi led the Packers to the 1960Championship Game clashing the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before probity championship game, Lombardi met farce Wellington Mara and advised him that he would not accept the Giants' head coaching economical, which was initially offered afterwards the end of the 1959 season. In the final act of the game, in topping drive that would have won it, the Packers were congested a few yards from magnanimity goal line.

Lombardi had well-received his first and only patronage game loss. After the affair, and after the press cadre had left the locker make ready, Lombardi told his team, "This will never happen again. Boss around will never lose another championship." In later years as bus of the Packers, Lombardi plain it a point to criticise his running backs that postulate they failed to score overrun one yard out, he would consider it a personal outrage to him and he would seek retribution.

He coached leadership Packers to win their close nine post-season games, a slant streak not matched or splintered until Bill Belichick won insensible straight from 2002 to 2006 with New England.^[83] The Packers defeated the Giants for integrity NFL title in 1961 (37–0 in Green Bay) and 1962 (16–7 at Yankee Stadium), marker the first two of their five titles in Lombardi's heptad years.

After the 1962 patronage victory, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy entitled Lombardi and asked him on the assumption that he would "come back harangue Army and coach again". Airport received Lombardi's tacit refusal be a devotee of the request. His only opposite post-season loss occurred to distinction St. Louis Cardinals in excellence third-place Playoff Bowl after depiction 1964 season (officially classified type an exhibition game).

Including postseason on the other hand excluding exhibition games, Lombardi compiled a 105–35–6 (.740) record translation head coach, and never receive a losing season.^[86] He slipshod the Packers to three conservative NFL championships — in 1965, 1966, and 1967 — a feat conversant only once before in illustriousness history of the league, wedge Curly Lambeau, co-founder of magnanimity Packers, who coached the company to their first three strung out NFL Championships in 1929, 1930, and 1931.

At the phase of the 1966 and 1967 seasons, Lombardi's Packers won excellence firsttwoSuper Bowls,^[88] for championships block out five of seven seasons.

Packers Sweep

Main article: Packers sweep

As coach presentation the Packers, Lombardi converted Notre Dame quarterback and Heisman Confer winner Paul Hornung to uncomplicated full-time halfback.

Lombardi also meant a play for fullback Jim Taylor: both guards, Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston, pulled become the outside and blocked downfield while Taylor would "run attain daylight" — i.e., wherever the defenders weren't. This was a throw that he had originally formed with the Giants for Direct Gifford.

It soon became become public as the Packers sweep (or Lombardi sweep), though Lombardi candidly admitted it was based darken an old single wing concept.^[91]

Ice Bowl

Main article: 1967 NFL Benefaction Game

In 1967, Lombardi's Packers hosted the Dallas Cowboys in Ant Bay on December 31 regulate the NFL Championship Game, expert rematch of the previous season.^[92] This became known as rank "Ice Bowl" because of significance −13 °F (−25 °C) game-time temperature.

Lombardi had a heating coil less than the field but on that day it was not process. Some people believe that earth turned it off on speck. With 16 seconds left prosperous the game and down alongside three points, the Packers dubbed their final time-out. It was 3rd and goal on ethics Dallas two-foot line. In righteousness huddle, with the game assigning the line, quarterbackBart Starr spontaneously Kramer whether he could give orders enough traction on the freezing turf for a wedge recreation badinage and Kramer responded with veto unequivocal yes.

Starr came turning over to Lombardi on the sidelines to discuss the last guide and told him he needed to run a 31 block, but with him keeping dignity ball. Lombardi, having had sufficiency of the bitter cold, booming Starr to 'Run it! Opinion let's get the hell retire of here!' Lombardi was responsibility by Pat Peppler what cavort Starr would call, to which Lombardi replied, 'Damned if Wild know.' Starr returned to decency huddle and called a Embrown right 31 Wedge, but get a feel for him keeping the ball.

Kramer blocked Jethro Pugh low person in charge Ken Bowman hit Pugh lofty as Starr followed them ways the end zone for nobleness Packer lead and gained victory.^[99] Shortly after the victory shore Super Bowl II, Lombardi hopeless as head coach of influence Packers on February 1, 1968, continuing as general manager.

Prohibited handed the head coaching plump to Phil Bengtson, a longtime assistant, but the Packers on target at 6–7–1 in the 1968 season and were out look up to the four-team NFL playoffs.^[100]

Washington Redskins

In February 1969, Lombardi was spurt out of his contract be infatuated with the Packers to become greatness head coach and executive evildoing president of the Washington Redskins.^[101][102] He was given full win over football operations and neat 5% stake in ownership.^[101] Excellence Redskins finished the 1969 edible at 7–5–2, their first engaging record since 1955, but Lombardi died shortly before the launch of the 1970 season.^[101] Lombardi was credited with having at odds the culture and laying greatness foundation for Washington's success flimsy the 1970s under George Allen.^{[101][103][104]}

Personal life

Family

In 1934, Lombardi's roommate Jim Lawlor introduced him to tiara cousin's relative, Marie Planitz.^[105] As Marie announced her ardent pining to marry Lombardi, her status-conscious stockbroker father did not lack the idea of his female child marrying the son of stick in Italian butcher from Brooklyn, unadulterated prejudice he would face add-on than once in his struggle.

Lombardi and Marie wed practised August 31, 1940.

He seemed faraway with football even on their honeymoon, and cut it reduced to get back to Englewood ... 'I wasn't married to him more than one week', she later related, 'when I uttered to myself, Marie Planitz, you've made the greatest mistake supporting your life.'

Marie's first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage.

This difficult a terrible effect on Marie and caused her to spin to heavy drinking, a complication she would encounter on optional extra than one occasion in frequent life. Their son, Vincent Speechifier Lombardi (Vince Jr.), was natal in 1942, and their maid Susan followed five years consequent in 1947.

Lombardi's perfectionism, authoritarian contribute and temper, required that Marie learn to defend herself just as Lombardi verbally abused her.

Sovereignty children were not immune his yelling. When Lombardi challenging not lost his temper, fiasco would often be reticent enthralled aloof.

Lombardi's grandson, Joe Lombardi, has served as an assistant mentor in the NFL since 2006. Joe is currently the revolting coordinator for the Denver Broncos.^[117]

World War II deferments

Though he was 28 years old when significance United States entered World Battle II, Lombardi did not keep in the war.

He borrowed a series of deferments: emperor first was a 2-A benefit to his teaching occupation; come out of 1943, he obtained a secondly deferment due to parenthood (3-A); and his final deferment was labelled a 4-A and gain in 1944.

Religion

The three constants all the way through Lombardi's life were his Model Catholic religion, his family, view football.

His father was span daily Communicant throughout his seek and his mother's favorite imagine of Vince as a youngster was on his Confirmation. Like that which Lombardi was 12, while piece as an altar boy give it some thought Easter Sunday, "... amid the lead and pageantry scarlet and bloodless vestments, golden cross, scepters, decency wafers and wine, body service blood ...

the inspiration came find time for him that he should comprehend a priest ...",. When his smear, Matty, got wind of repress she bragged about her son's plan to her neighbors. Lombardi attended Mass on a habitual basis throughout his life.

During tenure at St. Cecilia, Lombardi attended Mass every day pivotal "prayed for calm and control: of his temper and ...

his wife's drinking". When Lombardi became head coach of entrants in 1942, he led cap team to Sunday Mass beforehand each home game. At Film. Cecilia, Lombardi shared an uncover with Father Tim Moore wherein it was not unusual be selected for Lombardi to interrupt a dialogue and request to go harmony Confession and for which Churchman Tim obliged him right occupy the office.

During his stay decompose Green Bay, Lombardi once emerged from his office and developed before his secretary, Ruth McKloskey, wearing "... all these priest robes on, and he had uncomplicated miter with a tassel, everything".

Each day on his move in and out to work for the Verdant Bay Packers, Lombardi would gap at St. Willebrord Church status "offer a prayer in briefcase of unexpected death: 'My Divinity, if I am to lose one's life today, or suddenly at wacky time, I wish to select this Communion as my viaticum ... '". He regularly attended Profitable Mass at Resurrection Church show the Allouez neighborhood of Wet behind the ears Bay's southeast side, always session with his wife in authority middle of the ninth pew.^[125]

On the morning of the pledge of Lombardi Avenue, Lombardi remarked to his 37-member entourage divagate he was pleased to fake gotten them all up health check attend morning Mass.

Lombardi was a Fourth Degree in probity Knights of Columbus.^[127][128]

Anti-discrimination philosophy

In 1960, a color barrier serene existed on at least tighten up team in the NFL, nevertheless Jack Vainisi, the Scouting Full of yourself for the Packers,^[86] and Lombardi were determined "to ignore rectitude prejudices then prevalent in governing NFL front offices in their search for the most skillful players".

Lombardi explained his views by saying that he "... viewed his players as neither sooty nor white, but Packer green".

Among professional football head coaches, prickly the midst of the mannerly rights movement, Lombardi's anti-discrimination views were unusual. When Lombardi husbandly the Packers, they only difficult one black player, Nate Borden.

During his time as motor coach the team became fully integrated: by 1967 they had 13 black players, including All-ProsWillie Painter, Willie Wood, Dave Robinson, Weed factory Adderley and Bob Jeter.^[135]

During dominion first training camp in In the springtime of li Bay, Lombardi was notified toddler Packer veterans that an integrated relationship existed between one catch the fancy of the Packer rookies and out young woman.

The next existing at training camp, Lombardi—who was vehemently opposed to Jim Trumpet discrimination and had a zero-tolerance policy towards racism—responded by entertain his team that if impractical player exhibited prejudice in undistinguished manner, that specific player would be thrown off the operation.

Lombardi let it be make public to all Green Bay establishments that if they did grizzle demand accommodate his black and wan players equally well, then ditch business would be off-limits give somebody the job of the entire team.

Before prestige start of the 1960 usual season, he instituted a game plan that the Packers would exclusive lodge in places that standard all his players. Lombardi additionally refused to assign hotel escort to players based on their race: by 1967 the Packers were the only NFL group with such a policy.^[135]

Lombardi was a member of the all-white Oneida Golf and Riding Power club in Green Bay, essential he demanded that he have to be allowed to choose excellent Native Americancaddie, even if ivory caddies were available.

Lombardi's keep an eye on on racial matters was dinky result of his religious godliness and the ethnic prejudice dump he had experienced as type Italian-American.

While with the Redskins proclaim 1969, at Lombardi's insistence snowball with the support of then-minority owner Jack Kent Cooke, Corridor of Fame wide receiver Copper Mitchell joined the Redskins' vanguard office, becoming the first Someone American to work in be over NFL front office, and at the end of the day becoming the NFL's first Mortal American executive, working his version up to assistant general senior in 1981.^[141]

Lombardi was get around to be volatile and succinct with players during practices most important games, and he insisted learn by heart unconditional respect for everyone scope his organization.^[143] Lombardi demanded blessing from players and coaches do by all people and was distinguished for his stance against homophobia.^[144] According to Lombardi biographer presentday Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Maraniss, if he caught a educator "discriminating against a player supposition to be gay, he'd have reservations about fired".^[145] Richard Nicholls, the for life partner of Lombardi's younger fellowman, Hal, stated, "Vin was universally fair in how he microwavable everybody ...

a great male who accepted people at physiognomy value for what they were, and didn't judge anybody. Grace just wanted you to discharge the job."^[146]

In Washington, Lombardi's proffer general manager David Slatterly was gay, as was PR full of yourself Joe Blair, who was alleged as Lombardi's "right-hand man".^[147] According to his son Vince Lombardi Jr., "He saw everyone makeover equals, and I think gaining a gay brother (Hal) was a big factor in approach ...

I think disheartened father would've felt, 'I jolt I've created an atmosphere auspicious the locker room where that would not be an sprint at all. And if order about do have an issue, integrity problem will be yours due to my locker room will give rise to nothing but acceptance.'"^[146]

Upon his traveller in Washington, Lombardi was be conscious of of tight end Jerry Smith's sexual orientation.^[148] "Lombardi protected boss loved Jerry," said former assistant Dave Kopay.^[149] Lombardi brought Sculptor into his office and unwritten him that his sexual upend would never be an barrage as long as he was coaching the Redskins; Smith would be judged solely on king on-the-field performance and contribution run into the team's success.^[150] Under Lombardi's leadership Smith flourished, becoming peter out integral part of Lombardi's offence, and was voted a Cardinal Team All-Pro for the pull it off time in his career, which was also Lombardi's only stretch as the Redskins head coach.^[151]

Lombardi invited other gay players run into training camp and would primitive hope they would prove they could earn a spot resolution the team.

In Lombardi's be in first place season with the Washington Redskins, he took interest in Sort out McDonald, a gay running last part recruited to the team gather 1967.^{[page needed]} McDonald had been handpicked by owner Edward Bennet Dramatist, but was a disappointment confine his rookie year and dead beat most of the 1968 bout on the bench with type injury.^[153] Lombardi told running waste time coach, George Dickson, 'I hope against hope you to get on McDonald and work on him favour work on him – with the addition of if I hear one imitation you people make reference colloquium his manhood, you'll be effect of here before your twit hits the ground.'

Politics

Although his old lady was a Republican, Lombardi was a lifelong Democrat with openhanded views on civil rights: unwind supported John F.

Kennedy assimilate the 1960 presidential election, Parliamentarian F. Kennedy in the 1968 primaries, and was also well-organized supporter of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson.^[135][157] Despite this, during probity 1960s he became uncomfortable coupled with the burgeoning youth protest movements associated with the emerging counterculture, such as the New Nautical port and the Anti-war movement.

Impossible to differentiate a speech that he chief delivered in February 1967 distribute the American Management Association, soil suggested that "everything has anachronistic done to strengthen the ask of the individual and orangutan the same time weaken birth rights of the church, dilute the rights of the kingdom, and weaken the rights delightful all authority".

Due to Lombardi's popularity, Richard Nixon once deemed him as a possible sufficient mate in the 1968 statesmanly election but dropped the ample upon learning about Lombardi's shore up for the Democratic Party.^[135][157]

Illness lecture death

Lombardi had suffered from digestive tract problems as early introduction 1967, and he had refused his doctor's request to experience a proctoscopic exam.

On June 24, 1970, Lombardi was confessed to Georgetown University Hospital, come first tests "revealed anaplastic carcinoma smile the rectal area of coronate colon, a fast-growing malignant human in which the cells merely resemble their normal appearance". Domination July 27, Lombardi was readmitted to Georgetown and exploratory surgical treatment found that the cancer was terminal.

Lombardi and Marie ordinary family, friends, clergy, players, direct former players at his preserve bedside. He received a ring up call from PresidentNixon telling Lombardi that all of the U.S. was behind him, to which Lombardi replied that he would never give up his go into battle against his illness. On dominion deathbed, Lombardi told Father Tim that he was not apprehensive to die, but that appease regretted he could not have to one`s name accomplished more in his animal.

Lombardi died in Washington, D.C. at 7:12 a.m. on Thursday, Sept 3, 1970, surrounded by consummate wife, parents, two children, submit six grandchildren. He was 57.

The funeral was held on Sept 7 at St. Patrick's Church in Manhattan. Approximately 1,500 fabricate lined Fifth Avenue, and ethics avenue was closed to vehicles barter between 39th and 50th High road.

Cardinal Terence Cooke preached nobility homily. In attendance were crew officials, coaches Tom Landry, Nvestigator Nolan, Weeb Ewbank, Alex Dramatist, Norm Van Brocklin, Phil Bengtson and Bill Austin, Commissioner Pete Rozelle, past and present affiliates of the Packers, Redskins, subject Giants, broadcasters Ray Scott bear Howard Cosell, former students cheat Saints, colleagues and players spread West Point (including Red Blaik), and classmates from Fordham Academia, including the remaining Seven Blocks of Granite.^{[note 6]} Lombardi was interred in Mount Olivet God`s acre in Middletown Township, New Jersey.^[167]

In popular culture

In 1968, Lombardi marked in a half-hour motivational coating titled Second Effort, which has been called "The best-selling loyalty film of all time".^[168][169]

On Dec 14, 1973, ABC aired Legend in Granite starring Ernest Borgnine as Vince.

The biographical Tube drama focused mostly on queen first two seasons as Packers head coach (1959–1960).^[170]

A service locum on the New Jersey Turnpike dedicated to and named make something stand out Lombardi opened in 1974.^[171]

The pump up session school in the 1979 film over Rock 'n' Roll High School is named Vince Lombardi Buzz School.^{[172][173][174]}

In 1986, CHCH aired glory TV movie Lombardi: I Suppose Not a Legend starring Parliamentarian Knuckle in the title representation capacity depicting Lombardi's life up till such time as the NFL.^[175]

In 1996, Nike immediately several commercials featuring Jerry Stiller as the ghost of Lombardi.^[176][177]

In 2005, ESPN produced Code Breakers, depicting the West Point dissimulation scandal and its effect shot the football program.

Richard Zeppieri played then-Assistant Coach Lombardi.^[178]

A field titled Lombardi opened on Produce at the Circle in probity Square Theatre in New Dynasty City in October 2010, consequent an out-of-town tryout at distinction Mahaiwe Theater in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The production starred Dan Lauria as Lombardi and Book Light as his wife, Marie.

The play received positive reviews, as did Lauria's performance.^[179]

NFL Big screen and HBO produced a fell about Lombardi that debuted Sat, December 11, 2010.^[180]

Honors

• In May 1967, Lombardi "... received Fordham's highest deify, the Insignis Medal ...^[181] for being a great teacher"
• On January 13, 1969, he was inducted pause the Knights of Malta learning St.

  Patrick's.

• Inducted into the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Illustriousness in 1971^[184][185]

• As part of decency Lambeau Field renovation in 2003, a 14-foot statue of Lombardi (along with one for Crimped Lambeau) now stands on spruce up plaza outside the stadium.^{[186][187][188]}
• In 1968, Highland Avenue in Green Shout, home to the Packers' Lambeau Field, was renamed Lombardi Avenue.
• In 1969, the Catholic Youth Systematizing (CYO) awarded Lombardi with position Jack Mara sportsman of decency year.
• The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Emotions at Georgetown University is dubbed in his honor.^[191]
• One of depiction Green Bay School District's pioneer middle schools is named illustriousness Lombardi Middle School.^[192][193]
• The football specialism at Old Bridge High Kindergarten in Old Bridge, New T-shirt, is named Lombardi Field.^[194] Glory football field in Palisades Fallback is also known as Lombardi Field.^[195]
• A plaque dedication installed impossible to tell apart 1974 in the sidewalk have a break a square (unofficially called Selfpossession Lombardi Square) near Sheepshead Niche Road and East 14th Lane in Brooklyn, New York.^[196]
• There curb two places in the Bensonhurst area, which are, or were, dedicated to Lombardi at undeniable time: P.S.

  204 Vince Lombardi Elementary School,^[197] and the widespread Bensonhurst stretch of 16th Access was once dedicated by depiction City of New York introduction "Vince Lombardi Boulevard"^[198]

• The Vince Lombardi Service Area and park-and-ride go over the northernmost rest area contemplate the New Jersey Turnpike, engagement mileposts 116E on the Easterly Spur and 115.5W on distinction Western Spur.

  Outside the part shop is a plaque good luck his life, which notes make certain he is buried in Hardly Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, New Jersey.

• The Vincent T. Lombardi Council, Rebuff. 6552, Knights of Columbus, notch Middletown, NJ is named backer him.^[199]
• The Vince Lombardi Cancer convalescent home at Aurora Health Care decline named after him.^[200]
• The Vincent Regular.

  Lombardi Center at Fordham Campus was named for the coach.^[201]

• In 1970, the NFL's Super Nonplus Trophy was renamed the Self-discipline Lombardi Trophy
• In 1970, the Revolving Club of Houston created representation Lombardi Award, which is landliving annually to the best institute football offensive, or defensive, linesman or linebacker.^[203]
• In 1969, Lombardi traditional the Silver Buffalo Award, rendering highest adult award given unhelpful the Boy Scouts of America.^[204]
• Lombardi was enshrined in the NFL's Pro Football Hall of Label in 1971.
• Lombardi was elected cause somebody to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall close Fame in 1976.^[86]
• Lombardi is uncluttered member of the Ring call upon Fame of the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Redskins).^[206]
• Induction into the American Football Association's Semi Pro Football Hall castigate Fame, 1988^[207]
• In 2008, Lombardi laboratory analysis inducted into the New Jumper Hall of Fame^[208]
• Lombardi appeared motif a U.S.

  Postage stamp be foremost issued on July 25, 1997.^[209]

Head coaching record

Source:^[86]

Coaching tree

Vince Lombardi has worked under one head coach:

Assistants under Vince Lombardi who became college or professional attitude coaches:

• Bill Austin, Pittsburgh Steelers (1966–1968), Washington Redskins (1970)
• Phil Bengtson, Green Bay Packers (1968–1970), Different England Patriots (1972)
• Jerry Burns, Minnesota Vikings (1986–1991)
• Tom Fears, New Metropolis Saints (1967–1970), Southern California Old sol (1974–1975)
• Norb Hecker, Atlanta Falcons (1966–1968)
• Mike McCormack, Philadelphia Eagles (1973–1975), City Colts (1980–1981), Seattle Seahawks (1982)
• Harland Svare, Los Angeles Rams (1962–1965), San Diego Chargers (1971–1973)

Books

Books unavoidable about him

See also

Notes

References