Retzlaff, "Pete" (Palmer E.)
Football
b. Aug. 21, 1932, Ellendale, ND
Retzlaff was a football and track star at South Dakota State College. He twice won NAIA championships in both the discus and shotput and in 1953 he set records in both events. As a fullback, he rushed for 1,016 yards in 1952. He also returned kicks and punted for the school but, ironically in view of his NFL career, he never caught a pass.
Drafted in the 22nd round by the Detroit Lions, Retzlaff didn't make the team. After serving in the army for two years, he rejoined the Lions in 1956 and was sold to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent two seasons as a backup running back. Moved to wide receiver in 1958, the 6-1, 211-pound Retzlaff tied for the league lead in receptions, catching 56 passes for 766 yards and 2 touchdowns.
A starter on the Eagles' 1960 championship team, Retzlaff moved to tight end in 1963. A strong blocker and sure-handed receiver, he won the 1965 Bert Bell Trophy as the NFL's player of the year. He caught 66 passes that season for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Retzlaff retired after the 1966 season. He served as the Eagles' vice president and general manager from 1969 to 1972.