Pete Retzlaff

The Versatile Leader Who Redefined the Tight End Position

Pete Retzlaff was more than just a great player—he was a pioneer, a team leader, and one of the most versatile offensive weapons of his era. A Pro Football Hall of Fame-caliber tight end, five-time Pro Bowler, and NFL Champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Retzlaff revolutionized his position, turning the tight end from a blocker into a dynamic receiving threat.

Originally drafted as a running back, Retzlaff had the size of a tight end, the hands of a receiver, and the mindset of a playmaker. His route-running, athleticism, and ability to make clutch catches made him one of the most feared pass-catchers of the late 1950s and early 1960s, paving the way for future greats like John Mackey, Kellen Winslow, and Tony Gonzalez.

More than just a football player, Retzlaff was a true leader on and off the field, serving as team captain, a key voice in the players' association, and later the Eagles’ general manager. His impact on Philadelphia’s championship run, offensive innovation, and football history remains unforgettable.

The Numbers Behind Retzlaff’s Greatness

Five-time Pro Bowler (1958, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1965)
Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1958, 1965)
NFL Champion (1960, Philadelphia Eagles)
Bert Bell Award (1965 NFL MVP Equivalent, won by a tight end—unheard of at the time)
Philadelphia Eagles Ring of Honor
Career Stats:
- 452 receptions
- 7,412 receiving yards (NFL record for tight ends at retirement, now among the all-time greats)
- 47 receiving touchdowns
- 16.4 yards per reception (one of the highest ever for a tight end)

Retzlaff was one of the first tight ends to be a primary offensive weapon, setting a precedent for modern-day receiving tight ends.

The College Years – A Small-School Star at South Dakota State

Before becoming one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Retzlaff was an under-the-radar college star, playing in near obscurity at South Dakota State University.

Born in Ellendale, North Dakota, in 1931, Retzlaff grew up in South Dakota, where he became a multi-sport athlete in football and track.
At South Dakota State, he played running back and wide receiver, showcasing elite athleticism and sure hands.
Though he was a standout at a small school, he was relatively unknown to NFL scouts and had to prove himself at the next level.

Despite playing at a tiny college football program, Retzlaff’s raw talent and work ethic would eventually help him overcome the odds and become an NFL star.

A Rocky NFL Start – Cut by the Lions, Stolen by the Eagles

Retzlaff’s path to NFL greatness didn’t start smoothly.

He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 22nd round of the 1953 NFL Draft, but they cut him before he played a single game.
He spent two years in the Army, delaying his NFL career, but continued to develop as an athlete while serving.
In 1956, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him on waivers, giving him a second chance at an NFL career.

That second chance turned into one of the greatest waiver pickups in NFL history.

The Eagles Years – From Afterthought to Superstar

When Retzlaff joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1956, the team originally saw him as a running back, but his pass-catching ability and size made him a natural fit at tight end and wide receiver.

By 1958, Retzlaff had developed into one of the NFL’s best receivers, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and leading the Eagles in receiving yards.
He became known for his precise route-running, ability to find soft spots in coverage, and knack for making tough catches in traffic.
His 16.4 yards per reception average remains one of the highest for a tight end in NFL history, proving that he was one of the league’s best deep threats despite playing a traditionally short-yardage position.

His transformation into a game-breaking tight end changed the way NFL offenses used the position, setting a template for the modern era of pass-catching tight ends.

The 1960 Championship – Helping the Eagles Defeat Lombardi’s Packers

By 1960, the Eagles had built a championship-caliber team, with Retzlaff serving as their top offensive weapon.

Retzlaff had a huge season in 1960, helping the Eagles finish with a 10-2 record, earning a trip to the NFL Championship Game against Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers.
In the 1960 NFL Championship Game, Retzlaff made several key catches, helping quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and the Eagles pull off a stunning 17-13 victory.
This remains the only playoff game Lombardi ever lost, and Retzlaff was a major reason why.

The Eagles’ championship win cemented Retzlaff’s place in franchise history, proving he was one of the most valuable offensive players of his time.

The Later Years – Setting Records and Earning MVP Honors

Even as he entered his 30s, Retzlaff remained one of the best tight ends in football, putting up career-best numbers in the mid-1960s.

In 1965, at the age of 34, he led the NFL with 66 receptions for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
That year, he also won the Bert Bell Award (essentially the NFL MVP equivalent before the modern MVP award), making him one of the only tight ends in history to earn MVP consideration.
By the time he retired after the 1966 season, he had set nearly every receiving record in Eagles history, cementing his Hall of Fame legacy.

Even today, his 1,190 yards in 1965 remain one of the highest single-season totals for a tight end in NFL history, proving he was ahead of his time.

Breaking Barriers – Pioneering the Modern Tight End

Retzlaff wasn’t just a great player—he helped change how tight ends were used in the NFL.

Before Retzlaff, tight ends were primarily blockers who caught occasional passes.
He proved that a tight end could be a primary offensive weapon, running deep routes and dominating defenses as a receiver.
His style influenced future Hall of Fame tight ends like John Mackey, Kellen Winslow, and Shannon Sharpe, all of whom followed his blueprint.

Without Retzlaff, the modern NFL tight end might not exist in the way we know it today.

Post-Retirement – A Leader On and Off the Field

After retiring in 1966, Retzlaff remained a major figure in the Eagles organization, serving as their General Manager from 1969-1972.

He helped build the foundation for the Eagles’ success in the late 1970s, scouting players and assembling key roster pieces.
He was later inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Ring of Honor, cementing his place as one of the greatest Eagles of all time.

Even after leaving football, Retzlaff remained a beloved figure in the city of Philadelphia and a role model for future players.

Defining Moments of Retzlaff’s Career

1956 – Claimed by the Eagles: Becomes one of the greatest waiver pickups in NFL history.
1958 – First Pro Bowl Selection: Proves he is one of the NFL’s best pass-catchers.
1960 – NFL Champion: Helps the Eagles defeat the Lombardi Packers for the title.
1965 – Career-Best Season: Wins the Bert Bell Award as one of the NFL’s top players.
1966 – Retires as the Eagles’ All-Time Leading Receiver: Leaves a Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.

A Legacy That Changed the Game

Pete Retzlaff wasn’t just a great player—he was a game-changer.

He revolutionized the tight end position, paving the way for modern superstars.
He helped bring Philadelphia its first NFL title in 1960.
His leadership, toughness, and skill made him one of the greatest Eagles of all time.

A Champion, A Trailblazer, and One of the Most Important Tight Ends in NFL History.