Dick Ottele
refer to caption
Ottele, circa 1946
No. 65
Position:Back
Personal information
Born:(1926-12-08)December 8, 1926
Yuma, Colorado, U.S.
Died:September 20, 1985(1985-09-20) (aged 58)
Bremerton, Washington, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:Woodrow Wilson Classical (CA)
College:Washington
NFL Draft:1948 / Round: 9 / Pick: 66
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games:9
Player stats at PFR

Richard George Ottele (December 8, 1926 – September 20, 1985) was an American football player who played at the blocking back and defensive back positions. He played college football for Washington and professional football for the Los Angeles Dons.

Early years

Ottele was born in 1926 in Yuma, Colorado. He attended and played football at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California.[1][2]

Military and college football

He played college football for Washington in 1944, 1945, and 1947.[1][3] He also served in the United States Navy.[1]

Professional football

He was selected by the New York Giants in the ninth round (66th overall pick) of the 1948 NFL Draft and by the New York Yankees in the 13th round (80th overall pick) of the 1948 AAFC Draft.[1]

He was the subject of controversy when it was disclosed prior to his senior season at Washington that he had secretly signed a contract to play professional football for the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference.[4][5] The Yankees sold him to the Los Angeles Dons in May 1948.[6]

He played in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) for the Los Angeles Dons during their 1948 season, appearing in nine games.[1][7] In June 1949, the Dons sold Ottele to the Chicago Hornets.[8]

Later years

He died in 1985 in Bremerton, Washington at age 58.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Dick Ottele". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Deeds and Ottele Named Cocaptains by Wilson Grids". Long Beach Press-Telegram. January 11, 1944. p. 14 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Ottele Named Husky Starter". Long Beach Press-Telgram. September 26, 1944. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Dan McGuire (May 10, 1948). "Seattle Reaction on Ottele Case". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Jack B. Evans (April 27, 1948). "Ottele Finds Himself in Football Jam". The Ogden Standard-Examiner. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Dons Purchase Dick Ottele". Los Angeles Dons. May 4, 1948. p. 29 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "Dick Ottele Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  8. ^ "Pro Grid Dons Peddle Ottele". The Spokesman-Review. June 12, 1949. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
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