Devastating Loss: The Tragic Demise of NFL Legend and ‘Dirtiest Player’ Conrad Dobler at 72
Introduction
Conrad Dobler, a former NFL offensive lineman and one of the most notorious players of his time, has passed away at the age of 72. The Arizona Cardinals, for whom he played from 1972-77, announced his death on Monday. No cause of death was given. Conrad Dobler was a fifth-round pick out of Wyoming in the 1972 NFL draft, and he made three Pro Bowl appearances with the Cardinals from 1975-77.
He was a key member of the team’s offensive line that allowed only eight sacks in 1975, a then-NFL record. Conrad Dobler was known for his dirty play on the field, which he embraced in his autobiography, “They Call Me Dirty.” He played for the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills to close out his 10-year career, playing in 129 regular-season games. He is survived by six children and 12 grandchildren.
Conrad Dobler’s Career
Conrad Dobler was one of the most notorious players in NFL history, known for his dirty play on the field. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) from 1972-77 and made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1975-77. Conrad Dobler was part of the team’s offensive line that allowed only eight sacks in 1975, a then-NFL record. He went on to play for the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills, playing in 129 regular-season games over his 10-year career.
Dobler’s Reputation as a “Dirty Player”
Off the field, Dobler was known for his larger-than-life personality, which he embraced in his autobiography, “They Call Me Dirty.” He was a wild and unconventional player, using his dominating style to become one of the best pass-protecting guards of his time. Opponents who were done in by his kicks and leg whips called him “the game’s dirtiest player.”
Dobler never objected to being called a dirty player, and he appeared to enjoy being the bad guy. He once said in an interview, “I would do anything I can get away with to protect my quarterback.”
Life After Football
Dobler’s dark side overshadowed his on-field accomplishments, and his reputation for dirty play led to him being on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He reportedly punched Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame defensive lineman Joe Greene, kicked Los Angeles Rams Hall of Fame defensive lineman Merlin Olsen in the head, and spit on Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey after Bergey was injured on a play.
After his playing career ended, Dobler continued to embrace his troublemaking persona. He appeared in a Miller Lite commercial in 1987, inciting an argument between two fans over the beer’s “Tastes great/Less filling” tag line. He also wrote a book with sportswriter Vic Carucci titled, “They Call Me Dirty” in 1988, which documented “dirty details on everything from violence in football to Alex Karras to his Miller Lite commercials.”
Death and Legacy
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and former teammates of Conrad Dobler. pic.twitter.com/yzO57UzHls
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 13, 2023
Dobler’s passing was announced by the Arizona Cardinals, the team he played for from 1972-77. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill released a statement, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family, friends and former teammates of Conrad Dobler. He was the kind of tough, physical and fierce player that you love to line up with as a teammate and hate to line up against as an opponent. Away from it, he brought authentic joy and caring to everyone who had the privilege of being his friend, and that is what I will remember most.”
Conclusion
Dobler’s legacy is that of a larger-than-life figure, both on and off the field. He will be remembered as one of the toughest and most feared players in NFL history, as well as for his colorful personality and embrace of his reputation as a troublemaker.
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