Don Ettinger
American gridiron football player (1921–1992)
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Donald Nesbit Ettinger (November 20, 1921 – February 13, 1992) was an American professional football player. He was born in Independence, Missouri. Nicknamed "Red Dog", Ettinger played college football for the University of Kansas and later the National Football League (NFL)'s New York Giants.[1] He finished his career in Canadian football, where he was a four-time All-Star and won the 40th Grey Cup.
PositionsLinebacker, guard
BornNovember 20, 1921
Independence, Missouri, U.S.
Independence, Missouri, U.S.
DiedFebruary 13, 1992 (aged 69)
Cookeville, Tennessee, U.S.
Cookeville, Tennessee, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
| No. 74, 40, 55 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positions | Linebacker, guard | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born | November 20, 1921 Independence, Missouri, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Died | February 13, 1992 (aged 69) Cookeville, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school | William Chrisman (Independence) | ||||||||||
| College | Kansas | ||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1948: 19th round, 166th overall pick | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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Ettinger is credited for inventing the blitz.[2] As of the 2025 NFL season, he is the only player from William Chrisman High School to play in the NFL.[3]
