Wyandot Sports Hall of Fame

Robert “Bob” Schnelker was a multi-sport athlete at Upper Sandusky High School from 1942-46 and at Bowling Green State University. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns after graduating from BGSU in 1951 and enjoyed a nine-year career as a tight end primarily with the New York Giants from 1952-61 that included twice being named a Pro Bowler and earning an NFL Championship ring in 1956. He coached in the NFL for the next 30 years, earning two Super Bowl rings with the Green Bay Packers.

At 6-3, 214 pounds, Schnelker was recruited to play basketball at Bowling Green, but concentrated on football and track and field instead. He caught 53 passes and scored 16 touchdowns in his career for the Falcons, twice earning All-Ohio honors.

Schnelker was drafted by the Cleveland Browns after graduation, but instead went into the Marines and played for the Paris Island Marines football teams for two years. After being discharged, he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles and was traded to the Giants after one season. He concluded his career with a season shared between Pittsburgh and Minnesota, totaling 3,667 yards on 211 receptions. He three times ranked in the top eight in the NFL in receiving touchdowns and yards per reception.

After retiring as a player, Schnelker was hired as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams in 1963. He coached under Vince Lombardi with the Packers from 1966-72 and also had stints as a coach with the Chargers, Dolphins, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings and a second stint with the Packers.

Now retired, Schnelker resides in Naples, Fla., and plays golf four times a week. He was inducted into the first Hall of Fame classes at BGSU in 1964 and at USHS in 1996.