1961 Profile: Ray Wietecha

Center

No. 55

Northwestern

"One reason why the New York Giants were able to punt 49 times last season without being blocked is the presence of Northwestern's Ray Wietecha in the center position. When it comes to snapping the ball back 14 yards to the kicker with the needed speed and accuracy that will give him as much time as possible to get off the punt, Wietecha has no equal. Standing six-foot-one and weighing 225 pounds, Wietecha is virtually the immovable object to charging linemen.
On offensive power plays up the middle, the Giant center packs the speed and wallop of an 'up front fullback' as he paves the way for ripping gains. Wietecha starts his eighth season with the New Yorkers, and expectations are that he will be chosen all-star center once again."

-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)

"Ray flips the ball to Charlie Conerly, then barrels forward to help take out the opposition. He's fast as lightning and tough as nails."

-1961 Topps No. 89

"Reliable Ray Wietcha (55) has been the Giants' snapper since 1954, after a year of rookie service as an offensive and defensive jack-of-all-trades. They don't make centers any better than this agile, 230-pound Northwestern graduate. Because of his exceptional mobility, Ray makes side blocks that few teams would even consider assigning to the man over the ball. An 'iron man,' Ray has played in more than 100 straight Giant games."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program