Len Rohde
| No. 76 | |
 Rohde in 1961 | |
| Born: | April 16, 1938 Palatine, Illinois, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | May 13, 2017 (aged 79) |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Tackle |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| College | Utah State |
| High school | Palatine |
| AFL draft | 1960, round: 2, pick: First Selections |
| Drafted by | Buffalo Bills |
| NFL draft | 1960, round: 5 / Pick 59 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1960–1974 | San Francisco 49ers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Pro Bowls | 1 (1970) |
| Career stats | |
| Games played | 208 |
| Starts | 179 |
| Fumble recoveries | 3 |
Leonard Emil Rohde (Pronounced: RO-dee) (April 16, 1938 – May 13, 2017) was an American football offensive tackle who played fifteen seasons for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He helped the 49ers win the NFC West Division from 1970 to 1972 and he was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season. Rohde played college football at Utah State University.
Remembered as one of the most durable players in team history, Rohde played in 208 consecutive games over the course of a 15 year NFL career.
Biography
Early years
Len Rohde was born April 16, 1938, in Palatine, Illinois, the son of Emil Rohde, a farmer.[1] He attended Palatine High School, where he played football, basketball,[2] wrestled in the heavyweight division,[3] and participated in the power disciplines of shot put and discus on the school's track and field team.[4]
Rohde was successful in these various high school athletic pursuits, winning the Illinois state high school wrestling championship and setting a new Northwest conference record as a shot putter (12#, 50'0"),[5] in helping to lead the Pirates to a 9th consecutive title as a senior in 1955-56.[6]
College career
Rohde attended Utah State University. After spending the 1956 season on the freshman team, Rohde was made a member of the varsity in 1957, where the 6'3", 220-pounder immediately challenged for and won a starting spot at right tackle,[7] beating out a junior letterman for the role.
As the NCAA had reinstituted the single platoon system effective with the 1953 season, Rohde played in both an offensive and defensive capacity for the Aggies. Indeed, his agility, strength, and conditioning was such that he frequently played the entire duration of the game without substitution — gaining recognition as a "60-Minute Man".[8]
Despite Utah State's lack of success on the field, Rohde's play even as a sophomore began to attract regional attention for potential All-America consideration.[9]
Rohde continued to be a multi-sport athlete at Utah state, playing football in the fall, wrestling in the winter months, and throwing shot put in the spring.[1] He began his school career majoring in agricultural economics[1] but switched majors and ultimately graduated from Utah State in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.[10]
He continued his education while playing professional football, earning a Masters degree from San Diego State University in 1969.[11]
Professional career
Rohde was selected in the 5th round of the 1960 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who made him the 59th player taken.
He spent the first three years of his NFL career primarily in a reserve role, backing up Hall of Fame offensive right tackle Bob St. Clair.[12] He saw action in all 40 games played by the Niners during these three seasons, posting 11 spot appearances as a starter.[13]
He was moved to a starting role on the other side in 1963[12] and started as the team's left tackle without missing a single game until his retirement at the end of the 1974 season.[13]
Rohde was an important part of the 49ers offense that led the NFL in points scored and yardage gained in 1965 and 1970. He was recognized by the league by selection to the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season.[11]
Rohde planned on coming back for a 16th NFL season in 1975, but the 37-year old lineman was taken aside by head coach Dick Nolan, who told him, "Len, you've been a fantastic team player your whole life. You could probably do the team another big favor and retire."[14] With his back starting to cause him trouble, Rohde chose to take the hint and filed his retirement paperwork with the league office.[14]
Life after football
Rohde married the former Beverly Ann Boston in December 1961.[10] The pair raised one son.[14]
Beginning in 1976, Rohde launched a second career in the food industry ultimately becoming the owner of six Burger King franchises and holding majority stakes in five Applebee's restaurants, all in the San Francisco Bay area.[12]
Death and legacy
Rohde died on May 13, 2017, aged 79.[15]
Rohde's 208 career games played stands as the most ever by a 49ers lineman.[15] Having appeared in every game of a 15-year NFL career without a single miss, he is regarded as the most durable player in team history.[14]
References
- ^ a b c "Meet the Aggies: Len Rohde," Logan [UT] Herald-Journal, Sept. 4, 1958, p. 4.
- ^ "Palatine High School Freshman-Sophomore Basketball Team"] (photo), Arlington Heights [IL] Herald, March 25, 1954, p. 24.
- ^ "Favor Pirate Grapplers in Own Meet," Arlington Heights Herald, Dec. 22, 1955, p. 17.
- ^ "Palatine Boys in District Track and Golf Meet," Arlington Heights [IL] Herald, May 10, 1956, p. 17.
- ^ G.A. McElroy, "Several Palatine Relays Marks Should Fall April 27," Arlington Heights [IL] Herald, April 18, 1957, p. 27.
- ^ G.A. McElroy, "Mac Says," Chicago Daily Herald, June 14, 1956, p. 17.
- ^ Karl Klages, "Utah State Has Experience in Ends — But Not Tackles," Logan [UT] Herald-Journal, Sept. 5, 1957, p. 5.
- ^ Lyn Larson, "Faunce 'Enlightens' Utah Staters: Utags Finish Hard Drills for Ute Tilt," Salt Lake City Tribune, vol. 176, no. 43 (Nov. 26, 1957), p. 18.
- ^ Steve Smilanich, "Three Skyline Stars Seek All-America: Len Rohde of Utaah State Gets Support in National Voting," Ogden Standard-Examiner, Nov. 19, 1958, p. 5B.
- ^ a b Joel Bussert and John Duxbury (eds.), Football Register, 1966. St. Louis: The Sporting News, 1966; p. 165.
- ^ a b Mike Duchant and Joe Marcin (eds.), Football Register: 1975 Edition. St. Louis, MO: The Sporting News, 1975, p. 285.
- ^ a b c Matt Maiocco, Former 49ers Offensive Lineman Len Rohde Dies at 79," NBC Sports, May 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "Len Rohde," Pro Football Reference, www.pro-football-reference.com
- ^ a b c d Matt Maiocco, San Francisco 49ers: Where Have You Gone? Champaign, IL: Sports Publishing LLC, 2005; pp. 71–74.
- ^ a b "Former 49ers T Len Rohde Passes Away". San Francisco 49ers. May 15, 2017. Archived from the original on May 16, 2017. Retrieved May 16, 2017.