Elbie was primarily a blocker in Jock Sutherland's "single
wing"
offense from 1947 through 1951. While at the University of
Cincinnati
he was a triple-sport star but his education was put on hold
by the
start of World War II. He was a late draft choice of the
Steelers, who
drafted him in the 15th round in 1947. Elbie passed up a
baseball
career with the Cincinnati Reds to sign with the Steelers. He
was the
Steeler captain and was voted the team's MVP and played in
three
Pro Bowls.
He blossomed as a tight end after Joe Bach brought the T-
formation
to the Steelers in 1952 in which he had a record setting 63
catches in
1953. Nickel was elected to the Steeler's "50th All-star
Team" as the
"Tight end of a Half Century." Elbie Nickel was a close friend
of
Steeler founder, Art Rooney, Sr. They shared a love for
thoroughbred horse racing. Elbie passes away at 84 years of
age in
2007.
This is my “Collector Card” art that I did for Art Rooney, Jr.
featuring
my oil painting of Elbie Nickel.
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