Don Ettinger
Number74, 40, 55
PositionLinebacker, guard
Birth dateNovember 20, 1921
Birth placeIndependence, Missouri, U.S.
Death dateFebruary 13, 1992 (aged 69)
Death placeCookeville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in2
Weight lb240
High schoolWilliam Chrisman (Independence)
CollegeKansas
Draftyear1948
Draftround19
Draftpick166
Pastteams
Highlights
Statlabel 1Games played
Statvalue 133
Statlabel 2Games started
Statvalue 28
Statlabel 3Interceptions
Statvalue 34
Statlabel 4Fumble recoveries
Statvalue 43
PfrEttiDo20

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.

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]

References

  1. ^ "DON ETTINGER". profootballarchives.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  2. ^ BabyTate (August 6, 2008). "Five Brutal Defensive Alignments That Changed College Football Forever". Bleacher Report, Inc. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  3. ^ "William Chrisman (Independence, MO) Alumni Pro Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived September 26, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 26, 2025.