Bill Reichardt
Encyclopedia
William John Reichardt was a fullback
and placekicker
in the National Football League
who played for the Green Bay Packers
. Reichardt played collegiate ball
for the University of Iowa
before being drafted by Green Bay Packers in the 7th round of the 1952 NFL Draft
. He played professionally for one season, in 1952.
Reichardt subsequently opened a men's clothing store in Des Moines, Ia., and became a prominent businessman and community leader. An engaging speaker with homespun charm, Reichardt's business motto was that no sale was ever final and that if there was ever a problem with one of his suits, he would make sure to make things right. He died of cancer on June 1, 2004.
Born to Herb Reichardt on June 24, 1930, William “Bill” Reichardt attended Iowa City public schools until his graduation in 1948. In recognition for his high school football exploits, Reichardt received a place on the All-State football team in 1946 and 1947. Continuing to play football, he received All-American honors while at the University of Iowa in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (1952).
After graduation, Reichardt spent one season with the Green Bay Packers and then joined the Air Force, where he served as a First Lieutenant for two years during the Korean War. He founded Reichardt's Inc.--a chain of men's clothing stores—and has been very active in community affairs. In addition, Reichardt started the Little All-American Football League in Des Moines and coached for 30 years.
In 1964 Reichardt was elected to the Iowa State Legislature where he served Polk County for two years in the Iowa House of Representatives; in 1966 won election to the Iowa State Senate, where he served four years. During his tenure in state government Reichardt sponsored the bill to resume an annual Iowa – Iowa State football game.
In 1994, Reichardt was a Democratic candidate for governor during the primary elections and in 1999 he circulated a petition to become a mayoral candidate for the City of Des Moines, but did not pursue the position
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
and placekicker
Placekicker
Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...
in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
who played for the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Reichardt played collegiate ball
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
for the University of Iowa
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
before being drafted by Green Bay Packers in the 7th round of the 1952 NFL Draft
1952 NFL Draft
The 1952 National Football League Draft was held on January 17, 1952. Picks made by New York Yanks were assigned to the new Dallas Texans.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:...
. He played professionally for one season, in 1952.
Reichardt subsequently opened a men's clothing store in Des Moines, Ia., and became a prominent businessman and community leader. An engaging speaker with homespun charm, Reichardt's business motto was that no sale was ever final and that if there was ever a problem with one of his suits, he would make sure to make things right. He died of cancer on June 1, 2004.
Born to Herb Reichardt on June 24, 1930, William “Bill” Reichardt attended Iowa City public schools until his graduation in 1948. In recognition for his high school football exploits, Reichardt received a place on the All-State football team in 1946 and 1947. Continuing to play football, he received All-American honors while at the University of Iowa in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (1952).
After graduation, Reichardt spent one season with the Green Bay Packers and then joined the Air Force, where he served as a First Lieutenant for two years during the Korean War. He founded Reichardt's Inc.--a chain of men's clothing stores—and has been very active in community affairs. In addition, Reichardt started the Little All-American Football League in Des Moines and coached for 30 years.
In 1964 Reichardt was elected to the Iowa State Legislature where he served Polk County for two years in the Iowa House of Representatives; in 1966 won election to the Iowa State Senate, where he served four years. During his tenure in state government Reichardt sponsored the bill to resume an annual Iowa – Iowa State football game.
In 1994, Reichardt was a Democratic candidate for governor during the primary elections and in 1999 he circulated a petition to become a mayoral candidate for the City of Des Moines, but did not pursue the position