Robert Bernard Schnelker (October 17, 1928 – December 12, 2016) was an American professional football player and coach in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a tight end for nine seasons, primarily with the New York Giants. He later served as a coach for several NFL teams for over 20 seasons.

Playing career Schnelker played college football at Bowling Green State University. He was named as an All-Ohio end twice while also playing on the track and field team. He was inducted into the program's athletic Hall of Fame as part of their first class in 1964.

He was selected in the 29th round of the 1950 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. He served in the Marines before being discharged a few years later, where the Philadelphia Eagles picked him up for their roster before he was traded to the New York Giants. Schnelker was a two-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1956 NFL Champion Giants. As a member of the expansion team Minnesota Vikings in 1961, he caught the first touchdown pass in the first game played by the team from Fran Tarkenton.

NFL career statistics Legend Won the NFL championship Led the league Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1953 PHI 8 3 4 34 8.5 12 0 1954 NYG 12 12 30 550 18.3 68 8 1955 NYG 12 12 25 326 13.0 31 2 1956 NYG 12 5 9 122 13.6 19 1 1957 NYG 12 9 20 450 22.5 70 5 1958 NYG 12 12 24 460 19.2 63 5 1959 NYG 11 11 37 714 19.3 66 6 1960 NYG 12 11 38 610 16.1 70 2 1961 MIN 6 6 6 70 11.7 20 1 PIT 8 6 18 331 18.4 59 3 105 87 211 3,667 17.4 70 33

Playoffs Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1956 NYG 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1958 NYG 2 2 4 109 27.3 46 0 1959 NYG 1 1 9 175 19.4 48 1 4 3 13 284 21.8 48 1

Coaching career

After retiring from football, Schnelker was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. It was with the Vikings that led to a memorable moment from head coach Jerry Burns, who leapt to Schnelker's defense in a profanity-laced tirade after a 23–21 win (a game that saw Rich Karlis make seven field goals before a game-winning safety in overtime) during the 1989 season.

Personal life Schnelker died from complications of cancer on December 12, 2016, in Naples, Florida. He was survived by three grandchildren, a daughter, and a brother.

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