Conrad Dobler, once called the dirtiest player in pro football, dies at age 72

Conrad Dobler, a three-time Pro Bowl guard once dubbed the NFL’s dirtiest player, has died at 72. 

The St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted Dobler in 2016, announced his passing on Monday.

Dobler started 125 of his 129 games with the St. Louis Cardinals (1972-77), New Orleans Saints (1978-79) and Buffalo Bills (1980-81).

On July 25, 1977, Dobler made the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title ‘Pro Football’s Dirtiest Player.’

Stories about the feisty offensive lineman included punching Joe Greene, spitting on Bill Bergey and kicking Merlin Olsen in the head.

Offensive lineman Conrad Dobler, who spent ten seasons in the NFL, has died at the age of 72

The lineman (66) was once regarded as the NFL’s dirtiest player and openly admitted to using those tactics to protect the quarterback

‘I’ll do anything I can get away with to protect my quarterback,’ Dobler told the magazine.

The Cardinals drafted Dobler in the fifth round out of the University of Wyoming in 1972.  

‘Our hearts go out to the family, friends and former teammates of Conrad Dobler,’ Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. 

‘He was the kind of tough, physical and fierce player that you love to line up with as a teammate and hate to line up against as an opponent. 

‘On the field, Conrad was a big reason for the success of the Cardiac Cards of the 1970s. 

‘Away from it, he brought authentic joy and caring to everyone who had the privilege of being his friend and that is what I will remember most.’