Conrad Dobler: The NFL’s Most Infamous “Troublemaker”
Conrad Dobler, a former offensive guard in the NFL, passed away at the age of 72. The Arizona Cardinals announced the news on Monday, without giving a cause of death.
Dobler had a 10-year career in the NFL, playing for the Cardinals (then in St. Louis), New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills. He was chosen in the fifth round of the 1972 draft out of Wyoming and made three Pro Bowls with the Cardinals from 1975-77. He played a total of 129 regular-season games.
Dobler was notorious for being one of the dirtiest players in the NFL. He believed in doing whatever he could to protect his quarterback, including holding, eye gouging, face-mask twisting, leg whipping, tripping, and even biting. He also punched Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame defensive lineman Joe Greene and kicked Los Angeles Rams Hall of Fame defensive lineman Merlin Olsen in the head.
After his playing career, Dobler became the star of a Miller Lite commercial, where he called himself a “troublemaker”. He also wrote a book with sportswriter Vic Carucci titled, “They Call Me Dirty”, which documented his dirty details on everything from violence in football to Alex Karras to his Miller Lite commercials.
Dobler’s physical approach to football certainly left its mark on the game. He was a notorious figure in the NFL, but one with a unique and lasting legacy.
