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Len Rohde
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Len Rohde
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Leonard Emil Rohde (Pronounced: RO-dee) (April 16, 1938 – May 13, 2017) was an American professional football player who was an offensive tackle for 15 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He helped the 49ers win the NFC West Division from 1970 to 1972 and he was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season. Rohde played college football for the Utah State Aggies.

Key Information

Remembered as one of the most durable players in team history, Rohde played in 208 consecutive games over the course of a 15 year NFL career.

Early life

[edit]

Len Rohde was born April 16, 1938, in Palatine, Illinois, the son of Emil Rohde, a farmer.[1] He attended Palatine High School, where he played football, basketball,[2] wrestled in the heavyweight division,[3] and participated in the power disciplines of shot put and discus on the school's track and field team.[4]

Rohde was successful in these various high school athletic pursuits, winning the Illinois state high school wrestling championship and setting a new Northwest conference record as a shot putter (12#, 50'0"),[5] in helping to lead the Pirates to a 9th consecutive title as a senior in 1955-56.[6]

College career

[edit]
Sophomore Len Rohde gained a reputation as a "60-minute Man" for Utah State.

Rohde attended Utah State University. After spending the 1956 season on the freshman team, Rohde was made a member of the varsity in 1957, where the 6'3", 220-pounder immediately challenged for and won a starting spot at right tackle,[7] beating out a junior letterman for the role.

As the NCAA had reinstituted the single platoon system effective with the 1953 season, Rohde played in both an offensive and defensive capacity for the Aggies. Indeed, his agility, strength, and conditioning was such that he frequently played the entire duration of the game without substitution — gaining recognition as a "60-Minute Man".[8]

Despite Utah State's lack of success on the field, Rohde's play even as a sophomore began to attract regional attention for potential All-America consideration.[9]

Rohde continued to be a multi-sport athlete at Utah state, playing football in the fall, wrestling in the winter months, and throwing shot put in the spring.[1] He began his school career majoring in agricultural economics[1] but switched majors and ultimately graduated from Utah State in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.[10]

He continued his education while playing professional football, earning a Masters degree from San Diego State University in 1969.[11]

Professional career

[edit]

Rohde was selected in the 5th round of the 1960 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who made him the 59th player taken.

He spent the first three years of his NFL career primarily in a reserve role, backing up Hall of Fame offensive right tackle Bob St. Clair.[12] He saw action in all 40 games played by the Niners during these three seasons, posting 11 spot appearances as a starter.[13]

He was moved to a starting role on the other side in 1963[12] and started as the team's left tackle without missing a single game until his retirement at the end of the 1974 season.[13]

Rohde was an important part of the 49ers offense that led the NFL in points scored and yardage gained in 1965 and 1970. He was recognized by the league by selection to the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season.[11]

Rohde planned on coming back for a 16th NFL season in 1975, but the 37-year old lineman was taken aside by head coach Dick Nolan, who told him, "Len, you've been a fantastic team player your whole life. You could probably do the team another big favor and retire."[14] With his back starting to cause him trouble, Rohde chose to take the hint and filed his retirement paperwork with the league office.[14]

Life after football

[edit]

Rohde married the former Beverly Ann Boston in December 1961.[10] The pair raised one son.[14]

Beginning in 1976, Rohde launched a second career in the food industry ultimately becoming the owner of six Burger King franchises and holding majority stakes in five Applebee's restaurants, all in the San Francisco Bay area.[12]

Death and legacy

[edit]

Rohde died on May 13, 2017, aged 79.[15]

Rohde's 208 career games played stands as the most ever by a 49ers lineman.[15] Having appeared in every game of a 15-year NFL career without a single miss, he is regarded as the most durable player in team history.[14]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Len Rohde

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''Len Rohde'' was an American professional football player known for his 15-season career as an offensive tackle with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He appeared in 208 games for the franchise, the most by any offensive lineman in team history, showcasing remarkable durability and consistency throughout his tenure from 1960 to 1974. Born Leonard Emil Rohde on April 16, 1938, in Palatine, Illinois, he played college football at Utah State University, where he was a two-time all-Skyline Eight selection and later named to the school's all-century football team as an offensive tackle. He was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 1960 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a reliable starter on the offensive line. During the early 1970s, Rohde contributed to the 49ers' success by helping the team secure three consecutive NFC West division titles from 1970 to 1972. His longevity and ironman reputation made him a standout figure in an era known for its physical demands on offensive linemen. Rohde passed away on May 13, 2017, at the age of 79.

Early life

Birth and family background

Len Rohde was born Leonard Emil Rohde on April 16, 1938, in Palatine, Illinois. Limited information is available on his family background, though sources identify his father as Emil Rohde, who worked as a farmer in the Palatine area.

Education and early influences

Rohde attended Palatine High School in his hometown, where he participated in multiple sports including football, basketball, wrestling, and track and field events such as shot put and discus. He won the Illinois state high school heavyweight wrestling championship in 1956. He went on to play college football at Utah State University.

Career

Professional debut and early years

Len Rohde was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round (59th overall) of the 1960 NFL Draft. He played his entire 15-season NFL career with the 49ers from 1960 to 1974. He began his career primarily as a reserve right tackle behind Bob St. Clair during his first three seasons (1960-1962). Rohde transitioned to a starting role on the offensive line in 1963, initially at left tackle, and maintained consistent performance thereafter. As a player, he appeared as himself in numerous NFL television broadcasts, including 65 episodes of The NFL on CBS between 1963 and 1974. These appearances provided visibility but did not lead to any production or behind-the-camera roles.

Peak years and achievements

From 1963 onward, Rohde did not miss a regular-season game, appearing in 208 consecutive games (179 starts), a franchise record for offensive linemen. He was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1970 season. Rohde contributed to the 49ers' NFC West division titles in 1970, 1971, and 1972, helping anchor the offensive line during successful periods for the team. His durability earned him recognition as an "ironman" in an era of physically demanding play on the offensive line.

Later years and retirement

Rohde continued as a starter through the 1974 season, retiring at age 36 after 15 years. He received the 1974 Len Eshmont Award, recognizing courage and inspirational play. No verified sources indicate any post-retirement involvement in film or television production.

Awards and recognition

Len Rohde was a two-time all-Skyline Eight selection during his college career at Utah State University. He was later named to the school's all-century football team as an offensive tackle. No professional awards or Pro Bowl selections are recorded for his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Personal life

Family and personal interests

Little is publicly known about Len Rohde's personal life, as sources primarily focus on his football career. He was married and is survived by his wife, one son, and four grandchildren. After retiring from the NFL, Rohde owned several restaurant franchises, including Burger King and Applebee's locations, and was an avid farmer whose family was involved in producing Templeton Olive Oil. No further details on hobbies or other non-professional activities are documented in reliable sources.

Death

Len Rohde died on May 13, 2017, at the age of 79 in California. The cause of death was not publicly released.

Circumstances and obituary details

The San Francisco 49ers announced his passing, highlighting his franchise record of 208 games played as an offensive lineman. No additional details on specific circumstances were provided in public reports.

Legacy

Len Rohde is remembered for his exceptional durability and longevity as an offensive tackle with the San Francisco 49ers. He appeared in 208 games, the most by any offensive lineman in franchise history, and was known as an "ironman" for his consistency and ability to play through the physical demands of the era. He was inducted into the Utah State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994 in recognition of his college career, where he was a two-time all-Skyline Eight selection. No major posthumous awards or retrospectives beyond existing honors have been documented following his death in 2017. His contributions to the 49ers and his role in the team's NFC West division titles from 1970 to 1972 remain part of his legacy in professional football.
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