Chuck Mercein


Charles 'Chuck' Mercein is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League for seven seasons for the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and New York Jets. He was drafted in the third round, the second player drafted by the New York Giants, the 31st player taken overall in the draft. He led the Giants in rushing in his second season and after an injury was claimed on waivers and joined the Green Bay Packers midway thru the season. As a professional, Mercein is best remembered for his performance in the Packers' game-winning drive in the 1967 NFL Championship Game, known popularly as the "Ice Bowl". Mercein rushed six times for 20 yards, and had two receptions for 22 yards in the "Ice Bowl"; 34 of his total yards were achieved on that game's final and famous 68 yard drive. He played for the Packers through 1969 and then with the Jets before retiring in 1971.

Early years

Mercein is the son of Tom Mercein, a radio and television personality who worked in Milwaukee, Chicago and New York City during the 1950s and 1960s. The younger Mercein graduated from New Trier High School in 1961. He was an all-state fullback who also was the first Illinois high-school athlete to ever exceed 60 feet in the shot put. His feats of 61 feet, 1¾ inches at Waukegan on April 29, 1961 and 60 feet, 5½ inches at Maine East six days later on May 5 both exceeded the then-state record of 58 feet, 5½ inches. Neither were recognized as an Illinois high school record, which had to be established only at the state championships.
Mercein's acceptance of a scholarship to attend Yale College was based on recommendations from Mike Pyle, a fellow New Trier graduate who had also matriculated at Yale.