Professional Football Player. For eleven seasons (1956 to 1966), he played at the split end and tight end positions in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles. Born Palmer Edward Retzlaff, he made his initial mark on the football field during his years at Ellendale High School in North Dakota. He attended the University of North Dakota in his hometown of Ellendale, prior to transferring to South Dakota State University where he played collegiate football. He was selected in the 22nd round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions however, he served for two years with the United States Army before beginning his professional football career. After he was discharged, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1958, he was tied with the Baltimore Colts' Raymond Berry for first in the league with 58 receptions. In 1960, he experienced a world championship with the Philadelphia Eagles. During the course of his career, he established himself as one of the leagues most productive receivers. He distinguished himself, when he achieved Pro-Bowl honors five-times and All-Pro status once. In 1965, he was the recipient of the Bert Bell (Player of the Year) Award. In 132 career regular season games, he compiled 452 receptions for 7,412 yards with 47 yards. He played a significant role in forming the National Football League Player Association. After retiring as a player, he served as vice president and general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1969 until 1972. He also served as a color analyst on national football game broadcasts. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Hame in 1989 and his uniform number 44 was retired by the franchise. He died from natural causes.