On October 8, the NFL lost a legend, Pat Fischer, at the age of 84. Fischer was an All-Pro cornerback who played a notable role in the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington’s defensive lines in his 17-season career. Known for his resilience, toughness, and innovative approach to the game, Fischer had dementia in his later years, though the cause of his death is yet to be announced officially.
Selected in the 17th draft round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961, Fischer’s NFL career began. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound player was not expected to make a significant impact on the league. Despite his small stature, Fischer’s aggressive and physical style of play made him one of the league’s most formidable cornerbacks, standing tall in a league populated by larger players.
During his tenure with the Cardinals, Fischer became a fierce competitor, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection in 1964, a feat he would repeat in 1965 and 1969. His method of play was defined by his ability to cover talented wide receivers and engaging in physical confrontations, even when at a size disadvantage. Notable among these was his matchups with 6-foot-7 Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Harold Carmichael.
Fischer’s tenacity and technique often nullified Carmichael’s size advantage, demonstrating that willpower and determination could match physical prowess.
One of the early adopters of the “bump-and-run” technique, Fischer’s role in the development of this strategy, where a cornerback disrupts a receiver’s route at the line of scrimmage, is well documented. This technique became a key part of Fischer’s defensive play.
Fischer’s mastery of the technique, which took time to perfect, was crucial to his success and endurance in the NFL. It allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses at the point of attack.
In 1968, Fischer joined Washington, marking the start of a successful ten-year stint with the team. His signing was subject to the Rozelle Rule, which required compensation for teams losing players. Consequently, the Cardinals received a second-round pick in 1969 and a third-round pick in 1970.
Fischer became a defensive mainstay during his time in Washington, contributing to one of the NFL’s toughest secondaries under head coach George Allen. Alongside teammates Mike Bass, Ken Houston, and Brig Owens, Fischer played a pivotal role in shaping Washington’s formidable defense.
With 56 career interceptions, Fischer ranks among the franchise’s top defensive backs in both interceptions and return yardage.
One of the most memorable moments in his career was during a contentious 1975 game against his former team, the Cardinals. Late in the game, Fischer made a hard hit on St. Louis receiver Mel Gray in the end zone, causing a fumble. The play, later known as “The Phantom Catch,” was ruled a touchdown after a lengthy review, and the Cardinals won in overtime, marking a turning point in Washington’s season.
Fischer retired in 1977 due to a back injury, ending his football career. The same year, the NFL recognized his efforts with the George Halas Award, which honors the player, coach, or staff member who overcomes significant adversity to succeed. His legacy as a durable and tough player remains intact.
Post-football, Fischer settled in Ashburn, Virginia, where he engaged in various activities, including real estate and stockbroking. He stayed connected with the community and often attended Washington team events. Fischer was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame and was named one of the franchise’s 80 greatest players.
Pat Fischer leaves behind his two children, Allison Shannon and Martin Fischer, as well as six grandchildren. His contributions to football, especially in Washington, have left a lasting imprint on the sport and established him as a cherished figure in the team’s history.