Fred Forsberg

Victoria Steelers

Linebacker

1967

Denver Broncos (1968-1973); Buffalo Bills (1973) San Diego Chargers (1974)

Linebacker

Wilson High (Tacoma, WA) grad Fred Forsberg headed to the University of Washington in 1961 and by 1965 was an undersized, yet nationally respected run stopper for the Huskies standing 6'1 and 235 lbs. with his hand in the dirt at defensive line.  But Forsberg, playing in a different era than what this millenia players are accustomed to, used a nasty streak to endear himself to the tough coaches of the day, many with backgrounds forged during World War II and Korea.  When your teammates included Lyle Alzado and Richard "Tombstone" Jackson, you better be one tough SOB.

"I put a lot of guys to sleep," he said matter of factly in a 2008 interview with Dan Raley of the Seattle P-I.

After his senior year, he played in three college all star games, the East-West Shrine, Hula and Coaches All-American.  Forsberg was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the AFL draft and cut after training camp, where he went up to Calgary to play for the Stampeders in 1966.

After that season in the CFL, Fred made his way to the Continental League and the Victoria Steelers where he continued to hone his game as a linebacker. A new Denver Bronco staff summoned him back for the 1968 season.  This time he stuck with the team, and began his career of "sticking" opponents.  It was estimated that Fred doled out more than 20 concussions in an era where forearms, spears, and clotheslines were not illegal....yet.  Charles "Monk" Williams was on the receiving end of one of Forsberg's career ending hits.  The Cincinnati Bengals kick returner was left unconscious with a broken collar bone and broken leg in the collision.  Another former UW running back found himself lifted off the ground by Forsberg...by his facemask.  Fred received a 15-yard penalty.

"Fearless Freddie" should have played football with a hockey mask and carried a chainsaw, he could be that terrifying to line up against and is considered one of the Top 30 Denver Bronco linebackers of all-time.

In his one season of "semi-pro" ball with the Victoria Steelers, Forsberg was selected as a Pacific Division All-Star (1967), and like another Continental League alum and GNFA Hall of Famer in Kenny Stabler (Spokane Shockers), used that transition period to hone his skills for a long NFL career.

Semi Pro Honors

1967 Pacific Division All-Star

Collegiate Honors

1965 AP All-American Honorable Mention

1965 All PAC8 First Team (DT)

1965 - Nov 14, PAC8 Lineman of the Week (14 tackles)

1965 Washington State Cougars All-Opponent Team

1965 Univ. of Washington Lineman of the Year

1964 AP All-Pacific Coast Second Team (DT)

1964 Univ. of Washington Homecoming Co-Captain