Nelson Edward Toburen Obituary, GREEN BAY, Wis. — Nelson Edward Toburen, a former linebacker for the Green Bay Packers whose football career included championship success and a life-changing injury, has died on Oct. 4 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 87 years old.
Born on November 24, 1938, in Boulder, Colorado, Toburen grew up in Kansas, where he developed into a standout athlete at Colby High School. He later played college football for the Wichita State Shockers as an end before beginning his professional football career.
Toburen entered the NFL after being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 14th round of the 1961 NFL Draft. During the early years of head coach Vince Lombardi’s Packers dynasty, he contributed as a reserve linebacker and special teams player on the team’s 1961 NFL Championship roster, helping the franchise capture its first league title since 1944. He was also part of the Packers’ championship team in 1962, earning two championship rings during his time with the organization.
On November 18, 1962, Toburen made his first NFL start after replacing injured linebacker Dan Currie in a game against the Baltimore Colts at City Stadium in Green Bay. During the contest, he tackled Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas, forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Ray Nitschke. However, the play also resulted in a severe neck injury that ended his football career.
Following the injury, doctors discovered that Toburen had suffered a broken sixth cervical vertebra and displacement of the fifth vertebra. He spent six weeks in a body cast after receiving emergency care, including immediate treatment from Packers team physician Dr. James Nellen, who helped stabilize his neck on the field.
After being forced to retire from professional football, Toburen rebuilt his life through education and public service. He earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1967 and later became a respected member of the legal community. In 1987, he was appointed as a judge in Crawford County, Kansas, beginning a long judicial career serving his community.
Toburen’s life also included personal tragedy. His son, Chris Toburen, a University of Kansas linebacker and U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, was killed at age 27 during a training mission in California in 1987. Toburen continued to honor his son’s memory and spoke with pride about his service.
Although his NFL career lasted 24 games with one start, Nelson Toburen remained remembered as part of Green Bay Packers history through his perseverance, championship achievements, and the courage he showed after leaving football. His legacy extended beyond the field through decades of legal and judicial service.
Toburen is remembered for a life defined by determination, resilience, and commitment to others. Condolences are extended to his family, friends, former teammates, and all who knew him. May Nelson Edward Toburen rest in peace.