Laurie Niemi

Laurie Jack Niemi (1925–1968) was an offensive and defensive tackle who played in the NFL for the Washington Redskins and in the CFL for the BC Lions. Born in Red Lodge, Montana, of Finnish heritage, he grew up in Clarkston, Washington, and played college football at Washington State, earning All-American recognition. He was the eighteenth overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft, selected in the second round by Washington. After his playing career he coached at the University of Montana, Washington State, and with the Philadelphia Eagles before his death at age 42 in February 1968.