Louie Kelcher

Louis James Kelcher (born August 23, 1953) was an American football player who played most of his career with the San Diego Chargers. His primary position was defensive tackle. His outstanding performance made him one of the team's most popular players from 1975-83. He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and French High School in Beaumont, Texas.

NFL career
Kelcher was known for his immense size: he stood 6'5", weighed 285 pounds, wore size 17EEE shoes, and had a size 16.5 ring finger. He was drafted in the 2nd round in 1975 and was named to the NFL All-Rookie team. Kelcher was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1978, 1979 and 1981; was named All-AFC in 1977, 1978 and 1980; and 1st-team All-Pro in 1978 and 2nd-team All-Pro in 1980 and 1981. In 1977, his teammates voted him the team's Most Valuable Player.

In 1980, Kelcher teamed with fellow 1975 Chargers' draftees Fred Dean and Gary "Big Hands" Johnson as the Chargers led the NFL in sacks (60). Johnson and Dean were named 1st-team All-Pro, with Kelcher being named 2nd-team All-Pro. The trio, along with Leroy Jones formed a defensive frontline that was locally nicknamed the Bruise Brothers, coined from a popular act at the time, The Blues Brothers. Don "Air" Coryell's Chargers teams of that era are mostly remembered for its high-scoring, pass-oriented offense. The Chargers won the AFC West from 1979–1981 and made the playoffs in 1982.

In 1985 Kelcher finished his career as a member of the Super Bowl XIX champion San Francisco 49ers, reuniting him with former Charger teammates Johnson and Dean.

Recognition
In 2006, Louie Kelcher was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame.