Career
He played eleven seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1947–1957). Nickel starred in three sports at the University of Cincinnati — he was an end on the football team, a top scorer on the basketball team and a pitcher / outfielder in baseball. His education was put on hold by Army service in World World War World War II Generally considered one of the best tight ends in Steelers" history, Nickel recorded 329 career receptions as a tight end and is now second in career receptions by a Steeler"s tight end in team history behind only Heath Miller (490).
In conjunction with the 2007 celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Elbie Nickel was selected as one of 33 players on the Steelers" "all-time" team