Marty Schottenheimer, a professional football linebacker and head coach, had two children with his wife, Pat Schottenheimer. They married in 1968.
He passed away at 77 on February 8, 2021, just 5 days after his family announced he had been put into hospice care in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Marty battled with Alzheimer’s disease for almost 10 years after being diagnosed in 2011.
The diagnosis was made public in 2016, as it had progressed slowly, allowing him to retain much of his memory and cognitive function.
Despite his condition, he remained active and was well enough to travel in December 2018.
He even delivered a pre-recorded speech congratulating Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid after Reid surpassed his career win total.
However, his health declined significantly in early 2021, and he entered hospice care.
His sudden passing saddened the whole football community, and many remembered him in their heartfelt condolence. Marty’s wife, Pat, son, Brian, and daughter, Kristen, survive him.
Marty was tough. He was no BS. He was a clear articulator of his expectations. He expected hard work and dependability and performance. If you took care of those things, he was loyal as they came. He brought WINNING to our Kansas City Chiefs team, and I am so very very grateful to him and his brother Kurt, who was my special teams coach during those glorious years.
Nick Lowery
Marty Schottenheimer’s 50-Year Love Story With Pat
Patricia A. Hoeltgen stood as the unwavering pillar behind her husband, Marty Schottenheimer, for over five decades.
They met at Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1965, and their love story defines deep devotion, teamwork, and resilience.
Nothing better than some old school summer fun with my family! #bingo #schottystrong pic.twitter.com/Qo4D0ELNbu
— Brian Schottenheimer (@CoachSchotty) July 12, 2019
Marty Schottenheimer couldn’t recognize Pat in her light yellow summer dress when he arrived to pick her up for dinner.
After a brief, confusing moment, they laughed it off and enjoyed a memorable evening together. It marked the beginning of a love story that would last a lifetime.
They married three years later, in 1969, and welcomed two children, Brian and Kristen.
Pat remained Marty’s steadfast supporter through the highs and lows of his athletic journey. She referred to his career as a full-time job for both of them, emphasizing the sacrifices and teamwork required behind the scenes.
Marty never won a Super Bowl, but his impact went far beyond championships.
Pat became his primary caregiver when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She credited their ability to face the disease to their lifelong teamwork.
They kept the diagnosis private, sharing the news only when the symptoms became more apparent.
The unfortunate thing is, there’s nothing that they can do right now; they don’t have any cures. The only thing they have is medication that slows it down, and I encourage anybody who’s having any problems to go in and get checked out.
Pat Schottenheimer
Because if you get on the medication sooner rather than later, you’ve got an opportunity to be better for a longer time, if that makes sense.
Marty Schottenheimer’s Son, Brian, Followed In His Footsteps
The Schottenheimer name is synonymous with football, and Brian Schottenheimer proudly carried on his father’s legacy in the NFL.
Marty’s son carved out his successful career as an offensive coach, working with some of the league’s top quarterbacks and teams.
Congratulations to the Hunt Family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization! Forever grateful for all you did for my family during our years in KC and how you continue to honor my dad~always a Chief! @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/1oo8pxlQbB
— Brian Schottenheimer (@CoachSchotty) February 4, 2020
Brian was a quarterback at Blue Valley High School and earned first-team all-state and honorable mention high school All-American honors.
His high school success led to a scholarship to the University of Kansas, but he transferred to the University of Florida. He was a member of the Gators’ 1996 Bowl Alliance national championship team.
Afterward, he became an assistant coach for the USC Trojans, the Kansas City Chiefs, the St. Louis Rams, and the Syracuse Orange. He also coached quarterback for the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins.
He served under his father, Marty, at San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins.
Moreover, Brian became the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2006 and joined the St. Louis Rams in January 2012.
He had also coached the Georgia Bulldogs, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Marty’s daughter, Kristen Schottenheimer, has spoken about his Alzheimer’s at the Cabarrus County 2nd Annual Dementia Caregivers’ Conference.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Martin Edward Schottenheimer, the son of Edward Martin and Catherine Elizabeth Schottenheimer, was born on September 23, 1943, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
- He graduated from Fort Cherry High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned second-team All-American honors as a senior.
- The Baltimore Colts selected him in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL draft, and he retired from football in 1971.
- He had coached the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Virginia Destroyers.
