Keith Hartwig
{{Short description|American football player (born 1953)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Keith Hartwig
| number = 82
| position = Wide receiver
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|12|10}}
| birth_place = Corona del Mar, California, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 186
| high_school = Central (California)
| college = Arizona (1972–1976)
| draftyear = 1977
| draftround = 11
| draftpick = 306
| pastteams =
- Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|1977}})*
- Green Bay Packers (1977-{{NFL Year|1978}})
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 4
| pfr = HartKe21
}}
Malcolm Keith Hartwig (born December 10, 1953) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and later spent the 1977 season in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. He retired prior to the 1978 season.
Early life
Hartwig was born on December 10, 1953, in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, California.{{Cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HartKe21.htm | title=Keith Hartwig Stats | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | access-date=March 28, 2018 | archive-date=October 8, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008185835/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HartKe21.htm | url-status=live }} He attended Central High School in Fresno, California, and is one of four of their alumni to make it to the NFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bcd808|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Central (Fresno, CA) Alumni Pro Stats|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=April 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426201502/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bcd808|url-status=live}} He was standout in football and played at wide receiver, end and safety.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131845998/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 1, 1978|page=27|title=Former Central Gridder Keith Hartwig Retires|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163608/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131845998/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846127/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 1, 1970|page=34|title=Roughed Rider|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846127/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reedley-exponent/131846171/|newspaper=The Reedley Exponent|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 30, 1971|page=10|title=County All-Star Grid Roster Has 4 Pirates|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reedley-exponent/131846171/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} As a junior, he was a first-team all-league selection on both offense and defense.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846339/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 3, 1970|page=42|title=Two-Way Players Lead NSL All-Stars|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846339/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Near the end of the season, however, he suffered a "shattered knee" and was told it would end his career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131848276/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 1, 1976|page=10|title=Patience Pays Off|author=Faust, Tom|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131848276/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Despite his injury, Hartwig was able to return for the following season and earned all-metro honors as well as an all-league selection; he was also invited to play in the Central California All-Star Game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846462/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 9, 1971|page=49|title=All-Metro Lineup|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916163610/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846462/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846877/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 23, 1972|page=34|title=County Stars Hope For Wishbone Feast|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164121/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846877/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Hartwig also played basketball and baseball at Central High School, being named an all-county shortstop in the latter in his final season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846767/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 27, 1971|page=20|title=Edison Raps Immanuel Quint|author=Kelley, Daryl|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846767/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846720/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 17, 1972|page=13|title=All-Stars: City-County Test|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131846720/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
College career
Hartwig received little attention as a college football recruit but was able to join the University of Arizona after an "extensive letter writing campaign" led by one of his coaches. He played for the freshman team in 1972 but saw limited playing time, only catching a touchdown pass in the last game of the season. He entered his sophomore year as a second-string at his position (behind Scott Piper), but soon after suffered an ankle injury that ended his season and caused him to redshirt.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131847027/|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 20, 1973|page=16|title=Camp Notes|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131847027/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131847300/|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 27, 1976|page=51|title=Keith Hartwig gets his chance|author=Johnston, Bruce|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164118/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131847300/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
Hartwig remained a backup to Piper in 1974 and again saw little action. He began to see more playing time in 1975 when the team went with a three-receiver lineup, and he finished the season with 12 receptions for 210 yards and one touchdown (a 54-yard catch against UTEP){{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131847674/|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 12, 1975|page=18|title=Valley Receivers Pace Arizona|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916164114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee/131847674/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} in 11 games played, averaging 17.5 yards-per-catch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/keith-hartwig-1.html?__hstc=223721476.e66b9b23ec10546534c8ef0f4baf3c2a.1694730108228.1694791878171.1694798468230.7&__hssc=223721476.3.1694798468230&__hsfp=3043613678|website=Sports Reference|title=Keith Hartwig College Stats|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165118/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/keith-hartwig-1.html?__hstc=223721476.e66b9b23ec10546534c8ef0f4baf3c2a.1694730108228.1694791878171.1694798468230.7&__hssc=223721476.3.1694798468230&__hsfp=3043613678|url-status=live}} After having been a backup to Piper for three years, Hartwig received a chance to start in 1976 after the former's graduation. He became one of the top receivers in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and led the WAC in receptions with 54, totaling 1,134 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns (an average of 21.0 yards-per-catch) on his way to being named all-conference and third-team All-American.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-citizen/131848822/|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 11, 1976|page=48|title=Hartwig leading Wildcats, WAC|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-citizen/131848822/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/albuquerque-journal/131848768/|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 25, 1976|page=55|title=Most Titles Wrapped Up|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165122/https://www.newspapers.com/article/albuquerque-journal/131848768/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131848880/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 28, 1976|page=29|title=Hartwig Selected For Blue-Gray All-Star Game|agency=Associated Press|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131848880/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849204/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 5, 1977|page=41|title=UA ends selected in draft|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165119/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849204/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} His performance set three school records (single-season yards-per-reception, career yards-per-reception and single-season yards){{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131848968/|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 4, 1976|page=7|title=Keith Hartwig led Arizona's record efforts|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165118/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/131848968/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} and after the year he was chosen to play in the Blue–Gray Football Classic.
Professional career
Hartwig was selected in the 11th round (306th overall) of the 1977 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1977nfldraft.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1977 NFL Draft|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165640/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1977nfldraft.html|url-status=live}} He was injured in preseason and subsequently released.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849354/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 16, 1977|page=6|title=Hartwig hopes to live up to Bart Starr's expectations|author=Hill, Sue|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165633/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849354/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/131849426/|newspaper=Wausau Daily Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 3, 1977|page=30|agency=Associated Press|title=Packers sign Keith Hartwig|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/131849426/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
After an injury to Gary Weaver, the Green Bay Packers signed Hartwig as a replacement at the start of November 1977. He was on the active roster for the final seven games of the season and appeared in a total of four, seeing action mainly on special teams; he recorded no statistics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerh/hart05600.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Keith Hartwig Stats|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165620/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerh/hart05600.html|url-status=live}} He announced his retirement prior to the start of the 1978 season due to an arthritic condition in his knee.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849809/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 1, 1978|page=13|title=Pack signs Green, Hartwig retires|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131849809/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
Personal life
Hartwig married Mary Frances Evans in June 1974.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131847175/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 24, 1974|page=12|title=Hartwig-Evans|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916165702/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/131847175/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Vikings1977DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartwig, Keith}}
Category:Arizona Wildcats football players
Category:Players of American football from Newport Beach, California
Category:Minnesota Vikings players