If you are a fan of game shows or radio, you might have heard of Wink Martindale. He is an American disc jockey, radio personality, game show host, and television producer who has been in the industry for over six decades. He is best known for hosting shows like Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough, High Rollers, and Debt. But did you know that there is another Wink Martindale in the world of sports? He is Don Martindale, the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He has also coached for teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Oakland Raiders. So, are these two Wink Martindales related? The answer might surprise you.
The Origin of the Nickname
The first thing to know is that Wink is not their real name. It is a nickname that they both acquired at different times and for different reasons. The original Wink Martindale was born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee. He got his nickname from his mother, who called him “Winky” when he was a baby. He later shortened it to Wink when he started his career as a disc jockey at age 17.
The other Wink Martindale was born Don Martindale on May 19, 1963, in Dayton, Ohio. He got his nickname during his freshman year at Defiance College, where he played linebacker for the football team. One of his teammates called him “Wink” after the game show host, who was popular at the time. The name stuck and he has been using it ever since.
The Connection Between the Two
Despite sharing the same nickname and last name, the two Wink Martindales are not related by blood. They are actually distant cousins by marriage. According to Wikipedia, Don Martindale’s wife Laura is a second cousin of Wink Martindale’s wife Sandy. This means that their spouses share a common great-grandparent.
The two Wink Martindales have met each other several times and have become friends over the years. They have also appeared together on some occasions, such as when Don Martindale invited Wink Martindale to attend a Baltimore Ravens game in 2018. They have also exchanged autographs and memorabilia from their respective careers.
The Legacy of the Two
Both Wink Martindales have achieved remarkable success in their fields and have left a lasting impact on their fans and colleagues. The original Wink Martindale has hosted over 20 game shows and has received several awards and honors for his work. He has also been involved in various charitable causes and has been a vocal supporter of veterans and military personnel. He is currently 89 years old and still active in the entertainment industry.
The other Wink Martindale has been coaching football for over 30 years and has helped several teams reach the playoffs and win championships. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL and has been praised for his innovative and aggressive schemes. He is currently 59 years old and still pursuing his passion for coaching.
So, there you have it. The surprising truth about the relationship between Wink Martindale and Wink Martindale. They are not brothers or father and son, but distant cousins by marriage who share a common nickname and a mutual respect for each other..
