Soltau served in the United States Navy as World War II broke out when he was graduating high school.

After the war ended in 1945, he attended the University of Minnesota, as coached by Bernie Bierman that saw him develop skills as receiver, placekicker and defense.

[1] 25 years old at the time of the 1950 draft, Soltau was a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers, but he was traded to the Cleveland Browns.

He made the Pro Bowl the following year with more production given, as he caught a career high 59 passes for 826 yards for seven touchdowns, although he was just 6 of 18 on field goals.

Soltau, in 1954, went to work as a sales representative for the Schwabacher Brothers, a San Francisco printing, stationery and office supply company.

The rest of the teams refused, and the representatives had to chase players who hadn't paid around the locker room, in their favorite bar or in the parking lot to collect the $25.00.

Soltau played a major role along with Alyn Beals, Eddie Forest, Bruce Bosley and Norm Standee in establishing The Northern California Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association.

[3] On Monday June 16, 2008, Gordy Soltau Day was proclaimed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

He was an avid golfer and played in ten of Bing Crosby's Celebrity Pro-Ams at Pebble Beach.

He was interviewed for Dennis Georgatos book on the 49ers Game of My Life, San Francisco 49ers, Memorable Stories of 49er Football.