Philadelphia Eagles - Custom Extension Set

I previously posted the 1966 Eagles cards by RetroCards to my Eagles blog in September 2019. Here is that link: 

 

https://philaeagles66-75.blogspot.com/2019/09/1966-eagles-bonus-cards.html 

 

 

Next: Green Bay Packers

Dallas Cowboys - Custom Extension Set

Here are the 1966 Cowboys cards made by RetroCards.net. 

 

RetroCards has made 1966 cards for each NFL team. They actually have 2 sets for the Cowboys and the Packers (which seem to be the 2 favorite teams of company management). 

 

Many of the same players appear in both Cowboys' sets (for some reason). Usually it is the same card in both sets, except that Pete Gent and Mike Gaechter have different cards in each set. 

 

Between these custom cards and the original set from 1966, the only regulars missing are Dave Manders (C ), Ralph Neely (T), Lee Roy Jordan (MLB), and Warren Livingston (CB).

 

 

Next: Extra Eagles' cards by RetroCards

 

Hall of Famers

A few years ago I posted the Hall of Famers in the 1967 (NFL only), 1968, 1971, and 1972 sets. 

There are the 38 Hall of Famers in the 1966 set, 3 more than the 1967 set.

As in the 1967 set, the Packers lead the way. This time with 7 players. 

 

Re-cap: 

7 - Packers 

5 - Colts

4 - Bears, Cowboys, Redskins

3 - Rams

2 - Browns, Lions, Vikings, Eagles

1 - Giants, Cardinals, 49ers

0 - Falcons, Steelers

 

Next: Extra Cowboys cards by RetroCards

Checklists & Miscellaneous Cards

Each of the Philly Gum sets (from 1964 to 1967) had 2 series, and a total of 198 cards.  As expansion teams were added in '66 and '67, they just decreased the number of cards per team.

I got both of these checklists a few months ago. They are as-is, and don't indicate which cards I have. 

 

The Philly Gum set also included a team photo card and a play card for each team (except the expansion Falcons). I posted both Eagles' cards in that team's post, but I don't have any others except for these 2 play cards below (and I don't expect to get the others). 

 

The top card is the Cowboys' Danny Villanueva kicking a field goal.  The other is the Lions' George Izo throwing a TD pass.

The back of each team photo card included a referee signal. Leftover signals were grouped on this Signals card (the same as in the 1967 set).  This signals card is in the worst condition of ALL my football cards.  I don't think I will replace it, as the money is better-spent on a player's card.

Next: Hall of Fame players in the 1966 set

 

Green Bay Packers

Here are the 1966 Green Bay Packers, winners of the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game (later renamed Super Bowl I). 

 

Vince Lombardi’s Packers won it all in ’61, ’62, and ’65, and would do so for the next 2 seasons as well. In 1966 they posted a 12-2 record, their only losses being a 1-point loss to the 49ers and a 3-point loss to the Vikings. They had a 1-point win over the Browns, but pretty much rolled over the other teams, including a 56-3 bulldozing of the expansion Falcons. 

 

The Paul Hornung card is a recent issue by RetroCards. They made 2 dozen other 1966 Packers cards, which I will post another time, but I needed one card to avoid a white hole in the picture below. 

 

Of the rest, I’ve had the Willie Wood card since the 1960s, and it’s probably the 2nd worst football card I have. (You’ll see the worst one in the next post.) Back in the day, I felt the need to correct his position from “halfback” to “FS”. 

 

Bart Starr – The Packers selected Starr in the 17th round in 1956. After starting just 1 game as a rookie, he started 11 of 12 games in 1957. Starr split the starts with others from 1958-60, but was the Packers’ full-time starting QB from 1961-67, and 1970. Although a 4-time Pro Bowler, he never led the league in yards, attempts, completions, or TD passes. (I guess because the Packers had a ball-control offense.) Starr was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. 

 

Paul Hornung was the first overall pick in the 1957 draft. He played fullback for his first 2 seasons, then Lombardi moved him to halfback in 1959. From 1959-61 he started all but 1 game, made 2 Pro Bowls, and was named first-team All-Pro twice. He missed a few games in ’62, and was suspended for the entire 1963 season. 

 

Hornung returned to start every game in 1964, but missed several games in ’65 and ’66 (including Super Bowl I) due to injuries. He was selected by the Saints in the expansion draft, but missed the entire 1967 season due to lingering injuries from 1966. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986. 

 

Jim Taylor – The Packers’ 2nd pick in 1958, Taylor only started 2 games as a rookie, but was the starting fullback from 1959-66. He started all but one game from 1960-66, and led the NFL with 1474 rushing yards in 1962 (the only year Jim Brown didn’t lead the league.) Taylor was a Pro Bowl selection every season from 1960-64, and a first-team All-Pro in 1962. He finished his career in 1967, starting every game for the expansion Saints. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976. 

 

Tom Moore was the Packers’ 1st-round pick in 1960, and was primarily the backup halfback from 1960-65. He started 6 games in 1962 filling in for Hornung, and was named to the Pro Bowl. He also started 12 games in 1963 due to Hornung’s suspension. Moore was the Rams’ starting halfback in 1966 and the Falcons’ starting fullback in 1967. 

 

Boyd Dowler was the Packers’ 3rd-round pick in 1959, and their starting flanker every season from 1959-69. He retired after the 1969 season, but returned for one season (1971) with the Redskins. Dowler made the Pro Bowl in ‘65 and ’67. His injury in the opening minutes of Super Bowl I paved the way for Max McGee to have a field day against the Chiefs. 

 

Forrest Gregg – The Packers’ 2nd-round pick in 1956, Gregg was a backup in ’56 and ’58 (missing 1957 for military service). With the arrival of Lombardi in 1959, Gregg was installed at right tackle and started every game there for the next 11 seasons (except for playing left guard in 1965). A 9-time Pro Bowler and 6-time first-team All-Pro, he was a backup tackle during his last season with the Packers (1970), then finished his career with the Cowboys in 1971. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. 

 

Don Chandler was drafted by the Giants in 1956. He was their punter from 1956-64 and their kicker from 1962-64. He was the Packers’ kicker for his final 3 seasons (1965-67) and punter for ’65 and ’66. 

 

Willie Davis was drafted by the Browns in 1956, but did not play until 1958. After 2 seasons as a backup with Cleveland, Davis joined the Packers in 1960 and played every game at left defensive end for the remainder of his career (10 seasons), starting them all except for one game in his final season. He was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 5-time first-team All-Pro, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

 

Ray Nitschke – The Packers’ 3rd pick in 1958, Nitschke was an outside linebacker for 3 seasons, then moved to the middle in 1961, where he was the starter through the 1970 season. He made the Pro Bowl in 1964 and was a 2-time first-team All-Pro selection. He spent his final 2 seasons as a backup, then retired after 1972. Nitschke was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978. 

 

Lee Roy Caffey was drafted by the Eagles in 1963. After one season, he came to the Packers in the Jim Ringo trade, and was the starting right linebacker for the next 6 seasons. Caffey made the Pro Bowl in 1965 and was first-team All-Pro in 1966. He started every game for the Bears in 1970, then played for the Cowboys in ’71 and Chargers in ’72. 

 

Herb Adderley was the Packers’ 1st-round pick in 1961. After a season on the bench, he was the starting left cornerback from 1962-69, and was a 5-time first-team All-Pro selection and made 5 Pro Bowls. He started for the Cowboys in his final 3 seasons (1970-72), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980. 

 

Willie Wood – An undrafted free agent, Wood played his entire career (1960-71) for the Packers, never missing a game. A backup in his rookie season, he was the staring free safety every season except for playing strong safety in ’65 and '66. He led the NFL with 9 interceptions in 1962, and made 8 Pro Bowls along with 4 first-team All-Pro selections. Wood was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989. He’s one of three undrafted free agents to make the Hall of Fame that I’m aware of (Larry Little and Mick Tingelhoff are the others). 

 

 

Hall of Famers – 8 

 

Next: Wrapping up the original 1966 set

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys started up in 1960, and like any expansion team, they stunk – finishing with a 0-11-1 record. After posting losing records in their first 5 seasons, they finished at 7-7 in 1965. 

 

1966 was their first winning season (10-3-1), and their first of 8 consecutive playoff appearances, winning their division every season from 1966-71. After missing the post-season in 1974, they made it back for the next 9 seasons. 

 

During their 20-year string of winning seasons (1966-85) under Tom Landry, they appeared in five Super Bowls, winning two. 

 

Don Meredith and Chuck Howley are 2 of the 6 player cards I still need for this set. Of the other Cowboys' cards, I have had the Bob Hayes and Bob Lilly cards since the late-1960s, but got the rest in the past year.

 

Don Meredith was the Bears’ 3rd-round pick in 1960, but was traded to the Cowboys during training camp. He was the Cowboys’ starting QB from midway through 1962 until he retired following the 1968 season. He made the Pro Bowl in his final 3 seasons. 

 

Don Perkins was drafted by the Colts in 1960, and traded to the Cowboys shortly afterwards. He did not play in 1960, but was a starter for the Cowboys from 1961-68 (4 seasons at halfback, then switching to fullback in 1965). He made the Pro Bowl in his first 3 and last 3 seasons, and was named first-team All-Pro in 1962. 

 

Frank Clarke was drafted by the Browns in 1956. After 3 seasons as a backup end, he joined the Cowboys in 1960. A part-time player in 1960, he was their starting flanker from 1962-64, and starting tight end in 1965. Clarke led the NFL in receiving TDs in 1962, and was named first-team All-Pro in 1964. He finished his career as a backup for the Cowboys from 1966-67. 

 

Pete Gent – An undrafted free agent, Gent played for the Cowboys from 1964-68, and was their starting flanker in ’65 and ’66. 

 

Bob Hayes was drafted by the Cowboys in 1964, and was their starting split end every season from 1965-71, and again in 1973. After riding the Dallas bench in 1974, he played 4 games for the 49ers in 1975. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. 

 

Mike Connelly – Drafted by the Rams in 1959, Connelly was a backup guard for the Cowboys in 1960 and 1965-66, and their starting center from 1961-64 and again in 1967. He finished his career in 1968 as the Steelers’ backup center. 

 

Danny Villanueva was the Rams’ kicker from 1960-63, and their punter from 1960-64. He kicked and punted for the Cowboys from 1965-67. 

 

*Willie Townes was drafted in the 2nd round by the Cowboys in 1966, and was their starting left defensive end for his first 2 seasons. After one more season with Dallas he finished up with the Saints in 1970. 

 

George Andrie – The Cowboys’ 6th pick in 1962, Andrie was a starting defensive end for his first 10 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl every year from 1965-69. He retired after playing 3 games for the Cowboys in 1972. 

 

Bob Lilly was the Cowboys’ 1st pick in the 1961 draft. He started EVERY game for the Cowboys over his 14-year career, at left defensive end for 3 seasons, before moving to right defensive tackle. Lilly was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980. 

 

Chuck Howley was the Bears’ 1st-round pick in 1958, and was their backup linebacker for his first 2 seasons. After missing the 1960 season, he was a starting outside linebacker for the Cowboys for the next 12 seasons, making 6 Pro Bowls and having 5 first-team All-Pro selections. He was also named the MVP of Super Bowl V, despite the Cowboys losing. Howley was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. 

 

Cornell Green – An undrafted free agent, Green joined the Cowboys in 1962. After starting only 5 games in his rookie season, he started every game for the next 12 seasons. Initially the left cornerback, he moved to strong safety in 1970 when the Cowboys acquired Herb Adderley. Green was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time first-team All-Pro selection. 

 

Mel Renfro was the Cowboys’ 2nd-round pick in 1964, and was a starting defensive back for his first 13 seasons (although missing 5 games in each of ’67 and ’76. He was also a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first 10 seasons. The free safety for his first 6 seasons, he moved to right cornerback in 1970 in the defensive backfield shuffle mentioned in Green’s write-up above. Renfro finished his career in 1977 as a backup corner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. 

 

Mike Gaechter played for the Cowboys from 1962-69. The starting left corner as a rookie, he spent the rest of his career at strong safety, starting in 1963 and from 1966-69. 

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Hall of Famers - 4

 

Next: Green Bay Packers 

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are often scorned as 1 of only 2 (pre-merger) team not to have appeared in a Super Bowl. But as you can see from the chart below, they kicked ass in the 1950s. They were in their league’s championship game every season from 1946 to 1955, winning it 7 times.  In fact, they finished 1st in their division for 17 of their first 24 seasons!

In 1966 they finished at 9-5. It was the only time from 1964 to 1969 that they didn’t finish first in their division. There was always the Packers or some other pesky team edging them out in the playoffs. 

 

The only 1966 Browns card I've had since the 1960s is Dick Schafrath's.  I got all the rest a few months ago, except for Jim Brown.  His card is out of my price range. 

Frank Ryan was the Rams’ 5th-round pick in 1958. He was a backup for 4 seasons, then joined the Browns in 1962. He and Jim Ninowski each started 7 games in ’62, then Ryan took over the starting role from 1963-67. After backing up Bill Nelsen in 1968, Ryan rode the Redskins’ bench from 1969-70, playing in 2 games but starting none. 

 

Jim Ninowski was drafted by the Browns in 1958 and backed up Milt Plum for 2 seasons. He was the Lions’ starting QB for 2 seasons, then returned to the Browns in 1962. He split the starting assignments with Frank Ryan that season, but rode Cleveland’s bench from 1963-66. After 2 years as the Redskins’ backup QB, he finished his career with the Saints in 1969. 

 

Ernie Green was drafted by the Packers in 1962, but played his entire career (1962-68) for the Browns. He was the starting halfback for 4 seasons, then after Jim Brown’s retirement following the 1965 season, he switched to fullback to make room for Leroy Kelly. Green made the Pro Bowl in ’66 and ’67. 

 

Jim Brown was the Browns’ 1st-round pick in 1957. He played 9 seasons for the Browns, starting every game at fullback and making the Pro Bowl each year. Except for 1962, he led the NFL in rushing each season and was named first-team All-Pro every season but ’62. He retired after the 1965 season, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971. 

 

Walter Roberts – An undrafted free agent, Roberts played for the Browns from 1964-66, starting every game at split end in 1965 in place of the injured Paul Warfield. He was the Saints’ starting flanker in 1967. After missing the 1968 season, he played for the Redskins from 1969-70. 

 

Gary Collins was the Browns’ 1st-round pick (4th overall) in 1962. He played his entire career (1962-71) with the Browns. In his first 6 seasons, he played in all but 1 game and was the starting flanker ever since his 2nd season. He missed 9 games in 1968, but reclaimed his starting job for his final 3 seasons. Collins made 2 Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in 1969. He was also the Browns’ punter from 1962-67. 

 

John Morrow was drafted by the Rams in 1956. After playing guard in his rookie season, he was the Rams’ starting center for 2 years. He was the Browns’ starting center from 1960 to 1966, starting every game until missing 6 games in 1966. He was a 2-time Pro Bowler with the Browns. Morrow was selected by the Saints in the 1967 expansion draft, but chose to retire. 

 

Gene Hickerson – Drafted in the 7th round in 1957, Hickerson played his entire career (1958-1973) with the Browns, except for missing the 1961 season with a leg injury. He took over the starting right guard spot in his 2nd season, and played every game from 1963 onward (starting all but 4 times). A 6-time Pro Bowler and 3-time first-team All-Pro, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. 

 

Dick Schafrath – The Browns’ 2nd pick in 1959, Schafrath played defensive end as a rookie, then started at left offensive tackle every season from 1960 through 1971. He made 6 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1963-68, and was a 3-time first-team All-Pro selection from 1963-65. 

 

Paul Wiggin was drafted by the Browns in 1956, but did not play until 1957. A backup in ‘57, he was a starting end every season from 1958-1967, usually on the left side. Wiggin was a 2-time Pro Bowler, including his final season. 

 

Jim Houston – The Browns’ 1st pick in 1960, he was a defensive end for his first 3 seasons. Houston was the starting left linebacker from 1963-71, then played his final season (1972) as a backup. He was a 4-time Pro Bowler. 

 

Ross Fichtner was the Browns’ 3rd-round pick in 1960. After 2 seasons as a backup, he was a starting safety from 1962-67. He finished his career in 1968 as a backup with the Saints. 

 

Hall of Famers - 2 

 

Next time: Dallas Cowboys

Chicago Bears

The Bears won the NFL championship in 1963, then went through a rough stretch from 1966 to 1976, bottoming out at 1-13 in 1969. It’s a shame, really – wasting the short careers of #1 draft picks Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus. 

I have all these cards except for Sayers and Butkus. The only ones I’ve had since the 1960s are Joe Fortunato and Bobby Joe Green, and their condition is pretty bad.

Rudy Bukich was the Rams’ #2 pick way back in 1953. He made stops along the way in Washington, Chicago and Pittsburgh before returning to the Bears in 1962. A backup QB for most of his career, he was the Steelers’ regular QB in 1961 and started for the Bears in ’65 and ’66. After 2 seasons backing up Jack Concannon, he retired after the 1968 season. 

 

Larry Rakestraw was drafted by the Bears in 1964, but did not play until 1966 (1 game). He also played in 5 and 7 games over the next 2 seasons, making 2 starts each year. This is a RetroCards card, not an original. 

 

Gale Sayers was one of two 1st-round picks for the Bears in 1965. He was named Rookie of the Year (the 3rd Bears’ ROY in the past 5 seasons). He was their starting halfback every season from 1965-69, but missed 5 games in 1968 with injuries. He had two 1000-yard seasons (’66, ’69), leading the NFL in both seasons. Sayers was named first-team All-Pro in each of his first 5 seasons, also making 4 Pro Bowls. Injuries limited him to 2 games each in ’70 and ’71, forcing him to retire. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. 

 

Ronnie Bull – The Bears’ 1st-round pick in 1962, Bull was named Rookie of the Year (the 2nd consecutive Bear to do so). He was the Bears’ starting halfback for his first 3 seasons, then moved to fullback in 1965 with the arrival of Sayers. Bull was the starting fullback for 4 seasons, then shared the load with others from 1969-70. In his final season (1971) he started 9 games for the Eagles. 

 

Johnny Morris was drafted by the Bears in 1958, and was their starting flanker every season from 1961-67, though missing 12 games in 1966. He led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs in 1964, and was named first-team ALl-Pro that season. 

 

Mike Ditka was the Bears’ #1 pick in 1961, and was named Rookie of the Year. He started every game at tight end during his 6 seasons with the Bears, making 5 Pro Bowls along with 2 first-team All-Pro selections in that time. 

 

After disagreements with owner/coach George Halas, he was traded to the Eagles, where he started just under half the games for 2 seasons. He joined the Cowboys in 1969, but rode the bench for 3 seasons until starting every game in his last year (1972). His final game was Super Bowl VII. Ditka was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. 

 

Mike Pyle – A 7th-round pick in 1961, Pyle was the Bears’ starting center for his entire 9-year career. He made the Pro Bowl in 1963. 

 

Doug Atkins was the Browns’ #1 pick in 1953. After 2 seasons, he joined the Bears in 1955 and was their starting right defensive end every season from 1957-1966. He made the Pro Bowl 8 times in 9 seasons, and was first-team All-Pro in 1963. He was also the Saints’ starting right end from 1967-69, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. 

 

Dick Butkus was one of two 1st-round picks for the Bears in 1965. He was the Bears’ starting middle linebacker for his entire 9-year career, including his injury-shortened final seas n (1973). He made the Pro Bowl every season but his last, and was named first-team All-Pro 5 times. Butkus was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1979. 

 

Joe Fortunato – Drafted by the Bears in 1952, Fortunato played is entire 12-year career as a starting outside linebacker for the Bears (9 on the left side, and 3 on the right). He made the Pro Bowl in 1958 and every year from 1962-65. He was also first-team All-Pro every season from 1963-65. (Seems like a late-bloomer.) 

 

Roger LeClerc was drafted by the Bears in 1959. He did not play that season, but was a backup linebacker in 1960. He was the Bears’ kicker from 1961-66, and their starting middle linebacker during the 1964 season. He finished his career in 1967 as the Broncos’ kicker. 

 

Bobby Joe Green was drafted by the 49ers in 1959. He punted for the Steelers from 1960-61, and the Bears from 1962-73. He led the NFL in punting yards in ’60 and ’66. 

 

 

A lot of old-timers in this group:  Fortunato since 1952, Bukich and Atkins since 1953, Morris since 1958.

 

Hall of Famers – 4 

 

Next: Cleveland Browns

Baltimore Colts

In the 7 seasons between 1964 and 1970, the Colts won their division 5 times. They lost the NFL Championship in ’64, lost the Super Bowl in ’68, and won it all in ’70. Even in the 2 years when they finished in 2nd place, they still had winning records (9-5 in ’66). 

 

Don Shula was the head coach from 1963-69, so he just missed out on their SB victory. 

 

Johnny Unitas was drafted by the Steelers in 1955. Like Len Dawson and Jack Kemp, Unitas was foolishly let go by the Steelers (who had sub-par quarterbacking in the 1960s). Johnny U. played for the Colts from 1956 to 1972, and was the starter every season except for ’68 and ’72, missing many games in those 2 seasons due to injuries. 

 

Unitas was named to the Pro Bowl and/or first-team All-Pro every season from 1957-67. He led the NFL in passing yards 4 times (’57, ’59, ’60, ’63) and in TD passes every season from 1957-60. Unitas finished his career in 1973 with the Chargers, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. 

 

Gary Cuozzo – An undrafted free agent, Cuozzo played for the Colts from 1963-66, the Saints in 1967, the Vikings from 1968-71, and the Cardinals in 1972. He was normally a backup QB, but started most of the games for the Saints in '67 and the Vikings in '70. 

 

Tom Matte – The Colts’ 1st-round pick in 1961, Matte played his entire career (1961-72) for the Colts. Primarily the backup halfback for his first 6 seasons (except for starting 13 games in 1963 during Lenny Moore’s absence), Matte replaced Moore beginning in 1967, and started every game for three seasons. He started 2 games in 1970, but missed the other 12 games due to injury. He returned in 1971 to start all 14 games, then finished his career in 1972 as a backup. 

 

Lenny Moore was the Colts’ 1st-round pick in 1956, and played his entire 12-year career for them. He was the starting halfback every season from 1956-66, although missing 7 games in 1963. A 7-time Pro Bowler and 5-time first-team All-Pro, Moore was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. 

 

Jimmy Orr – Drafted by the Rams in 1957, Orr did not play for LA, but was the Steelers’ starting split end from 1958-60. Moving to the Colts in 1961, he was their starting flanker from 1962-66, and again in 1968. In 1965 he was named first-team All-Pro and snared a Pro Bowl invite. Orr started half the games in 1969, but rode the bench in his final season (1970). 

 

Raymond Berry was drafted by the Colts in 1954, and was their starting split end for 13 seasons (1955-67), although he missed half the games in his final season. He led the NFL in receptions from 1958-60, and was a 6-time Pro Bowler and 3-time first-team All-Pro selection. Berry was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. 

 

John Mackey – The Colts’ 2nd-round pick in 1963, Mackey was one of the premier tight ends during his time in the league. He was the starting TE every season from 1963-70, starting every game except for 3 in 1970. He was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 3-time first-team All-Pro selection. Mackey finished his career as a Colts’ backup in ’71 and a Chargers’ backup in ’72. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992. 

 

*Jim Parker was the Colts’ 1st-round pick in 1957, and started every game from 1957-66, except for one game in 1961. He was the left tackle for his first 6 seasons, then played left guard for 3 seasons before moving to right tackle in 1966. Parker was a first-team All-Pro selection AND a Pro Bowl participant every season from 1958-65. He finished his career as a backup tackle in 1967, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. 

 

Bob Vogel – Drafted in the first round in 1963, Vogel started EVERY game for the Colts at left tackle for his entire career (1963-72). He was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection. 

 

Lou Michaels was the Rams’ 1st-round pick in 1958. He started every game at right defensive end for 2 seasons, then played offensive tackle in 1960. Next, he spent 3 seasons as the Steelers’ kicker and starting left end. 

 

He joined the Colts in 1964, but with Gino Marchetti and Ordell Braase manning the ends, Michaels was limited to his kicking chores. He replaced Marchetti at left end in 1965, and remained the starter until being replaced by Bubba Smith in 1968. Michaels was also the Colts’ kicker through the 1969 season. After missing the 1970 season, he finished his career as the Packers’ kicker in 1971. 

 

Bob Boyd was the Colts’ 10th-round pick in 1960, and their starting left cornerback for his entire career (1960-68). He was a 3-time first-team All-Pro selection, and was named to 2 Pro Bowls.

 

Jerry Logan – The Colts’ 4th pick in the 1963 draft, Logan was a backup during his rookie season, then started every game at strong safety from 1964-72, except for 1 game in 1972. Hew was a 3-time Pro Bowl selection. 

 

Hall of Famers - 5   (I've added a Hall of Fame count to all previous posts.)

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Next: Chicago Bears

Washington Redskins

The Redskins were founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, and moved to Washington in 1937. Over their first 14 seasons, they won their division 6 times, winning the NFL championship twice. 

For the 25 seasons from 1946-70 they never made the post-season, winning as many as 8 games only once (1955). In Vince Lombardi’s lone season as head coach (1969) the team posted a 7-5-2 record, their first winning season since 1955. 

Head coach George Allen arrived in 1971, and the team made the playoffs 5 times in Allen’s 7 seasons, losing Super Bowl VII after the 1972 season. In 1966 they posted a 7-7 record, a one game improvement over 1965’s 6-8 record. 

The Dick Shiner and Sam Huff cards were made by RetroCards and are not part of the original set. Of the remaining 11 cards, I only had Vince Promuto and Jim Steffen’s cards since the 1960s, and they are in fair-to-poor condition. I got all the rest in the past 3 months.

Sonny Jurgensen was the Eagles’ 4th-round pick in 1957, who the Redskins acquired from the Eagles after the 1963 season for Norm Snead. He was their starting QB from 1964-70, with Bill Kilmer taking over at the start of the Allen regime. Sonny was a 5-time Pro Bowler, and led the NFL in passing yards 5 times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. 

 

Dick Shiner was drafted by the Redskins in 1964, and was their backup QB for 3 seasons. After a year as a backup in Cleveland, Shiner was the Steelers’ starting QB from 1968-69. From 1971-74, he was a backup for the Giants, Falcons, and Patriots.

 

Charley Taylor – The Redskins’ 1st-round pick (3rd overall) in 1964, he was their leading receiver from 1966-74. He was the team’s starting halfback for his first 3 seasons, making the Pro Bowl each year. During 1966 he switched to split end, and started there every season through 1977 (although missing 1976 with a knee injury). He made 4 more Pro Bowls in the early-1970s, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. 

 

Bobby Mitchell was drafted by the Browns in 1958, and was a halfback during his 4 years there. In 1962 he switched teams (Redskins) and positions (flanker). He was a 4-time Pro Bowler, and was named first-team All-Pro in 1962, the year he led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards. Like Jurgensen, he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1983. 

 

Pat Richter was the Redskins’ 1st-round pick in 1963. He played for them from 1963-70, mostly as a backup tight end although he was the starter in ’63 and ’68. He was also a punter for his first 5 seasons.

 

Vince Promuto – The Redskins selected Promuto in the 4th round in 1960, and he was a starting guard every season from 1960-69 (although missing 10 games in 1968). He finished his career as a backup in 1970. He was named to the Pro Bowl in ’63 and ’64. 

 

*Joe Rutgens was the Redskins’ 1st-round pick (3rd overall) in 1961. He was a starting defensive tackle from 1961-69, except for 1966. Rutgens was named to the Pro Bowl in ‘63 and ‘65. 

 

Sam Huff was the Giants’ 3rd-round pick in 1956, and their starting middle linebacker from 1956-63 (making 4 Pro Bowls in that time). He was also the Redskins’ starting middle linebacker from 1964-67, picking up another Pro Bowl in 1964. He retired after 1967, but new coach Vince Lombardi talked him into coming back for the 1969 season. Huff was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1982. 

 

*Rickie Harris – An undrafted free agent, Harris played for the Redskins from 1965-70. He was a starting cornerback from 1966-68, and their free safety from 1969-70. He was also a starting safety for the Patriots from 1971-72. 

 

*Lonnie Sanders – A 2nd-round pick in 1963, Sanders was a starting cornerback for his first 2 seasons, and a backup for 3 more. He was the Cardinals’ starting right cornerback in 1968, and played 1 game for them in 1969. 

 

Jim Steffen was drafted by the Lions in 1957, and played for them until joining the Redskins midway through the 1961 season. He was a starting cornerback from 1962-63, and a starting safety from 1964-65. He did not play in 1966. 

 

Johnny Sample – The Colts’ 7th pick in 1958, Sample played for Baltimore for 3 seasons, and was their starting free safety in 1960. After 2 seasons as a Steelers’ cornerback, he played for the Redskins from 1963-65. Although limited to 2 games in ‘63, he was their starting left cornerback from 1964-65. He spent his final 3 seasons as the Jets’ starting left cornerback. His last game was Super Bowl III. 

 

Paul Krause – Drafted in the 2nd round in 1964, Krause was a starting safety for the Redskins for 4 seasons, and was named first-team All-Pro in his first 2 years. He was also the Vikings’ free safety from 1968-79, starting every game until his final 2 seasons. He made 6 more Pro Bowls with Minnesota, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. 

 

Hall of Famers - 5

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Next: Baltimore Colts

 

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers were 6-6-2 in 1966, finishing in 4th place for the 2nd consecutive year. 

 

Between 1958 and 1969, the 49ers never won more than 7 games in a season. They had a good 3-year run from 1970-72, winning 10, 9, and 8 games respectively while making the playoffs each year (something they wouldn’t reach again until 1981). 

 

Like all the dozen or so 1966 football cards I've had since the 1960s, the Bruce Bosley and Walt Rock cards are in sad shape.

 

John Brodie was the 49ers’ 1st pick (3rd overall) in the 1957 draft. He was the starting QB from 1960 to 1971, but missed 11 games in 1963. Brodie led the NFL in TD passes in ’65 and ’70, and made the Pro Bowl in both seasons. 

 

George Mira – The 49ers 2nd pick in 1964, Mira played for San Fran from 1964-68, never starting more than 2 games in a season. Before the 1969 season, he was traded to the Eagles, with the 49ers fleecing Philly out of their 1966 1st-round pick (Randy Beisler). He also played for the Colts (’70) and Dolphins (’71), and played in the CFL and WFL from 1972-77. This is a custom card by RetroCards. 

 

John David Crow – The Cardinals’ 1st-round pick (3rd overall) in 1958, he was their starting halfback from 1958-64, making 3 Pro Bowls while there. Moving to the 49ers in 1965, he was a starter for the remainder of his career (1965-68), playing halfback until switching to tight end in 1968. 

 

Ken Willard was the 49ers’ 1st-round pick in 1965 and was the starting fullback every year from 1965-73. A 4-time Pro Bowler, he finished up with the Cardinals in 1974. 

 

*Gary Lewis – A 6th-round pick in 1964, Lewis was a bench player until 1968, when he started every game for the 49ers. After another season on the bench (1969) he played 1 game for the Saints in 1970. 

 

Bernie Casey was the 49ers’ 1st-round pick in 1961. A reserve as a rookie, he was the starting flanker for 1962-66. He also played for the Rams from 1967-68, and made the Pro Bowl in 1967. After his playing career he became an actor, appearing in some blaxploitation flicks in the early-70s. He appeared in several dozen movies after that, including "Brian’s Song", "Sharky’s Machine", "Never Say Never Again", and "Another 48 Hours". 

 

Dave Parks - The first overall pick by the 49ers in 1964, Parks was their starting split end from 1964-67, making the Pro Bowl in his first 3 seasons. In 1965 he lead the league in receptions and receiving yards, and was named first-team All-Pro. He also played for the Saints from 1968-72, starting at split end before switching to tight end in 1969. Parks finished up with the Oilers in 1973. 

 

Bruce Bosley was drafted by the 49ers in 1956. After starting every game at defensive end as a rookie, he switched to offense and was their starting left guard from 1958-61. He was the team’s starting center from 1962-68, then played for the Falcons in 1969. 

 

Walt Rock – The 49ers’ 2nd-round pick in 1963, Rock played defensive end as a rookie then started every game at right offensive tackle from 1964-67. He was also a starting tackle for the Redskins from 1969-73. 

 

Tommy Davis was drafted by the 49ers in 1957, but did not play until 1959. He was the team’s kicker and punter from 1959-1969, making the Pro Bowl in ’62 and ’63. 

 

Jimmy Johnson was the 49ers’ 1st-round pick (6th overall) in 1961. The team’s starting right cornerback as a rookie, he switched to flanker in 1962. He was a defensive back every season from 1963-76, starting all but 8 games in those 14 years. After playing free safety in 1963, he moved to left cornerback in 1964. A 5-time Pro Bowler and 3-time first-team All-Pro, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. 

 

Kermit Alexander – The 49ers’ 1st-round pick in 1963, Alexander was a starter every season from 1963-69, usually at cornerback but playing free safety in ’64 and ’65. He was also a starter for the Rams from 1970-71, then finished his career as an Eagles' backup from 1972-73. He was also a kick and punt returner every season except 1972. 

 

Hall of Famers - 1

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Next: Washington Redskins

Wow, Somebody Likes the Rams!

Since I started this blog a few months ago, I have posted 8 of the 15 NFL teams. Here are the views as of today: 

Atlanta Falcons - 21 

Detroit Lions - 14 

Los Angeles Rams - 456 

Minnesota Vikings - 11 

New York Giants - 11 

Philadelphia Eagles - 7 

Pittsburgh Steelers - 10 

St. Louis Cardinals - 6 (posted less than 1 week ago) 

 

St. Louis Cardinals

A few weeks ago, I added a "League Champions" chart and a link to the Vintage Blogroll to my football card blog sidebars. This week I have added 2 more items: 

1. A list of cards I still need to complete the set. 

2. Under the RetroCards ad, there is a list of all the sets I have purchased from them. I highly recommend these cards to everyone. They come in sets of 9 to 25 cards (depending on the team and year), and average out to less than $2.00 per card. 

 

-----

 

The Cardinals and the Bears (initially known as the Decatur Staleys) are the 2 oldest teams in the NFL, having been charter members in 1920. (The Packers joined in 1921.) 

 

The Cardinals moved from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960. In 1966 they finished with a record of 8-5-1, good for 4th place (out of 8 teams). 

 

Between 1948 and 2008, the only time they finished in 1st place was in ’74 and ’75. 

 

Charley Johnson was the Cardinals’ 10th-round pick in 1960. He was their starting QB from 1962-66, and again in 1969. (Johnson was in the Army during 1967-68, but received weekend passes to attend the games, backing up Jim Hart.) Johnson was the Oilers’ starting QB in ’70 and ’71, then after backing up rookie Dan Pastorini in 1971, he played for the Broncos from 1972-75, starting most games until his final season. 

Terry Nofsinger was drafted by the Steelers in 1961, and played 9 games (no starts) for them over 4 seasons. He played for the Cardinals from 1965-66, and started 5 games in 1966. He was also a backup for the Falcons in 1967. This card was not part of the original set, but was made by RetroCards. 

*Bill Triplett – The brother of Giants’ fullback Mel Triplett, Bill was drafted by the Gints in 1962, but played his first 4 seasons for the Cardinals. The Cards’ strong safety during his rookie year, he was their starting halfback in ’63 and ’65 (missing the 1964 season). After riding the Cardinals’ bench in 1966, he spent a year with the Giants, then played for the Lions from 1968-72. He was Detroit’s starting halfback in ’68 and ’69. 

*Willis Crenshaw was drafted by the Cardinals in 1963. After a year on the sidelines, he was their fullback from 1964-69, starting most games in ’65 and ’68. He finished up with the Broncos in 1970, starting 12 games at fullback. 

Bobby Joe Conrad was drafted by the Giants in 1958, but played his first 11 seasons (1958-68) with the Cardinals. A cornerback during his rookie year, he moved to flanker the next season and started all but 9 games there from 1959-68. He was also a kicker during his first 3 seasons. Conrad led the NFL with 73 receptions in 1963 and was named first-team All-Pro. He spent his final season (1969) with the Cowboys. 

*Sonny Randle – An undrafted free agent, Randle played for the Cardinals from 1959-66 and was their starting split end from 1960 to 1966, but missed 7 games in 1964. He made the Pro Bowl 4 times and was named first-team All-Pro in 1960. He also played for the 49ers and Cowboys from 1967-68. 

 

Bob DeMarco was drafted by the Cardinals in 1960. After a year on the taxi squad and another year as a backup guard, he was their starting center from 1962-69, making 3 Pro Bowls in that time and was named first-team All-Pro in 1967. He was also the starting center for the Dolphins (1970-71) and Browns (1972-74), and finished up with the Rams in 1975. 

 

Jim Bakken had a 17-year career (1962-78), all with the Cardinals. During that time, he made 4 Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in ’75 and ’76. He was also the Cardinals’ punter in ’65 and ’66. This is the only Cardinals' card I had before 2023. I got it sometime in the late-1960s, and it's in bad shape.

 

*Sam Silas – Drafted by the Patriots in 1963, he instead signed as a free agent with the Cardinals and was their starting left defensive tackle from 1964-67, making the Pro Bowl in 1965. He also played for the Giants in 1968 and the 49ers from 1969-70. 

 

*Dale Meinert was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1955, but did not play until 1958. He was the Cards’ starting left guard from 1958-59, and their starting middle linebacker from 1960-67. He made 3 Pro Bowls as a middle linebacker. 

 

Pat Fischer was drafted by the Cardinals in 1961. After a season on the bench, he was their starting left cornerback from 1962-67, making 2 Pro Bowls and getting a first-team All-Pro nod in 1964. He was also the Redskins’ starting left cornerback for 10 seasons (1968-77)  and made a 3rd Pro Bowl appearance in 1969. He started 3 games in 1977, then retired due to a back injury. 

 

Larry Wilson was the Cardinals’ 7th-round pick in 1960, and was their starting free safety for 13 seasons (1960-72) missing only 9 games in that span. An 8-time Pro Bowler and 5-time first-team All-Pro, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978. He was also the team’s head coach in 1979. 

 

Hall of Famers - 1 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Next: San Francisco 49ers 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

In the Steelers’ first 39 years (1933-71), they only had 7 winning seasons, and won their division only once (1947). 

 

In 1966 they finished with a 5-8-1 record, which although was an improvement over 1965’s 2-12 record, they quickly regressed, posting records of 4-9-1, 2-11-1, and 1-13 over the next 3 years, before finally turning it around in 1970 (Terry Bradshaw’s first season). From 1972 to 1979, they made the playoffs every season, including 4 Super Bowl wins. 

 

Because of the dark green nameplate, it’s hard to read the names on these cards. There are four running backs included, but no linemen or linebackers. 

 

I’ve had the Clarence Peaks card since the late-1960s, and got all the rest in the past 3 months. 

 

Bill Nelsen was the Steelers’ 10th-round pick in 1963. He played for Pittsburgh from 1963-67, but only started more than 5 games once (12 in 1965). He was the Browns’ starting QB from 1968-71, and a backup in 1972. 

 

Dick Hoak went to high school in the Pittsburgh area, then played at Penn State. He was the Steelers’ 7th pick in 1961, and played for them his entire career (1961-70). He was their starting halfback in ’63, ’65, ’66, '68, and ’69. He started no games in 1970, having been replaced by the newly-acquired Preston Pearson. 

 

*Jim “Cannonball” Butler was drafted by the Steelers in the 14th round in 1965. After 3 seasons on the bench, he played for the Falcons from 1968-71, starting almost every game from 1969-71 and making the Pro Bowl in 1969. He also played for the Cardinals in 1972. 

 

*Mike Lind was drafted by the 49ers in 1963, and played 2 seasons with them, followed by 2 seasons with the Steelers. He started 9 games at fullback in both ‘64 and ‘65. 

 

Clarence Peaks was the Eagles’ 1st-round pick in 1957. He was their starting fullback for most of 1957-63, although he missed 7 games in 1960. He finished his career with the Steelers in ’64 and ’65.

 

Roy Jefferson – Picked in the 2nd round in 1965, Jefferson was one of the few bright spots for this team until Joe Greene and Terry Bradshaw showed up at the end of the decade. A backup in his rookie season, he was the Steelers’ starting flanker from 1966 to 1969, making the Pro Bowl in his last 2 years and leading the NFL with 1074 receiving yards in 1968. 

 

After a 1-year stay in Baltimore (including winning Super Bowl V), he was a starter for the Redskins from 1971-76. 

 

Gary Ballman – The Steelers’ 8th pick in 1962, Ballman was a starting wideout from 1964 to 1966. Just before the 1967 season he was traded to the Eagles. He was their starting split end for 2 seasons, then moved to tight end in 1969 upon the acquisition of Harold Jackson. After 6 seasons in Philly, he played his final season (1972) with the Giants and Vikings.  

 

Mike Clark – After kicking for the Eagles in 1963, Clark spent the next 4 seasons with the Steelers, including a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1966. He also kicked for the Cowboys from 1968 to 1971, and a few games in 1973. 

 

*Clendon Thomas was the Rams’ 2nd-round pick in 1958. After 3 seasons as a backup defensive back, he was their starting free safety in 1961. He also had 17 receptions as a flanker in 1960. Clendon was a starting safety for the Steelers from 1963 to 1968, and made the Pro Bowl in 1963. From 1964-65, he also collected 42 receptions while playing split end.

 

*Jim Bradshaw – Drafted by the Steelers in 1963, Bradshaw was a starting safety from 1964-67. 

 

*Frank Lambert was the Steelers’ punter in 1965 and 1966. He punted 78 times each season, leading the NFL in 1965. 

 

Hall of Famers - 0

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023

 

Next: St. Louis Cardinals

Philadelphia Eagles

So that I don't have to duplicate my past efforts, here is a link to my 1966 Philadelphia Eagles cards that I posted on my Eagles blog in 2019. 

 

Hall of Famers - 2

 

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers

New York Giants

After finishing in 1st place 5 times between 1958 and 1963 (and losing the championship game each time), the Giants fell on hard times. They didn’t return to the post-season until 1981, and didn’t appear in a Super Bowl until 1986 (which they won – their first championship since 1956). 

 

I got all these cards in the past 2 months.  I’ve often wondered why the Giants have so many players wearing their helmets in the 1966 and 1967 card sets, while almost no other team’s players did so. 

 

Morrall and Scholtz – The 2nd of 2 multi-player cards in the 1966 set. 

 

Earl Morrall – The 49ers’ 1st-round pick (2nd overall) in 1956, Morrall quarterbacked the Steelers in 1957, the Lions (1958-64), and the Giants (1965-67). He started every game in ’65, but missed half the games in ’66. In 1967 the Giants traded for Fran Tarkenton, so Earl rode the bench. 

 

He played for the Colts from 1968-71, starting every game in 1968 due to injuries to Johnny Unitas. From there he finished up with the Dolphins from 1972-76. Usually riding the bench, he started 9 games in both ’71 and ’72 ahead of the injured Bob Griese. Morrall was named first-team All-Pro in ’68 and ’72. 

 

Bob Scholtz was drafted by the Lions in 1960 and was their starting center for his first 2 seasons. From 1962-63, he started about half the games at tackle, then was the backup center in 1964. He spent his last 2 seasons with the Giants – as the starting center in ’65 and a backup in ’66. He retired after being selected by the Saints in the 1967 expansion draft. 

 

Tucker Frederickson was the first-overall pick in the 1965 draft. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie after starting 10 games at fullback. After missing the 1966 season with a knee injury, he started about half the games over the next 2 seasons, before missing all but 5 games in 1969. He played every game in 1970 and 10 games in 1971. 

 

*Steve Thurlow – The Giants’ 2nd-round pick in 1964, Thurlow played 2 seasons with the Giants (starting 11 games in 1965), then played for the Redskins from 1966-68. 

 

Joe Morrison was picked by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 1959 draft, and played for 14 seasons – all with the Giants. Playing both running back and flanker during his career, most of his starts came in 1960 and 1964-68. Despite never leading the league in any category, and accumulating no Pro Bowl or All-Pro nominations, Morrison is one of 14 Giants whose number is retired. 

 

Greg Larson – The Giants’ 6th-round pick in 1961, Larson was a starting guard or tackle for his first 2 seasons, then was the starting center every year from 1963-73, except for 1965. He made the Pro Bowl in 1968, and only missed 3 games in his 13-year career. 

 

*Rosey Brown was drafted by the Giants in 1953, and was their starting left tackle every year from 1953-65, missing only 4 games during his career. He made the Pro Bowl 9 times and was first-team All-Pro 6 times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. 

 

No linemen, but a full defensive backfield! 

 

*Jerry Hillebrand – The Giants’ 1st-round pick in 1962, he played for the Giants from 1963-66. After a season with the Cardinals, he played for the Steelers from 1968-70. 

 

Spider Lockhart – Drafted by the Giants in 1965, Lockhart was a starting defensive back all during his 11-year career. Initially the left cornerback, he switched to free safety in 1967. 

 

Clarence Childs was drafted by the Boston Patriots in 1961, but began play with the Giants in 1964. He was a starting cornerback for New York in 1966 and 1967, and finished his career with the Bears in 1968. 

 

*Dick Lynch was picked by the Redskins in 1958. After a rookie season with Washington, he played for the Giants from 1959 to 1966, and was their starting right cornerback from 1959 to 1965, replaced by Childs in 1966. 

 

Henry Carr – The Giants’ 4th-round pick in 1965, Carr had been a track star at Arizona State, and won 2 gold medals at the 1964 Olympics. He was drafted so that the team would have someone who could cover the Cowboys’ Bob Hayes. Carr was a starting safety for his first 2 years, then moved to cornerback in his final season, where a knee injury caused him to miss 5 games, and eventually ended his career. 

 

Hall of Famers - 1

 

*Unknown to me before November 2023 

 

Next: Philadelphia Eagles

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings joined the NFL in 1961, and except for finishing in 2nd place in 1964, they finished no higher than 4th place in 6 of their first 7 seasons. However, they followed that with first-place finishes in 10 of the next 11 seasons, including 4 Super Bowl losses. 

 

In 1966 they finished in 6th place with a 4-9-1 record, causing the Vikings to replace their inaugural head coach (Norm Van Brocklin) with Bud Grant in 1967. 

 

The cards for Ron Vander Kelen and Lance Rentzel are not in the original 1966 set. These are among the many cards I purchased from RetroCards.net. 

 

The only one of these cards I had before 2023 is Bobby Walden’s. I’ve had that since the 1960s, and it’s in pretty bad shape. 

 

Fran Tarkenton was the Vikings' 3rd-round pick in 1961, and was their starting QB every season from 1961-66, including making 2 Pro Bowl appearances. After a 5-year stay with the Giants (including 4 more Pro Bowls), he returned to Minnesota for another 7 seasons, making the Pro Bowl 3 more times, as well as being named first-team All-Pro in 1975. 

 

He only missed 8 games in his 18-year career, including 5 in 1977. Tarkenton led the NFL in passing yards in his final season, with 3468. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

 

Ron Vander Kelen – Drafted by the Jets in 1963, but not by any NFL team, Vander Kelen was a backup QB for the Vikings from 1963-67. Only once did he start more than 1 game per season, with 3 starts in 1967 (the year Tarkenton departed). 

 

Tommy Mason was the Vikings' #1 pick (first overall) in the 1961 draft. After making only 4 starts in his rookie season, he started almost every game from 1962-64 and was named to the Pro Bowl in each season. After starting half the games in each of ’65 and ’66, he was traded to the Rams, where he was mostly a backup from 1967-70. He finished up with the Redskins in 1971. 

 

Bill Brown was drafted by the Bears in the 2nd round in 1961. After a season on their bench, he was traded to the Vikings, and after spending 1962 on their bench, he was their starting fullback from 1963-69, missing only 2 games in that span while making 4 Pro Bowls. From 1970-74 he played in every game for the Vikings, but only a handful as the starter. 

 

Lance Rentzel was the Vikings’ 2nd-round pick in 1965. After only starting 1 game in each of his first 2 seasons, he was traded to the Cowboys and started every game at flanker for the next 3 seasons. After missing the 1970 season, he started every game for the Rams in 1971. 

 

Paul Flatley was selected in the 4th round by the Vikings in 1963, and was their starting split end for almost every game from 1963-67, making the Pro Bowl in 1966. He also played for the Falcons from 1968-70. 

 

*Gordon Smith – An undrafted free agent, Smith started 29 games at tight end for the Vikings from 1961-65. 

 

Mick Tingelhoff was an undrafted free agent, but started EVERY GAME at center for the Vikings for 17 seasons from 1962-78. From 1964-69, he was named to the Pro Bowl every year and first-team All-Pro 5 times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. (It seems like he was the NFL’s version of Jim Otto.) 

 

Grady Alderman – The Lions’ 10th-round pick in 1960, Alderman was a backup guard in his rookie season. Acquired in the expansion draft, he was the Vikings’ starting left tackle from 1961-73, starting all but 8 games in that 13-year span. He was named to 6 Pro Bowls between 1963 and 1969, and finished his career as a backup in 1974. 

 

Fred Cox – The Browns’ 8th-round pick in 1961, Cox didn’t play until 1963. He played in every game for the Vikings from 1963-77, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1970. 

 

*Rip Hawkins – The Vikings’ 2nd-round pick in 1961, Hawkins played every game at middle linebacker from 1961 to 1965, starting all of them save for 1 game in his rookie season. He also made the Pro Bowl in 1963. 

 

Ed Sharockman was taken in the 5th round in 1961 by the Vikings. After only playing 1 game in his rookie season, he was the team’s starting right cornerback for the next 10 seasons. In 1972 he played in 7 games (1 start) but was released at the end of October. Claimed by the Eagles on the same day, he retired the following day. 

 

Bobby Walden was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1961, but did not play until joining the Vikings in 1964. After 4 seasons with Minnesota, he joined the Steelers and was their punter through the 1977 season. He made the Pro Bowl in 1969, and collected 2 Super Bowl rings with the Steelers. 

 

Hall of Famers - 2 

*Unknown to me before November 2023. 

 

Next: New York Giants