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