1962 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
Strong, tough and durable Al Bemiller took over as the Bills' starting center and played all 14 games in his rookie season. He's an outstanding blocker who truly distinguished himself on pass protection, thus quickly earning the respect of Buffalo football fans.
In his college days at Syracuse, Al was All-East and was voted 'the college center with the best potential.'

"One of the three outstanding offensive line rookies playing shoulder to shoulder in 1961 for the Bills. The Bills expect Bemiller to become one of football's top centers. He's an exceptionally fine all-around blocker who excels in pass protection.

Bemiller was tutored as an All-East collegian by all-time pro great Jim Ringo. He figures to play in 1962 at 240 pounds, up fifteen from a year ago. Drafted seventh in 1960 as the 'college center with the best pro potential,' he beat out Dan McGrew, the 1960 AFL second-team all-star, early in spring camp to win the job."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program  (War Memorial Stadium)

BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"A former All-American tackle at Georgia Tech, Shaw was switched to guard as a rookie last year and proved to be one of the outstanding linemen in the AFL. A native of Atlanta, he was the No. 2 draft pick of the Bills and was a regular almost from the day he reported to training camp.
Extremely fast, tough and mobile, Billy improved steadily during the season and became one of the league's finest stationary pass protection and 'play lead' blockers."

-1962 Fleer No. 16


CHUCK MUELHAUPT
Guard
No. 70
Iowa State
Chuck played all 14 games last year and fortified Buffalo's offensive line for a second season.
In Game 10 of the season against the Texans at the Cotton Bowl, he achieved rare recognition for a guard. With Buffalo holding a 23-20 lead in the fourth quarter, Chuck was playing on special teams when he recovered a Dallas fumble in the end zone for an insurance touchdown in what would be a 30-20 Buffalo win.


STEW BARBER

Offensive Tackle

No. 77

Penn State

"At 22 years old, he was the baby of the 1961 Bills, the only rookie to crack the starting defensive unit. He was tried as an offensive guard before taking at right outside linebacker. He's one of the hardest and most authoritative tacklers in pro football. He overcame, by hard work and perseverance, an early-season tendency to commit too quickly, due to a lack of experience.

Experts predict a bright future for Barber. All-East at Penn State, he was drafted No. 4 by the Bills, No. 2 by the Cowboys."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

HAROLD OLSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
For a second year, the 250-pound youngster out of Clemson fortified an improving Buffalo offensive line. Coach Saban has no worries about Chuck's reliability at his tackle position.
As a collegian, Harold clearly demonstrated his ability to block for Tiger passers.


KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Auburn
"As a newcomer, Ken Rice of the Buffalo Bills took his place among the fine tackles in pro football. And he'll get better."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"Football sages predict that Kenny will develop into the best offensive lineman in the league. Fast and agile despite his bulk, this former All-American from Auburn proved a rookie find last year. Kenny was named to the second AFL team on offense.
He proved his versatility by running back a couple of kickoffs for the Bills last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 17

1962 Profile: Glenn Bass

Split End
No. 88
East Carolina
"Remember the name of Glenn Bass, the Wilson County (North Carolina) whippet who may blossom into the top pass-receiving split end of the year. He nailed 50 aerials in 1961, playing only 11 games, and gained 465 yards. He spurned a baseball bonus to sign with the Chargers who released him at the start of '61.
He has the hands and speed to be a star, but needs the work and experience to develop into one."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The leading 1961 pass receiver with 50 receptions, although playing in only 11 games. Bass was selected as the most valuable player on offense by his teammates. The second fastest player on the team, he was signed following his release by San Diego during the training camp period. Bass is now considered one of pro football's brightest split-end prospects.

An All-North State Conference selection at East Carolina College. He was a high draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

A top flight baseball prospect at shortstop, Bass rejected a large major league bonus offer to play pro football."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

1962 Bills Tight End Profiles

ERNIE WARLICK
Tight End
No. 84
North Carolina Central
"Ernie is in his third season with the team. He was chosen on the Negro All-American team for three seasons."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 25

"This is Ernie's fourth year with Calgary. He was named on the Negro All-American team for three years."

-1960 Topps CFL No. 30


TOM RYCHLEC
Tight End
No. 81
American International
"Improvement in blocking assignments will make Tom Rychlec a more valuable Bill in 1962. The Meriden (Connecticut) tight end has the best hands on the club and is second to none as a short-pass receiver. He caught 33 passes for 405 yards and scored twice in 1961. He's the man on the spot on that vital third down pass play, and usually comes up with the vital catch."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Tom caught 33 passes for 405 yards as a tight end last year. One was a 61-yarder for one of his four touchdowns. The ex-Lion caught 45 passes for 590 yards to lead the Bills in 1960.
He's a strong, solid operator who specializes in decoys and fakes. The Bills use him mostly for the short pass at which he is adept.
He is another outstanding example of big good men coming from little colleges. The Lions drafted Tom after his graduation from American International College."

-1962 Fleer No. 15

MONTE CROCKETT  

Tight End

No. 80

New Mexico Highlands

"He was signed to a Buffalo contract after a 1960 tryout camp, the only candidate of 38 to make the grade. Crockett had only one year of college experience at New Mexico Highlands University before becoming a pro. His inexperience showed in 1960 although improvement was noticeable as the season progressed. He filled out to a solid 220 pounds while retaining speed fourth only to Dubenion, Bass and Brown on the Bills.

He's a good, tough blocker who can be used as both a tight end and a split end. He caught 20 passes for 325 yards in 1961."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium) 

1962 Bills Quarterback Profiles

JACK KEMP
Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"Jack is an outstanding example of the excellent players who develop in the nation's smaller colleges. At Occidental, he was Honorably Mentioned for the Little All-America for three years, 1954 through 1956, and was second in passing in the NAIA (small colleges) in 1956. In his senior year, he averaged more than 150 yards passing per game.
He played for the San Francisco 49ers last year."

-1960 Fleer No. 124

"Potentially one of the finest quarterbacks in the AFL, this heady signal caller began to come into his own last season.
Gaining pro experience after leaving Occidental, Kemp went from the Steelers to the Giants. He played in Calgary in 1959 and then was picked up by the 49ers in mid-season.
Since joining the Chargers, he has been an exceptional performer, leading his team to the Western Division title."

-1961 Fleer No. 155

"Kemp's accurate arm led the Chargers to the Western Division title. Chosen all-league quarterback, Jack led the AFL in passing with 3,018 yards, 51.8 % completions and 20 touchdowns."

-1961 Topps No. 166

"Unwanted by the Steelers, Giants and 49ers, Jack Kemp found a satisfactory haven with the Chargers in 1960 and showed his appreciation by gaining the AFL's passing championship. He was No. 3 in 1961, gaining 2,686 yards, second to George Blanda, the record-maker.
Now 27, Jack throws harder than any pro quarterback and he must have sure-fingered receivers for maximum success."'

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"After brief stays with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, Jack hit it big with the Chargers.
One of the hardest throwing quarterbacks in pro football, Kemp completed 165 passes in 364 attempts for 2,686 yards, ranking third among AFL passers. In addition, he connected on a 91-yard pass play against Denver, the longest gain of the season by any AFL club.
He was the All-AFL quarterback in 1960 but ranked second in the balloting to George Blanda of Houston last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 79


JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Tennessee-Chattanooga
"Green shared the quarterbacking assignment last year, completing 56 of 126 passes, good for 903 yards. Although his touchdown aerials dipped from 10 in 1960 to only six last year, he was the toughest quarterback in the league to intercept. Only four of his passes were stolen, an excellent .039 percentage.
The veteran from Riviera Beach, California came from the Steelers in 1960. He broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts."

-1962 Fleer No. 13


AL DOROW
Quarterback
No. 12
Michigan State
"Al was a star in football, basketball and track at Michigan State. He's a good passer and fast runner."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 15

"The top tosser of TD passes in '60 was Al Dorow, who clicked for a high of 26; Al also was No. 2 in the overall passing tables, surpassed only by the Chargers' Jackie Kemp. Considered the AFL's top option signal-caller, he also carried 124 times, more than any Titan back, rushed for seven touchdowns and hung up the No. 1 punting average of 44.0 on six kicks.
Out of Alameda, California, 30-year-old Al spent four years with the Redskins and two with the Eagles."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

PRO'S PRO
"Most quarterbacks prefer not to risk their necks by carrying the ball, but Al Dorow of the Titans revels in being chased. Maybe it's because he's just as dangerous running as he is passing. The bald New York field general was the second best passer in the AFL and led the loop in touchdown heaves, with 26. Until now he's always played behind top operators- Eddie LeBaron and Norm Van Brocklin. He's in his own class now."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"This durable signal caller has made his mark in college, NFL, Canadian and AFL football. After starring at Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, Dorow went into the service and led the powerful Bolling Air Force Base team. Then it was four seasons with the Washington Redskins, two with the Philadelphia Eagles and a year with the Toronto Argonauts.
He was the Titans' No. 1 choice for their quarterback job, and they were glad to get him."

-1961 Fleer No. 210

"No pro takes more of a beating than this quarterback, who loves to run with the ball as well as throw it. Al led the league in 1960 with 26 touchdown passes."

-1961 Topps No. 149

"Master of the rollout and the AFL's finest rushing quarterback is Al Dorow, the 31-year-old sharpshooter who knows his way around the course. He was the most active of running T-men in 1961, galloping 54 times for 317 yards, a per carry average of 5.9, more than a yard better than any of the top ten rushers. He was also the most overworked passer in the AFL, tossing 438 forwards and getting the most completions (197), totaling 2,651 yards.
Out of Alameda, California, he was exposed to six NFL (Redskins, Eagles) seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Dorow's ability to run, coupled with his great passing arm, has made him one of the most dangerous threats in pro football. His masterly executed roll-outs have caused no end of aggravation for opposing defense men. His field generalship ranks him as the league's top signal caller.
He finished fourth among AFL passers last year, completing 197 of 438 passes for 2,651 yards."

-1962 Fleer No. 57


WARREN RABB
Quarterback
No. 17
LSU
"Because he can think and throw so well, Warren Rabb enters the 1962 campaign as Buffalo's No. 1 quarterback. Appearing in only six games as a 1961 rookie, he saw less work than either M.C. Reynolds or Johnny Green but his training camp form has been excellent and he's the best bet for the future.
Considered a powerful runner who can avoid opposition red-dogging, he's a brilliant threat as a pass option performer and fits in with the club's rollout patterns."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Warren is completely recovered from injuries suffered in a game with Dallas last November 12 that cost the Bills his services for the remainder of the season. He sustained the shoulder separation and a torn rib cage when he was belted out of bounds during a 2-point after touchdown try.
Up to his injury, Warren completed 34 of 74 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns, a completion average of 46%. More important, he had but two passes intercepted.
Warren joined the Bills from the Lions, with whom he had signed in 1960."

-1962 Fleer No. 22

1962 Bills Halfback Profiles

WRAY CARLTON

Halfback

No. 30

Duke

"A dual purpose offensive star with speed and power. Carlton can be and has been used interchangeably as a running back and as a fullback. He was the second leading ball carrier in 1961 (3.1) and third leading scorer. He was second-team All-AFL in 1960 when he led the Bills in rushing and scoring and ranked third in pass receptions with 29. He figured in one of the AFL's first trades- the Bills swapped tackle Al Crowe to Boston for Carlton in July 1960.

A former Duke University star, Blue Devils' coach Bill Murray calls Carlton one of the best all-around players he ever coached."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

FRED BROWN
Halfback
No. 46
Georgia
"Only a torn knee ligament prevented Fred Brown, the Atlanta antelope, from pacing all Bill runners in 1961. A slashing smasher who moves off and inside tackle with the power of a fullback, he wheeled for 192 yards on 53 carries and also turned in the longest kickoff return (93 yards) of the year.
He's considered the best running back from the University of Georgia since Charlie Trippi."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

RICHIE LUCAS
Halfback-Safety
No. 11
Penn State
"Lucas played three positions last season after a disappointing rookie year in which he was handicapped by injuries. He was used as a quarterback, flanker and defensive halfback. Overall, Lucas completed 20 of 50 passes for a 40% completion average, 262 yards and two touchdowns.
He was outstanding in the Bills' 41-13 victory over New York on September 17, throwing a pair of touchdown passes and calling an excellent selection of plays as the Bills ran up their highest point total in two years. In his defensive effort, he intercepted two passes against Houston."

-1962 Fleer No. 19

1962 Bills Linebacker Profiles

ARCHIE MATSOS
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Speed and agility have brought Archie Matsos two seasons of All-Pro laurels as a middle linebacker. The Detroit-born diagnostician has led the club in individual tackles and his tremendous lateral movement has helped the play of his corner cohorts.
Archie is a busy Buffalo figure at sports dinners and the most popular off-season speaker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"This Detroit dandy gained all-league recognition for the second year in a row. His marvelous maneuverability and fine speed enabled him to intercept eight passes in both 1960 and 1961.
A member of Michigan State's Rose Bowl team of 1956, the powerful midwesterner, who was equally at home at center, guard and tackle, was switched to middle linebacker by the Bills because of his ability to diagnose plays."

-1962 Fleer No. 20


MARV MATUSZAK
Linebacker
No. 55
Tulsa
Marv is always bad news for the opposition, whether crashing through the line for a passer or being in the right place to tackle a ball-carrier. He can spot where a play is going and is tough to decoy.
Selected to the Pro Bowl as a Steeler rookie in 1953 and again in 1957 as a 49er, Marv was named All-Pro in '57.


STEW BARBER
Linebacker
No. 64
Penn State
Although drafted as an offensive tackle, Stew more than ably stepped in as a starting linebacker. He made three interceptions during the year, the most notable coming in Game 11 of the season at Denver. With Buffalo holding on to a 16-10 fourth-quarter lead, Stew returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown to help the Bills hold off the Broncos for a 23-10.


RALPH FELTON
Linebacker
No. 57
Maryland
Coming to Buffalo from Washington last year, Ralph played in all 14 games, made two interceptions and was named second-team All-AFL by UPI. Primarily a fullback during his college days at Maryland, Ralph has recovered from the knee injuries that threatened his career a few years ago.

1962 Bills Defensive Line Profiles

CHUCK MCMURTRY
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
"The strongest of all in the AFL is presumed to be Chuck McMurtry, the All-Pro defensive tackle who dropped below 300 pounds and stepped up the quality of his play. Impossible to budge head-on, he's constantly scrapping with two blockers and rarely comes out a loser. He can pursue to the side with surprising speed.
Born in Chaneller, Oklahoma, he was a Little All-American at Whittier College."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama
1960
At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Sid is hard to move out of position. He has great mobility despite his size, along with an outstanding ability to bring down ball-carriers and harass passers.
Captain of the Crimson Tide his senior year, Sid starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl. He's a native of Brooklyn and a pro wrestler in the off-season.

"Sid Youngelman was acquired from the Browns to help the youngsters learn their defensive lessons, but the 29-year-old Brooklynite felt frisky enough to get voted an All-Star tackle. He was a sterling figure with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns before coming to the Titans.
Strong, durable and combative, he is combat-sharpened and wise to the ways of an oncoming offense."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Sid Youngelman is an old hand at the business- he's been a pro since 1955. Youngelman's measurements are 6-5 and 267 and have led him into occasional forays in wrestling, though some guys say he's grappling every time he puts on shoulder pads.
He's a Brooklyn boy who went to Alabama and played in two bowl games and captained the Crimson Tide his senior year. Drafted by the Forty-Niners, he made the merry rounds of the league. One year on the coast as a rookie regular on the defensive unit was followed by three with the Eagles. The Browns acquired him in 1959 and he played on their Front Four, but also played out his option and was quickly grabbed by the AFL. He's the strong force in the Titan forward wall, a strong pass rusher and plenty nimble at 29."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"One of the old pros of the new league. Sid played in three bowl games while starring at 'Bama, then performed for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Sid works as a school teacher in Brooklyn and appears as a professional wrestler in the Long Island area during the off-season."

-1961 Fleer No. 220

"No one can teach this 'Old Pro' any new tricks of defensive line play. Big Sid, who once tried pro wrestling, plays with the spirit of a rookie."

-1961 Topps No. 152

"Still scrambling with the enthusiasm of a rookie is ponderous Sid Youngelman, 30, who found a new career with the Titans. Considered a relief man after service with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns, his experience went a long way toward making him one of the AFL's most destructive defenders at tackle and end. The Brooklyn-born battler makes the middle of the New York wall a formidable barrier."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


TOM SAIDOCK
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Michigan State
"Because of his height [6'5"] and weight [265], Tom lines up in everyone's book as an outstanding tackle. He should prove to be a terrific asset to the Titans. Tom will be a hard man to fool because of the experience he gained playing pro ball for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Before turning pro, he attended Michigan State University and was named to the All-Big Ten team."

-1960 Fleer No. 64

"Military service interrupted Saidock's collegiate career at Michigan State. He left after the 1951 and 1952 seasons but came back to star in the 1955 campaign.
He played for two years for the NFL Philadelphia Eagles, then cast his lot with the new league where his height and speed soon made his presence felt."

-1961 Fleer No. 219

"In his own quiet way Big Tom did yeoman work in a defense that was not too strong. Saidock is a fine competitor who never slackens his drive."

-1961 Topps No. 155

"Rangy, rugged Tom plays football with exceptional savor and savvy.
This towering tackle had an interesting career with the Spartans. He played on their 1951 and 1952 teams, then put in three years in service before finishing his varsity term. Following his graduation from Michigan State in 1957, Saidock spent two years with the Eagles.
Off-season, he is a salesman. He is married and the father of a seven-year-old son."

-1962 Fleer No. 66


LAVERNE TORCZON
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"The Browns are still unhappy about losing LaVerne Torczon to the service. Drafted by Cleveland in 1956, he first got in his military duty and then decided to become a Bill in 1960.
One of the finest crashing ends, his destructive style has gained him two-time All-Pro recognition. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, LaVerne still has a sufficient number of seasons remaining to continue his harassment of passers."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"LaVerne Torczon is captain and defensive end of the Buffalo Bills, a leader who inspires by example, one of the league's most dependable performers the last two years."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"This All-Leaguer from Nebraska is one of the greatest defensemen in football. He is tremendously versatile, playing equally as well at guard or defensive end.
The Bills' captain was a unanimous selection at end in 1960 and as a linebacker in 1961. He made the All-Big Seven two years and was selected as Nebraska's most valuable player in his senior year. He lost his NFL shot with the Browns when he was called into service in 1957 and was signed by Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Big Four in 1959."

-1962 Fleer No. 21


MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 82
Miami-Ohio
Having played every game for Buffalo in the AFL's first two seasons, Mack is a powerful if underrated part of the feared defensive line of the Bills. As a rookie, he returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown at Denver and kicked a 48-yard field goal at Houston.
Mack won All-Mid-Atlantic honors as a lineman on both offense and defense.

1962 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"The flash with the 'golden wheels' is Elbert Dubenion, the Griffin (Georgia) galloper whom many claim is the fastest of all halfback-receivers. He averaged 40 yards with his eight TDs in 1961, and might have tallied more if he had run 'more intelligently.' He must gain experience in cutting and committing himself.
Elbert averaged 10 yards per rush, gained 461 yards as a receiver and 329 as a kickoff returner."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Elbert Dubenion was a bright spot in Buffalo's offense last year. The flanker back the Bills have tabbed as 'the fastest in pro football' scored six touchdowns on pass receptions, grabbing 31 aerials for 461 yards. Nearly all of his touchdowns came on long runs, his longest being a 72-yarder on a pass play.
When the Bluffton Express was busy as a ball carrier he was hard to stop. In 17 rushes he picked up 173 yards for a 10.2 average, the best in the league."

-1962 Fleer No. 14

1962 Profiles: Willie West and Joe Cannavino

WILLIE WEST
Cornerback
No. 47
Oregon
Always dangerous on pass defense, Willie brings his elusive maneuvers to the Buffalo secondary this year.
Last year he returned 11 punts 98 yards, an 8.9 average, and returned 16 kicks for 340 yards, a 21.3 average. On opening day last year against the Giants at Yankee Stadium, Willie recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter for the first score of the game.


JOE CANNAVINO
Cornerback
No. 27
Ohio State

"Another strong defender is Cleveland's Joe Cannavino, who was a Colt draft choice in 1957. Joe, 25, returned four interceptions 45 yards and was particularly effective at halting runners anxious to break into the open."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Back to Buffalo comes Joe Cannavino, originally drafted in 1960 by the Bills who shipped him on to Oakland. The Cleveland-born defender will scrap for a defensive halfback job, aiming at proving his value as a cornerman. He was the Raiders' most valuable at stealing passes (5) in 1961. Joe has the speed and quick-hitting stride to fit in with the offensive unit as a halfback or flanker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The Bills gave up corner back Vern Valdez in a trade with the Raiders for the former Ohio State star. Originally signed by the Bills in 1960, he was sent to Oakland under the AFL's player selection agreement with the newly admitted Oakland franchise.

He's a tough, hard hitting defender who could play offense in a pinch. His two interceptions helped OSU win a 10-7 1958 Rose Bowl thriller over Oregon State."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

1962 Profiles: Cookie Gilchrist and Art Baker

COOKIE GILCHRIST
Fullback
No. 34
"Gilchrist is from Tarentum, Pennsylvania. He played with Sarnia and Kitchener in the O.R.F.U. and then with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for two years. He went to Regina for one season before coming to the Argos in 1959.
A great scorer, he can play fullback or tackle. Gilchrist is a fine athlete."

-1962 Topps CFL No. 134


ART BAKER
Fullback
No. 33
Syracuse
"Those who are paid tackle him claim Art Baker runs harder than any other AFL fullback. Added determination can make him a standout and improve on his 1961 per carry average of 3.3. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was a powerful line smasher at Syracuse and was also immovable on defense, being drafted No. 1 by the Eagles, who desired him for their defensive platoon.
Art went on the wrestling circuit after the '61 season."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The former Syracuse fullback, in his rookie season in the AFL, drove for 498 yards in 152 rushes to rank seventh among the leading ground gainers. In addition to his hard running ability, Baker contributed to the Bills' offense by his machine-like blocking, paving the way for big runs by fellow backs.
He averaged five yards per carry in three collegiate seasons with the Orange."

-1962 Fleer No. 12

"The Bills' leading 1961 ground gainer (3.3 average). Over the last four games, however, he averaged seven yards per carry. Baker is one of football's most powerful runners.

He made three All-America teams during three starring years with Syracuse University. He carried a five-yard average in college and was rated one of the Orange's best defensive players. Drafted No. 3 by the Bills, he was drafted No. 1 by the Philadelphia Eagles for his defensive prowess. He starred for the East in the first Coaches' All-America Bowl game in Buffalo in June of 1961.

A National Intercollegiate wrestling champion (191 pounds) in college, Baker began his off-season career as pro wrestler after the 1961 AFL season."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

1962 Bills Safety Profiles

CARL CHARON 

Safety

No. 43

Michigan State

"Another promising rookie from Michigan State. He's considered an outstanding defensive halfback prospect despite the fact Charon concentrated on defense only during his senior college season. He was an outstanding running back during his sophomore and junior years. A three-sport star at Michigan State, Charon is fast and extremely strong. His lack of height does not seem to be a deterrent."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

RAY ABRUZZESE 

Safety

No. 46

Alabama

"Tough and talented defensive halfback for 1961 national champion University of Alabama. He intercepted four passes for the Crimson Tide in '61 and made 56 individual tackles. 

Shifted to offense by Bills' coach Lou Saban, he has the speed and power to do a big job despite the competition and a lack of experience. Used as a wild card substitute, he's also considered an excellent punt return man."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

BILLY ATKINS
Safety-Kicker
No. 20
Auburn
"The man who gets the biggest 'boot' out of the game is Billy Atkins, the Millport (Alabama) mechanic who established AFL records in 1961 with 84 punts and a 45 per punt average. He led pass interceptors (10) last year and dashed for 87 yards on two running attempts from a fake kick formation.
Billy was an All-Pro selection as a safetyman."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Billy Atkins of the Buffalo Bills led the AFL in two departments in 1961- interceptions, with 11, and punting, with a 45-yard average. The former Forty-Niner and Auburn star had his greatest season in pro ball."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"An All-Southeastern Conference halfback in college, this Birmingham, Alabama speedster switched to defense in the pros and he was rewarded last year by making the second All-Pro team in the AFL. A brilliant kicker, Bill led all the Bills' punters in 1961 with a 45.0 yard average for 84 kicks.
A star in the East-West and College All-Star contests after graduating in 1957, Atkins joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1958. Two years later he joined the Bills."

-1962 Fleer No. 18

WAYNE CROW
Safety-Punter
No. 22
California
Wayne was used by Oakland mostly as a defensive back as a rookie in 1960 and on offense as a halfback last year, serving as the Raiders' punter both seasons. His 72-yard punt in 1960 was the AFL's longest that season, and in 1961 he averaged 41.5 yards on 63 punts, his longest 77 yards. Wayne's 490 yards rushing in '61 placed him eighth in the AFL.
In his college career at California, Wayne was both a quarterback and a halfback.

1962 Buffalo Bills Coaching Staff

LOU SABAN

Head Coach
"Lou played his collegiate football at the University of Indiana. While there he was rated an All-Big 10 fullback, All-Big 10 quarterback and Most Valuable Player and was captain of the team in 1943.
Professionally, Lou played with the Cleveland Browns for four years, was captain of the team for four years and was All-Pro for two years. Cleveland won league championships all four years.
Saban brings to the Patriots many years of coaching experience, the most recent of which was the heading coaching assignment at Western Illinois University. Last year he was named 'Coach of the Year' in his conference. He also was assistant to Otto Graham in last year's College All-Star Game, the collegians against the Baltimore Colts."

-1960 Fleer No. 55

"This 39-year-old All-NFL linebacking genius of the Browns in the late '40s has more than a working knowledge of offense as well, having been a quarterback and fullback at the University of Indiana. He served as head coach at Case Tech and Western Illinois and was an assistant at the University of Washington. He received his degree from Baldwin-Wallace.
Lou believes a successful pro club must have size, speed and a passing attack before defense and offense can be placed in perspective."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"He's ready to prove that the Patriots made a mistake in dropping him as he assumes his second AFL coaching assignment. Lou refuses to fool himself concerning the qualifications of his players and analyzes their credentials objectively.
A former fierce linebacker with the Browns, he was widely heralded for his ability to read opposing offenses. Now 40, he was a quarterback and fullback at Indiana and has accumulated a vast of knowledge of defense and offense. Lou previously served as the head mentor at Northwestern, Western Illinois and Case Tech and was an assistant at the U. of Washington."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

JOEL COLLIER

Defensive Backs Coach

"Collier came to the Patriots with Saban from Western Illinois where he served as end coach for the last four seasons. He was also the school's freshman basketball mentor.

A 1954 graduate of Northwestern, Collier is a native of Rock Island, Illinois. He is married and the father of two."

-1960 American Football League Yearbook (Jay Publishing)

RED MILLER 

Offensive Line Coach

"Miller was a guard for Western Illinois in 1947-48-49. He was named Most Valuable Player on the squad each year as well as Illinois Athletic Conference MVP in '47.

He was a high school mentor for three seasons before becoming the line coach at Carthage (Ill.) College in 1954. He switched to Western Illinois in '57 where he was head swimming coach as well as line coach under Lou Saban.

Miller is a native of Macomb, Illinois,  and is married with two children."

-1960 American Football League Yearbook (Jay Publishing)

JERRY SMITH 

Defensive Line Coach

"Smith comes to the 49ers from the University of Wisconsin where he has played football for three years. He was a first-string tackle on the 1951 team that ranked as the best defensive team in the nation. He has been chosen for such honorary teams as the All-Big Ten and All-Midwest and played on the 1952 East team that nosed out the West by a 15-14 score in the annual East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco on New Year's Day.

Smith is an all-around athlete who is majoring in physical education at Wisconsin. In high school he excelled at basketball, baseball and football. His hobby is golf. He is considered an excellent pro prospect."

-1952 Bowman No. 65

"Smith spent the 1959 campaign as line coach at the University of Dayton. A native of Dayton, he attended the University of Wisconsin and was an All-Big Ten guard in 1951. He played in the East-West Shrine Game.

Smith was an offensive guard for the San Francisco 49ers in 1952 and 1953. After two years in the Army, he split the 1956 season between the 49ers and Packers as a defensive end before retiring from active play."

-1960 American Football League Yearbook (Jay Publishing)

1962 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"Far too many seams need to be sewn before the Buffalo Bills can be granted stature. Threads hang loosely in both platoons with the severest tears in the ground attack, the defensive front wall and the defensive backfield.
There's not enough power in the offensive backfield, either, and stronger and faster runners are a necessity. Warren Rabb, who throws and think better than rivals M.C. Reynolds and Johnny Green, will be the quarterback. But no matter who takes over the T, he'll have to search for running cooperation. Fullback Art Baker developed slowly in '61 and halfback Wilmer Fowler, in just one play last season, is questionable. Fred Brown is a trifle shy at rounding the corners and there could be too much faith placed in yearling Glenn Glass, a sparkler as an option man.
Pass receivers and interior linemen are the Bills' better employees. Elbert Dubenion is the fastest of all flankers. Perry Richards and Glenn Bass, acquired from San Diego, are tabbed for split end duty. The tight flankers are Tom Rychlec and Monte Crocket.
The interior - Harold Olson and Ken Rice, tackles; Chuck Muelhaupt and Billy Shaw, guards, and Al Bemiller, center - is young, strong and has the advantage of starting the season as a group. They were caught in many mistakes in '61, always the curse of the youthful pro.
A defensive end is needed to go along with LaVerne Torczon. Mack Yoho is too light to sustain the weekend pounding without relief. Jim Toons, a fierce rookie from little North Carolina A & T, is by far the best of those on display in training. Chuck McMurtry and Jim Sorey return to tackle.
Archie Matsos, Stew Barber and Ralph Felton form a firm trio of linebackers but even they must sit down once in a while. Look for Yoho to join this threesome if Toons takes over at end.
Trouble looms at the corner halfback poles. Joe Cannavino, an ex-Raider, is one possibility and so is Jim Crotty, a late-'61 arrival. The safety spots will be occupied by Billy Atkins and Jimmy Wagstaff. Here, too, another is needed and it could be Fowler if he's not required as a runner, or possibly Richie Lucas.
Summing up: a thin line of quality is much too insufficient and too much of a load for coach Lou Saban. Buffalo will remain in fourth place, a shade below the New York Titans."

-1962 Pro Football Handbook


"Relatively settled at quarterback for the first time and well-stocked with muscle and speed in all other places, this club should give loyal hometown fans something to shout about.
The Buffalo Bills have all the ingredients of a winning professional football team- an enlightened owner who doesn't flinch when writing checks, a hustling general manager with a desirable coaching and playing background, a personable new coach with modern ideas and a flock of muscular players ideally blended between the young and the old.
But anybody going out on a limb to pick them for first place had better bring a ladder. The Bills have lacked the most important ingredient of all- an established quarterback. And, in the eyes of Buffalo fans, they have committed the most horrifying sin of all- they don't win at home. In two years their record is five and nine in league competition. That's not going to lure support forever, though Buffalo fans have been very patient and will keep flocking to War Memorial Stadium ... mainly because things have to get better with all that talent hanging around.'
'We have some noteworthy problems,' says Coach Lou Saban with caution, 'but we have a good, young nucleus of players. We could be very troublesome to clubs who figure as contenders.'
What Lou actually means is ... if Warren Rabb comes through at quarterback ... if they locate an outside runner ... if they can plug the secondary holes at the corner spots ... if Elbert Dubenion learns to run pass patterns ... if a tight end who can block pops up ...
Rabb has priority. 'He can throw,' Saban lauded, 'and he's a thinker. In addition, at 6-4, 205 pounds, he's a powerful running threat.'
The former LSU teammate of Billy Cannon sat moldering on Detroit's bench for a couple of years and was hampered by joining the Bills late in 1961. All their hopes aren't centered on him, though. They have greater than ever protection at the vital signal-calling spot with M.C. Reynolds, a former Cardinal star, and Johnny Green, who lacks mobility but has the surest arm of all.
The outside running will come from Fred Brown, who was hurt intermittently in '61, No. 2 draft choice Glen Glass and surprise signee Dean Look, a Michigan State All-American of a few years back who quit a baseball career for the gridiron.
The inside running is supplied by Art Baker, who could be great if he put his mind to it, and Wray Carlton. They have to go with Dubenion again as the flanker because he's the kind who can bust a game open. As Monte Crockett gains experience- he had only one year of college ball- he may prove himself at tight end.
The Bills were inconsistent offensively last year because at one time they had seven rookies in the lineup: deep end Glen Bass, tackle Ken Rice, guard Billy Shaw and center Al Bemiller, with Rabb, Brown and Baker in the backfield. The lineup is potentially the best in the AFL. One of these days they'll settle down.
The heritage left by Buster Ramsey, the deposed coach, was a fine defense that generally kept the Bills within scoring range of their opponents. LaVerne Torczon and Chuck McMurtry were powers up front. Tom Day will be put at a tackle slot to get a better pass rush. Mack Yoho may be shifted from end to linebacker, though the cast already there- Ralph Felton, Arch Matsos and Stew Barber- was as good as any in the league.
The secondary was troublesome when Richie McCabe suddenly quit and Jim Wagstaff was hurt. Only Billy Atkins, an All-AFL choice and the Bills' MVP, held up. A trade brought Joe Cannavino from Oakland, and Jim Crotty, picked up as a free agent when the Redskins let him go, was a late-season revelation. Some of those offensive halfbacks, plus Richie Lucas, could get into the act, too.
Owner Ralph Wilson has been the model of patience waiting for the Bills to straighten out. GM Dick Gallagher has hustled players so fast that no one has had a chance to get complacent. No one worked harder than Ramsey, but Buster was stubborn in some of his judgments and tried to do too much himself. Saban is an organization man. He had his disappointments as coach of the Patriots, but he impressed Wilson in one respect- his teams kept beating Buffalo. That got him the job.
He has the talent to play with. If everything falls right, the Bills will do more than make trouble for the contenders: they'll be among them."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

OFFENSE
"Ends: The future is still ahead for kids like Glenn Bass and Monte Crockett, both with great speed and little background. But the Bills right now are more interested in the present.
Rating: Fair
Tackles: Ken Rice and Harold Olson have all the equipment plus youth on their side. Rice, especially, is headed for All-Pro honors. Don Chelf is the swing man.
Rating: Very Good
Guards: The Bills are looking for a running mate for Billy Shaw, who was a bright rookie last year. It might be Orlando Ferrante from the Chargers or rookie Jim LeCompte. They can go back to Chuck Muelhaupt. All have good size.
Rating: Fair
Centers: Al Bemiller is due to become one of the standout centers in the AFL.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: First call goes to Warren Rabb, who lacks only experience. R.C. Reynolds has that. Johnny Green has the best arm of the trio.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Fred Brown's injuries last year leaves the race wide open, but he can do.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Despite his blazing speed, Elbert Dubenion still hasn't perfected his pass routes.
Rating: Good
Fullbacks: Art Baker showed signs of stardom late in the season.
Rating: Good
Strength: All those rookie of last year  (four on the front line) are maturing. The line from tackle to tackle looks better. Weakness: The passing game is erratic, the Bills lack a top-notch outside runner and there's no sustained threat among the receivers.
Rating: Fair"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: There's a strong chance they'll make a linebacker out of Mack Yoho and move one of the tackles, like Tom Day, over to team with the highly rated LaVerne Torczon.
Rating: Good
Tackles: Chuck McMurtry is the strong man of the league, and Jim Sorey is just as big, with Day pushing the latter for a starting job. No one runs on them.
Rating: Very Good
Linebackers: Ralph Felton made a big difference in the club after joining them last year. He steadies kids like Stew Barber with his experience. Archie Matsos is still a fireball in the middle, and now Mack Yoho joins the linebacker corps, with Barber the swing man.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: This is the spot they've got to plug. They have high hopes for Jim Crotty after what he showed in late exposure, and Joe Cannavino had a good rep in Oakland.
Rating: Fair
Safeties: Billy Atkins was a standout for the Bills a year ago, and Jim Wagstaff, when in top shape, is every bit as good. Richie Lucas has to some place, too.
Rating: Very Good
Strength: There's a tough front four, first developed by Buster Ramsey, and the linebackers behind them mop up. Atkins keys the secondary. Weakness: If Yoho is moved, the Bills need another lineman, and the halfback situation is spotty.
Rating: Very Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football


1962 BUFFALO BILLS ROSTERS

1962 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster

20 Bill Atkins (DB) Auburn

33 Art Baker (FB) Syracuse

64 Stew Barber (LB) Penn State

88 Glenn Bass (E) East Carolina College

50 Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse

Jake Bodkin (LB) South Carolina

26 Dewey Bohling (HB) Hardin-Simmons

46 Fred Brown (HB) Georgia

Joe Cannavino (DB) Ohio State

30 Wray Carlton (FB) (Duke)

77 Don Chelf (T) Iowa

Dave Cloutier (HB) Maine

80 Monte Crockett (E) New Mexico Highlands

Jerry Croft (G) Bowling Green

James Crotty (HB) Notre Dame

78 Tom Day (T-G) North Carolina A&T

Tom Dellinger (HB) North Carolina State

60 John Dittrich (G) Wisconsin

44 Elbert Dubenion (HB) Bluffton

57 Ralph Felton (LB) Maryland

Orlando Ferrante (G) USC

Wilmer Fowler (HB) Northwestern

Jerry Frye (LB) South Carolina

Glenn Glass (HB) Tennessee

18 John Green (QB) Tennessee- Chattanooga

Carey Henley (LB) Tennessee- Chattanooga

Russ Hepner (HB) Bowling Green

Frank Imperiale (T) Southern Illinois

Fred Jakunuas (C) Detroit

Bill Johnson (LB) Southeast Louisiana

Jim LeCompte (G) North Carolina

Richie Lucas (HB) Penn State

56 Archie Matsos (LB) Michigan State

42 Don McDonald (DB) Houston

73 Chuck McMurtry (DT) Whittier

Collice Moore (G) North Carolina State

70 Ed Muelhaupt (G) Iowa State

74 Harold Olson (T) Clemson

Tom Pennington (E-K) Georgia

Ted Plumb (E) Baylor

17 Warren Rabb (QB) LSU

14 M.C. Reynolds (QB) LSU

75 Ken Rice (T) Auburn

84 Perry Richards (E) Detroit

81 Tom Rychlec (E) American International

Tom Sestak (E) McNeese State

66 Billy Shaw (G) Georgia Tech

79 Jim Sorey (DT) Texas Southern

Mike Stratton (E) Tennessee

Jim Toons (E) North Carolina A&T

87 LaVerne Torczon (DE) Nebraska

Dave Viti (E) Boston University

22 Jim Wagstaff (DB) Idaho State

Jim Webster (DB) Marquette

Manchester Wheeler (QB) Maine

Paul White (HB) Florida

71 Mack Yoho (DE) Miami-Ohio

-1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Buffalo Bills Preseason Positional Roster

OFFENSE
Ends
Glenn Bass (Eastern Carolina)
Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands)
Tom Rychlec (American International)
Tom Pennington (Georgia)

Tackles
Ken Rice (Auburn)
Harold Olson (Clemson)
Don Chelf (Iowa)
Jerry Croft (Bowling Green)

Guards
Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)
Orlando Ferrante (USC)
Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State)
Jim LeCompte (North Carolina)
John Dittrich (Wisconsin)

Centers
Al Bemiller (Syracuse)
Frank Jackunas (Detroit)

Quarterbacks
Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Warren Rabb (LSU)
M.C. Reynolds (LSU)

Halfbacks
Fred Brown (Georgia)
Glen Glass (Tennessee)

Flankers
Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton)
Bucky Bolden (Morris Brown)

Fullbacks
Art Baker (Syracuse)
Wray Carlton (Duke)

DEFENSE
Ends
LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska)
Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio)
Tom Sestak (McNeese State)
Jim Toons (North Carolina A & T)

Tackles
Chuck McMurtry (Whittier)
Jim Sorey (Texas Southern)
Tom Day (North Carolina A & T)
Tom Saidock (Michigan State)

Linebackers
Archie Matsos (Michigan State)
Ralph Felton (Maryland)
Stew Barber (Penn State)
Bill Johnson (Southeast Louisiana)
Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)
Paul Hodge (Pittsburgh)

Halfbacks
Jim Crotty (Notre Dame)
Joe Cannavino (Ohio State)
Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern)
Paul White (Florida)

Safeties
Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State)
Billy Atkins (Auburn)
Richie Lucas (Penn State)
Tom Dellinger (North Carolina State)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

1962 BUFFALO BILLS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
QB Warren Rabb (LSU) 17, Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18, M.C. Reynolds (LSU) 14
HB Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11, Fred Brown (Georgia) 46, Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26, Wayne Crow (California) 22
FB Cookie Gilchrist*, Art Baker (Syracuse) 33, Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
SE Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88, Tom Pennington (Georgia)*
T Harold Olson (Clemson) 74, Jerry DeLucca (Middle Tennessee State) 72
G Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, George Flint (Arizona State)*
C Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Frank Jackunas (Detroit)*
G Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 60, Orlando Ferrante (USC) 68
T Stew Barber (Penn State) 64, Ken Rice (Auburn) 75, Don Chelf (Iowa) 77
TE Ernie Warlick (North Carolina Central)*, Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands) 80, Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
FL Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44

DEFENSE
DE Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 82, Jim Toons (North Carolina A & T)*
DT Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76, Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 71
DT Jim Sorey (Texas Southern) 79, Tom Sestak (McNeese State)*
DE LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
LB Marv Matuszak (Tulsa) 55, Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
MLB Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB Mike Stratton  (Tennessee)*, Stew Barber (Penn State) 64
CB Joe Cannavino (Ohio State) 27
S Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22, Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
S Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20, Carl Charon (Michigan State)*
CB Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois)*, Jim Crotty (Notre Dame) 25

SPECIALISTS
K Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P Wayne Crow (California) 22
KR Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
PR Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88

* rookie

Buffalo Bills Profiles, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

Lou Saban (head coach)

Billy Atkins

Art Baker

Glenn Bass

Fred Brown

Joe Cannavino

Elbert Dubenion

Archie Matsos

Chuck McMurtry

Warren Rabb

Tom Rychlec

LaVerne Torczon 

1962 Buffalo Bills Fleer Cards

Billy Atkins

Art Baker

Elbert Dubenion

Johnny Green

Richie Lucas

Archie Matsos

Warren Rabb

Ken Rice

Tom Rychlec

Billy Shaw 

LaVerne Torczon 

1962 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach: Lou Saban

QB Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15
QB Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18
QB Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12
QB Warren Rabb (LSU) 17
HB Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
HB Fred Brown (Georgia) 46
FB Cookie Gilchrist 34
FB Art Baker (Syracuse) 33
FL Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
SE Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88
TE Ernie Warlick (North Carolina Central) 84
TE Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
C Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
G Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
G Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State) 70
T Harold Olson (Clemson) 74
T Ken Rice (Auburn) 75

DT Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73
DT Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76
DT Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 71
DE LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
DE Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 82
MLB Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB Marv Matuszak (Tulsa) 55
LB Stew Barber (Penn State) 64
LB Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
CB Willie West (Oregon) 47
CB Joe Cannavino (Ohio State) 27
S Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
S Wayne Crow (California) 22
S Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11

K Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P Wayne Crow (California) 22

Other 1961 Bill Profiles

JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Chattanooga
"None of the '61 rookie hopefuls at the Bills' training camp carried quarterback credentials, enough evidence to tab veteran Johnny Green as No. 1 at the T job. The 24-year-old Riviera Beach (California) rifle came from the Steelers early in '60 and went on to top all Bill aerialists, tossing 10 TD bombs and gaining 228 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"He can throw and he can run. That's what coaches dream of in a quarterback, and that's what Green has to offer. With the height and weight to take a chance at running the ball, he worries would-be rushers because of his accuracy on the long throw.
A three-year regular at Chattanooga, Green broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts, then switched to the Pittsburgh Steelers."

-1961 Fleer No. 133


JOE KULBACKI
Halfback
No. 43
Purdue
"Keeping busy fielding punts and kickoffs in '60 was Joe Kulbacki, team leader in both departments. The 23-year-old Irvine (Pennsylvania) speedster gained 226 yards on 13 kickoffs and added 100 yards with 12 punts, many of which of which he refused to play 'safe' with a fair catch signal.
An all-purpose performer, Joe can also turn in a dependable defensive job."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


DEWEY BOHLING
Halfback
No. 26
Hardin-Simmons
"The best of all Titans on the ground was Dewey Bohling, the 24-year-old halfback out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A disciple of Baugh's while at Hardin-Simmons, Dewey dashed off 438 yards in 1960, 12th best in the AFL. He also caught 30 passes for 268 yards, converting four of them into touchdowns.
Dewey had a previous trial with the Steelers."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"When a coach takes over a new team, he likes to have players he knows around him. So Sammy Baugh went after a four-year veteran of his college teams at Hardin-Simmons, a man he knew was a bouncy, jolting runner. Bohling had carried the mail and the fight for Baugh well in college, and he did exactly that for his old coach during their debut year in New York."

-1961 Fleer No. 214


ART BAKER
Fullback
No. 33
Syracuse
"Art signed with the NFL Bills in preference to the NFL Eagles, who made him a No. 1 draft pick. Speedy and powerful, he has run 100 yards in 10.1 seconds."

-1961 Topps No. 163


PERRY RICHARDS
Split End
No. 84
Detroit
"Playing with the Detroit Lions and the St. Louis Cardinals, Perry has shown flashes of fine talent as an offensive end. When Detroit rocketed to the championship in '57, he gave them valuable assistance as a rookie receiver.
He's got good size and sure hands, and now after four years of playing pro he should be in a position to lend a valuable lift to a brand new organization."

-1961 Fleer No. 130


TOM RYCHLEC
Tight End
No. 81
American International
"A mighty big man from a small school, Rychlec was an All-New England, All-East and Little All-American selection while in college. In 1956, he led the nation's collegians in pass catching, with 45. After the 1957 College All-Star Game in Chicago, he was signed by the Detroit Lions.
This outstanding end was high on coach Buster Ramsey's 'must get' list when the Bills were formed."

-1961 Fleer No. 137

"One of the few pro ends who was equally outstanding as a blocker and pass-catcher, Tom is fast and aggressive. He led the Bills in 1960 by catching 44 passes."

-1961 Topps No. 164


PHIL BLAZER
Guard
No. 60
North Carolina
"Fast, intelligent and mobile, this excellent blocking lineman was the only Atlantic Coast Conference gridder selected for the 1959 College All-Star squad. Captain of the Tar Heels, he played in the North-South Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, where his powerful play as an offensive guard caught the eye of professional scouts for both leagues.
His gentle, handsome features make it hard to believe he's such a rugged competitor on the field."

-1961 Fleer No. 139


BILLY SHAW
Guard
2nd Round
Georgia Tech
Coach Ramsey is confident this young man out of Georgia Tech can be the type of tough and mobile guard who can fortify Buffalo's offensive line. Whether leading the way on a running play or protecting the quarterback on a passing play, Billy is a former All-American tackle ready to become an outstanding pro guard for many years to come.


KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
1st Round
Auburn
"This huge, agile tackle was everyone's All-American in 1960. Ken was the first draft choice of both the AFL Bills and the NFL St. Louis Cardinals."

-1961 Topps No. 162


STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
4th Round
Penn State
This 250-pounder out of Penn State is known to scouts for the excellent pass-blocking he provides for quarterbacks. Stardom is predicted for Stew, who always works extremely hard to improve his performance.


GENE GRABOSKY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Syracuse
"Sidelined early in the season with an unfortunate knee injury, Gene came back strongly for the last two games and did an excellent job on defense. However, the knee continued to bother him and minor surgery was undertaken this winter which has corrected the condition.
He is looked to this year as an important factor in strengthening the Bills' defense which is already one of the best in the league."

-1961 Fleer No. 143


MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 71
Miami-Ohio
"Canadian professional fans have reason to remember Yoho. His toe won the 1959 playoff game between Ottawa and Montreal. Mack was picked up by Ottawa coach Frank Clair after starring for Ara Parseghian at Miami, where he earned All-Mid-Atlantic Conference honors as an offensive tackle and defensive end.
The Bills used him exclusively at defensive end last year."

-1961 Fleer No. 138

"Mack is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league. Especially good at rushing opposing passers, he is a mobile, powerful tackler."

-1961 Topps No. 165


JOE SCHAFFER
Linebacker
No. 67
Tennessee
A rugged competitor who played every game last year, Joe returned an interception 19 yards. His intense desire inspires Buffalo's linebacking corps.
Joe was an outstanding tackle at Tennessee. Captain of the Volunteers in 1959, he was selected All-Southeastern Conference that year.


RALPH FELTON
Linebacker
No. 57
Maryland
"Ralph keeps on the move during a game. He switches back and forth as he figures out the plays and usually is a thorn in the side of quarterbacks who look to outwit him. Ralph is also deadly on pass defense."

-1960 Topps No. 129

"The Redskins traded this proficient linebacker to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958. Released just after the start of the season, Ralph migrated right back to Washington.
He has become the anchor of the Skin linebacking corps. Bad knees threatened to end his career a couple of seasons ago.
At Maryland, the seven-year veteran was known primarily for his offensive play at fullback."

-1961 Fleer No. 115


RICHIE MCCABE
Cornerback
No. 45
Pittsburgh
"Richie has the greatest top-level experience in the league. The 27-year-old Pittsburgher, one of the lightest men in football at 168, played five years in the NFL with the Steelers and the Redskins. As a kid, he was a water boy for the Steelers, and owner Art Rooney remembered this when Richie finished his schooling at Pitt. Normally introverted, he talks constantly to his opponents during the game to divert them from concentrating on pass catching."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

PRO'S PRO
"As a kid around Pittsburgh, McCabe used to carry the water bucket for the Steelers, so it was only natural he should wind up as one of their defensive halfbacks when he finished his football career at Pitt. He also played with the Redskins in his five-year tenure in the NFL.
Still young and spry at 27, Richie is the studious type, slim and bespectacled (off the field), with a gift for diagnosing opposition plays. He's a teacher in the off-season."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"Richie got his first pro football lessons as a waterboy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the top pass defenders in the loop, he was voted an AFL All-Star."

-1961 Topps No. 161


BILLY KINARD
Cornerback
No. 24
Mississippi
Billy is a dependable veteran who can run with the fastest offensive ends while rarely making a mistake. Playing in every game last year, this 1956 second round pick was a respected defensive back with both Cleveland and Green Bay before joining the new league. Billy was a rookie standout returning kicks, including one for 56 yards, averaging 28.0 yards.
Lettering four years at Ole Miss, he played in the Sugar Bowl in '53 and '55 as well as the '56 Cotton Bowl. Billy is the brother pro football stalwarts Bruiser Kinard and George Kinard.

JIM WAGSTAFF

Safety
No. 22
Idaho State
"Jim Wagstaff's previous exposure to coach Buster Ramsey got him a job with Buffalo. He went to Idaho State, where his finest achievement was breaking the Rocky Moutain Conference pole vault record; he topped 14 feet consistently. The leaping ability impressed the Detroit Lions, who had reached into the Rockies for such other great defenders as Jack Christiansen and Jim David, and they drafted him in 1958.
An injury spoiled his rookie season and in 1959 he was shipped to the Cardinals- just for decoration, it turned out. He became a free agent last fall after the Bills were in camp. Ramsey remembered the kid from Idaho with steel springs in his legs and picked him up. Among the rewards for the Bills was a 38-yard touchdown jaunt with a stolen pass that broke a second-quarter tie with the Patriots and sparked Buffalo to a win in their December meeting.
Jim teaches school back home in Idaho to help support his growing family- three little ones. He also goes in strong for hunting and fishing in the Rockies."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football


BILL SHOCKLEY
Place Kicker-Halfback
No. 29
West Chester
1960
Bill was the biggest football star at small West Chester during his collegiate career. He's the kind of man teams from the new league are looking to from little-known sources of campus gridiron talent.
A bruising halfback, the Titans will most likely utilize Bill's ability as a place kicker. Every club needs those successful kickoffs, field goal attempts and conversions for a winning season. Bill can also serve with distinction on the other side of the field with daring and with blazing speed on punt and kickoff returns. And he still can be called on for halfback duty.

"Bill Shockley was the big man at small West Chester Teachers and shows promise of doing major things in the AFL. He was No. 4 in total points, scoring 86, and was first in points after touchdown, notching 47. A bruising halfback and forceful runner, he averaged 4.2 yards. Now 23, the Malverne (Pennsylvania) marvel also was among the most active at returning kickoffs, taking back 17 for 411 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"This Little All-America star holds all his school's scoring records, including 15 touchdowns in a season, 42 points after touchdowns in a season, and 132 points in a season. Bill was an all-around star, sought also by big league baseball teams.
Despite his size, Bill does one of the heavy jobs in pro ball: kicking off, conversions and field goals. He was fourth among Titan ball carriers in ground gained and led the scorers with 86 points."

-1961 Fleer No. 213

1961 Profile: Billy Atkins

Safety-Place Kicker
No. 20
Auburn
"The most active of all pro punters in '60 was Birmingham's Billy Atkins whose 89 boots totaled 3,468 yards. Booting Billy, 26, was first exposed to pro fire as a 49er and turned in a creditable job as a defensive back. As a Bill he intercepted five passes and also tallied 45 points on 27 extra points and six field goals."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Speed and alertness are the factors most sought after in the secondary, and this All-Southeastern Conference star possesses both.
A conference selection in 1956 and 1957, with an All-America nomination in 1957, Atkins participated in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star contest, then joined the San Francisco 49ers as a valuable defense man. Last year he switched to the Bills where he proved a valuable kicker as well."

-1961 Fleer No. 141

1961 Profile: Chuck McMurtry

Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
"Among defensive AFL tackles, few had the range, speed and perseverance of Chuck McMurtry, an All-League selection. This 310-pounder out of Whittier, California climbed all over interior linemen, stymied running attacks and was unpopular with forward passers. Twenty-three-year-old Chuck never let up during the season and figures to be as menacing in '61."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"When Buffalo's Chuck McMurtry develops Bud McFadin's competitive edge, he'll be in the same class. Chuck is the heftiest man in the game, almost impossible to move. He came into camp last year weighing 315 pounds, but coach Ramsey boiled him down to a playable 290 and he was the pleasantest surprise of the season. He hits hard- harder than necessary some foes complain. What the Bills didn't expect was his ability to move.
Chuck had played at little Whittier College and made the East-West Game, but he was still pretty much of an unknown quality (or quantity). In his early stages with Buffalo, the inexperience of the 22-year-old Giant was transparent. He could be trapped and knocked off his pins- you didn't dare challenge him head-on. But he came fast as the season progressed."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

1961 Rookie Profile: Billy Majors

Safety
9th Round
Tennessee
"The rookie most likely to earn a '61 post is Billy Majors, the ninth draft choice who bears a famous football name. An outstanding safetyman at Tennessee, he switched from a '59 tailback to a '60 safety slot, and was a sure-shot tackler and a buzz saw against a passing attack.
Billy is also valuable as a returner of kickoffs and punts."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 Profile: Dan McGrew

Center
No. 52
Purdue
"A blocking force with the efficiency and downfield fierceness of a guard is Dan McGrew, the 23-year-old Martins Ferry (Ohio) phys ed instructor who was drafted originally by the Lions. Dan's long snaps are easy to handle and constantly on target for the punter and the place kicker."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"What's his nickname? Why Dangerous Dan, naturally. And that's just what he is- a dangerous, devastating blocker.
This veteran of Big Ten football has a burst of speed rare in so big a man. His snapbacks are strong and accurate, so vital on punt and point-after-touchdown attempts.
In the off-season, he's a qualified physical education instructor for the State of Ohio."

-1961 Fleer No. 140

1961 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"The only other halfback who's as spectacular as Abner Haynes is Elbert Dubenion of the Buffalo Bills. He went to little Bluffton College and scored 53 touchdowns. He was supposed to be the 'sleeper' of the Browns in 1959, but a bad knee suffered in the College All-Star camp sidelined him for the year.
The Bills, who play him as flanker back, rate him the fastest man in the game. He scored six touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or more last season. With a year of experience, he might set the league on fire in 1961- just like Abner Haynes in 1960."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Speed and more speed. That's what pro football demands, and that's what Elbert brought to the Bills. Easily the fastest man on the squad, he is among the fastest in either league.
Running from his flanker back position, Elbert has forced the opposition to over shift to thwart his running. In his rookie year, he improved greatly as a pass receiver, adding to his offensive threat."

-1961 Fleer No. 136

"Teammates rate him the fastest man in pro football. Elbert was voted the Bills' most valuable offensive player. He is a two-way threat as a rusher and pass-receiver."

-1961 Topps No. 159

1961 Profile: Richie Lucas

Quarterback
No. 11
Penn State
"Runner, passer, pass-receiver - all were the '60 duties of Richie Lucas, the 22-year-old class guy out of Glassport, Pennsylvania. Richie worked at quarterback and halfback, and proved to be among the most versatile in the loop. His fine running and pass-catching abilities may earn him a flanking back slot in '61."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"A sensational quarterback at Penn State, Lucas made many an All-American first team in 1959. He was also the top draft pick of the newly formed Buffalo AFL team in 1960 and it took club owner Ralph Wilson to get his signature.
A brilliant passer, as well as a fine runner, Lucas was shifted to halfback so that the Bills could capitalize on both talents."

-1961 Fleer No. 135

1961 Profile: Wray Carlton

Fullback
No. 30
Duke
"First of the Bills in '60 rushing figures was Wray Carlton, the 25-year-old Wallace (North Carolina) walloping fullback. Wray racked up 533 yards and seven touchdowns as a ball-carrier, and gained 477 yards on 29 pass receptions, good for four tallies, helping him lead the club scorers with 66 points."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"This product of the South boasts some of the highest credentials a pro coach can bestow. Of the former Duke star, Bill coach Buster Ramsey said, 'He has speed, power, is a real good blocker and can catch the ball.' Very few backs have been able or willing to do all four, claims Ramsey, who picked up Carlton in an astute trade with Boston for defensive tackle Al Crow."

-1961 Fleer No. 134

"A rugged workhorse, Wray carried the ball 137 times and caught more passes (29) than any other fullback in the AFL. He had a four-yard rushing average and scored 11 touchdowns in 1960."

-1961 Topps No. 160

1961 Profile: LaVerne Torczon

Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"Few will argue about calling LaVerne Torczon, the Platte Center (Nebraska) bone-crusher, one of the AFL's superior defensive ends. Now 25, he lost his NFL shot with the Browns when called into service after gaining an All-America berth in '56. A unanimous All-AFL end selection, his crashing style dissolved many blocks.
The Bills' captain, his spirit generates throughout the squad."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"The ends playing alongside these behemoths at defensive tackle are generally more modest in scale. They're like LaVerne Torczon, the captain and field leader of the Bills, a mere snip of a 240-pounder who was all-league last season. He's with the Bills because general manager Dick Gallagher remembered him from a trial with the Cleveland Browns (where Gallagher was a coach) four years ago. Torczon was a 210-pounder then and a linebacker. He had played center, guard and tackle for Nebraska, although he never played organized football until he went to college. The 25-year-old school teacher from Platte Center, Nebraska didn't make the Browns, but they admit they could use him at defensive end right now."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Opposing backs avoided this defensive bulwark's end as much as possible. Torczon is adept at spilling interference.
He was chosen on the AFL's first All-Star team."

-1961 Topps No. 157

1961 Profile: Archie Matsos

Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Eight intercepted passes in '60 helped 26-year-old Archie Matsos gain All-League recognition. He has marvelous maneuverability and his fine speed enabled him to average 17.8 yards per return with his pass thefts. This Detroit dandy guards his middle linebacking post so well that he's assured of steady employment for the next few seasons."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Archie Matsos, the middle guard for the Bills, justified every All-Pro vote he got in 1960, and he got them all. The gregarious Greek- a charming, witty talker- is a burning competitor who caused Buffalo coach Buster Ramsey to exclaim after Archie's show in a game against Denver last September, 'One of the greatest jobs I have ever seen in football.' Buster isn't a guy who goes in for superlatives easily. He's used to the very best, and he had it when he coached the defense for the Detroit Lions, who have a middle linebacker named Joe Schmidt.
With his jokes and constant chatter, Archie is the opposite of silent Joe. But's he like the Lion leader as a middle man of the defense- a lot of heart and a lot of hustle.
When he showed up at the Bills' training camp last year, Ramsey figured, 'He's just not big enough for a linebacker.' The scales stopped at 205 pounds. But Matsos made a place for himself in the first contact drill when he rattled a couple of fullbacks with driving tackles. His modest (by football standards) size had a compensating factor. Archie is probably the quickest of all AFL linebackers. He intercepted eight passes last fall to rank third in the league and returned them an impressive 142 yards, surpassed only by David Webster of Dallas.
The Chief, as the Bills call him, is from Detroit and played three years at Michigan State as a center, guard and linebacker. But he never scored a touchdown until he plucked off a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter of their November meeting and raced 20 yards into the end zone to inaugurate a 32-3 rout of the Western Division champs. Not a bad beginning.
As a collegian, Matsos never attracted much attention. The other linebacker for the Spartans was All-American Dan Currie, now of the Green Bay Packers. Archie is 26 years and has an insatiable yen to travel- during the fall, in the direction of the ball."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Archie was on the Michigan State Rose Bowl team in 1956, the highlight of three years under Duffy Daugherty. The powerful midwesterner played at center, guard and tackle while an undergraduate and quickly adapted to his roles of middle linebacker and defensive quarterback for the Bills.
He is extremely valuable because of his speed, maneuverability and ability to diagnose plays."

-1961 Fleer No. 142

"An All-League middle linebacker, Matsos is Buffalo's defensive quarterback. He intercepted eight passes in 1960 as the Bills led the loop in pass defense."

-1961 Topps No. 158

1961 Profile: Buster Ramsey

Head Coach
"Recognized as a top defensive teacher, he was boss of the Lions' line for eight years before taking the head post at Buffalo.
Born in Townsend, Tennessee, he was that state's outstanding scholastic lineman before moving to William & Mary, where he was an All-America guard for two years. Buster played five seasons with the Cardinals, shining as an elite linebacker, and he retired as a player in mid-'51.
Cooking, bridge and dancing are his main off-the-field pursuits."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Buster Ramsey knew what would work against pro offenses- his Bills led the AFL in total defense. It should have been expected. When he was defensive coach for Detroit, it perennially featured the finest defense in the game. And Buster quickly drilled Buffalo into being the stingiest unit of the new league; the Bills also led in pass interceptions.
Buster is a blustery mountaineer from the heart of the Smokies in East Tennessee. He came out of the hills to sedate William and Mary College and became an All-American guard. After three years as a CPO in World War II, he was a linebacker with the Chicago Cardinals and made All-Pro. As a player he was extremely aggressive, and he transferred those qualities to coaching, which he took up full time in 1952 at Detroit. Buster was with the Lions eight seasons and developed the greatest defensive stars in the game- Joe Schmidt, Yale Lary, Jack Christiansen, Jim David. 'The Lions had a great defense,' he says, 'because we left nothing to chance. We really worked at it.'"

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

1961 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"The fight to finish behind Houston in the East is expected to be a close-to-the wire thing. Buffalo's Bills are good-field no-hit; the Titans of New York are good-hit no-field and the Boston Patriots are a little of this and that, needing size, speed and a complete collapse by the other three clubs in their division to escape a cellar berth.
Too much defense and a promising group of yearlings suggest that the Bills have the best shot at the runner-up slot. Coach Buster Ramsey's group had the best defensive figures in last year's AFL taffy pull and there's no reason to doubt that this stubbornness will continue. The need, however, is for a tip-top quarterback and an offensive line that will create some daylight.
Johnny Green, Richie Lucas and Northwestern's John Talley, a rookie, are the scramblers for quarterback, each with specific recommendations, particularly Talley, who can throw as deep as anyone now on the pro rolls. Halfback and fullback candidates are plentiful and powerful, particularly Syracuse's Art Baker and Fred Brown of Georgia. Both should give a bit more foot to a sluggish running attack. They will battle holdovers Wray Carlton and William Fowler, and Ramsey may be placed in the happy position of alternating pairs of runners. There's no question of the flanker-back position; it belongs to Elbert Dubenion.
The pass-catching ends come in size, speed and ability, and the development of a bull's-eye thrower will determine the offensive success of the Bills. In addition to Dubenion, other top-rate receivers are ends Tom Rychlec, Monte Crockett, Dan Chamberlain and Al Hoisington. First-year challengers are Wake Forest's Bob Allen, Tommy Causey of Louisiana Tech and Villanova's Tony Varrecchione.
Up front is where the Bills took a beating in '60, and it is where they must produce the juice that makes for a respectable attack. Rookies to get some careful priming for offensive line jobs are tackles Ken Rice, Auburn, and Stu Barber, Penn State. At center may be Al Bemiller of Syracuse. Bill Shaw of Georgia Tech and Barber will be tested at guard.
There's little wrong with the defense, from line to deep safetymen, and a freshman will have a difficult time getting his name in the starting lineup. Most likely to catch on, however, are tackle Harry Rakowski, The Citadel; halfbacks Billy Majors, Tennessee, and Ken Webb, Houston; and linebackers Jerry Frye, South Carolina, and Lou Reale, U. of Buffalo.
Those rib-rocking defensive ends, LaVerne Torczon and Mack Yoho, middle linebacker Archie Matsos and halfbacks Billy Atkins, Jim Wagstaff, Richie McCabe and Jack Johnson are seven rather obvious reasons why a defensive rookie candidate will find himself steeped in worry and overtime. The Bills are bold and obstinate defensively, an overwhelming reason for selecting them to finish no worse than second."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


OFFENSE
"Ends: Tom Rychlec, an old Lion, is the steadiest of the bunch as the tight end. Monte Crockett is coming on to challenge Dan Chamberlain for the spread-end position.
Rating: Good
Tackles: This could be the most improved spot on the team if those rookie tackles like Shaw and Barber pan out. Harold Olson will be with the club from the start and he'll help.
Rating: Fair
Guards: Don Chelf and Phil Blazer are incumbents but face a stiff fight to hold off new talent, which includes the rookie tackles. More speed is badly needed to do the job.
Rating: Fair
Centers: Dan McGrew is experienced but don't be surprised if Al Bemiller beats him.
Rating: Fair
Quarterbacks: The big question mark. Buffalo still predicts greatness for Richie Lucas.
Rating: Poor
Halfbacks: Wilmer Fowler has the inside track, but Fred Brown will probably alternate.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Elbert Dubenion could prove one of the truly exciting players.
Rating: Very Good
Fullbacks: Wray Carlton gets plenty of support from the hard-blocking, plunging Art Baker.
Rating: Good
Strength: The running has perked up with the addition of Brown and Baker to spell Carlton and Fowler. Dubenion is always a breakaway threat. Weakness: The Bills put too much reliance on rookies to bolster the interior line blocking. And the quarterbacks have to prove themselves.
Rating: Fair"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: LaVerne Torczon was All-Pro and the leader of the line, with Mack Yoho running him a close second. They can do it all by themselves, but Harry Rakowski will help."
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: If Gene Grabosky's knee is okay after surgery, that's some pile of beef the enemy must buck when he's paired with Chuck McMurtry. And Jim Sorey's just as big.
Rating: Very Good
Linebackers: Archie Matsos was the class of the league's linebackers last season, an inspirational performer. The Bills plan to try out some kids at the corners, which means that Jack Laraway (his shoulder mended) and Joe Schaffer will have to step lively.
Rating: Good
Halfbacks: Richie McCabe and Billy Kinard are pro-tested vets who make few mistakes and have the spryness to keep up with fast ends. A swing man would help here.
Rating: Good
Safeties: Billy Atkins' retirement would hurt if prize prospect Billy Majors hadn't happened along. Jim Wagstaff at the other safety is going to be one of the best.
Rating: Good
Strength: The forward wall is stingy against the run. Matsos is all anyone could ask for in a middle linebacker, and the secondary is airtight against passes. Weakness: Coach Buster Ramsey hopes to shore up the corner linebackers and wants another top defensive back.
Rating: Very Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"If the Bills find their quarterback in Richie Lucas or Johnny Green, they'll make a pack of trouble. As expected, Buster Ramsey organized a fine defense in '60 but didn't do so well with the offense. He's on the spot and the Bills think he's learned his lesson.
The front office did the best job of collaring talent where it was needed- Art Baker of Syracuse to help Wray Carlton at fullback, and three superb tackle prospects (Ken Rice, Billy Shaw, Stew Barber) to strengthen the line. Elbert Dubenion should be an exciting receiver; Arch Matsos is the class of the linebackers."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"It was no surprise that Buster Ramsey had a strong defense in the opening AFL campaign, but the big question is still: 'Can his offense move the ball?' The popular theory that defense wins pro football championships was given a severe jolt in the seat of the pants last season in upstate New York.
Buster Ramsey, just as everyone suspected, fielded a crack defensive outfit at Buffalo in the first year of the American Football League. Ramsey had an impressive defensive background himself, eight years as a highly respected defensive coach with the Detroit Lions in the senior loop.
The Buffalo Bills were considerably out in front of the other seven teams in defense. For example, they allowed the opposition a passing average of only 75 yards per game, some 30 steps lower than the next ranking team. The Bills' opponents averaged fewer than 100 yards rushing; the Buffalo secondary picked off 33 enemy passes. This was an excellent showing in any league and made beautiful reading in AFL statistics at the season's end.
But there was something else that read rather ominously to Buffalo researchers- the club's 5-8-1 record in league play and its third-place finish in the Eastern Division. Ramsey's bunch just couldn't move the ball. They trailed everyone in pass offense and total offense and rated just a fraction ahead of last-place Denver in rushing.
So Ramsey has got to juice up that offense in '61. First, of course, he must find a real operator for quarterback. That was a trouble spot all last season. The Bills tried three guys there, but none of them panned out. Tommy O'Connell, the most experienced, tried to make a comeback from the college coaching ranks (as did Cotton Davidson in Dallas). It was rather unsuccessful, and now the former Illinois quarterback has returned to coaching, this time on the Buffalo staff. Johnny Green, a Chattanooga product who saw a little action with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Toronto Argonauts, succeeded O'Connell in mid-season and had his hot-and-cold moments.
Richie Lucas, the former Penn State All-American, finished up the season. Richie was bothered by injuries during the first part of the year, so he hasn't had a real good shot at the job. He'll get it this year, along with the strong-armed Green and a touted rookie passer, John Talley, who had a brief tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in the summer of 1960.
The Buffalo quarterbacks certainly weren't entirely to blame for the situation; most of the time large and ferocious linemen from the opposing squad were climbing aboard their protesting frames, ripping off arms and legs. Therefore, most of the fault was placed on the offensive line.
'The speed and the experience just wasn't there,' said Ramsey. 'We didn't block for our runners and we didn't offer our passers protection. We have got to improve in that department if we're going to be a contender in 1961.'
With the problem thus pinpointed, the Bills went about building up the levee. General manager Dick Gallagher signed six of the club's first seven draft choices. And four of them were big, healthy college linemen with garish reputations.
Ken Rice, for example, everybody's All-American from Auburn, is a tremendous prospect at 250 pounds- and he's still growing. Then there are Bill Shaw, a 240-pounder from Georgia Tech; Al Bemiller, a king-size center from Syracuse; and Stewart Barber, 235, a whopper from Penn State.
The Bills weren't exactly deficient in runners, but they lacked teammates who could knock enemies out of the way. Fullback Wray Carlton, the Duke product, was the workhorse, along with speed merchant Wilmer Fowler. Thanks to the draft department, they will have aid this season. Art Baker, a Syracuse powerhouse, has been added to the fullback stall, and Fred Brown, a star Georgia halfback, will join Fowler's circle.
The most exciting prospect on the roster is flankerback Elbert Dubenion, already carrying the future tag of 'superstar.' Dubenion scored six touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or more last year and snagged 42 passes to earn Ramsey's description of having 'the potential to be one of football's all-time greats.' The Buffalo publicity department calls Dubenion 'the fastest man in pro football.'
Other proven receivers are Tom Rychlec, a gluey individual who ranked ninth among the league's receivers last year despite Buffalo's poor record; spread-end Monte Crockett; and Dan Chamberlain.
So, there you have Buffalo's two most acute weaknesses, offensive linemen and quarterback, and the candidates for the cure.
To turn to brighter things, take a look at these Alps who fill up the middle of the Bills' defensive line. Chuck McMurtry goes a mere 310 pounds when he can find a pair of scales equal to the task. Jim Sorey, in his third year of pro ball, weighs in at 270 and is called 'Bull' for obvious reasons.
As if that weren't a vulgar display of beef, remember there's a heralded gent from Syracuse, 275-pound Gene Grabosky, who is ship shape again after a knee operation in January.
The front line of defense is captained by All-AFL end LaVerne Torczon, the 235-pound Nebraska roughhouser, and balanced by Mack Yoho, a 240-pounder who also got votes on the all-league team.
Archie Matsos was an All-AFL linebacker and Richie McCabe received similar honors at defensive halfback. Ramsey, a hard man to please in this area, would like to find another linebacker and defensive back among the draftees. The top halfback prospect would seem to be Billy Majors, member of the illustrious Tennessee football clan, who may fill in for the retired Bill Atkins.
Buffalo is being picked by most AFL observers to contend with Houston for the Eastern Division title. But to do that, defensive specialist Ramsey must come up with a considerable tougher offense. The 1960 Bills proved defense can't do it all."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

BUFFALO ROOKIES
"The Bills corralled Fred Brown, a speedster from Georgia. Brown, a nephew of former Alabama great Johnny Jack Brown, fills Buffalo's need for a breakaway threat and auxiliary receiver. Fullback Art Baker of Syracuse is a powerful runner, a fierce tackler as a linebacker and a strong, solid blocker. The Bills outbid the Eagles for him, and he'll play plenty.
Defense was also a prime consideration- Buffalo has Billy Majors of the Tennessee Majors clan (all three brothers played varsity ball and Johnny was All-America)."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football


"If there is a dark horse choice for the AFL championship this year, it has to be the Bills. Slowly but surely, coach Buster Ramsey is putting together the sort of team that could tear the league apart if a few more cogs and wheels get fitted into the right places.
A year ago Buffalo was only able to sign one outstanding rookie, tackle Harold Olson of Clemson. Ramsey had to rely on free agents and NFL castoffs, and the Bills had a rough time getting started. They lost eight of their first ten exhibition and official games. Ramsey concentrated on his defense and gambled that the offense would come around. It didn't quite work out that way but the Bills managed to win five games and tie another.
Buffalo placed three men on the all-league team, and all were defensive specialists: end LaVerne Torczon; linebacker Archie Matsos; and halfback Richie McCabe. A pair of huge tackles, 280-pound Jim Sorey and 290-pound Chuck McMurtry, anchored one of the best lines in the AFL.
With 12 of his first 18 picks signed up this season- the best record of any team in the league- Ramsey thinks he has the material to fill in the few remaining gaps. The defense is still being emphasized and the Bills signed up three fine tackles in Ken Rice of Auburn, Bill Shaw of Georgia and Stew Barber of Penn State, along with center Al Bemiller of Syracuse.
'If those four boys come through for us,' says Ramsey, 'we can be awfully tough.'
The backfield isn't being ignored, either. The Buffalo quarterbacking was the poorest in the league last season until former Penn State All-American Richie Lucas took over from Tommy O'Connell and Johnny Green in the final game. Ramsey liked what he saw so much that Lucas is getting first crack at the job this year. With O'Connell now a Bills assistant coach, Richie must beat out the long-throwing Green and newcomer John Talley of Northwestern.
Talley could be a sleeper. He reported to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL last year but left quickly when he learned that the team had three other quarterbacks with no-cut contracts. One of the Cowboy coaches admits privately that Talley could have won a job otherwise.
Billy Majors of Tennessee, one of the better defensive backs in the country a year ago, should lend youth to a department where Buffalo was good but lacked depth. But Ramsey's big effort will be to bring his offense up to the level of his defense, and that may take some doing.
Elbert Dubenion, a 197-pound sprinter who plays flanker halfback, is a great running and pass-catching threat in the Buffalo backfield, which is otherwise undistinguished. Wilmer Fowler and rookie Fred Brown of Georgia will push Joe Kulbacki for the other halfback job, while fullback Wray Carlton could lose his job to 220-pound Art Baker of Syracuse.
With all those linemen around, it wouldn't take much of an offense to win games for the Bills. Even Ramsey admits that he would be content with average but consistent quarterbacking.
When a coach says that, you know he's got to have quite a team. And the Buffalo Bills like quite a team this year."

-Pro Football Stars, 1961 Edition

1961 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster

Bob Allen (E) Wake Forest

20 Billy Atkins (DB) Auburn

Art Baker (FB) Syracuse

Stew Barber (T) Penn State

Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse

60 Phil Blazer (G) North Carolina

Jake Bodkin (G) South Carolina

Fred Brown (HB) Georgia

55 Bernie Buzyniski (LB) (Holy Cross)

30 Wray Carlton (FB) (Duke)

Tom Causey (E) Louisiana Tech

84 Dan Chamberlain (E) Sacramento State

77 Don Chelf (G) Iowa

80 Monte Crockett (TE) New Mexico Highlands

44 Elbert Dubenion (HB) Bluffton

23 Wilmer Fowler (HB) Northwestern

Jerry Frye (E) South Carolina

18 Johnny Green (QB) Tennessee- Chattanooga

Joe Griffith (QB) Miami-Ohio

54 Joe Hergert (LB) Florida

88 Al Hoisington (E) Pasadena JC

42 Jack Johnson (DB) Miami

24 Billy Kinard (DB) Mississippi

43 Joe Kublacki (HB) Purdue

57 Jack Laraway (LB) Purdue

11 Richie Lucas (HB) Penn State

Ken Lutterback (FB) Evansville

Billy Majors (HB) Tennessee

56 Archie Matsos (LB) Michigan State

45 Richie McCabe (DB) Pittsburgh

52 Dan McGrew (C) Purdue

73 Chuck McMurtry (DT) Whittier

John Moore (HB) Miami-Ohio

70 Chuck Muelhaupt (G) Iowa State

Jim O'Hara (C) Wayne State

74 Harold Olson (T) Clemson

Ransom A.K. Piltz (T) Dayton

Floyd Powers (T) Mississippi State

Harry Rakowski (T-LB) Citadel

Bruno Raso (T) Slippery Rock

Lou Reale (C) Buffalo

81 Tom Rychlec (E) American International

67 Joe Schaffer (LB) Tennessee

76 Jack Scott (DT) Ohio State

Billy Shaw (T) Georgia Tech

35 Carl Smith (FB) Tennessee

79 Jim Sorey (DT) Texas Southern

John Talley (QB) Northwestern

87 LaVerne Torczon (DE) Nebraska

Tony Varrecchione (E) Villanova

22 Jim Wagstaff (DB) Idaho State

Max Webb (HB) Rice

Wayne Wolff (T) Wake Forest

71 Mack Yoho (DE) Miami-Ohio

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 BUFFALO BILLS PRESEASON DEPTH CHARTS
OFFENSE
Ends
Dan Chamberlain (Sacramento State)
Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands)
Tom Rychlec (American International)
Al Hoisington (Pasadena JC)

Tackles
Harold Olson (Clemson)
Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)
Jack Scott (Ohio State)
Stew Barber (Penn State)

Guards
Phil Blazer (North Carolina)
Don Chelf (Iowa)
Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State)
Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)

Centers
Dan McGrew (Purdue)
Al Bemiller (Syracuse)

Quarterbacks
Richie Lucas (Penn State)
Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga)

Halfbacks
Joe Kulbacki (Purdue)
Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern)

Flankers
Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton)
Fred Brown (Georgia)

Fullbacks
Wray Carlton (Duke)
Art Baker (Syracuse)

DEFENSE
Ends
Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio)
LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska)
Harry Rakowski (Citadel)
Floyd Powers (Mississippi State)

Tackles
Chuck McMurtry (Whittier)
Jim Sorey (Texas Southern)
Gene Grabosky (Syracuse)
Ken Rice (Auburn)

Linebackers
Archie Matsos (Michigan State)
Lou Reale (Buffalo)
Jack Laraway (Purdue)
Joe Hergert (Florida)
Joe Schaffer (Tennessee)
Bernie Buzyniski (Holy Cross)

Halfbacks
Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh)
Billy Kinard (Mississippi)
Joe Griffith (Miami-Ohio)
Max Webb (Rice)

Safeties
Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State)
Jack Johnson (Miami)
Billy Majors (Tennessee)
John Moore (Miami-Ohio)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

OFFENSE
QB- Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11, Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18, John Talley (Northwestern)*
HB- Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern) 23, Fred Brown (Georgia)*, Joe Kulbacki (Purdue) 43
FB- Wray Carlton (Duke) 30, Art Baker (Syracuse)*, Carl Smith (Tennessee) 35
SE- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88, Dan Chamberlain (Sacramento State) 85, Tom Causey (Louisiana Tech)*
T- Harold Olson (Clemson) 74, Ken Rice (Auburn)*, Jack Scott (Ohio State) 76
G- Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)*, Phil Blazer (North Carolina) 60, Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)*
C- Dan McGrew (Purdue) 52, Al Bemiller (Syracuse)*
G- Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State) 70, Wayne Wolff (Wake Forest)*
T- Stew Barber (Penn State)*, Don Chelf (Iowa) 77
TE- Tom Rychlec (American International) 81, Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands) 80, Jerry Frye (South Carolina)*
FL- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44

DEFENSE
DE- Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 71, Harry Rakowski (Citadel) 86
DT- Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73, Jack Scott (Ohio State) 76
DT- Jim Sorey (Texas Southern) 79, Gene Grabosky (Syracuse) 78
DE- LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87, Floyd Powers (Mississippi State)*
LB- Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57, Joe Hergert (Florida) 54
MLB- Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56, Bernie Buzyniski (Holy Cross) 55
LB- Joe Schaffer (Tennessee) 67, Lou Reale (Buffalo) 53
CB- Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh) 45, John Moore (Miami-Ohio) 32
S- Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22, Joe Griffith (Miami-Ohio) 41
S- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20, Billy Majors (Tennessee)*
CB- Billy Kinard (Mississippi) 24, Jack Johnson (Miami) 42

SPECIALISTS
K- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
KR- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
PR- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88

* rookie

Buffalo Bills Profiles, 1961 Pro Football Handbook

Buster Ramsey (coach)

Billy Atkins

Wray Carlton

Johnny Green

Joe Kublacki

Richie Lucas

Billy Majors

Archie Matsos

Richie McCabe

Dan McGrew

Chuck McMurtry

LaVerne Torczon

1961 Buffalo Bills Fleer Cards

Bill Atkins

Phil Blazer

Wray Carlton

Elbert Dubenion

Gene Grabosky

Johnny Green

Richie Lucas 

Archie Matsos

Dan McGrew

Tom Rychlec

Mack Yoho

1961 Buffalo Bills Fleer Wallet pictures

Bill Atkins

Phil Blazer

Wray Carlton

Monte Crockett

Elbert Dubenion

Wilmer Fowler

Gene Grabosky

Richie Lucas

Archie Matsos

Rich McCabe

Dan McGrew

Tom Rychlec

LaVerne Torczon

1961 Buffalo Bills Topps Cards

Art Baker

Wray Carlton

Elbert Dubenion

Archie Matsos

Rich McCabe

Ken Rice

Tom Rychlec

LaVerne Torczon

Mack Yoho

Offense

LE Glenn Bass 88, Perry Richards 84

LT Ken Rice 75, Don Chelf 77

LG Billy Shaw 66, John Dittrich 60

C Al Bemiller 50

RG Ed Meulhaupt 70, Tom Day 78

RT Harold Olson 74, Tom Day 78

RE Tom Rychlec 81, Monte Crockett 80

QB M.C. Reynolds 14, Richie Lucas 11, Warren Rabb 17

LH Fred Brown 46

FL Elbert Dubenion 44

FB Wray Carlton 30, Art Baker 33

Defense

LE Mack Yoho 71

LT Chuck McMurtry 73, Jack Scott 76

RT Jim Sorey 79, Jack Scott 76

RE LaVerne Torczon 80

LLB Ralph Felton 57, Joe Hergert 54

MLB Archie Matsos 56

RLB Stew Barber 64

LHB Richie McCabe 45

LS Jim Wagstaff 22, Don McDonald 42

RHB Vern Valdez 27

RS Billy Atkins 20, Don McDonald 42

-September 30, 1961 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

1961 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - Buster Ramsey

QB Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
QB Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18
HB Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26
HB Joe Kulbacki (Purdue) 43
HB Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
FB Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
FB Art Baker (Syracuse) 33
FL Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
SE Perry Richards (Detroit) 84
TE Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
C Dan McGrew (Purdue) 52
G Phil Blazer (North Carolina) 60
G Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
T Ken Rice (Auburn) 75
T Stew Barber (Penn State) 64

DT Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73
DT Gene Grabosky (Syracuse) 78
DE Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 71
DE LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
MLB Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB Joe Schaffer (Tennessee) 67
LB Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
CB Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh) 45
CB Billy Kinard (Mississippi) 24
S Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22
S Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
S Billy Majors (Tennessee) 25

K Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
K Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
P Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20