Sunday, August 31, 2014

1966 Profiles: Booth Lusteg and Paul Maguire

BOOTH LUSTEG
Place Kicker
No. 49
Connecticut
The front office of the Buffalo Bills is excited about their new place kicker. Counted on to replace the departed Pete Gogolak, his booming leg is expected to win over the pro football faithful of upstate New York.
Booth is an affable Connecticut boy who attended high school in New Haven and earned a B.S. in mathematics during his college days with the Huskies.


PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
Paul once again showed the importance of a first-rate punter to a team with championship ambitions. His 80 punts and 3,437 punting yards were both second in the AFL. Paul now holds the AFL Championship Game career record with 17 punts. He also holds the AFL record for longest punt, 82 yards, set in 1961 as a member of the San Diego Chargers.
All-Pro in 1962 and 1965, Paul was selected All-AFL in the league's inaugural season of 1960 by both the AFL players and by UPI. He started at left linebacker in San Diego's 1963 AFL Championship Game victory and can still fill in as a linebacker for Buffalo.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

1966 Profiles: Wray Carlton and Jack Spikes

WRAY CARLTON
Fullback
No. 30
Duke
"For six years, Wray Carlton has been playing halfback. Most of that time he has been a second banana, especially when Cookie Gilchrist was playing fullback for the Bills. This season though, Wray will have to step front and center. He'll shift over to fullback, mainly because Buffalo has nobody to play there, and he'll have to make like a fair facsimile of Cookie. Carlton, who played his college football at Duke, has the muscle at 6-1 and 225 pounds. And in one respect, being a fullback may help him - he won't have to run outside quite so much. He simply doesn't possess that kind of speed; he never has."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Wray had the longest run from scrimmage in the AFL in 1965. The big halfback led Buffalo in rushing last season and his total of six touchdowns was also tops on the squad. Wray's point total was second only to that of Pete Gogolak, the team's place kicker."

-1966 Topps No. 21


JACK SPIKES
Fullback
No. 32
Texas Christian
"Called the greatest fullback in Texas Christian University's history, Spikes led the Horned Frogs into two bowl games in three seasons. He was instrumental in TCU's winning two Southwest Conference championships while he was a starter.
Jack was twice All-Southwest Conference, and in 1959 made some of the All-America teams. A great running back at TCU, with 335 carries for 1,555 yards in three seasons, Jack was of equal value as a linebacker."

-1960 Fleer No. 39

"Called the greatest fullback in Texas Christian history, Spikes led the Horned Frogs into two bowl games in three seasons. From Snyder, Texas, the 6-2, 210-pounder was twice All-Southwest Conference and in 1959 made some of the All-America teams. He is a great running back, 335 carries for 1,555 yards, and a great linebacker."

1960 7-Eleven

"Punching over enough points to finish as the league's No. 3 scorer was 23-year-old Jack Spikes, the fiery fullback from Snyder, Texas. Although rarely in top physical condition, he racked up 103 tallies and clicked for 13 field goals. He gained 457 yards as a rusher and picked up another 158 as a pass receiver.
Versatile and speedy, Jack thrives on work and tough competition."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Before being slowed by a mid-season injury, Spikes was one of the outstanding backs in the AFL. Strong and powerful, he finished the campaign with a 4.0-yard average, showing 457 yards for 115 carries, but prior to the injury he was averaging above five yards per carry.
Spikes was third in AFL scoring with 103 points, including 13 of 31field goals and 34 of 36 PATs."

-1961 Fleer No. 201

"When the Texans need 'must' yardage, they generally called on bulldozing Spikes. He averaged four yards for 115 carries. He also kicked 13 field goals."

-1961 Topps No. 138

"For the second straight year, injuries held back this brilliant runner, but he flashed enough form to be placed on the third all-league team last year.
The fiery fullback from Synder, Texas thrives on work and tough competition. In addition to his ground gaining ability, Jack is a fine pass receiver and field goal kicker. It would be interesting to see just how much he can accomplish in an injury-free season.
Jack was the No. 1 draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1960."

-1962 Fleer No. 23

"Jack shows signs of licking the injury susceptibility that has hampered his three seasons. Teamed with Curtis McClinton, when Coach Hank Stram devised the scheme of using them together in a bull backfield against Houston in the 1962 title game, Spikes sparkled with 77 yards to lead both teams in rushing. His gains also set up the field goal which produced the championship.
He has always been a consistent ground gainer when hale, leading the league with an 8.6 average in 1961."

-1963 Fleer No. 46

"Jack is one of the roughest, toughest runners in the American Football League. The big back is now in his fifth year with the Chiefs and in 1963 finally completed his first injury-free season.
For his great performance in the 1962 championship game, Jack was named the Most Valuable Player of the event. Also a good kicker, he scored 103 points as a rookie in 1960."

-1964 Topps No. 106

"The powerful fullback has played for the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football League. He starred in the 1962 championship game for Dallas. Jack was selected from the Houston Oilers [by the Miami Dolphins] during the off-season.
Jack was an All-American at TCU."

-1966 Topps No. 84

Friday, August 29, 2014

1966 Profiles: Butch Byrd and Charley Warner

BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback
No. 42
Boston University
"When George 'Butch' Byrd joined the Bills out of Boston University, coach Lou Saban immediately planted him at right cornerback on defense. Byrd simply had to make it.
'There was no one else,' Saban now concedes. Butch soon demonstrated his ability in guarding pass receivers. He is large for a defensive back - 211 pounds - but sacrifices no speed and tackles shockingly hard.
His long punt return against San Diego broke open last year's championship game for the Bills."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"A member of one of the toughest pass defenses in professional football, Butch flagged down five enemy bombs last year. He led the league with an average return of 23.8 yards per interception.
Butch is ideal as a defensive back because of his great speed and ability to stick with elusive receivers."

-1966 Topps No. 20


CHARLEY WARNER
Cornerback-Kick Returner
No. 22
Prairie View
Charley's 32 kick returns in 1965 were second in the AFL, as were his 825 yards on kick returns. His two kicks returned for touchdowns were first in the league, as was his longest return of 102 yards. Charley also played in the AFL All-Star Game.
Ready to assume regular cornerback duty in 1966, Charley's five interceptions last year (ninth in the AFL) included one returned for a touchdown.

1966 Bills Defensive Tackle Profiles

TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"Tough as it may be for anyone in the NFL to admit, Tom Sestak is very probably the best defensive tackle in professional football. Tom stands 6-4 and weighs 270 pounds. Big? Sure. But not overwhelming by pro standards. What makes him stand out, though, is his astonishing strength and his speed in pursuing a play.
He was drafted 17th out of McNeese State in 1962 and has been an All-AFL selection the last three years. Buffalo teammate Billy Shaw claims Tom has helped make him an all-star.
'When you play against Tom in practice every day,' Shaw explains, rubbing his bruises, 'you either improve or retire.'"

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Virtually unknown as a 17th round draft choice, Tom was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1962. He is today is regarded as the best defensive lineman in the AFL. Determination, drive and second effort is this young man's key to success."

-1966 Topps No. 28


JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"Can a fat boy make his way in pro football? The answer is yes if he weighs in within reason. Ask Jim Dunaway, the 6-4, 279-pound defensive tackle of the Bills. Jim, an All-America at Ole Miss, could easily slide up the scale to 300 pounds, but it would deprive him of some of the mobility that makes him so effective. He and Tom Sestak are an impossible twosome when they rush a quarterback full blast.
In 1962, the Bills made Jim their No. 2 draft pick and outbid the Minnesota Vikings for him."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Improving every year, Jim is one of the hardest tacklers in professional football. The Buffalo line is one of the hardest to run against. With Jim teamed up with Tom Sestak, the Bills feel they have the best tackles in pro football.
Jim was a unanimous All-American at Mississippi."

-1966 Topps No. 24


DAVE COSTA
Defensive Tackle
No. 82
Utah
"Entering his second season, Dave Costa figures to improve on his rookie year when he quickly developed into one of the best defensive tackles in the AFL. Originally a linebacker, he was installed on the line, where he won a first-string berth. Remarkably quick for 260 pounds, he was runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting to Bronco fullback Billy Joe and was one of only two rookies selected for the AFL All-Star Game.
Out of the University of Utah, he was a standout in the East-West Shrine Game. Dave is a Salt Lake City resident."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"Big Dave Costa was the American Football League's top freshman in 1963. In fact, the immense tackle was runnerup in the Rookie of the Year balloting. Dave was one of the few rookies picked to play in the A.F.L. All-Star game.
Back during his high school days, Dave performed as a quarterback. At a junior college in Colorado, he was a hard-running fullback."

-1964 Topps No. 134

"Burly Dave Costa has solidified the defensive line since moving to right tackle from linebacker. He gets most of his strength from his enormous arms and upper body, and offensive linemen are rocked backwards as they try to move him out.
A seventh-round draft pick after coming out of Utah in 1963, Dave was runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting and was one of only two rookies to play in the AFL All-Star Game."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Dave started out as a linebacker in his rookie year but was moved to defensive tackle. He impressed everybody with his hard-hitting and aggressive play. His efforts earned him runner-up honors in the Rookie of the Year balloting. He was one of only two rookies to play in the 1963 All-Star game.
Extremely flexible, Dave quarterbacked his high school team and played as a fullback in college. Hampered by injuries last year, he is ready for another crunching season of line play."

-1965 Topps No. 135

Thursday, August 28, 2014

1966 Bills Linebacker Profiles

HARRY JACOBS
Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
Harry's work at middle linebacker in 1965 once again made Buffalo's defense the most feared the AFL. Along with his hard-hitting play throughout the regular season, Harry returned an intercepted pass 12 yards in the AFL Championship Game. He also played in the AFL All-Star Game.
The defensive signal-caller of the Bill defense, Harry was Bradley's Athlete of the Year for 1958-59.


MIKE STRATTON
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"He does not have the reputation of a Huff, a Nitschke, a Butkus, or of a Bobby Bell, but Buffalo's star corner linebacker, Mike Stratton, is now in their class.
He's developed rapidly since 1962 when he reported out of Tennessee as a 210-pound rookie. Now Mike weighs 240 pounds and hits accordingly. He is best remembered for demolishing San Diego's Keith Lincoln with a thunderously clean tackle in the 1964 AFL title game. Stratton is fast and a good pass defender. Babe Parilli of Boston once said that Stratton so big, strong and quick that 'it's a crime against quarterbacks to allow him to blitz.'"

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Mike is like a guided missile. Once he sets his sights on a ball carrier, he rarely if ever misses him. Mike is one of the hardest players and is regarded as the best pass rusher in the American Football League.
Mike was originally an offensive end."

-1966 Topps No. 30


JOHN TRACEY
Linebacker
No. 51
Texas A & M
Appearing in all 14 games and making an interception, John was named Associated Press second-team All-AFL and appeared in the AFL All-Star Game. He is truly a stalwart of Buffalo's dominating defense.
An end at Texas Tech in his college days, John led the Southwest Conference in receptions (37), receiving yards (466) and was third in yards per reception (12.6) in his senior year.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

1966 Profiles: Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica

JACK KEMP
Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"Sometimes a coach can outsmart himself. In 1962, Sid Gillman of San Diego tried to put his regular quarterback, Jack Kemp, on waivers. It wasn't that Gillman didn't want Kemp, but Jack had an injured finger at the time, and Sid thought that he could hide him on the taxi squad if all other AFL teams waived on him. But Buffalo didn't, and the Bills claimed Kemp for $100, getting an outstanding passer who has since gunned the team to two consecutive league championships.
Jack has one of the strongest arms in the game; some say he can throw the ball farther than any other quarterback (almost 90 yards). He also passes accurately (Jack had a 48.5 completion percentage last year). In the past few seasons, he has shared quarterback duties with Daryle Lamonica; but since the Bills plan to pass more in 1966, look for Jack to dominate the position."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Last year was another big year for Jack. It marked the fourth time in six years that the great signal caller led his team to a divisional title. In 1960 and 1961, Jack helped San Diego win the Western Division crown.
Jack has been an AFL All-Star selection for six years."

-1966 Topps No. 26


DARYLE LAMONICA
Quarterback
No. 12
Notre Dame
"Considered to be the best second-string quarterback in football, Daryle can change the complexion of any game with his long bombs. Watch for his bombs in 1966.
Daryle set a Notre Dame record by scoring four touchdowns in one game. In the 1962 East-West Shrine Game, he passed for 349 yards."

-1966 Topps No. 27

Monday, August 25, 2014

1966 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"In 1960, rookie halfback Elbert Dubenion played so badly in a loss to New York that he was nearly cut from the squad. Fortunately, he hung on and eventually established himself as one of the AFL's top flanker backs.
Dubenion, nicknamed 'Golden Wheels,' has rare speed - or at least he did before a severe knee injury sidelined him last year. Surgery has patched him up, and even if he's lost a step, that will only halve the margin he usually has on pursuing defensive backs.
In 1963, he broke a league record by averaging 27 yards per reception and scored a touchdown every 4.2 catches. At little Bluffton College, he scored 87 times rushing."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Although missing more than half the season last year because of a leg injury, Elbert was still second among the Buffalo receivers. The great flankerback is healthy again and that can only spell trouble for the opposition in 1966.
Elbert returned a kickoff 100 yards in 1962."

1966 Topps No. 23

Sunday, August 24, 2014

1966 Profiles: George Saimes and Hagood Clarke

GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"At Michigan State, coach Duffy Dougherty called George Saimes 'the complete football player' - and played him at offensive back, where he became an All-America. When he joined the Bills, George got a shot at carrying the ball, too, and he did fairly well, averaging 3.4 yards per carry in the two games he played. Then he was shifted to weak-side safety on defense. Result: another All-AFLer for the Bills.
George is not big. At 5-10 he sometimes has trouble covering those tall ends, but in the long run, they have even more trouble with him."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966


HAGOOD CLARKE
Safety
No. 45
Florida
Hagood has formed an impressive safety tandem with George Saimes during the Bills' two championship seasons. Playing every game in 1965, his seven interceptions were seventh in the AFL. As a rookie in 1964, Hagood returned 33 punts, most in the AFL, for 317 yards, second in the league and a 9.6 average, third in the league, including his long of 53 yards (fourth).
At Florida, Hagood earned a B.S. in business administration.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

1966 Profile: Glenn Bass

Split End
No. 85
East Carolina
"Due to an injury to Buffalo's great flanker Elbert Dubenion, Glenn got his big chance to show off his talents in 1965. He took full advantage of this opportunity, as he led Buffalo with a total of 299 receiving yards and also led with a 16.6 average."

-1966 Topps No. 17

Thursday, August 21, 2014

1966 Profiles: Tom Day and Ron McDole

TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 88
North Carolina A & T
"Big, strong and extremely quick, Tom has been an outstanding defensive end for years. One of the best 'red-dogging' ends in the league, he has left his mark on many opposing quarterbacks during his great pro career. Tom is one of the fastest big men in football."

-1966 Topps No. 22


RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
Ron once again fortified Buffalo's large and brutal defensive line last year. Appearing in all 14 games, the five fumbles he recovered were good for second in the AFL. Ron was selected to UPI's AFL first team and appeared in the AFL All-Star Game.
The holder of a B.S. in education, Ron's hobbies are hunting, fishing and woodworking.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

1966 Profile: Joe Collier

Head Coach
"It has been said of Joe Collier that if the Bills' players had been asked to vote for the man they would most like to see succeed the outgoing Lou Saban as coach, it would have been Joe, 40-0. This is a rare tribute for a man who holds himself somewhat aloof from his players and does not court popularity with witty and philosophical phrases. But Joe has stood solidly with his players because they always know where they stand with him.
There are no frills or embellishments. Unless, of course, you want to talk about what he has done with the art of defensive football. It was Joe who designed and implemented the powerhouse Buffalo defense that racked up the San Diego in the last two championship games, a defense that has allowed only nine touchdowns to be scored against it on the ground in the past two seasons.
Joe played end at Northwestern, where he earned All-America rating. He joined Lou Saban's staff at Western Illinois in 1957, and accompanied Lou to Boston and then on to Buffalo after the AFL was formed.
He's a storehouse of football intelligence. He should be. Joe keeps eight filing cabinets at home stocked with football information, and he keeps everything up to date."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

" ... only 33 years old, Collier is the youngest of the new coaches ... he is also in a vulnerable position as the Buffalo Bills were the American Football League champions of 1965 ... Lou Saban, who coached them, was named AFL Coach of the Year before giving up his $30,000 a year job to become head coach at the University of Maryland ... Collier had worked under Saban for nine years, beginning at Western Illinois and following him to the Boston Patriots in 1960 and to Buffalo in 1962 ... he is not worried about the pressure he will have to face ... 'After all,' he says, 'we have the horses.'"

-Pro Football Almanac 1966

Monday, August 18, 2014

1966 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"Don't look for Buffalo to stampede its way to a third consecutive title this year. Some prize Bulls were pulled from the herd to help stock the new team in Miami, leaving the defending AFL champs somewhat more docile than usual. The hunch here is that they'll go home second best this time.
New head coach Joel Collier is inheriting essentially the same team that made a shambles of the Eastern Division race last year. But the Bills aren't as deep in replacements as they formerly were, and an injury here or there could immobilize them. Gone from last season's squad are fullback Billy Joe, split end Bo Roberson, offensive tackle Jim Davidson and defensive tackle Howard Simpson to Miami, as well as defensive tackle Tom Keating and guard George Flint to Oakland as payment for obtaining Roberson last year. But perhaps the Bills' biggest loss is that of kicking specialist Pete Gogolak who skipped to the New York Giants.
The framework of Buffalo's powerful defense is still intact, though. Roland McDole, Jim Dunaway, Tom Sestak and Tom Day comprise the most explosive foursome in the league. They are so good at harassing the passer that they often go into a three-man rush, leaving Day, the lightweight of the unit at 6-3 and 254 pounds, to drop back as an extra linebacker. And there is nothing tame about the linebacking corps, either. John Tracey, Harry Jacobs and Mike Stratton are a seasoned and aggressive combination that usually anticipates the opposition's thinking. Bill Laskey and Marty Schottenheimer are able reserves.
Nobody intimidates the deep pass-defending combo of cornerbacks Booker Edgerson and Butch Byrd, and safetymen Hagood Clarke and George Saimes, which accounted for 21 interceptions last year. And in Charley Warner and Gene Sykes, the club has experienced reinforcements; rookies who could help out are Charley King from Purdue and his brother Tony from Findlay College.
The offense will get its cue from Jack Kemp, the wizard who plays quarterback for the Bills. Jack finished fourth among the league's passers last year, but he was second to none in field generalship. Behind him the Bills have Daryle Lamonica, who could play first-string for practically any other club in the league. The passing attack was considerably handicapped last year when both Glenn Bass and Elbert Dubenion were knocked out of action. They're fit again, and Dubenion claims he worked his way back into shape as a truant officer during the off-season. The other receiver is tight end Paul Costa, who was the only rookie to crash the regular lineup last season. In reserve, the Bills have Ed Rutkowski and Ernie Warlick, who came through in old pro style in the championship game. The best rookie prospect is split end Bobby Crockett of Arkansas.
The running game doesn't shape up as overpowering, and this is where the Bills may feel the pinch this season. Wray Carlton moves back to the fullback slot where he's better suited, and a host of candidates, led by Bobby Smith, will try to wrest the regular halfback job. Smith is a third-year man with good potential but he has never put things together. Bob Burnett, the No. 4 draft choice from Arkansas, Pete Mills and Ken McLean are his chief rivals. Another hopeful is fullback Willie Ross, a third-year man who is rated as an exceptional pass blocker.
Across the interior line, tackles Stew Barber and Dick Hudson, guards Bill Shaw and Joe O'Donnell and center Al Bemiller will still menace the opposition. But the ranks are thin behind them. Dave Behrman, the regular center, has back problems and nobody will know how serious they are until he attempts to play. Remi Prudhomme is a second-year guard, and rookies Bill Earhart and Wayne DeSutter are the replacements at tackle."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966


"You don't lose the best place kicker in football without a yelp of pain. But Buffalo still has the league's best lines."

-Dick Kaplan, Pro Football Almanac 1966

The Bills Should Survive The Gogolak Affair ... But Winning Won't Be As Easy As It Was In 1965
"The Bills have a new coach and a new grail. The coach is former assistant for defense Joel Collier. The grail is a third consecutive league championship, a pro football feat that's never been accomplished before. To make the dream a reality, Buffalo has huge, superbly drilled offensive and defensive lines, plus good, interchangeable quarterbacks in Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica. This should offset the deterioration of the team's once-formidable running game- and the loss of Pete Gogolak.
Two years ago the Bills traded all-league fullback Cookie Gilchrist for younger, faster, supposedly more malleable Billy Joe. It may have been a necessary trade, but it was a bad one. Buffalo did not even bother to protect Joe in the '65 expansion draft that stocked the new Miami team. The Dolphins snapped him up. Now the Bills must shift 225-pound Wray Carlton from halfback to fullback. Carlton's replacement? Would you believe Bobby Smith or Willie Ross? Both are fast, but neither has accomplished much in two pro seasons, meaning rookies Bobby Burnett of Arkansas or Bill Bailey of Cincinnati could become a regular quickly.
Considering their running problems, the Bills will probably pass more. Last year injuries scourged the pass receivers. Both flanker Elbert Dubenion and split end Glenn Bass were crippled, and both underwent leg operations. Even if Dubenion has lost a step, that will only halve his edge on defensive backs. Duby is backstopped by Ed Rutkowski, and Bass by 6-5 Charlie Ferguson and rookie Bobby Crockett of Arkansas. Paul Costa, 6-5, 235, has taken tight end away from Ernie Warlick.
More passing should mean increased playing time for Kemp. Jack throws the ball better than Lamonica, who is more an infantry quarterback. But both will thank the patron of quarterbacks for the league's sturdiest offensive line. It's Stew Barber, 251, and Dick Hudson, 279, at the tackles, all-leaguer Billy Shaw, 260, and Al Bemiller, 260, at the guards, and Dave Behrman, 263, at center. Behrman, who has a chronic back injury, may retire. If so, Bemiller may go to center, where he has played before, and either Joe O'Donnell or LSU rookie Remi Prudhomme, injured all last season, will fit in at guard.
Coach Collier takes particular pride in Buffalo's defense. After all, he built it. One statistic will suffice: in their last 30 games, the Bills have surrendered nine touchdowns rushing. The line looks as big and strong as those Clydesdale horses that pull the brewery wagon on TV. Roland McDole, 289, and Tom Day, 250, play the ends; the tackles are all-star Tom Sestak, 270, and Jim Dunaway, 279. Collier can substitute Dudley Meredith, 285, and Henry Schmidt, 255, without much of a dropoff. The only question is how well Sestak's knee has healed.
The pitiless pressure the Buffalo line exerts permits linebackers Mike Stratton, Harry Jacobs and John Tracey to soft-pedal the blitz and play back for the pass. Competition from second-year man Marty Schottenheimer and punter Paul Maguire keeps the starters hustling. The fierce charge up front also benefits the defensive backfield. Quarterbacks and ends get little time to fake and cut. Butch Byrd, a big (211) cornerback, and George Saimes, a short (5-10) safetyman, are stars. Cornerback Booker Edgerson and safety Hagood Clarke get passing grades, but Coach Collier may find an 'A' student among rookies Charlie King (Purdue), Ken Ambrusko (Maryland) and Tony Golmont (North Carolina State).
Buffalo has signed another Hungarian expatriate, Joe Kovacs, who also kicks soccer-style. But is he another Gogolak? After all, Pete kicked 47 field goals in two years."

-Dick Kaplan, Pro Football Almanac 1966


1966 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster
*  Ken Ambrusko (DB) Maryland
77 Stew Barber (T) Penn State
85 Glenn Bass (E) East Carolina
60 Dave Behrman (T) Michigan State
50 Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse
*  Bob Burnett (HB) Arkansas
42 Butch Byrd (DB) Boston University
30 Wray Carlton (HB) Duke
45 Hagood Clarke (DB) Florida
82 Paul Costa (E) Notre Dame
*  Bobby Crockett (E) Arkansas
88 Tom Day (DE) North Carolina A & T
*  Wayne DeSutter (T) Western Illinois
*  Rodney Dingle (FL) Wooster College
25 Oliver Dobbins (DB) Morgan State
44 Elbert Dubenion (FL) Bluffton
78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi
*  Bill Earhart (T) Bowling Green
24 Booker Edgerson (DB) Western Illinois
80 Charley Ferguson (E) Tennessee State
*  Tony Fire (DT) Bowling Green
*  Mike Goings (HB) Bluffton
*  Tony Golmont (DB) (North Carolina State)
*  Doug Goodwin (FB) Maryland State
*  Larry Gornall (E) Capital
*  Paul Guidry (DE) McNeese State
79 Dick Hudson (T) Memphis State
64 Harry Jacobs (LB) Bradley
27 Tom Janik (DB) Texas A & I
15 Jack Kemp (QB) Occidental
10 Malion Kent (QB) Auburn*
*  Charley King (DB) Purdue
*  Tony King (DB) Findlay College
12 Daryle Lamonica (QB) Notre Dame
*  Greg Lashutka (DE) Ohio State
52 Bill Laskey (LB) Michigan
55 Paul Maguire (LB) The Citadel
72 Ron McDole (DE) Nebraska
*  Ken McLean (FL) Texas A & M
75 Dudley Meredith (DT) Lamar Tech
48 Sullivan Mills (FL) Wichita State
67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan
*  Remi Prudhomme (DE) LSU
47 Willie Ross (HB) Nebraska
*  Eddie Russell (LB) Illinois
40 Ed Rutkowski (E) Notre Dame
26 George Saimes (DB) Michigan State
76 Henry Schmidt (DE) USC
56 Marty Schottenheimer (LB) Pittsburgh
70 Tom Sestak (DT) McNeese State
66 Billy Shaw (G) Georgia Tech
*  Allen Smith (HB) Fort Valley State
20 Bobby Smith (HB) North Texas State
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
23 Gene Sykes (DB) LSU
51 John Tracey (LB) Texas A & M
*  Charlie Turner (DE) Ohio
84 Ernie Warlick (E) North Carolina Central
22 Charley Warner (DB) Prairie View

* rookie

-Pro Football 1966


1966 Buffalo Bills Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15, Daryle Lamonica (Notre Dame) 12, Malion Kent (Auburn)* 10
HB - Bobby Smith (North Texas State) 20, Willie Ross (Nebraska) 47, Sullivan Mills (Wichita State) 48
FB - Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
SE - Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 27, Ed Rutkowski (Notre Dame) 40, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas)*
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77, Bill Earhart (Bowling Green)*
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Dave Behrman (Michigan State) 60
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Remi Prudhomme (LSU)*
T - Dick Hudson (Memphis State) 79, Wayne DeSutter (Western Illinois)*
TE - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 82, Charley Ferguson (Tennessee State) 80
FL - Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44

DEFENSE
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72, Greg Lashutka (Ohio State)*
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Tony Fire (Bowling Green)*
DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70, Dudley Meredith (Lamar Tech) 75, Henry Schmidt (USC) 76
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 88, Charlie Turner (Ohio)*
LB - John Tracey (Texas A & M) 51, Bill Laskey (Michigan) 52, Eddie Russell (Illinois)*
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64, Marty Schottenheimer (Pittsburgh) 56
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55, Paul Guidry (McNeese State)*
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24, Charley Warner (Prarie View) 22
S - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45, Gene Sykes (LSU) 23, Tom Janik (Texas A & I) 27, Ken Ambrusko (Maryland)*
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26, Tony Golmont (North Carolina State)*, Tony King (Findlay College)*
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Oliver Dobbins (Morgan State) 25, Charley King (Purdue)*

* rookie

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

OFFENSE
QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15, Daryle Lamonica (Notre Dame) 12
HB - Wray Carlton (Duke) 30, Bobby Burnett (Arkansas)*, Bobby Smith (North Texas State) 20
FB - Jack Spikes (Texas Christian) 32, Allen Smith (Fort Valley State)*, Willie Ross (Nebraska) 47
SE - Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 85, Charley Ferguson (Tennessee State) 80, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas)*
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77, Wayne DeSutter (Western Illinois)*
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, Remi Prudhomme (LSU)*
C - Dave Behrman (Michigan State) 60
G - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67
T - Dick Hudson (Memphis State) 79, Bob Schmidt (Minnesota) 57
TE - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 73, Ernie Warlick (North Carolina Central) 84
FL - Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44, Ed Rutkowski (Notre Dame) 40

DEFENSE
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Dave Costa (Utah) 82
DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70, Dudley Meredith (Lamar Tech) 75
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 88, Henry Schmidt (USC) 76
LB - John Tracey (Texas A & M) 51, Paul Guidry (McNeese State)*
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64, Marty Schottenheimer (Pittsburgh) 56
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24, Tom Janik (Texas A & I) 27
S - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45, Charlie King (Purdue)*
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26, Gene Sykes (LSU) 23
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Charley Warner (Prairie View) 22

SPECIALISTS
K - Booth Lusteg (Connecticut) 49
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - Charley Warner (Prairie View) 22, Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45
PR - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45, Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

* rookie


1966 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - Joel Collier

QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15
QB - Daryle Lamonica (Notre Dame) 12
HB - Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
FB - Jack Spikes (Texas Christian) 32
FL - Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
SE - Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 85
TE - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 73
C - Dave Behrman (Michigan State) 60
G - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77
T - Dick Hudson (Memphis State) 79

DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78
DT - Dave Costa (Utah) 82
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 88
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58
LB - John Tracey (Texas A & M) 51
LB - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42
CB - Charley Warner (Prairie View) 22
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26
S - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45

K - Booth Lusteg (Connecticut) 49
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - Charley Warner (Prairie View) 22
PR - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45


1966 Buffalo Bills American Football League Championship Game Roster (January 1, 1967, War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York)
QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15
QB - Daryle Lamonica (Notre Dame) 12
HB - Bobby Burnett (Arkansas) 21
HB - Allen Smith (Fort Valley State) 34
FB - Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
FB - Jack Spikes (Texas Christian) 32
FL - Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
FL - Ed Rutkowski (Notre Dame) 40
SE - Bobby Crockett (Arkansas) 83
SE - Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 85
TE - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 73
TE - Charley Ferguson (Tennessee State) 80
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
C - Bob Schmidt (Minnesota) 57
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67
G - Remi Prudhomme (LSU) 65
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77
T - Dick Hudson (Memphis State) 79
T - Wayne DeSutter (Western Illinois) 71

DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78
DT - Dave Costa (Utah) 82
DT - Dudley Meredith (Lamar Tech) 75
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 88
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64
MLB - Marty Schottenheimer (Pittsburgh) 56
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58
LB - John Tracey (Texas A & M) 51
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59
LB - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42
CB - Tom Janik (Texas A & I) 27
CB - Charley Warner (Prairie View) 22
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26
S - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45
S - Charlie King (Purdue) 47

K - Booth Lusteg (Connecticut) 49
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55

Sunday, August 17, 2014

1965 Bills Rookie Profiles

JIM DAVIDSON
Offensive Tackle
1st Round
Ohio State
"Jim Davidson, the 6-3, 240-pound All-America from Ohio State, figures to break in at guard. He's rated a fine pass blocker."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965


AL ATKINSON
Guard
3rd Round
Villanova
"Al Atkinson, a Villanova All-American, will be tried at offensive tackle. He's 6-2, 225 pounds."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

1965 Profile: Billy Joe

Fullback
No. 33
Villanova
"Nobody can replace Cookie Gilchrist, the closest AFL approximation to Jimmy Brown, but Billy Joe will try. Joe is the fullback the Bills got from the Denver Broncos in exchange for Cookie. A one-time 60-foot shot putter at Villanova, Billy is every bit as big as Gilchrist - 6-2, 250 pounds.
In 1963 he was AFL Rookie of the Year when he was the sixth-ranking ball carrier in the league with a 4.2-yard average. But last year, dogged by injuries and a porous blocking line, he did relatively little.
Joe is six years younger than Cookie, and maybe faster, but he's not as good a blocker. Not yet, at least."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Buffalo fans are anxious to see Billy Joe in action in 1965. This fullback was acquired from the Denver Broncos during the off-season for All-Star Cookie Gilchrist.
Billy was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1963. In 1964, he was the leading rusher for the Broncos.
The Bills' new acquisition is six years younger than Cookie but just as big!"

-1965 Topps No. 33

1965 Profiles: Pete Gogolak and Paul Maguire

PETE GOGOLAK
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Now all the pros are searching for soccer-style place-kickers, but the Bills have the prototype in Pete Gogolak, the Hungarian refugee with the weird (for football) kicking technique. Pete approaches the ball from a 45-degree angle and boots it with his instep, the way soccer players do.
He kicked 45 out of 46 extra points as a 1964 rookie and made 18 of 29 field goal attempts. He had a 57-yarder in an exhibition game against the Jets, so he must be doing something right."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Just to show you how important a good kicker is to a club, Pete was responsible for 25% of Buffalo's scoring in 1964. The sure-toed Bill led Buffalo in total points. Pete kicked 45 extra points in 46 attempts and was 19-for-28 in field goal attempts.
Pete set an AFL record with a 57-yard field goal."

1965 Topps No. 30


PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
"The Bills grabbed Paul Maguire when they learned he was available from the San Diego Chargers. In his five seasons in the American Football League, he has earned the reputation of being one of the game's really tough, hard-hitting linebackers.
At the Citadel, Paul was named All-State, All-Southern Conference and All-America. He caught 10 touchdown passes in 1959."

-1965 Topps No. 37

Friday, August 15, 2014

1965 Profile: Ernie Warlick

Tight End
No. 84
North Carolina College
"Some Buffalo fans worry that Ernie Warlick may be wearing thin at age 33. This 6-4, 235-pound blocking end has played eight pro seasons, five in Canada and the last three in Buffalo.
As a tight end, Ernie's main job is knocking people down, but he's surprisingly good at catching passes with his enormous hands. Last year he caught 23 passes for 478 yards - that's 20.5 yards per catch, which is excellent for a tight end.
Ernie was an All-Star in Canada and has been close to it in the AFL."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Nicknamed 'Big Hoss' because he can really gallop after those long passes, Ernie has a fine pair of hands.
After playing for North Carolina, Ernie spent some time in the Canadian Football League. Sought after by three AFL clubs, Ernie elected to sign with the Bills. He led Buffalo when he caught 35 passes in 1962."

-1965 Topps No. 44

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

1965 Profile: Wray Carlton

Halfback
No. 30
Duke
"At 220 pounds, Wray Carlton is one of the biggest halfbacks in football, and he perfectly rounds out the Bills' 'Elephant Backfield.'
Wray comes off a disappointing season in 1964 in which he missed all but the last three games through injury. He returned just in time, however, to gain 114 important rushing yards and supply vital blocking muscle ahead of Cookie Gilchrist.
Carlton, a seven-year veteran in the pros, is not a fast man but he picks his holes well, drives hard and is rated a better-than-average pass receiver."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Wray was back in action late last year, much to his opponent's dismay, after being sidelined due to injuries in 1963
As a rookie with the Bills in 1960, No. 30 was the club's leading ball carrier. Wray led the Bills with 18 carries in the 1964 championship game.
With a good pair of hands, Wray is one of the top receivers in the AFL."

-1965 Topps No. 26

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

1965 Profiles: Elbert Dubenion and Bo Roberson

ELBERT DUBENION
Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"Elbert 'Golden Wheels' Dubenion, the Buffalo flanker, would almost certainly be a superstar if the Bills passed more. He's as swift as anybody going down under the long bomb, and he has perfected his fakes since breaking in as a green rookie from Bluffton six years ago.
Duby caught only 42 passes in '64, well below the top ten in the league. But he gained a record-breaking 27 yards per catch and scored ten touchdowns."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Many fans argue that Elbert is the finest man in the pro leagues today.
'Golden Wheels' had another banner season in 1964 as he averaged a record-breaking 27 yards per reception. Elbert's big day last year was against the Chiefs when he caught two touchdown passes. In 1962, he scored with a 100-yard kickoff return.
Elbert scored 57 touchdowns in high school."

-1965 Topps No. 28


BO ROBERSON
Flanker
No. 46
Cornell
"Another of the ex-Chargers now at Oakland is Bo Roberson, an Olympic broad jumper who really runs too fast for his own good and must still learn to control his speed. The former holder of the indoor broad jump record, he's also done 9.4 in the 100-yard dash.
Roberson gained 271 yards as a rusher in 1962 and added another 587 with 29 receptions. He was also No. 5 as a returner of kickoffs, occasionally darting past his blockers."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"The dazzling speed of Bo makes him a touchdown threat on every play. His potential wasn't exactly a mystery, for he came within inches of winning a gold medal in the broad jump at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, and as a college sprinter at Cornell was timed at 9.4 several times for the 100-yard dash.
The San Diego Chargers signed him as a free agent (injuries had hampered him at Cornell). The Raiders traded for him last fall because they needed speed. They got it."

-1963 Fleer No. 58

"One of the fastest runners in pro football, Bo Roberson begins his fourth AFL season, his third with the Raiders. He plans to improve on his statistics of last year when he caught only 25 passes for 407 yards and carried the ball only 19 times for 47 yards. He was eighth in the league in kickoff returns, running back 38 for a 20.3 average.
One of the few Ivy League college players in the pros, Roberson was a star halfback and track star at Cornell. He's a restaurant-chain executive in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"Bo joined the Oakland Raiders after playing one year with the San Diego Chargers.
During his days at Cornell, Bo was an All-Ivy League pick as a halfback. A top athlete, he played football, basketball and ran track for his Philadelphia high school. In 1960, Bo was a silver medal winner in the broad jump at the Rome Olympics. In the competition, he broke a 20-year-old mark set by Jesse Owens."

-1964 Topps No. 151

"Former Olympic broad-jumper Bo Roberson not only outruns opposing tacklers, but he often sprints right past his own blockers, a defect he has been correcting over the past two seasons.
In 1964, he ran away from all other kickoff-returners by going 990 yards on 36 chances, for a 27.5 average. Playing flanker in the offensive backfield, Bo also snared 44 passes for 624 yards last year.
Now starting his fifth pro year, he broke in with San Diego in 1961 and came to the Raiders the following season."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Considered one of the fastest men in the league, Bo led the circuit in kickoff returns in 1964. He has been the starting flankerback for Oakland the past three seasons.
A top athlete, Bo ranked among the all-time scorers in Philadelphia prep basketball, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Guy Rodgers. He won a Silver Medal in broad-jumping in the 1960 Olympics."

-1965 Topps No. 149

Monday, August 11, 2014

1965 Bills Linebacker Profiles

HARRY JACOBS
Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
"This powerful linebacker is in his second year with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills purchased Harry from the Boston Patriots in 1963 where he was named the 'baby-faced assassin' by the Boston sportswriters. Harry did a topnotch job as the middle linebacker, a position left vacant when Archie Matsos was dealt to the Oakland Raiders.
Harry was named Athlete of the Year at Bradley."

-1965 Topps No. 32


MIKE STRATTON
No. 58
Tennessee
"Buffalo's Mike Stratton is a young man on his way to stardom. The smartest thing the Bills ever did was to switch Stratton, who was drafted as an offensive end, to a linebacker spot.
In two short years, he has built up a reputation as a vicious tackler- to which San Diego's Keith Lincoln will readily attest. It was Mike who separated Lincoln's ribs in the 1964 championship game and turned the complexion of the contest around.
And it was Stratton who kept popping up all over the place whenever the Bills needed a big play last season. Take Thanksgiving Day in San Diego as an example. The Chargers were leading by 10 points in the last quarter when Stratton tackled quarterback John Hadl for a safety. Then, with a minute left to play and the score tied, Stratton intercepted the pass that set up the winning field goal.
Mike, just 24, stands 6-3, weighs 240 and is still growing- which has the Bills worried. He might get too big. Then he'd have to settle for being one of the best defensive linemen, instead of one of the best linebackers, in the game."

-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football

"Regarded as one of the game's finest linebackers, Mike is sure to improve in 1965. This powerful player is a tough man to elude once he's set his sights on his next victim. Mike spearheads the red-dogging assault of the Bills.
Originally drafted from Tennessee as an offensive end, Mike made the switch to linebacker as a result of coach Lou Saban's suggestion.
Mike spends his spare time fishing."

-1965 Topps No. 42


JOHN TRACEY
Linebacker
No. 51
Texas A & M
"The defensive captain of the Buffalo Bills, John joined the club early in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he won a regular job on the team as left linebacker. A double-threat veteran, John can also play as an offensive end.
John holds the Texas A & M record for most passes caught and most yardage gained.
John's hobby is photography."

-1965 Topps No. 43

Saturday, August 9, 2014

1965 Profile: Daryle Lamonica

Quarterback
No. 12
Notre Dame
"When the Bills go their ball control game, Daryle Lamonica usually replaces Jackie Kemp at quarterback. Lamonica, a big fellow at 6-3 and 215 pounds, is a harder runner than Kemp and is a good rollout passer. Usually, he will sit on the bench while Kemp probes the rival defense, then come in and exploit its weaknesses. Daryle passed only 126 times last year, completing 55.
He played college ball at Notre Dame, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1962 East-West Shrine Game."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Capable of throwing the long bomb, Daryle is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the AFL. Only the fact that All-Star Jack Kemp plays for Buffalo keeps Daryle from seeing more action.
Daryle passed for 349 yards in the 1962 East-West Shrine Game. The young man from Notre Dame holds the school record with four touchdowns in one game."

-1965 Topps No. 36

Friday, August 8, 2014

1965 Profile: Glenn Bass

Split End
No. 85
East Carolina
"A natural-born athlete, Glenn turned down bids by major league scouts, to sign a football contract instead.
Originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers, the speedster signed with the Bills as a free agent in 1961. As a rookie, Glenn caught 50 passes for Buffalo. He played as a running back for Buffalo in 1963."

-1965 Topps No. 24



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

1965 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

WALT CUDZIK
Center
No. 53
Purdue
An AFL original who was All-AFL in 1960, Walt played every game for Boston from 1960-63, then played all 14 games for Buffalo last year. He's a rugged blocker.
Walt was an All-Big 10 center in 1954 who was drafted by the Redskins. He began the following season with the Giants before leaving to become a high school coach in Chicago. After serving as an assistant coach for his alma mater in 1959, Walt became one of many for whom the new league offered a new life in pro football.


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"It's no accident that the Bills pack tremendous power in their ground attack. They've got the ball-carriers, sure, but they've also got a bulldozing offensive guard in 248-pound Billy Shaw. He pries those holes open.
Billy was All-AFL last year, and he could be just as effective on defense. That's where he earned his All-America college reputation at Georgia Tech.
Bill's also captain of the Bills."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Probably the greatest testimony to Billy Shaw's all-around ability was rendered by his teammates. They picked him as their captain, and when you think of the number of guards who are team captains in professional football, it is, indeed, quite a tribute.
'Billy is perhaps the finest pulling guard in the league,' says Buffalo coach Lou Saban. 'But more important, he puts out every time the ball is snapped.' Saban is also convinced that the 26-year-old Shaw will continue to improve because Billy was primarily noted as more of a defensive player than anything else at Georgia Tech, his alma mater.
In recent years, the Bills have built the best ground game in the league. During their championship 1964 season, they racked up 2,400 yards via rushing, and a great many of those came as the result of bone-crunching blocks by Shaw. Most AFL observers agree that Billy and Stew Barber form the best guard-tackle combination in the loop."

-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football

"If you want to hear a coach rave about one of his players, bring up the name of Billy Shaw in front of Lou Saban. Named to the past two All-AFL clubs, the offensive and team captain of the Bills has not nearly reached his full potential. Billy's speed and agility make him one of the best blockers in the business.
Billy played in the 1961 Coaches All-America Game. Drafted by Buffalo in 1961, the big guy rates as one of the Bills' best picks.
In his spare time, Billy loves to hunt and fish."

-1965 Topps No. 41


AL BEMILLER
Guard
No. 50
Syracuse
"The stamp of a pro is his willingness to do what's best for the team. Al Bemiller was a regular offensive center for three years, ever since he beat out All-AFL Dan McGrew for the job as a rookie in 1961. But last year, the Bills picked up veteran center Walt Cudzik, so Bemiller moved to guard and fit into a championship unit.
Al's a 260-pound iron man who's never missed a minute of league play. He's a clever lineman who knows how to finesse an opponent into doing what he wants him to do."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"A highly touted rookie when he joined the Bills in 1961, Al is durable and tough. The strong center is a great blocker and terrific on pass protection. Since his rookie campaign, Al has put on 15 pounds.
Al attracted the pro scouts when he was named an All-East collegian while at Syracuse. Drafted No. 7 by Buffalo, he was voted 'the college center with the best pro potential.' A fast man with quick reflexes, he was a wrestling champion in prep school.
During the off-season, Al works in Buffalo. He raised German Shepherds as a youngster."

-1965 Topps No. 25


STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
No. 77
Penn State
"Hard-working, heavy-hitting Stew Barber is one of the three top offensive tackles in the young league - the others being Ron Mix of San Diego and Jim Tyrer of Kansas City.
Stew, a 251-pounder who played at Penn State, was a linebacker during his rookie season in 1961. But since that time, he's been a citadel at left tackle. At the age of 26, he is launching his fifth pro season. Talk about opportunities in the AFL!"

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"A veteran of five years in the American Football League, Stew was a No. 4 draft pick back in 1961. The big tackle played as a linebacker during his rookie season. Buffalo coaches were sure that Stew would serve the team best as a tackle and how right they were.
Because of his top-flight performances, Stew has been named to several All-American Football League teams (he was named as All-AFL in 1964). Now recognized as one of pro football's biggest stars, Stew credits hard work as the key to success."

-1965 Topps No. 23


DICK HUDSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Memphis State
"Dick joined the Buffalo Bills after the 1962 season. As a freshman in the American Football League with the San Diego Chargers, Dick impressed the fans and the brass.
Used as a right tackle with Buffalo, Dick suffered a serious knee injury during the second game of the 1963 season. He sat out the rest of the campaign, but the strong-willed tackle turned in a solid performance last year. One of the biggest tackles in the game, Dick has the speed and quickness to go with his size.
Dick teaches school during the off-season."

-1965 Topps No. 31

Sunday, August 3, 2014

1965 Bills Defensive Back Profiles

BOOKER EDGERSON
Cornerback
No. 24
Western Illinois
Booker has done his part to make the Buffalo defensive secondary provide ever-improving protection from opposing passing attacks. As a 1962 rookie, his six interceptions were 10th in the AFL, his 111 yards on interception returns were ninth, and his 40-yard return was the ninth longest in the league that year.
Last season, Booker's four interceptions were returned 130 yards, eighth in the league, and his 91-yard return was the AFL's second best.


BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback
No. 42
Boston University
Possessing outstanding speed and an instinct for staying with elusive receivers, Butch played all 14 games of his rookie season and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
Last September 26 in War Memorial Stadium against defending AFL champion San Diego, Butch's interception return for 85 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter was the first score in a game won by the Bills 30-3. The victory lifted Buffalo to a 3-0 seasonal record and a tie for first with Boston in the AFL East.


CHARLEY WARNER
Cornerback-Kick Returner
No. 22
Prairie View
After playing all 14 games for Kansas City in 1963, Charley was acquired midway through last season. His 12 punt returns were eighth in the league, his 165 yards in punt returns were sixth, and his longest of 40 yards was seventh-best. Also a good man for kickoff returns, his 12 for 301 yards and a 25.1 average included a long of 44 yards.
A more than capable cornerback, Charley intercepted a pass for his new team and returned it 30 yards.


GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"George Saimes has made the conversion from All-America running back (at Michigan State) to All-AFL as a defensive safetyman. And the transition took him only two seasons. George plays the weak side safety. Thus, he's called upon to guard the split end.
At 5-10, he gives away a lot of height, yet he gets the job done. He intercepted six passes last year and he returned them for 56 yards.
He's a solid if unspectacular player."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Even though he had been a consensus All-American at Michigan State, and the most valuable Spartan player for two years, George Saimes didn't shape up as much of a pro prospect. He stood a mere 5-10 and weighed just 185, hardly the ideal specifications for offense. However, coach Duffy Daugherty had called Saimes 'a complete football player,' so Buffalo was willing to give him a shot.
Although he had been noted for his ability as a runner, the Bills decided to see how well George could track down a ball thrown by an opposing quarterback. He learned his lessons as a defender so well that he made the starting lineup in the third game of his rookie season.
Last year, his second with Buffalo, George was the big reason that the Bills were so vastly improved on pass defense. If didn't take long for him to build a reputation as one of the best 'play readers' in the league. Almost immediately after assuming his safety role, he reacted naturally to breaking down pass patterns and getting to the right spot at the proper time. There's no doubt he'll do it again this season."

-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football

"Originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, George has been called 'a defensive stickout' by several coaches. He has been a regular ever since joining Buffalo.
In his rookie campaign in 1963, George began his career with the Bills as a running back. In college, he was a consensus All-America halfback and was twice voted Michigan State's Most Valuable Player."

-1965 Topps No. 39


HAGOOD CLARKE
Safety
No. 45
Florida
Hagood returned 33 punts as a rookie, most in the AFL, for 317 yards, second in the league, and a 9.6 average, third, including his long of 53 yards, fourth in the AFL.
In the third game of the season last year at home against the defending AFL champion San Diego Chargers, with Buffalo leading 7-3 in the second quarter, Hagood returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown. The PAT gave the Bills a 14-3 halftime lead in a game they eventually won 30-3.


TOM JANIK
Safety
No. 27
Texas A & I
"Tommy was a third-round draft choice of the Denver Broncos. Considered one of the top college players of the 1962 season, the Broncos were pleased to sign up this young man.
A real value to any club with which he plays, Tommy can be used as an offensive or defensive back. His exceptional speed and quick, elusive moves make him a tough man to pin down. He's also an excellent punter."

-1964 Topps No. 49

Friday, August 1, 2014

1965 Profile: Jack Kemp

Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"Funny, but Jackie Kemp used to be considered a top-running quarterback. Now he's the pass-master in Buffalo's twin-quarterback offense. Jackie has one of the most powerful throwing arms in football.
He was claimed by the Bills from San Diego in 1962, and the Chargers are still furious about it. It seems they had tried to slip Jack by on waivers while he was recovering from an injury. After having helped the Chargers win consecutive Western Division titles in 1960 and '61, he played turnabout by going against his old mates last year and beating them for the AFL crown."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Last year Jack had another banner season with the Bills, as he led Buffalo to the AFL championship. He scored a touchdown rushing in the championship game.
The strong-armed passer was acquired from San Diego where he helped the Chargers to divisional titles in 1960 and 1961. Jack has been selected to five consecutive AFL All-Star teams."

-1965 Topps No. 35