1969 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
"It has probably escaped the notice of most people, but Al Bemiller has started every Bills' game since 1961. That adds up to 112 regular season games.
Of course, anyone following Al's career knows he couldn't always be found in the same place. A versatile type, he has played both tackle positions, as well as center, during his eight years in the pros. At 6-3 and 246 pounds, he's big enough to play anywhere on the offensive side.
An All-East star with Syracuse University, Al is also superstitious - whether he's playing center or tackle, he always has a towel tucked in the back of his football pants."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"One AFL coach said of Billy Shaw, 'Even half-healthy, he's better than most.' It was high praise for the 6-2, 258-pound guard who has missed a lot of action over the past two seasons due to injury.
But when he's in there, he gives enemy tackles an all-out battle on every play. There probably isn't a better pulling guard in the league, and yet Billy, who drives himself to excel in every department, also provides solid protection for the passer.
He became a Bill in 1961 after being chosen in the second round of the draft. He played his college football at Georgia Tech."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


BOB KALSU
Guard
No. 61
Oklahoma
Playing all 14 games in '68 and starting nine, Bob shows promise of being one of the young linemen who will help move Buffalo's offense back to elite status during the 70s. He will lead the way for top NFL draft selection O.J. Simpson.
Whether pass blocking or pulling out on a sweep and leveling an opponent, Bob has already impressed Buffalo's coaching staff with his outstanding character and total dedication.


STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
No. 77
Penn State
"A high draft choice of the Bills, Stew said no to the Dallas Cowboys when they picked him, too. He played as a linebacker during his early years with Buffalo. When his teammate Billy Shaw was injured two years ago, Stew filled in at left guard for six games. This veteran is respected for his competitive spirit.
Stew lifts weights in the off-season to stay in condition."

-1969 Topps No. 242


PAUL COSTA
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Notre Dame
A new position, a new uniform number and a new challenge for Paul in 1969. Although mobile and quick as a receiver, he has the size (6-6, 268) to be an offensive tackle.
As a tight end, in a late-season game in 1966 against the Oilers at Rice Stadium, with the Bills trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, he caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter of that game, he caught a 3-yard toss from Jack Kemp as Buffalo secured a 42-20 win over their division rival.
Paul was an AFL All-Star in 1966 and has started every game in the last three seasons.