Running Back
No. 32
USC
"Perhaps the most heralded rookie ever, O.J. is now coming into his own as a pro. Despite inadequate blocking, he gained 742 yards to rank seventh among AFC rushers in 1971. He averaged 4.1 yards a carry and scored five touchdowns. He's also improving as a pass receiver, having 21 snares last season.
Simpson mixes rare pro breakaway speed and open-field running talents with size. He has put on a few pounds in the pros. His speed is unquestioned since he was on a world record dash relay team in college.
O.J. had a 56-yard scoring jaunt last season and also had a 95-yard kickoff return the season before. He gained 697 yards as a rookie and was off to a fine campaign in 1970 (488 yards) until sidelined with a knee injury.
A Heisman Trophy winner, Simpson was picked on most All-Time College teams when colleges celebrated the 100th anniversary in 1969. He was the first draft choice of all teams. He held out for a lucrative contract and got a whopper.
O.J. has fruitful off-season deals with Chevrolet, Royal Crown and ABC-TV. He has voiced a desire to play for a West Coast with some off-season rumors to that effect. He's married with two children."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
"The Bills' leading rusher for the second consecutive season in 1971, O.J. ranked seventh in the AFC in that department. He also caught 21 passes for 162 yards and returned four kickoffs for 107 yards.
O.J. was pro football's most heralded rookie ever. He's fast, has great quickness, and is a threat whenever he has the ball.
O.J. and the Cubs' Ernie Banks are cousins."
-1972 Topps No. 160
No comments:
Post a Comment