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
Saturday, August 9, 2014
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
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
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.
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
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
SafetyNo. 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
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
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
1965 Bills Defensive Line Profiles
TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"Hardly anybody will argue the point. Tom Sestak is the greatest defensive tackle in the AFL - and maybe the NFL, as well.
He's a scout's dream-come-true, a small-college sleeper. Tom played for tiny McNeese State and was drafted 17th by the Bills back in 1961.
He's a 6-4, 270-pounder with the disposition and reflexes of a mountain lion. He runs so fast that enemy quarterbacks can't get out of his way, and he knocks down ball-carriers as if he were swatting flies."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"'Tom Sestak is the best defensive tackle in the AFL,' flatly states head coach Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders. There was must be plenty of football men who agree with Davis because Sestak was on virtually everyone's All-AFL team last season. The 6'4", 270-pound Texan is another example of the unpublicized college player who rises to the top in the competitive world of pro football - where campus headliners often fall by the wayside.
Sestak was spotted by Harvey Johnson, Buffalo's director of player personnel in 1961 when Tom was a senior at little McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Johnson was favorably impressed by the big youngster, but the Bills took their time before drafting him in the 17th round. Admits Johnson: 'Sure, he looked like a good prospect, but nothing like he's turned out to be.'
The defensive tackle was Buffalo's outstanding rookie in 1962 and made the All-AFL second team. Despite breaking a rib in an early 1963 exhibition game against Kansas City, Tom came back in time for the season's opener against San Diego, averaged nine unassisted tackles per game and made every important All-AFL team. Last season he anchored Buffalo's superb defensive forward wall, which included such stalwarts as Tom Day, Jim Dunaway and Roland McDole, as the team ran away with the Eastern Division title. Playing against the San Diego Chargers in the championship game, Sestak was a key member of a three-man rush that harried veteran quarterback Tobin Rote all afternoon and helped the Bills to a 20-7 victory.
Sestak's will to win also rubs off on his teammates. 'You work against Tom in practice every day and you either improve or retire,' says All-AFL guard Billy Shaw. Rival coach Sid Gilman of the Chargers just about sums it up when he calls the 29-year-old native of Gonzales, Texas 'a great football player.'"
-Bill Wise, 1965 Official Pro Football Almanac
"In the opening moments of last season's first game in Buffalo, Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs faded back and lofted a screen pass. Before the pass reached the intended receiver, tackle Tom Sestak of the Bills picked it off and rumbled 15 yards for a score.
In the next two minutes and 33 seconds, Buffalo scored three more touchdowns and started its march toward the AFL championship. Throughout the season, Sestak- called by veteran Boston quarterback Babe Parilli 'the finest defensive lineman in all pro football'- was to make the big plays.
The key to winning any title is defense, and Tom is the pivotal figure on Buffalo's great front four. He owns one of the best pass rushes around and, over the past two years, has averaged 10 unassisted tackles per game.
Sestak has surpassed all expectations since he came to the Bills as a 17th round draft choice in 1962. He stands 6-4, weighs 270 and can move. Check with any offensive guard around the league who has tangled with him. San Diego's Walt Sweeney supplied the perfect tribute when he asked: 'If Sestak isn't All-World, I'd like to know, who is? There just couldn't by anyone better.'"
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
"One of the most popular stars on the Buffalo club, Tom is regarded as the American Football League's outstanding defensive lineman. The defensive captain of the Bills, No. 70 has no equal when it comes to putting a rush on the opposing quarterback. Extremely mobile and fast, Tom need only catch a piece of a runner to bring him down.
Tom was a real sleeper and wasn't picked until the 17th round of the 1962 draft. At the close of the '62 season, he was voted Rookie of the Year in the AFL in many polls."
-1965 Topps No. 40
JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"Hulking Jim Dunaway teams with Tom Sestak to give the Bills a defensive tackle duet worth avoiding. Lou Saban says he wouldn't trade them for any two linemen in football, and you can't blame him. Dunaway is just as heavy as Sestak at 270 pounds, but perhaps not as fast. But when he lands on somebody, it makes very little difference. Jim's only real problem is keeping his weight under control.
He was an All-America at Ole Miss, where he played in both the Sugar and Cotton Bowls."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"When Jim came out of college, he was voted 'one of the most likely to succeed in the pros.' The big defensive tackle is good now and everyone seems to agree that he'll be even better in the future.
The powerful Mr. Dunaway was a unanimous choice for All-American at the University of Mississippi. Before coming to the Bills, Jim played in the Coaches All-America Game, the College All-Star Game and the Cotton Bowl.
Along with teammate Tom Sestak, Jim [forms] the AFL's most dangerous defensive tackle duo."
-1965 Topps No. 29
TOM KEATING
Defensive Tackle
No. 74
Michigan
"Though listed on the Buffalo roster as a defensive tackle, Tom can also be used as a defensive end.
In 1964 Tom got his chance to break into the Bills' defensive lineup when Jim Dunaway nursed an injured leg early in the season. The rookie played so well that he was awarded a regular job. Tom suffered a broken leg midway through the season and now faces the chore of winning a chance to play regularly again.
The former Michigan star is a great competitor. Like the Mounties, Tom always gets his man."
-1965 Topps No. 34
HENRY SCHMIDT
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
USC
"San Diego fans agree that Henry had his best year as a pro in 1963. A hard, vicious tackler, he is the type of ballplayer that refuses to give up. An ex-Marine, he played football for the Marine Corps in San Diego. A massive man, Henry's appearance spreads fear in the hearts of the opposition.
Henry played his college football for the University of Southern California and also for Trinity College in San Antonio."
-1964 Topps No. 172
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Roland is a big bruiser who has the speed and mobility to go along with his size. Opposing quarterbacks try to stay out of the way of this tough red-dogger.
Acquired by the Bills in 1963, it took half a year until he received a chance to play regularly. Given the opportunity to show his stuff, Roland has been one of the Buffalo reliables ever since.
Roland was an offensive end while playing for Nebraska. He was a top collegiate basketball player and has played college baseball, too."
-1965 Topps No. 38
TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 88
North Carolina A & T
"After a brilliant collegiate career, Tom has had a regular job with the Buffalo Bills since early in 1961. Coach Saban received top performances from Day all year, as Tom and teammate Ron McDole provided a top exterior pass rush. A quick and mobile runner, Tom is expected to improve upon last year's performance in 1965 with the arrival of Remi Prudhomme.
Popular among his teammates, Tom is noted for his coolness and good sense of humor. He works as a salesman in Buffalo during the off-season."
-1965 Topps No. 27
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"Hardly anybody will argue the point. Tom Sestak is the greatest defensive tackle in the AFL - and maybe the NFL, as well.
He's a scout's dream-come-true, a small-college sleeper. Tom played for tiny McNeese State and was drafted 17th by the Bills back in 1961.
He's a 6-4, 270-pounder with the disposition and reflexes of a mountain lion. He runs so fast that enemy quarterbacks can't get out of his way, and he knocks down ball-carriers as if he were swatting flies."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"'Tom Sestak is the best defensive tackle in the AFL,' flatly states head coach Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders. There was must be plenty of football men who agree with Davis because Sestak was on virtually everyone's All-AFL team last season. The 6'4", 270-pound Texan is another example of the unpublicized college player who rises to the top in the competitive world of pro football - where campus headliners often fall by the wayside.
Sestak was spotted by Harvey Johnson, Buffalo's director of player personnel in 1961 when Tom was a senior at little McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Johnson was favorably impressed by the big youngster, but the Bills took their time before drafting him in the 17th round. Admits Johnson: 'Sure, he looked like a good prospect, but nothing like he's turned out to be.'
The defensive tackle was Buffalo's outstanding rookie in 1962 and made the All-AFL second team. Despite breaking a rib in an early 1963 exhibition game against Kansas City, Tom came back in time for the season's opener against San Diego, averaged nine unassisted tackles per game and made every important All-AFL team. Last season he anchored Buffalo's superb defensive forward wall, which included such stalwarts as Tom Day, Jim Dunaway and Roland McDole, as the team ran away with the Eastern Division title. Playing against the San Diego Chargers in the championship game, Sestak was a key member of a three-man rush that harried veteran quarterback Tobin Rote all afternoon and helped the Bills to a 20-7 victory.
Sestak's will to win also rubs off on his teammates. 'You work against Tom in practice every day and you either improve or retire,' says All-AFL guard Billy Shaw. Rival coach Sid Gilman of the Chargers just about sums it up when he calls the 29-year-old native of Gonzales, Texas 'a great football player.'"
-Bill Wise, 1965 Official Pro Football Almanac
"In the opening moments of last season's first game in Buffalo, Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs faded back and lofted a screen pass. Before the pass reached the intended receiver, tackle Tom Sestak of the Bills picked it off and rumbled 15 yards for a score.
In the next two minutes and 33 seconds, Buffalo scored three more touchdowns and started its march toward the AFL championship. Throughout the season, Sestak- called by veteran Boston quarterback Babe Parilli 'the finest defensive lineman in all pro football'- was to make the big plays.
The key to winning any title is defense, and Tom is the pivotal figure on Buffalo's great front four. He owns one of the best pass rushes around and, over the past two years, has averaged 10 unassisted tackles per game.
Sestak has surpassed all expectations since he came to the Bills as a 17th round draft choice in 1962. He stands 6-4, weighs 270 and can move. Check with any offensive guard around the league who has tangled with him. San Diego's Walt Sweeney supplied the perfect tribute when he asked: 'If Sestak isn't All-World, I'd like to know, who is? There just couldn't by anyone better.'"
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
"One of the most popular stars on the Buffalo club, Tom is regarded as the American Football League's outstanding defensive lineman. The defensive captain of the Bills, No. 70 has no equal when it comes to putting a rush on the opposing quarterback. Extremely mobile and fast, Tom need only catch a piece of a runner to bring him down.
Tom was a real sleeper and wasn't picked until the 17th round of the 1962 draft. At the close of the '62 season, he was voted Rookie of the Year in the AFL in many polls."
-1965 Topps No. 40
JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"Hulking Jim Dunaway teams with Tom Sestak to give the Bills a defensive tackle duet worth avoiding. Lou Saban says he wouldn't trade them for any two linemen in football, and you can't blame him. Dunaway is just as heavy as Sestak at 270 pounds, but perhaps not as fast. But when he lands on somebody, it makes very little difference. Jim's only real problem is keeping his weight under control.
He was an All-America at Ole Miss, where he played in both the Sugar and Cotton Bowls."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"When Jim came out of college, he was voted 'one of the most likely to succeed in the pros.' The big defensive tackle is good now and everyone seems to agree that he'll be even better in the future.
The powerful Mr. Dunaway was a unanimous choice for All-American at the University of Mississippi. Before coming to the Bills, Jim played in the Coaches All-America Game, the College All-Star Game and the Cotton Bowl.
Along with teammate Tom Sestak, Jim [forms] the AFL's most dangerous defensive tackle duo."
-1965 Topps No. 29
TOM KEATING
Defensive Tackle
No. 74
Michigan
"Though listed on the Buffalo roster as a defensive tackle, Tom can also be used as a defensive end.
In 1964 Tom got his chance to break into the Bills' defensive lineup when Jim Dunaway nursed an injured leg early in the season. The rookie played so well that he was awarded a regular job. Tom suffered a broken leg midway through the season and now faces the chore of winning a chance to play regularly again.
The former Michigan star is a great competitor. Like the Mounties, Tom always gets his man."
-1965 Topps No. 34
HENRY SCHMIDT
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
USC
"San Diego fans agree that Henry had his best year as a pro in 1963. A hard, vicious tackler, he is the type of ballplayer that refuses to give up. An ex-Marine, he played football for the Marine Corps in San Diego. A massive man, Henry's appearance spreads fear in the hearts of the opposition.
Henry played his college football for the University of Southern California and also for Trinity College in San Antonio."
-1964 Topps No. 172
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Roland is a big bruiser who has the speed and mobility to go along with his size. Opposing quarterbacks try to stay out of the way of this tough red-dogger.
Acquired by the Bills in 1963, it took half a year until he received a chance to play regularly. Given the opportunity to show his stuff, Roland has been one of the Buffalo reliables ever since.
Roland was an offensive end while playing for Nebraska. He was a top collegiate basketball player and has played college baseball, too."
-1965 Topps No. 38
TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 88
North Carolina A & T
"After a brilliant collegiate career, Tom has had a regular job with the Buffalo Bills since early in 1961. Coach Saban received top performances from Day all year, as Tom and teammate Ron McDole provided a top exterior pass rush. A quick and mobile runner, Tom is expected to improve upon last year's performance in 1965 with the arrival of Remi Prudhomme.
Popular among his teammates, Tom is noted for his coolness and good sense of humor. He works as a salesman in Buffalo during the off-season."
-1965 Topps No. 27
Saturday, July 26, 2014
1965 Profiles: Ralph Wilson and Lou Saban
RALPH WILSON
Owner
"The head of the Buffalo Bills operation is typical of the AFL owners; he has money, imagination and drive. And he's certain that he's got the best product on the American sports market."
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
WHY I OWN A PRO FOOTBALL TEAM by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
"It shouldn't take much calculating to decide whether to pay $5 or $50,000 for a seat at a football game. I had just such a choice a few years back and, contrary to what you might you expect of a sane man, I chose the higher priced seat. It wasn't that I was interested in the view, but the $50,000 entitled me to any seat in the house; I had finally become what I had long wanted to be- the sole owner of a pro football team.
To put all this into its proper perspective, let's go back to 1959, the year I made that momentous decision. At the time, I numbered myself among the Detroit Lions' most ardent fans. I had been rooting for them since the days of Dutch Clark and can recall having gone to games with my dad at Detroit University's field in the mid-1930's. (Looking back now, it seems that half the people who witnessed those struggles came to boo the Lions out of town.)
The idea of owning a pro football team first struck me in 1947 when a group of us Detroiters banded together to buy the Lions from Fred Mandel. The most any one person could own was four per cent. Nevertheless, I felt good about having some stock in the club I had rooted for so long.
With the advent of television, interest in the National Football League grew. No longer confined to the locales in which the loop operated, fan enthusiasm- via nationwide TV- suddenly became a factor to be reckoned with. From time to time, I inquired about buying an NFL franchise, but nobody was selling. And expansion, I was told by insiders, was out of the question.
One day in August 1959, I read that a Texan named Lamar Hunt was forming a new pro football league. My first reaction was: 'Wilson, this may be your big chance if you're ever going to become an owner.'
I didn't know Lamar personally, but I wrote and told him I'd be interested in a franchise for Miami, Florida where my family has a winter home. He replied that I'd better get moving quickly, as franchises had already been awarded to New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis.
Off I went to Miami- to be greeted with the same kind of enthusiasm a cold spell engenders down there. Everyone I talked to equaled the AFL with the defunct All-America Conference, the league that unsuccessfully fought the NFL for four years prior to 1950. I reported my chilly reception to Lamar and, for a time, considered forgetting about the AFL. Hunt then informed me that I could have my choice of a franchise in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Buffalo or Kansas City. I wasn't very knowledgeable about any of those cities and I thought about sticking with my small share of the Lions, but I still couldn't get away from the idea of starting fresh in a new, well-financed league that had unlimited potential.
I finally decided to check with a Detroit newspaperman, Eddie Hayes, and Nick Kerbaway, who had been general manager of the Lions, to see it they had any information on the cities Lamar listed. Both of them recommended Buffalo, pointing out that the fans had supported their All-America Conference franchise very loyally.
I knew only one Buffalo resident personally, George Schaaf, a contractor who was my skipper on a minesweeper during the war. Frank Leahy, who was general manager of the AFL team going into Los Angeles, suggested I visit Paul Neville, managing editor of the Buffalo Evening News. With Schaaf as my guide, I met with Neville. It was to be an exploratory talk. A few hours later, I flew back to Detroit committed to placing a team in Buffalo.
At first blush, franchise ownership seemed fine. I had promised to back a team for three years. I knew it would cost money and I expected to lose a considerable amount until the league was on firmer footing. But what if the AFL didn't last and I would just be throwing money down the drain, so to speak, for three years? It was a sobering thought.
In the final analysis, I decided to go ahead because of my faith in the game of football. I was positive that our product was the best the American sports public could buy. And once we signed a nationwide television deal, I was confident that we would have the exposure we needed.
We didn't have a front office staff or a coach when the first AFL draft was held. As a result, I had to call upon friends around the country and send out agents from my insurance office to sign players. One agent, a fellow named Lou Curl, was sent to sign Birtho Arnold, a 310-pound Ohio State tackle. 'I'm with the Buffalo Bills,' said the 5-5, 135-pound Curl in his introduction. 'What in the world,' gasped the astonished Arnold, 'do you play?'
I, too, had a couple of memorable experiences trying to sign a couple of players. They fell into the if-I-knew-then-what-I-know-now category. The players were Larry Wilson, a halfback from Utah, and Len Rhode, a Utah State lineman. Both said they were interested in signing with Buffalo, but each wanted a $1,500 bonus. 'We don't hand out big bonus money like that for defensive backs or linemen,' I explained. So Wilson signed with St. Louis and became an NFL star, while Rhode signed with San Francisco and has been a solid performer there. When I think of what pro teams are now paying for boys with lesser college reputations than Wilson and Rhode, I have to laugh at myself. And that was only six years ago. What will be the situation six years from now?
The one fear I have for the game of football is the outcome of the battle for college players. The damage won't be apparent immediately, but I'm afraid that down the road a few years, the sport will be the worse for these tremendous, long-term, no-cut contracts. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the ability of professional clubs in both leagues to pay skyrocketing salaries.
Until recently, a player had to make the squad. If a veteran let down, there was a hungry rookie pushing him for his job. Nowadays, a youngster with a big reputation comes in guaranteed of financial reward whether he produces or not. Sure, a large percentage of boys have sufficient pride to want to do their best anyway. But what happens when rosters are virtually inundated by players with no-cut contracts? Don't say it can't happen, because it can. And the day it does, pro football will have lost the spark that ignites the 60 minutes of hard-hitting action fans are accustomed to seeing.
As for the Bills, we've refused to jump off the bridge with no-cut pacts. (This attitude has cost us several players.) The few to whom we've given no-cuts have, fortunately for us, produced. Regardless, it's poor policy and football had better wake up to that fact in a hurry.
Throughout the past five AFL seasons, I've found that owning a pro team isn't all financial ledgers and won-lost columns. The toughest thing I've had to do involved the first man I hired for the Bills organization, Buster Ramsey. Buster was a really good friend and still is. He's one of the outstanding defensive minds around. But after the 1961 campaign, I decided to make a coaching change. I found it so difficult to do that even after I told Buster he was fired, I almost asked him to forget what I'd just said and stay on at the helm.
LOU SABAN
Head Coach
"Although he won his first American Football League title with the Bills last year, Lou Saban in accustomed to victory. As a 200-pound linebacker and captain of the Cleveland Browns, he played on four championship teams.
He later coached at Case Institute, Northwestern, Western Illinois and the Boston Patriots before coming to the Bills as director of player personnel in 1961. The following year he succeeded Buster Ramsey as head coach.
He's known for his emphasis on line play and on a strong rushing game. He's also known for his courage and firmness, which was particularly was illustrated last season when he disciplined his bread-and-butter man, Cookie Gilchrist."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Owner
"The head of the Buffalo Bills operation is typical of the AFL owners; he has money, imagination and drive. And he's certain that he's got the best product on the American sports market."
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
WHY I OWN A PRO FOOTBALL TEAM by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
"It shouldn't take much calculating to decide whether to pay $5 or $50,000 for a seat at a football game. I had just such a choice a few years back and, contrary to what you might you expect of a sane man, I chose the higher priced seat. It wasn't that I was interested in the view, but the $50,000 entitled me to any seat in the house; I had finally become what I had long wanted to be- the sole owner of a pro football team.
To put all this into its proper perspective, let's go back to 1959, the year I made that momentous decision. At the time, I numbered myself among the Detroit Lions' most ardent fans. I had been rooting for them since the days of Dutch Clark and can recall having gone to games with my dad at Detroit University's field in the mid-1930's. (Looking back now, it seems that half the people who witnessed those struggles came to boo the Lions out of town.)
The idea of owning a pro football team first struck me in 1947 when a group of us Detroiters banded together to buy the Lions from Fred Mandel. The most any one person could own was four per cent. Nevertheless, I felt good about having some stock in the club I had rooted for so long.
With the advent of television, interest in the National Football League grew. No longer confined to the locales in which the loop operated, fan enthusiasm- via nationwide TV- suddenly became a factor to be reckoned with. From time to time, I inquired about buying an NFL franchise, but nobody was selling. And expansion, I was told by insiders, was out of the question.
One day in August 1959, I read that a Texan named Lamar Hunt was forming a new pro football league. My first reaction was: 'Wilson, this may be your big chance if you're ever going to become an owner.'
I didn't know Lamar personally, but I wrote and told him I'd be interested in a franchise for Miami, Florida where my family has a winter home. He replied that I'd better get moving quickly, as franchises had already been awarded to New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis.
Off I went to Miami- to be greeted with the same kind of enthusiasm a cold spell engenders down there. Everyone I talked to equaled the AFL with the defunct All-America Conference, the league that unsuccessfully fought the NFL for four years prior to 1950. I reported my chilly reception to Lamar and, for a time, considered forgetting about the AFL. Hunt then informed me that I could have my choice of a franchise in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Buffalo or Kansas City. I wasn't very knowledgeable about any of those cities and I thought about sticking with my small share of the Lions, but I still couldn't get away from the idea of starting fresh in a new, well-financed league that had unlimited potential.
I finally decided to check with a Detroit newspaperman, Eddie Hayes, and Nick Kerbaway, who had been general manager of the Lions, to see it they had any information on the cities Lamar listed. Both of them recommended Buffalo, pointing out that the fans had supported their All-America Conference franchise very loyally.
I knew only one Buffalo resident personally, George Schaaf, a contractor who was my skipper on a minesweeper during the war. Frank Leahy, who was general manager of the AFL team going into Los Angeles, suggested I visit Paul Neville, managing editor of the Buffalo Evening News. With Schaaf as my guide, I met with Neville. It was to be an exploratory talk. A few hours later, I flew back to Detroit committed to placing a team in Buffalo.
At first blush, franchise ownership seemed fine. I had promised to back a team for three years. I knew it would cost money and I expected to lose a considerable amount until the league was on firmer footing. But what if the AFL didn't last and I would just be throwing money down the drain, so to speak, for three years? It was a sobering thought.
In the final analysis, I decided to go ahead because of my faith in the game of football. I was positive that our product was the best the American sports public could buy. And once we signed a nationwide television deal, I was confident that we would have the exposure we needed.
We didn't have a front office staff or a coach when the first AFL draft was held. As a result, I had to call upon friends around the country and send out agents from my insurance office to sign players. One agent, a fellow named Lou Curl, was sent to sign Birtho Arnold, a 310-pound Ohio State tackle. 'I'm with the Buffalo Bills,' said the 5-5, 135-pound Curl in his introduction. 'What in the world,' gasped the astonished Arnold, 'do you play?'
I, too, had a couple of memorable experiences trying to sign a couple of players. They fell into the if-I-knew-then-what-I-know-now category. The players were Larry Wilson, a halfback from Utah, and Len Rhode, a Utah State lineman. Both said they were interested in signing with Buffalo, but each wanted a $1,500 bonus. 'We don't hand out big bonus money like that for defensive backs or linemen,' I explained. So Wilson signed with St. Louis and became an NFL star, while Rhode signed with San Francisco and has been a solid performer there. When I think of what pro teams are now paying for boys with lesser college reputations than Wilson and Rhode, I have to laugh at myself. And that was only six years ago. What will be the situation six years from now?
The one fear I have for the game of football is the outcome of the battle for college players. The damage won't be apparent immediately, but I'm afraid that down the road a few years, the sport will be the worse for these tremendous, long-term, no-cut contracts. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the ability of professional clubs in both leagues to pay skyrocketing salaries.
Until recently, a player had to make the squad. If a veteran let down, there was a hungry rookie pushing him for his job. Nowadays, a youngster with a big reputation comes in guaranteed of financial reward whether he produces or not. Sure, a large percentage of boys have sufficient pride to want to do their best anyway. But what happens when rosters are virtually inundated by players with no-cut contracts? Don't say it can't happen, because it can. And the day it does, pro football will have lost the spark that ignites the 60 minutes of hard-hitting action fans are accustomed to seeing.
As for the Bills, we've refused to jump off the bridge with no-cut pacts. (This attitude has cost us several players.) The few to whom we've given no-cuts have, fortunately for us, produced. Regardless, it's poor policy and football had better wake up to that fact in a hurry.
Throughout the past five AFL seasons, I've found that owning a pro team isn't all financial ledgers and won-lost columns. The toughest thing I've had to do involved the first man I hired for the Bills organization, Buster Ramsey. Buster was a really good friend and still is. He's one of the outstanding defensive minds around. But after the 1961 campaign, I decided to make a coaching change. I found it so difficult to do that even after I told Buster he was fired, I almost asked him to forget what I'd just said and stay on at the helm.
While it's logical that winning a league title- which Buffalo did last season- should be the most memorable moment for an owner, coach or player, it's not true in my case. To me, defeating San Diego for the championship was anticlimactic. The big thrill had come in the regular season finale against the Boston Patriots.
Going back to the first preseason contest ever played in the AFL, the Patriots always seemed to have the thumb on us, particularly when it counted most. We had tied them for the Eastern Division crown in 1963 but were outclassed, 26-8, in a playoff game. Now, after leading our division all season, we came down to the final clash with a scant half-game lead. Should we be beaten in this last encounter, our all-out efforts would go right out the window.
Believe me, the emotional pitch was staggering. I felt, too, for Lou Saban, whom I had first hired as personnel director, then as head coach, after he had been cut loose by Boston. The game, I'm told, was played in sub-zero weather, but I wasn't conscious of the cold; my heart was pumping blood at a rate calculated to keep anyone warm. At the final gun, we had our first divisional title by a 24-14 score. And six days later, we handed the powerful Chargers a 20-7 setback for all the marbles. Emotionally, however, I was still replaying the Boston game.
As an owner, I want to know what's going on with the club. I don't mean the day-to-day affairs with which a coach must concern himself. But when Lou is thinking of making a trade, I don't want to pick up a newspaper and find that so-and-so was already dealt off. And Lou, respectful of my feelings, keeps me posted- through the decisions are his to make.
I also like to know in advance just whom Lou and personnel director Harvey Johnson have in mind as possible draft choices. We have a running joke that I'm allowed one pick of my own each year. They usually like me to wait until one of the late rounds but, more often than not, my choices have earned places on our club. (I'd have to be a real slow study if I hadn't acquired some judgment of a man's ability after so many years of exposure.)
The real heroes of this piece, however, are the Buffalo fans. They were disappointed when their franchise folded with the old AAFC and had little to cheer about during our initial years of operation. In fact, they must have been crazy about the game to have stuck with us so long. And we've only just begun to pay them back."
-Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
LOU SABAN
Head Coach
"Although he won his first American Football League title with the Bills last year, Lou Saban in accustomed to victory. As a 200-pound linebacker and captain of the Cleveland Browns, he played on four championship teams.
He later coached at Case Institute, Northwestern, Western Illinois and the Boston Patriots before coming to the Bills as director of player personnel in 1961. The following year he succeeded Buster Ramsey as head coach.
He's known for his emphasis on line play and on a strong rushing game. He's also known for his courage and firmness, which was particularly was illustrated last season when he disciplined his bread-and-butter man, Cookie Gilchrist."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
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