ELBERT DUBENION
Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"The magic returned to the golden wheels of Elbert Dubenion last year, after being slowed down by serious leg surgery. The 5-11, 190-pound flanker raked in 50 passes for 747 yards and two touchdowns to rank eighth in the league among receivers.
It was a remarkable comeback, both physically and mentally, for Duby. It was at first feared he would need more time to recover from the operation which sidelined him for most of 1965, and he also had to convince himself he could do it. But all fears were shelved as soon as he outdistanced his first defender early last season.
An original Bill, he twice topped 1,000 yards and is Buffalo's all-time receiving leader with 271 catches for 5,040 yards.
His best move is still the streak pattern."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The high-flying flanker is Buffalo's all-time receiving leader and touchdown maker. After a serious leg operation in 1965, Elbert bounced back to lead the club in pass receptions last season."
-1967 Topps No. 20
"Who led the Bills in pass receptions from 1960 through 1966? Elbert Dubenion."
-1967 Topps No. 19
ED RUTKOWSKI
Flanker-Kick Returner
No. 40
Notre Dame
"Who had the longest punt return for the Bills in 1966? Ed Rutkowski."
-1967 Topps No. 27
Monday, September 15, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
1967 Profiles: Mike Mercer and Paul Maguire
MIKE MERCER
Place Kicker
No. 7
Arizona State
"The Vikings' most active 'foot' is Mike Mercer, the punting-placement man out of Algona, Ia., whose father was a pro pioneer with Frankfort and the Giants. He clicked for 36 of 37 placements in 1961 and nine field goals.
Mercer saw service at four colleges- Minnesota, Florida State, Hardin-Simmons and Arizona State. He has a business administration degree."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Mike was drafted by the Vikings and quickly developed into a top N.F.L. kicker."
-1962 Topps No. 97
"Mike had a fine rookie year in 1963. He ranked fifth in the American Football League in punting and also kicked eight field goals. He had a perfect record in kicking extra points as he succeeded in each of his 47 attempts. In Mike's very first game with the Oakland Raiders, he kicked five field goals in five attempts.
He played in the All-America Bowl in Tucson, Arizona."
-1964 Topps No. 145
"Mike joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1963. He has turned out to be a fine pick-up for Oakland. Mike led the Raiders in scoring in 1964 with 79 points. He has never missed an extra point attempt in his two seasons.
Mike also handles the team's punting. He is one of only four professionals who combine place kicking with punting."
-1965 Topps No. 143
"Under a unique lend-lease agreement, Mike Mercer was traded from Buffalo to Kansas City. It happened right after a Buffalo-Kansas City game, after Booth Lusteg had kicked three field goals for the Bills. Mercer was then on the Buffalo taxi squad and Hank Stram came, hat in hand, begging for Mercer. The Bills said okay, providing they could have the option of getting Mike back after the season. They exercised that option in record time once they read Mike's 1967 statistics- 21 field goals in 30 tries, the best record in all of pro football. Lusteg kicked 19 of 38, so there should be a swinging battle between the two in the Bills' camp this summer."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
Paul once again pinned opposing offenses deep in their own territory last year. His 69 punts (2nd in the AFL, with none blocked) for 2,841 yards (3rd) were good for an average of 41.2 yards (7th), and his longest punt of 61 yards was the AFL's seventh longest of 1966.
His 82-yard punt in 1961 while with the Chargers is still the AFL record. All-Pro in 1962 and 1965, Paul has been booting them for Buffalo since 1964.
Place Kicker
No. 7
Arizona State
"The Vikings' most active 'foot' is Mike Mercer, the punting-placement man out of Algona, Ia., whose father was a pro pioneer with Frankfort and the Giants. He clicked for 36 of 37 placements in 1961 and nine field goals.
Mercer saw service at four colleges- Minnesota, Florida State, Hardin-Simmons and Arizona State. He has a business administration degree."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Mike was drafted by the Vikings and quickly developed into a top N.F.L. kicker."
-1962 Topps No. 97
"Mike had a fine rookie year in 1963. He ranked fifth in the American Football League in punting and also kicked eight field goals. He had a perfect record in kicking extra points as he succeeded in each of his 47 attempts. In Mike's very first game with the Oakland Raiders, he kicked five field goals in five attempts.
He played in the All-America Bowl in Tucson, Arizona."
-1964 Topps No. 145
"Mike joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1963. He has turned out to be a fine pick-up for Oakland. Mike led the Raiders in scoring in 1964 with 79 points. He has never missed an extra point attempt in his two seasons.
Mike also handles the team's punting. He is one of only four professionals who combine place kicking with punting."
-1965 Topps No. 143
"Under a unique lend-lease agreement, Mike Mercer was traded from Buffalo to Kansas City. It happened right after a Buffalo-Kansas City game, after Booth Lusteg had kicked three field goals for the Bills. Mercer was then on the Buffalo taxi squad and Hank Stram came, hat in hand, begging for Mercer. The Bills said okay, providing they could have the option of getting Mike back after the season. They exercised that option in record time once they read Mike's 1967 statistics- 21 field goals in 30 tries, the best record in all of pro football. Lusteg kicked 19 of 38, so there should be a swinging battle between the two in the Bills' camp this summer."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
Paul once again pinned opposing offenses deep in their own territory last year. His 69 punts (2nd in the AFL, with none blocked) for 2,841 yards (3rd) were good for an average of 41.2 yards (7th), and his longest punt of 61 yards was the AFL's seventh longest of 1966.
His 82-yard punt in 1961 while with the Chargers is still the AFL record. All-Pro in 1962 and 1965, Paul has been booting them for Buffalo since 1964.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
1967 Profile: Wray Carlton
Fullback
No. 30
Duke
"Back at his more natural position of fullback last year, Wray Carlton fit like a peg in its correct hole. He merely had the best season of his career. He finished fifth among rushers with 696 yards on 156 carries for a 4.4 average and six touchdowns.
During much of his seven years in the league, he has been forced to move over to halfback out of deference to Cookie Gilchrist and Billy Joe. But they are no longer in Buffalo. Wray's strength is running to the inside - he has no speed to the outside. He's a fine cutter and a hard runner, and he gives the quarterback good blocking.
A 6-1, 230-pounder, he played his college ball at Duke and originally was signed by the Patriots. He came to the Bills before the start of the 1960 season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The muscularly built veteran back is one of the best fullbacks in football. Besides being a hard-driving runner and a good pass receiver, Wray is one of the best blockers."
-1967 Topps No. 19
"Which Buffalo back holds the longest run mark? Wray Carlton- 80 yards."
-1967 Topps No. 20
No. 30
Duke
"Back at his more natural position of fullback last year, Wray Carlton fit like a peg in its correct hole. He merely had the best season of his career. He finished fifth among rushers with 696 yards on 156 carries for a 4.4 average and six touchdowns.
During much of his seven years in the league, he has been forced to move over to halfback out of deference to Cookie Gilchrist and Billy Joe. But they are no longer in Buffalo. Wray's strength is running to the inside - he has no speed to the outside. He's a fine cutter and a hard runner, and he gives the quarterback good blocking.
A 6-1, 230-pounder, he played his college ball at Duke and originally was signed by the Patriots. He came to the Bills before the start of the 1960 season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The muscularly built veteran back is one of the best fullbacks in football. Besides being a hard-driving runner and a good pass receiver, Wray is one of the best blockers."
-1967 Topps No. 19
"Which Buffalo back holds the longest run mark? Wray Carlton- 80 yards."
-1967 Topps No. 20
Friday, September 12, 2014
1967 Profiles: Art Powell and Paul Costa
ART POWELL
Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"Won praise as an outstanding 1959 rookie. Powell played only one college season before going to the Canadian League. A defensive halfback who worked overtime as a returner of punts and kickoffs, he was the NFL's second best in the latter department, moving 379 yards on 14 chances. His speed and agility make him an ideal pass defender.
Powell lives in San Diego. His brother Charley was a 49er tackle."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"The surprise of '60 was why the Eagles permitted end Art Powell to get away. He was among the standout NFL rookies in '59, excelling in punt and kickoff returns. Voted an AFL All-Star for his feat in leading the loop in catching touchdown passes (14) and taking down 72 passes for 1,265 yards. He also gained 63 yards with two kickoff returns.
Only 24, this San Jose (California) sparkler figures to remain among the high echelon offensive stars."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"'Art Powell,' said Sammy Baugh, the finest passer in football history, 'is the best receiver I've ever seen.'
Powell was a defensive back before he joined the Titans.
The end with the most natural class in the league is Powell. For a guy of 24, he's had a rather stormy career. His older brother is a former heavyweight fighter and defensive end who plays with the Oakland Raiders. Like Charlie, Art was a brilliant high school athlete in San Diego; he went on to San Jose State, scored 47 points in one basketball game and then led the nation in receiving as a sophomore end with 40 catches, five for touchdowns. All-American honors loomed, but Art jumped school and went up to Canada for a couple of seasons. When his college class was graduated, the Eagles drafted Art, who switched over to defense and made the grade as a regular in the secondary. The pros are looking for his kind, a 6-3 212-pounder who can run with everybody. As a rookie he led the NFL in kickoff returns, taking one ball back 95 yards against the Giants, missing a touchdown when he stepped into a hole and fell down. He returned a punt 58 yards for a score.
It looked like a long career in the NFL for him as 1960 began, but the Eagles weren't enchanted with his behavior. They cut him loose, and not a team in the league picked him up; no one wanted to risk his temperament. The Titans weren't so queasy. First, they put him at offensive end, which Art wanted. Then they left him alone, and he revealed tremendous talent. Until he joined the team just before the season, the lone receiver was Don Maynard, the slim kid from Texas Western who had been discarded by the Giants. With both of them in the lineup, defenses went nuts; they gathered in 141 passes to be the most effective unit in pro football, and Powell scored 14 touchdowns to lead the league. If Art never caught a pass, he'd still be the most valuable guy in the Titans lineup, for every team is forced to double up its coverage on him. Acting as a decoy, he frees Maynard and the backs for receptions."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"When it comes to leaving his feet and beating a defender to a pass, powerful Powell is in a class by himself. His 14 touchdowns were tops in the league."
-1961 Topps No. 151
"Nifty swifty [sic] and so difficult to cover in the open is Art Powell, the spectacular pass catcher who was No. 3 among all receivers in 1961. The 25-year-old ex-Eagle latched on to 71 passes for 881 yards and seldom could he remember when he didn't have to out-hustle two defenders for the right to the ball. No team in the circuit plays him one-on-one, a tribute to his speed and good hands."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Powell is a quarterback's delight. His size makes him easy to spot downfield, and his speed- he's run the 100 in 9.7- and great set of moves have opposing defenders running in circles. What's more, his hands are so big that they look ready-made for catching footballs.
Only Denver's Lionel Taylor and Houston's Charlie Hennigan caught more than his 71 receptions, good for 881 yards. His best day was October 22 when he hauled in 12 Titan passes just one short of the league record."
-1962 Fleer No. 60
"From New York comes Art Powell, the flashy and speedy end who was first in yards gained as a receiver (1,130) and No. 2 in snaring aerials.
Spectacular in action, he's 26 and out of Hamilton, Ontario, where he played in the Canadian circuit before sparkling in the NFL with the Eagles. Constantly double-teamed, he has the knowledge and agility to shift direction with amazing speeds and changes of pace."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"With the Titans for three years, Art was a brilliant pass receiver who caught a total of 204 passes. He led the AFL in touchdown passes in 1960 with 14, and in the last two campaigns has ranked second in total receptions. This despite the fact that teams usually double and triple-teamed him.
Art first showed his talent by leading the nation's college receivers as a sophomore. He played a couple of years in Canada and was a regular safety for the Philadelphia Eagles before coming to the AFL."
-1963 Fleer No. 59
"Offensive end Art Powell of the Oakland Raiders was one of the big reasons his team climbed into second place in the AFL's Western Division after suffering a disastrous 1-13 season in 1962. Powell joined the Raiders last year after playing out his option with the New York Titans and proceeded to lead the league's pass receivers in total yardage (1,304) and touchdowns (16).
Says the 27-year-old wide end: 'I feel I should score two touchdowns a game.' Powell bettered that when Oakland met the league-leading San Diego Chargers last December. Behind 27-10 in the fourth quarter, the Raiders scored 31 points, pulling the game out of the fire, 41-27. Powell grabbed three touchdown tosses that afternoon, the third being a 40-yarder from quarterback Cotton Davidson that put the Raiders out ahead.
Born in Dallas on February 25, 1937, Powell moved to San Diego as a child and later became an outstanding local high school athlete in football and basketball. After a year at San Diego Junior College, Powell transferred to San Jose State where he was the top college receiver in the county in 1956. But he left school the next year to play pro football with Toronto of the Canadian League. In 1959 he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and was a topnotch safety man on defense.
But Art wanted to play on offense, so he joined the Titans in 1960 after becoming a free agent. In his three seasons at New York, the 6'3", 210-pound end established himself as one of the best in the league, catching a total of 204 passes. In 1960 he topped the AFL in touchdown passes caught (14) and in 1962 he led in reception yardage (1,130).
Harried opponents often double-team Powell, but this doesn't seem to bother him. 'They usually have the safety helping out against me, but that's okay, because it means they have to weaken themselves elsewhere,' he observes."
-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Art Powell found the switch from East to West an easy one to make, moving from New York to Oakland where he was first at yards gained with pass receptions (1,304), No. 2 as an overall receiver and All-AFL at split end.
Entering the pro ranks after just one year of college ball, he was a rookie flash with the Eagles in between Canadian League campaigns. Switching to the AFL in 1960, he led the loop in touchdown receptions (14) and soon taught the opposition that it was necessary to have two defenders assigned to him. Now 27, he must be acknowledged among the top two performers at his position."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Recognized as one of pro football's finest pass-catchers, Art Powell hopes to repeat as split end on the All-AFL team. He led the league in pass reception yardage with 1,304 and touchdowns caught with 16. He joined the Raiders last season after playing out his option with the Jets (then Titans).
Now in his sixth pro season, he was a star at San Jose State before joining the NFL Eagles in 1959 and moving to the Titans in 1960. He caught the winning pass for the Western AFL squad in the final minute of last season's All-Star Game."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Last year was Art's first season with the Raiders, as Oakland acquired the end from the New York Jets. He led the American Football League with 1,304 yards and he crossed the goal line with 16 touchdowns. Second in the AFL with 73 receptions, Art set club scoring records for the Raiders. In the All-Star Game, he caught the winning touchdown pass in the final minute of play."
-1964 Topps No. 150
"The well-traveled Art Powell has won pass-catching laurels wherever he has gone, but if anything, he's been at his best since joining Oakland.
Last season, he set new club records in receptions (76) and yardage (1,361) to top the 73 for 1,304 he established in 1963. His 1964 figures tied him with Lionel Taylor for second place among league pass-catchers.
Art, who has a great pair of hands to go with his size, speed and strength, formerly played for the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Toronto Argos (Canadian League) and the New York Jets (AFL). He's now in his ninth pro year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Art ranks among the greatest receivers in football. He is the complete and ideal end. Art has the size, speed, courage and the hands to do the job right.
He joined the Raiders in 1963 and promptly set a club record for receptions. Last year, Art broke his own record. Watch the big end try to establish another club record this year.
Art caught the winning touchdown pass in the 1963 All-Star Game."
-1965 Topps No. 146
"Art Powell handles a football the way Picasso handles a brush. Art's art is catching passes, and in his six years in the AFL he has gained 6,643 yards that way- more than anyone else in the league. In four different years he has bettered 1,000 yards. Last season, Art caught 52 aerials for an even 800 yards and an average of 15.4, plus 12 touchdowns.
He is 6-2 and 212 pounds. He catches a lot of his passes on a quick-out move he has mastered, which is a slanting pattern, and with his great hands he doesn't drop many.
Actually, Art's pro career predates 1960. Before the AFL was originated, he played for the Toronto Argos in Canada and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. His first AFL club was the New York Titans."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"A regular on the All-Star teams, Art's biggest thrill was catching the winning touchdown pass fo the West in the 1963 All-Star contest.
The big end led the Raiders in pass receptions in '65 and was third in the league in touchdowns. Art holds the Raiders' record for catches in a season with 76."
-1966 Topps No. 116
"It is a third-down-and-short-yardage condition, and as Art Powell positions himself out wide, the danger signals crackle in the defensive secondary like a crazy morse code. For Powell is practically impossible to cover in such situations, and in all likelihood he will make his famous look-in over the middle for the pass that will bail his team out. This is the reputation Art brings with him to Buffalo.
In seven professional seasons, he has become a virtuoso of the pass-catching game, a man who has five times gone over the 1,000-yard mark. His lifetime total of 7,669 yards far outstrips any other receiver in the league.
Last year, the 6-2, 212-pounder caught 53 passes for 1,026 yards for a 19.4 percentage and 11 touchdowns, to finish in sixth place.
From 30 yards in, he's murder."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The restless Art Powell is happy to be gone from Oakland, and Buffalo is happy to have him.
Looking at last year's Super Bowl game, featuring wide receivers on both Green Bay and Kansas City who were built like tight ends, Buffalo executives concluded they must have at least one like that. The Bills like to throw in the middle but they were hampered last year by the lack of strength of pass receivers Elbert Dubenion and Glenn Bass. Arthur Powell is a big, strong outside receiver who finished sixth in the league last year in catches with 51 for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. The only reason he didn't catch more, Powell said, was because he wasn't thrown to enough."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"One of professional football's great receivers, Art was obtained by the Bills after the 1966 campaign.
In the 1963 All-Star game, Art caught the winning touchdown pass to give the western All-Stars the victory."
-1967 Topps No. 17
"Who holds the Raider scoring record for one game? Art Powell- 24 points."
-1967 Topps No. 103
"Who holds the Oakland record for most receptions in one season? Art Powell, 76."
-1967 Topps No. 104
'Who scored the most touchdowns for Oakland in 1966? Art Powell, 11."
-1967 Topps No. 116
PAUL COSTA
Tight End
No. 82
Notre Dame
Paul has fortified the tight end position for Buffalo. Last year he caught 27 passes for 400 yards and a 14.8 average and was an AFL All-Star for the second consecutive year. On November 20 against the Oilers at Rice Stadium, Paul caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica in the first quarter and a three-yard pass from Jack Kemp in the fourth quarter.
An impressive combination of strength, speed and size, Paul played tackle, halfback, offensive end and defensive end at Notre Dame.
Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"Won praise as an outstanding 1959 rookie. Powell played only one college season before going to the Canadian League. A defensive halfback who worked overtime as a returner of punts and kickoffs, he was the NFL's second best in the latter department, moving 379 yards on 14 chances. His speed and agility make him an ideal pass defender.
Powell lives in San Diego. His brother Charley was a 49er tackle."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"The surprise of '60 was why the Eagles permitted end Art Powell to get away. He was among the standout NFL rookies in '59, excelling in punt and kickoff returns. Voted an AFL All-Star for his feat in leading the loop in catching touchdown passes (14) and taking down 72 passes for 1,265 yards. He also gained 63 yards with two kickoff returns.
Only 24, this San Jose (California) sparkler figures to remain among the high echelon offensive stars."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"'Art Powell,' said Sammy Baugh, the finest passer in football history, 'is the best receiver I've ever seen.'
Powell was a defensive back before he joined the Titans.
The end with the most natural class in the league is Powell. For a guy of 24, he's had a rather stormy career. His older brother is a former heavyweight fighter and defensive end who plays with the Oakland Raiders. Like Charlie, Art was a brilliant high school athlete in San Diego; he went on to San Jose State, scored 47 points in one basketball game and then led the nation in receiving as a sophomore end with 40 catches, five for touchdowns. All-American honors loomed, but Art jumped school and went up to Canada for a couple of seasons. When his college class was graduated, the Eagles drafted Art, who switched over to defense and made the grade as a regular in the secondary. The pros are looking for his kind, a 6-3 212-pounder who can run with everybody. As a rookie he led the NFL in kickoff returns, taking one ball back 95 yards against the Giants, missing a touchdown when he stepped into a hole and fell down. He returned a punt 58 yards for a score.
It looked like a long career in the NFL for him as 1960 began, but the Eagles weren't enchanted with his behavior. They cut him loose, and not a team in the league picked him up; no one wanted to risk his temperament. The Titans weren't so queasy. First, they put him at offensive end, which Art wanted. Then they left him alone, and he revealed tremendous talent. Until he joined the team just before the season, the lone receiver was Don Maynard, the slim kid from Texas Western who had been discarded by the Giants. With both of them in the lineup, defenses went nuts; they gathered in 141 passes to be the most effective unit in pro football, and Powell scored 14 touchdowns to lead the league. If Art never caught a pass, he'd still be the most valuable guy in the Titans lineup, for every team is forced to double up its coverage on him. Acting as a decoy, he frees Maynard and the backs for receptions."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"When it comes to leaving his feet and beating a defender to a pass, powerful Powell is in a class by himself. His 14 touchdowns were tops in the league."
-1961 Topps No. 151
"Nifty swifty [sic] and so difficult to cover in the open is Art Powell, the spectacular pass catcher who was No. 3 among all receivers in 1961. The 25-year-old ex-Eagle latched on to 71 passes for 881 yards and seldom could he remember when he didn't have to out-hustle two defenders for the right to the ball. No team in the circuit plays him one-on-one, a tribute to his speed and good hands."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Powell is a quarterback's delight. His size makes him easy to spot downfield, and his speed- he's run the 100 in 9.7- and great set of moves have opposing defenders running in circles. What's more, his hands are so big that they look ready-made for catching footballs.
Only Denver's Lionel Taylor and Houston's Charlie Hennigan caught more than his 71 receptions, good for 881 yards. His best day was October 22 when he hauled in 12 Titan passes just one short of the league record."
-1962 Fleer No. 60
"From New York comes Art Powell, the flashy and speedy end who was first in yards gained as a receiver (1,130) and No. 2 in snaring aerials.
Spectacular in action, he's 26 and out of Hamilton, Ontario, where he played in the Canadian circuit before sparkling in the NFL with the Eagles. Constantly double-teamed, he has the knowledge and agility to shift direction with amazing speeds and changes of pace."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"With the Titans for three years, Art was a brilliant pass receiver who caught a total of 204 passes. He led the AFL in touchdown passes in 1960 with 14, and in the last two campaigns has ranked second in total receptions. This despite the fact that teams usually double and triple-teamed him.
Art first showed his talent by leading the nation's college receivers as a sophomore. He played a couple of years in Canada and was a regular safety for the Philadelphia Eagles before coming to the AFL."
-1963 Fleer No. 59
"Offensive end Art Powell of the Oakland Raiders was one of the big reasons his team climbed into second place in the AFL's Western Division after suffering a disastrous 1-13 season in 1962. Powell joined the Raiders last year after playing out his option with the New York Titans and proceeded to lead the league's pass receivers in total yardage (1,304) and touchdowns (16).
Says the 27-year-old wide end: 'I feel I should score two touchdowns a game.' Powell bettered that when Oakland met the league-leading San Diego Chargers last December. Behind 27-10 in the fourth quarter, the Raiders scored 31 points, pulling the game out of the fire, 41-27. Powell grabbed three touchdown tosses that afternoon, the third being a 40-yarder from quarterback Cotton Davidson that put the Raiders out ahead.
Born in Dallas on February 25, 1937, Powell moved to San Diego as a child and later became an outstanding local high school athlete in football and basketball. After a year at San Diego Junior College, Powell transferred to San Jose State where he was the top college receiver in the county in 1956. But he left school the next year to play pro football with Toronto of the Canadian League. In 1959 he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and was a topnotch safety man on defense.
But Art wanted to play on offense, so he joined the Titans in 1960 after becoming a free agent. In his three seasons at New York, the 6'3", 210-pound end established himself as one of the best in the league, catching a total of 204 passes. In 1960 he topped the AFL in touchdown passes caught (14) and in 1962 he led in reception yardage (1,130).
Harried opponents often double-team Powell, but this doesn't seem to bother him. 'They usually have the safety helping out against me, but that's okay, because it means they have to weaken themselves elsewhere,' he observes."
-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Art Powell found the switch from East to West an easy one to make, moving from New York to Oakland where he was first at yards gained with pass receptions (1,304), No. 2 as an overall receiver and All-AFL at split end.
Entering the pro ranks after just one year of college ball, he was a rookie flash with the Eagles in between Canadian League campaigns. Switching to the AFL in 1960, he led the loop in touchdown receptions (14) and soon taught the opposition that it was necessary to have two defenders assigned to him. Now 27, he must be acknowledged among the top two performers at his position."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Recognized as one of pro football's finest pass-catchers, Art Powell hopes to repeat as split end on the All-AFL team. He led the league in pass reception yardage with 1,304 and touchdowns caught with 16. He joined the Raiders last season after playing out his option with the Jets (then Titans).
Now in his sixth pro season, he was a star at San Jose State before joining the NFL Eagles in 1959 and moving to the Titans in 1960. He caught the winning pass for the Western AFL squad in the final minute of last season's All-Star Game."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Last year was Art's first season with the Raiders, as Oakland acquired the end from the New York Jets. He led the American Football League with 1,304 yards and he crossed the goal line with 16 touchdowns. Second in the AFL with 73 receptions, Art set club scoring records for the Raiders. In the All-Star Game, he caught the winning touchdown pass in the final minute of play."
-1964 Topps No. 150
"The well-traveled Art Powell has won pass-catching laurels wherever he has gone, but if anything, he's been at his best since joining Oakland.
Last season, he set new club records in receptions (76) and yardage (1,361) to top the 73 for 1,304 he established in 1963. His 1964 figures tied him with Lionel Taylor for second place among league pass-catchers.
Art, who has a great pair of hands to go with his size, speed and strength, formerly played for the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Toronto Argos (Canadian League) and the New York Jets (AFL). He's now in his ninth pro year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Art ranks among the greatest receivers in football. He is the complete and ideal end. Art has the size, speed, courage and the hands to do the job right.
He joined the Raiders in 1963 and promptly set a club record for receptions. Last year, Art broke his own record. Watch the big end try to establish another club record this year.
Art caught the winning touchdown pass in the 1963 All-Star Game."
-1965 Topps No. 146
"Art Powell handles a football the way Picasso handles a brush. Art's art is catching passes, and in his six years in the AFL he has gained 6,643 yards that way- more than anyone else in the league. In four different years he has bettered 1,000 yards. Last season, Art caught 52 aerials for an even 800 yards and an average of 15.4, plus 12 touchdowns.
He is 6-2 and 212 pounds. He catches a lot of his passes on a quick-out move he has mastered, which is a slanting pattern, and with his great hands he doesn't drop many.
Actually, Art's pro career predates 1960. Before the AFL was originated, he played for the Toronto Argos in Canada and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. His first AFL club was the New York Titans."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"A regular on the All-Star teams, Art's biggest thrill was catching the winning touchdown pass fo the West in the 1963 All-Star contest.
The big end led the Raiders in pass receptions in '65 and was third in the league in touchdowns. Art holds the Raiders' record for catches in a season with 76."
-1966 Topps No. 116
"It is a third-down-and-short-yardage condition, and as Art Powell positions himself out wide, the danger signals crackle in the defensive secondary like a crazy morse code. For Powell is practically impossible to cover in such situations, and in all likelihood he will make his famous look-in over the middle for the pass that will bail his team out. This is the reputation Art brings with him to Buffalo.
In seven professional seasons, he has become a virtuoso of the pass-catching game, a man who has five times gone over the 1,000-yard mark. His lifetime total of 7,669 yards far outstrips any other receiver in the league.
Last year, the 6-2, 212-pounder caught 53 passes for 1,026 yards for a 19.4 percentage and 11 touchdowns, to finish in sixth place.
From 30 yards in, he's murder."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The restless Art Powell is happy to be gone from Oakland, and Buffalo is happy to have him.
Looking at last year's Super Bowl game, featuring wide receivers on both Green Bay and Kansas City who were built like tight ends, Buffalo executives concluded they must have at least one like that. The Bills like to throw in the middle but they were hampered last year by the lack of strength of pass receivers Elbert Dubenion and Glenn Bass. Arthur Powell is a big, strong outside receiver who finished sixth in the league last year in catches with 51 for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. The only reason he didn't catch more, Powell said, was because he wasn't thrown to enough."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"One of professional football's great receivers, Art was obtained by the Bills after the 1966 campaign.
In the 1963 All-Star game, Art caught the winning touchdown pass to give the western All-Stars the victory."
-1967 Topps No. 17
"Who holds the Raider scoring record for one game? Art Powell- 24 points."
-1967 Topps No. 103
"Who holds the Oakland record for most receptions in one season? Art Powell, 76."
-1967 Topps No. 104
'Who scored the most touchdowns for Oakland in 1966? Art Powell, 11."
-1967 Topps No. 116
PAUL COSTA
Tight End
No. 82
Notre Dame
Paul has fortified the tight end position for Buffalo. Last year he caught 27 passes for 400 yards and a 14.8 average and was an AFL All-Star for the second consecutive year. On November 20 against the Oilers at Rice Stadium, Paul caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica in the first quarter and a three-yard pass from Jack Kemp in the fourth quarter.
An impressive combination of strength, speed and size, Paul played tackle, halfback, offensive end and defensive end at Notre Dame.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
1967 Bills Defensive Line Profiles
TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"The powerfully built tackle has been an All-Pro selection since 1963. Tom has been described as the perfect man for his position because of his size, speed and ability."
-1967 Topps No. 27
JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"During last year's All-Star Game, an offensive lineman sent this message to Jim Dunaway through a neutral: 'Tell that big farmer this is only an All-Star Game. He's been beating on my head all day.' That's the tipoff on this 6'4", 297-pound hulk of a man who plays defensive left tackle for the Bills. He doesn't know when or how to take it easy.
Now in his fifth AFL year, he has played with marked improvement each season, and now is one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.
Jim was a unanimous All-America at Mississippi and was drafted No. 2 by the Bills, as well as first by the Minnesota Vikings."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Strong and extremely mobile, Jim is recognized as one of the best pass rushers in professional football. Teamed with tackle Tom Sestak, they are the toughest duo of linemen to run against in the American Football League. Look for his bone-crushing tackles in '67."
-1967 Topps No. 21
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Moving like a human torpedo, Ron McDole probably makes more opposite-side-of-the-field tackles than any other defensive end in the business. Though his weight varies anywhere from 249 to 300 pounds, it does not seem to affect his mobility or his animal quickness.
Ron, who played his college ball at Nebraska, originally broke into pro ball with the St. Louis Cardinals as an offensive tackle. He later moved into the AFL with the Houston Oilers, and ultimately was picked up by the Bills as a free agent."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"A top-notch defensive end, Ron is often seen on the opposite side of the field making game-saving tackles on fleet-footed backs who appear ready to bust out for a long gain."
-1967 Topps No. 25
HOWARD KINDIG
Defensive End
No. 73
Los Angeles State
"Howard figures heavily in Coach Sid Gilman's plans for 1967. The big defensive end was just used in reserve as a rookie.
He was Little All-America, All-Coast and All-CCAA at Los Angeles State."
-1967 Topps No. 127
TOM RHOADS
Defensive End
3rd Round
Notre Dame
"Rhoads was a third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills. If he puts on a little weight (he's expected to report at 240 or so), he could find himself in the Bills' starting lineup in 1967 because Buffalo traded regular defensive end Tom Day to San Diego.
An excellent student at Notre Dame, Tom shows a lot of determination."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"The powerfully built tackle has been an All-Pro selection since 1963. Tom has been described as the perfect man for his position because of his size, speed and ability."
-1967 Topps No. 27
JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"During last year's All-Star Game, an offensive lineman sent this message to Jim Dunaway through a neutral: 'Tell that big farmer this is only an All-Star Game. He's been beating on my head all day.' That's the tipoff on this 6'4", 297-pound hulk of a man who plays defensive left tackle for the Bills. He doesn't know when or how to take it easy.
Now in his fifth AFL year, he has played with marked improvement each season, and now is one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.
Jim was a unanimous All-America at Mississippi and was drafted No. 2 by the Bills, as well as first by the Minnesota Vikings."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Strong and extremely mobile, Jim is recognized as one of the best pass rushers in professional football. Teamed with tackle Tom Sestak, they are the toughest duo of linemen to run against in the American Football League. Look for his bone-crushing tackles in '67."
-1967 Topps No. 21
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Moving like a human torpedo, Ron McDole probably makes more opposite-side-of-the-field tackles than any other defensive end in the business. Though his weight varies anywhere from 249 to 300 pounds, it does not seem to affect his mobility or his animal quickness.
Ron, who played his college ball at Nebraska, originally broke into pro ball with the St. Louis Cardinals as an offensive tackle. He later moved into the AFL with the Houston Oilers, and ultimately was picked up by the Bills as a free agent."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"A top-notch defensive end, Ron is often seen on the opposite side of the field making game-saving tackles on fleet-footed backs who appear ready to bust out for a long gain."
-1967 Topps No. 25
HOWARD KINDIG
Defensive End
No. 73
Los Angeles State
"Howard figures heavily in Coach Sid Gilman's plans for 1967. The big defensive end was just used in reserve as a rookie.
He was Little All-America, All-Coast and All-CCAA at Los Angeles State."
-1967 Topps No. 127
TOM RHOADS
Defensive End
3rd Round
Notre Dame
"Rhoads was a third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills. If he puts on a little weight (he's expected to report at 240 or so), he could find himself in the Bills' starting lineup in 1967 because Buffalo traded regular defensive end Tom Day to San Diego.
An excellent student at Notre Dame, Tom shows a lot of determination."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
1967 Bills Defensive Back Profiles
BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback
No. 42
Boston University
Last September in Buffalo against Miami, Butch returned an intercepted pass 60 yards for a touchdown (the 5th longest interception return in the AFL in '66) in the first quarter. Later that quarter, he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown (the 4th longest punt return of '66), with his two scores increasing Buffalo's lead from 7-0 to 21-0, thus blazing a trail for what would be a 58-24 Bills rout of the Dolphins.
Over the course of the '66 season, Butch returned 23 punts (2nd in the AFL) for 186 yards (4th) and an 8.1 average (4th) and made six interceptions (6th) for 110 yards (8th). He was an AFL All-Star for the second straight year and was named All-AFL by the AFL players, AP and UPI.
TOM JANIK
Cornerback
No. 27
Texas A & I
"Which player led the Bills in pass interceptions in 1966? Tom Janik."
-1967 Topps No. 17
"Which player led the league in 1966 in returning interceptions for touchdowns? Tom Janik"
-1967 Topps No. 25
Tom's third quarter 34-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Oilers at Rice Stadium gave the Bills a 28-13 lead in an eventual 42-20 Buffalo win. In the regular season finale in Buffalo against Denver, he made two interceptions for 47 yards returned, including one returned 25 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter in a 38-21 Bills win.
Tom's 1966 total of eight interceptions, including three games of two interceptions, was third in the AFL, as was his 136 yards on interception returns.
GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"Thinking-man's football player George Saimes is a composite of many splendid little gifts sportswriters like to call intangibles. As an individual, he's concerned with what goes in the world outside the football stadium.
As a football player, he was barely big enough to play fullback at Michigan State, where he was a unanimous All-America. In the pros, he was converted into a safetyman and has become one of the league's best - again despite his size. Last year, his fourth in the league, he was voted to the All-AFL team, even though he didn't make one interception. At 5-11 and 186 pounds, he's not so small his fellow players can't see all the good plays he makes."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"With cat-like quickness, George seems to be around the ball on every play. Although slightly built as football players go, George is a strong tackler for his size."
-1967 Topps No. 26
HAGOOD CLARKE
Safety
No. 45
Florida
Against the Raiders in Buffalo last September, Hagood returned a fourth-quarter interception 66 yards for a touchdown for the final score in a 27-20 Bills win. It was the third longest interception return in the AFL last year. In the November rematch in Oakland, he made two more interceptions for 48 yards returned.
Hagood's season total of five interceptions was 10th in the league and his 118 yards on returns was sixth. He was named AP second-team All-AFL.
CHARLEY WARNER
Kick Returner-Defensive Back-Flanker
No. 22
Prairie View
"Who holds the longest return run on record for the Bills? Charley Warner- 102 yards."
-1967 Topps No. 23
Cornerback
No. 42
Boston University
Last September in Buffalo against Miami, Butch returned an intercepted pass 60 yards for a touchdown (the 5th longest interception return in the AFL in '66) in the first quarter. Later that quarter, he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown (the 4th longest punt return of '66), with his two scores increasing Buffalo's lead from 7-0 to 21-0, thus blazing a trail for what would be a 58-24 Bills rout of the Dolphins.
Over the course of the '66 season, Butch returned 23 punts (2nd in the AFL) for 186 yards (4th) and an 8.1 average (4th) and made six interceptions (6th) for 110 yards (8th). He was an AFL All-Star for the second straight year and was named All-AFL by the AFL players, AP and UPI.
TOM JANIK
Cornerback
No. 27
Texas A & I
"Which player led the Bills in pass interceptions in 1966? Tom Janik."
-1967 Topps No. 17
"Which player led the league in 1966 in returning interceptions for touchdowns? Tom Janik"
-1967 Topps No. 25
Tom's third quarter 34-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Oilers at Rice Stadium gave the Bills a 28-13 lead in an eventual 42-20 Buffalo win. In the regular season finale in Buffalo against Denver, he made two interceptions for 47 yards returned, including one returned 25 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter in a 38-21 Bills win.
Tom's 1966 total of eight interceptions, including three games of two interceptions, was third in the AFL, as was his 136 yards on interception returns.
GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"Thinking-man's football player George Saimes is a composite of many splendid little gifts sportswriters like to call intangibles. As an individual, he's concerned with what goes in the world outside the football stadium.
As a football player, he was barely big enough to play fullback at Michigan State, where he was a unanimous All-America. In the pros, he was converted into a safetyman and has become one of the league's best - again despite his size. Last year, his fourth in the league, he was voted to the All-AFL team, even though he didn't make one interception. At 5-11 and 186 pounds, he's not so small his fellow players can't see all the good plays he makes."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"With cat-like quickness, George seems to be around the ball on every play. Although slightly built as football players go, George is a strong tackler for his size."
-1967 Topps No. 26
HAGOOD CLARKE
Safety
No. 45
Florida
Against the Raiders in Buffalo last September, Hagood returned a fourth-quarter interception 66 yards for a touchdown for the final score in a 27-20 Bills win. It was the third longest interception return in the AFL last year. In the November rematch in Oakland, he made two more interceptions for 48 yards returned.
Hagood's season total of five interceptions was 10th in the league and his 118 yards on returns was sixth. He was named AP second-team All-AFL.
CHARLEY WARNER
Kick Returner-Defensive Back-Flanker
No. 22
Prairie View
"Who holds the longest return run on record for the Bills? Charley Warner- 102 yards."
-1967 Topps No. 23
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
1967 Profile: Bobby Burnett
Halfback
No. 21
Arkansas
"You never know when a player is ready to burst into stardom. With rookie Bobby Burnett last year, the Bills' staff felt he was a year or so away. He'd never done any blocking in college, or any outside running.
But this is a kid who comes from a disciplined football background. His father was the coach of his high school team, and Carl Broyles cured him of fumbleitis when he was a sophomore at Arkansas.
So he put it all together last year and was the AFL's surprise Rookie of the Year, gaining 766 yards on 187 carries for a 4.1 average and four touchdowns, and finishing fourth in the league in rushing.
A 6-2, 197-pounder, he runs with a high knee action that is designed to break tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Who was the leading rusher for Buffalo in 1966? Bobby Burnett."
-1967 Topps No. 15
No. 21
Arkansas
"You never know when a player is ready to burst into stardom. With rookie Bobby Burnett last year, the Bills' staff felt he was a year or so away. He'd never done any blocking in college, or any outside running.
But this is a kid who comes from a disciplined football background. His father was the coach of his high school team, and Carl Broyles cured him of fumbleitis when he was a sophomore at Arkansas.
So he put it all together last year and was the AFL's surprise Rookie of the Year, gaining 766 yards on 187 carries for a 4.1 average and four touchdowns, and finishing fourth in the league in rushing.
A 6-2, 197-pounder, he runs with a high knee action that is designed to break tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Who was the leading rusher for Buffalo in 1966? Bobby Burnett."
-1967 Topps No. 15
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