1962 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
Strong, tough and durable Al Bemiller took over as the Bills' starting center and played all 14 games in his rookie season. He's an outstanding blocker who truly distinguished himself on pass protection, thus quickly earning the respect of Buffalo football fans.
In his college days at Syracuse, Al was All-East and was voted 'the college center with the best potential.'

"One of the three outstanding offensive line rookies playing shoulder to shoulder in 1961 for the Bills. The Bills expect Bemiller to become one of football's top centers. He's an exceptionally fine all-around blocker who excels in pass protection.

Bemiller was tutored as an All-East collegian by all-time pro great Jim Ringo. He figures to play in 1962 at 240 pounds, up fifteen from a year ago. Drafted seventh in 1960 as the 'college center with the best pro potential,' he beat out Dan McGrew, the 1960 AFL second-team all-star, early in spring camp to win the job."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program  (War Memorial Stadium)

BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"A former All-American tackle at Georgia Tech, Shaw was switched to guard as a rookie last year and proved to be one of the outstanding linemen in the AFL. A native of Atlanta, he was the No. 2 draft pick of the Bills and was a regular almost from the day he reported to training camp.
Extremely fast, tough and mobile, Billy improved steadily during the season and became one of the league's finest stationary pass protection and 'play lead' blockers."

-1962 Fleer No. 16

"Another of the Bills' fabulous 1960 college draft selections. Picked number two, Shaw was one of seven rookie starters on offense during the 1961 season.

He's big, fast and strong and gets out fast to lead plays. Shaw is the second fastest on the team going down under punts.

He made the greater portion of his college All-America reputation on defense. He may be switched to defensive end in 1962 if Lou Saban can 'come up with an adequate offensive guard replacement.'

Shaw is considered an outstanding prospect for future All-AFL selection wherever he plays."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

TOM DAY 

Guard

No. 60

North Carolina A & T

"Joined the Bills early in the 1961 campaign. Tom is fast and highly mobile for his 250-pound frame. He can play either defensive tackle without loss of effectiveness and puts one of the league's best rushes on a passer.

Tom is a highly articulate graduate of North Carolina A & T College."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

CHUCK MUELHAUPT
Guard
No. 78
Iowa State
Chuck played all 14 games last year and fortified Buffalo's offensive line for a second season.
In Game 10 of the season against the Texans at the Cotton Bowl, he achieved rare recognition for a guard. With Buffalo holding a 23-20 lead in the fourth quarter, Chuck was playing on special teams when he recovered a Dallas fumble in the end zone for an insurance touchdown in what would be a 30-20 Buffalo win.


STEW BARBER

Offensive Tackle

No. 77

Penn State

1962

Although drafted as an offensive tackle, Stew more than ably stepped in as a starting linebacker. He made three interceptions during the year, the most notable coming in Game 11 of the season at Denver. With Buffalo holding on to a 16-10 fourth-quarter lead, Stew returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown to help the Bills hold off the Broncos for a 23-10 win.

"At 22 years old, he was the baby of the 1961 Bills, the only rookie to crack the starting defensive unit. He was tried as an offensive guard before taking at right outside linebacker. He's one of the hardest and most authoritative tacklers in pro football. He overcame, by hard work and perseverance, an early-season tendency to commit too quickly, due to a lack of experience.

Experts predict a bright future for Barber. All-East at Penn State, he was drafted No. 4 by the Bills, No. 2 by the Cowboys."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

HAROLD OLSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
For a second year, the 250-pound youngster out of Clemson fortified an improving Buffalo offensive line. Coach Saban has no worries about Chuck's reliability at his tackle position.
As a collegian, Harold clearly demonstrated his ability to block for Tiger passers.

"One of the Bills' top draft choices of 1960. Olson decided to follow pro football as a career after training camp had begun. He had a comparatively rough rookie season because of that, although he was a starter all the way through.

Olson was installed permanently as the right-side offensive tackle, his preferred position, in 1961. He reported 15 pounds under his 1960 playing weight and was faster and more mobile as a result. His game-to-game improvement as a blocker was noticeable. By the end of the season, Olson was rated as one of the AFL's top offensive tackles.

He was a 1959 All-America and All-Atlantic Coast Conference. He was a consensus selection of pro scouts as the outstanding offensive tackle prospect in the intercollegiate ranks. Olson played in the Sugar, Bluebonnet, Blue-Gray, All-American and Senior Bowl Games during his dazzling career at Clemson."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Auburn
"As a newcomer, Ken Rice of the Buffalo Bills took his place among the fine tackles in pro football. And he'll get better."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"Football sages predict that Kenny will develop into the best offensive lineman in the league. Fast and agile despite his bulk, this former All-American from Auburn proved a rookie find last year. Kenny was named to the second AFL team on offense.
He proved his versatility by running back a couple of kickoffs for the Bills last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 17

GEORGE FLINT

Offensive Tackle

No. 73

Arizona State

"A three-year All-Border Conference selection at Arizona State. Pro clubs did not dispute his ability. His size, however, appeared to be a drawback to his pro career.

Weights and isometric exercises jumped his college playing weight of 206 pounds to 246 pounds during the off-season. The Bills decided to take a look and Lou Saban liked what he saw from the first day of training camp. The added weight did not detract from his speed. It added strength instead.

A fine blocker, Flint is considered a definite offensive line prospect. He was an intercollegiate shotput champion at Arizona State."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

1962 Profile: Glenn Bass

Split End
No. 88
East Carolina
"Remember the name of Glenn Bass, the Wilson County (North Carolina) whippet who may blossom into the top pass-receiving split end of the year. He nailed 50 aerials in 1961, playing only 11 games, and gained 465 yards. He spurned a baseball bonus to sign with the Chargers who released him at the start of '61.
He has the hands and speed to be a star, but needs the work and experience to develop into one."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The leading 1961 pass receiver with 50 receptions, although playing in only 11 games. Bass was selected as the most valuable player on offense by his teammates. The second fastest player on the team, he was signed following his release by San Diego during the training camp period. Bass is now considered one of pro football's brightest split-end prospects.

An All-North State Conference selection at East Carolina College. He was a high draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

A top flight baseball prospect at shortstop, Bass rejected a large major league bonus offer to play pro football."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

1962 Bills Tight End Profiles

ERNIE WARLICK
Tight End
No. 84
North Carolina Central
"Ernie is in his third season with the team. He was chosen on the Negro All-American team for three seasons."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 25

"This is Ernie's fourth year with Calgary. He was named on the Negro All-American team for three years."

-1960 Topps CFL No. 30

"He was named on the Negro All-American team for three seasons. He is from Hickory, North Carolina."

-1961 Topps CFL No. 28

"This five-year pro recently signed as a free agent after four starring years with Calgary (Canadian pro football). A two-time All-Pro in Canada, Warlick caught 150 passes during his Canadian pro career. He's been likened to the famed Dante Lavelli as a pass catcher. His services were bid on by three AFL and three NFL clubs.

He's extremely tough to defend on short yardage, hooks, turns and sideline passes. He has the speed to go deep and is rated an exceptionally fine blocker."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

TOM RYCHLEC
Tight End
No. 81
American International
"Improvement in blocking assignments will make Tom Rychlec a more valuable Bill in 1962. The Meriden (Connecticut) tight end has the best hands on the club and is second to none as a short-pass receiver. He caught 33 passes for 405 yards and scored twice in 1961. He's the man on the spot on that vital third down pass play, and usually comes up with the vital catch."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Tom caught 33 passes for 405 yards as a tight end last year. One was a 61-yarder for one of his four touchdowns. The ex-Lion caught 45 passes for 590 yards to lead the Bills in 1960.
He's a strong, solid operator who specializes in decoys and fakes. The Bills use him mostly for the short pass at which he is adept.
He is another outstanding example of big good men coming from little colleges. The Lions drafted Tom after his graduation from American International College."

-1962 Fleer No. 15

MONTE CROCKETT  

Tight End

No. 80

New Mexico Highlands

"He was signed to a Buffalo contract after a 1960 tryout camp, the only candidate of 38 to make the grade. Crockett had only one year of college experience at New Mexico Highlands University before becoming a pro. His inexperience showed in 1960 although improvement was noticeable as the season progressed. He filled out to a solid 220 pounds while retaining speed fourth only to Dubenion, Bass and Brown on the Bills.

He's a good, tough blocker who can be used as both a tight end and a split end. He caught 20 passes for 325 yards in 1961."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium) 

1962 Bills Quarterback Profiles

JACK KEMP
Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"Jack is an outstanding example of the excellent players who develop in the nation's smaller colleges. At Occidental, he was Honorably Mentioned for the Little All-America for three years, 1954 through 1956, and was second in passing in the NAIA (small colleges) in 1956. In his senior year, he averaged more than 150 yards passing per game.
He played for the San Francisco 49ers last year."

-1960 Fleer No. 124

"First among AFL passers in 1960 was quarterback Jackie Kemp, the Los Angeles marksman with prior experience at Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old Occidental College aerialist led all others in yards gained per pass attempt (7.43) while completing 211 of 406 for 3,018 yards. An All-Star selection, he showed shrewdness in play selection and probing of defensive weaknesses."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Potentially one of the finest quarterbacks in the AFL, this heady signal caller began to come into his own last season.
Gaining pro experience after leaving Occidental, Kemp went from the Steelers to the Giants. He played in Calgary in 1959 and then was picked up by the 49ers in mid-season.
Since joining the Chargers, he has been an exceptional performer, leading his team to the Western Division title."

-1961 Fleer No. 155

"Kemp's accurate arm led the Chargers to the Western Division title. Chosen all-league quarterback, Jack led the AFL in passing with 3,018 yards, 51.8 % completions and 20 touchdowns."

-1961 Topps No. 166

Charger quarterback from Occidental. Leading passer in AFL., 6', 200 lbs. 26 years old.

-1961 Golden Tulip San Diego Chargers

"Kemp, after fruitless trials with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers of the NFL and Calgary of the Canadian Football League before hitting it 'big' with the Chargers last season, goes into his fifth year of pro football.

Kemp was the passing champion of the AFL in 1960 completing 211 of 406 passes for 3,018 yards and 20 touchdowns. One of the hardest throwing quarterbacks in football, Kemp is expected to achieve even greater heights as the AFL's premier signal-caller. Married."

-1961 San Diego Chargers Official Program (Balboa Stadium)

"Unwanted by the Steelers, Giants and 49ers, Jack Kemp found a satisfactory haven with the Chargers in 1960 and showed his appreciation by gaining the AFL's passing championship. He was No. 3 in 1961, gaining 2,686 yards, second to George Blanda, the record-maker.
Now 27, Jack throws harder than any pro quarterback and he must have sure-fingered receivers for maximum success."'

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"After brief stays with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, Jack hit it big with the Chargers.
One of the hardest throwing quarterbacks in pro football, Kemp completed 165 passes in 364 attempts for 2,686 yards, ranking third among AFL passers. In addition, he connected on a 91-yard pass play against Denver, the longest gain of the season by any AFL club.
He was the All-AFL quarterback in 1960 but ranked second in the balloting to George Blanda of Houston last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 79


JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Tennessee-Chattanooga
"Green shared the quarterbacking assignment last year, completing 56 of 126 passes, good for 903 yards. Although his touchdown aerials dipped from 10 in 1960 to only six last year, he was the toughest quarterback in the league to intercept. Only four of his passes were stolen, an excellent .039 percentage.
The veteran from Riviera Beach, California came from the Steelers in 1960. He broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts."

-1962 Fleer No. 13


AL DOROW
Quarterback
No. 12
Michigan State

"This is Al's second season. He shared the quarterbacking of the Redskins with Jack Scarbath last year. He wound up the season with four touchdown passes in a victory over the  Cardinals.

Al was a brilliant all-around performer at Michigan State and holds almost every Spartan passing record. He was All-Mid-West in 1951 and All-Service in '52 and '53 at Bolling Field Air Force Base. He starred in the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl games."

-1955 Bowman No. 77

"Aerial Al was the No. 1 Redskin passer last season and won a berth on the East Pro squad.

While in college he guided his underdog team to astounding routes of Notre Dame and Michigan. Al holds all Michigan State records for most passes.

He can play any backfield post."

-1957 Topps No. 24

"Al was a star in football, basketball and track at Michigan State. He's a good passer and fast runner."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 15

"Al Dorow, the alternate quarterback of the Titans, knows his way around a football field. He called the signals for Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, starting the Spartans on a winning streak that eventually covered twenty-eight games. A versatile back who later performed varied duties in the Michigan State varied attack, he was on the receiving end of the famous 'transcontinental pass' that gave Michigan State a 24-20 victory over Ohio State in 1951.

Al later played with the Bolling Field Air Force team, then put in four seasons with the Washington Redskins and two with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1956, he played with the East team in the Pro Bowl. He spent last season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian League.

Married, Dorow has two daughters, Bernadine, 3 1/2, and Debbie, 2."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

"The top tosser of TD passes in '60 was Al Dorow, who clicked for a high of 26; Al also was No. 2 in the overall passing tables, surpassed only by the Chargers' Jackie Kemp. Considered the AFL's top option signal-caller, he also carried 124 times, more than any Titan back, rushed for seven touchdowns and hung up the No. 1 punting average of 44.0 on six kicks.
Out of Alameda, California, 30-year-old Al spent four years with the Redskins and two with the Eagles."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

PRO'S PRO
"Most quarterbacks prefer not to risk their necks by carrying the ball, but Al Dorow of the Titans revels in being chased. Maybe it's because he's just as dangerous running as he is passing. The bald New York field general was the second best passer in the AFL and led the loop in touchdown heaves, with 26. Until now he's always played behind top operators- Eddie LeBaron and Norm Van Brocklin. He's in his own class now."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"This durable signal-caller has made his mark in college, NFL, Canadian and AFL football. After starring at Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, Dorow went into the service and led the powerful Bolling Air Force Base team. Then it was four seasons with the Washington Redskins, two with the Philadelphia Eagles and a year with the Toronto Argonauts.
He was the Titans' No. 1 choice for their quarterback job, and they were glad to get him."

-1961 Fleer No. 210

"No pro takes more of a beating than this quarterback, who loves to run with the ball as well as throw it. Al led the league in 1960 with 26 touchdown passes."

-1961 Topps No. 149

"Master of the rollout and the AFL's finest rushing quarterback is Al Dorow, the 31-year-old sharpshooter who knows his way around the course. He was the most active of running T-men in 1961, galloping 54 times for 317 yards, a per-carry average of 5.9, more than a yard better than any of the top ten rushers. He was also the most overworked passer in the AFL, tossing 438 forwards and getting the most completions (197), totaling 2,651 yards.
Out of Alameda, California, he was exposed to six NFL (Redskins, Eagles) seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Dorow's ability to run, coupled with his great passing arm, has made him one of the most dangerous threats in pro football. His masterly executed roll-outs have caused no end of aggravation for opposing defensemen. His field generalship ranks him as the league's top signal caller.
He finished fourth among AFL passers last year, completing 197 of 438 passes for 2,651 yards."

-1962 Fleer No. 57

"One of the most dangerous quarterbacks in pro football. Dorow's great running ability plus his excellent passing arm keeps defenses completely honest.

In 1960 he led the AFL in touchdown passes with 26 in completing 201 of 396 attempts for an exceptional .508 percentage and 2,848 yards.

The eight-year pro vet previously starred with Washington and Philadelphia before joining the New York Titans two seasons ago to help generate football's most explosive attack.

A former Michigan State All-American (1951), Dorow holds seven MSU all-time passing records. He played in the East-West and Senior Bowl college classics, in the NFL Pro Bowl in 1956 and the AFL Pro Bowl in 1961."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

WARREN RABB
Quarterback
No. 17
LSU

"Because he can think and throw so well, Warren Rabb enters the 1962 campaign as Buffalo's No. 1 quarterback. Appearing in only six games as a 1961 rookie, he saw less work than either M.C. Reynolds or Johnny Green but his training camp form has been excellent and he's the best bet for the future.

Considered a powerful runner who can avoid opposition red-dogging, he's a brilliant threat as a pass option performer and fits in with the club's rollout patterns."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Warren is completely recovered from injuries suffered in a game with Dallas last November 12 that cost the Bills his services for the remainder of the season. He sustained the shoulder separation and a torn rib cage when he was belted out of bounds during a 2-point after-touchdown try.
Up to his injury, Warren completed 34 of 74 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns, a completion average of 46%. More important, he had but two passes intercepted.
Warren joined the Bills from the Lions, with whom he had signed in 1960."

-1962 Fleer No. 22

"A 1961 rookie standout during an all too brief six-game stint. Rabb was injured and out for the remainder of the campaign after that.

He debuted against Houston in the final quarter with the Bills trailing. Running and passing, he engineered a 22-12 upset victory for the Bills. It was the final loss of the season for the American Football League champs.

Rabb is rated a tremendous prospect for a brilliant pro career. He's an accurate passer and a fast and powerful runner who can give the Bills an option threat and circumvent opposition red-dogging.

He quarterbacked the brilliant 1959 LSU backfield that included Billy Cannon and Johnny Robinson, both current AFL standouts."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

1962 Bills Halfback Profiles

WRAY CARLTON

Halfback

No. 30

Duke

"A dual purpose offensive star with speed and power. Carlton can be and has been used interchangeably as a running back and as a fullback. He was the second leading ball carrier in 1961 (3.1) and third leading scorer. He was second-team All-AFL in 1960 when he led the Bills in rushing and scoring and ranked third in pass receptions with 29. He figured in one of the AFL's first trades- the Bills swapped tackle Al Crowe to Boston for Carlton in July 1960.

A former Duke University star, Blue Devils' coach Bill Murray calls Carlton one of the best all-around players he ever coached."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)

FRED BROWN
Halfback
No. 46
Georgia
"Only a torn knee ligament prevented Fred Brown, the Atlanta antelope, from pacing all Bill runners in 1961. A slashing smasher who moves off and inside tackle with the power of a fullback, he wheeled for 192 yards on 53 carries and also turned in the longest kickoff return (93 yards) of the year.
He's considered the best running back from the University of Georgia since Charlie Trippi."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

RICHIE LUCAS
Halfback-Safety
No. 11
Penn State
"Lucas played three positions last season after a disappointing rookie year in which he was handicapped by injuries. He was used as a quarterback, flanker and defensive halfback. Overall, Lucas completed 20 of 50 passes for a 40% completion average, 262 yards and two touchdowns.
He was outstanding in the Bills' 41-13 victory over New York on September 17, throwing a pair of touchdown passes and calling an excellent selection of plays as the Bills ran up their highest point total in two years. In his defensive effort, he intercepted two passes against Houston."

-1962 Fleer No. 19

1962 Bills Linebacker Profiles

ARCHIE MATSOS
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Speed and agility have brought Archie Matsos two seasons of All-Pro laurels as a middle linebacker. The Detroit-born diagnostician has led the club in individual tackles and his tremendous lateral movement has helped the play of his corner cohorts.
Archie is a busy Buffalo figure at sports dinners and the most popular off-season speaker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"This Detroit dandy gained all-league recognition for the second year in a row. His marvelous maneuverability and fine speed enabled him to intercept eight passes in both 1960 and 1961.
A member of Michigan State's Rose Bowl team of 1956, the powerful midwesterner, who was equally at home at center, guard and tackle, was switched to middle linebacker by the Bills because of his ability to diagnose plays."

-1962 Fleer No. 20

"Dynamic All-AFL middle linebacker, 1960-61.

Matsos is comparatively light (215 pounds) but extremely fast and agile. He has the best lateral movement in the league to either side and has 26% more tackles than any other Bill.

He has a keen diagnostic sense that has led to an unusually high number of pass interceptions the past two seasons.

A member of Michigan's 1956 Rose Bowl team, Archie is a much sought-after sports night speaker during the off-season."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

TOM LOUDERBACK 

Middle Linebacker 

No. 54

San Jose State

"Tom did a bang-up job as a middle linebacker for the Raiders last year. He previously played two years with the Philadelphia Eagles and also spent a season with Hamilton in the Canadian League.

He played in both the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star contest after playing at San Jose State where he was an All-Coast selection.

He formed and coached the Raider basketball and roller derby teams during the off-season."

-1962 Fleer No. 75

"The addition of Jackie Simpson to the linebacking trio will have no effect on the play of Tom Louderback, the Petaluma (Calif.) peach of a tackler who has helped give the Raiders some defensive strength up close. Two years as an Eagle and one in the Canadian circuit furnished the 28-year-old with the all-important experience required to diagnose opposing offenses.

Very active off the field, he's been coach of the club's basketball and roller derby teams."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook (see Raiders)

"A three-year pro, Tom spent the last two seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He's a strong, mobile linebacker with good balance. An All-Pacific Coast selection at San Jose State who played in the East-West Shrine and College All-Star games.

Tom coached the Raiders' off-season basketball and roller derby teams. Opponents think he sometimes roller skates to cover."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

MARV MATUSZAK
Linebacker
No. 55
Tulsa

"When Matuszak comes crashing through to rush a forward passer, better watch out. A mean hunk of man, he's all business.

Marv has been gaining experience each season and has become a pretty tough man to decoy. He usually can spot where a play is coming and has the answers ready and waiting for the ball-carrier. Big blockers don't discourage him, either."

-1958 Topps No. 79

"This could be Marv's year to shine. He could step into any of the linebacker positions and do a bang-up job, having made his knowledge of the game pay handsome dividends.

Drafted third by Pittsburgh in 1953, he clicked as a rookie, then put in two years in the Army. After playing for the Steelers in 1956 he was swapped to San Francisco for the following season and gained All-Pro recognition. In 1958 he was dealt to Green Bay and a year later the Packers sent him to the Colts for guard Fred Thurston. His hometown is South Bend, Indiana, but he's now living in Baltimore."

-1961 Baltimore Colts Official Program

1962

Marv is always bad news for the opposition, whether crashing through the line for a passer or being in the right place to tackle a ball carrier. He can spot where a play is going and is tough to decoy.
Selected to the Pro Bowl as a Steeler rookie in 1953 and again in 1957 as a 49er, Marv was named All-Pro in '57.

"A recent linebacking addition. Marv is starting his eighth pro year and was a two-time All-Pro selection during a career with stops in Pittsburgh, Green Bay, San Francisco and Baltimore.

Matuszak has figured in two big deals while in the NFL: San Francisco traded Earl Morrall and Mike Sandusky to Pittsburgh for him. Later, Baltimore acquired him from Green Bay for Fred Thrurston.

A strong, fast and agile Matuszak can play any of three linebacking positions. He's considered one of Tulsa University's all-time great stars."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

JOHN TRACEY

Linebacker-Tight End

No. 85

Texas A&M

MAIL-ORDER END

"For a fellow who never played high school football, John Tracey has done right well. He's an All-America at Texas A&M now.

John Tracey is six feet, three inches tall and weighs 215 pounds, every inch and pound impressive and ample. And before he came, via the mails, to star at Texas A&M as a mighty end, he had never played high school football- for which he should be ashamed of himself- a big and strong (and, it was discovered later, very talented) fellow like him. 'I just wasn't interested,' he says. 'I didn't know what I was missing.'

Basketball was his game, and he played it fairly well at Northeast Public High School in Philadelphia and at the neighborhood boys' clubs- where he did most of his growing up- until he broke his arm. In June of 1951, he graduated from high school and went to work. There were no college offers because, John thinks, the broken arm prevented the scouts from seeing him during his last year. 'I hung around Philly,' John said, 'doing factory work and playing ball. I even played a year of sandlot football, my first try at it. I guess I was becoming a tramp kid, content to hang aroud.'

Then, in June of 1953 at the age of 19 and two years out of high school, John was drafted and sent to Camp Atterbury in Indiana. That was where he played his first organized football. 'My platoon sergeant was the quarterback for the camp team,' John said. 'After drills, he'd go back out on the field to throw a football around, and I'd go along to catch it. He liked the way I caught the ball and got me a tryout with the camp team.'

The normal run of Army duties being what they are, better than 200 boys showed up for the tryout. Making the team, of course, meant lighter duties. Although Tracey was clearly inexperienced, the coaches liked his size, his speed, his natural talent for catching the ball, and the dogged way he dug in and learned the game. He got a job. He was first-string by mid-season.

When his outfit, the Eighth Division, was moved to Fort Carson, Colorado, John went out for football again. His coach, Chet Lewkaski, had played at Kentucky under Bear Bryant, and after seeing Tracey through a few games he wrote Bryant, now at Texas A&M, to take a look at the boy. Soon, Bryant was at Fort Carson, watched John play, liked what he saw and told him to keep in touch.

In May of 1955, Tracey was discharged and went home to Philadelphia and a job assembling air conditioners. But he knew now that he wanted to go to college and to play football. In the summer, he wrote to Bryant, and, sure enough, Bryant wrote back. Come on ahead, he said, I've cleared an athletic scholarship for you. So John saved his money and in early September, his mail-order scholarship in hand, he flew to College Station, Texas.

'I had decided that I wanted to play football at A&M,' John said. 'You see I'd been away from high school a long while, and I had a lot of studying to make up so I didn't want any distractions. And College Station is a long way from home- 1,745 miles. I know the exact distance. I figured I wouldn't be able run off home every chance I had, and that I'd have to stay and study.'

Getting back to school was tough for him. He had to review all his old high school subjects. Algebra and biology, particularly, were forgotten. And on the field he had to learn, too. 'I was way behind the other fellows.' But John is a natural athlete. He was able to do things easily which other players have to study and practice and strain to master. He beat a high school All-America for a regular end spot on the freshman team. Then, after the first game, he was moved to fullback. The frosh had small backs and the coaches wanted some meat back there. John weighed 220 at the time and could run 100 yards in ten seconds.

Up with the varsity the next spring, he was returned to end and won a starting job. Jack Pardee, the regular fullback, had shoulder troubles, however, and one of the coaches told John to remember his fullback plays, just in case. 'Come on coach,' John said, 'let me play end.'

This was his position. 'I love to catch that ball,' he says. 'There's nothing like it. In college ball I learned that this game is great. In the service there was no go, go, go. Here, it's all go, go, go. There's always a challenge. And I love to catch that ball.

'The only thing I like almost as much is defense. It's an art, I guess. The play comes your way, and you're wondering what the other fellow is thinking. You decide quick and you go at him. The action is great.'

Coach Bryant was exhilarated by what he saw of Tracey. If there is anything Bryant likes, it is a big, burly, hard-nosed player- and Tracey is all of that. He played an aggressive defense, was a natural blocker because 'he just put his nose in there and hit,' and he was a natural pass-catcher. He was All-Southwest at the end of his sophomore season.

Understandably, A&M expected great things of him last year. The Aggies were after a title and John had an important share in the assignment. But he chipped a bone in his ankle early in the game against Baylor. He played the remainder of the quarter; apparently the coaches failed to notice that he was hurt. He came out for four minutes at the end of the quarter, limping, and then went back in. Hobbling around the field in the second half, he was belted again, this time on the elbow. And still he played.

In fact, he played through the entire schedule, mostly because the Aggies were thin behind him, and he had only an average season due to the injuries. 'I didn't mind playing,' he says. 'I wanted to play. I can't watch a ball game.'

This past spring, John was due to have an operation to remove the calcium deposits that had formed on his ankle. But with new coach Jim Myers coming in, he wanted to impress. 'I had my job to protect,' he says. So he talked the doctors into delaying the operation until after spring practice, and he went out and showed his new coach what he could do. 'The ankle held up until the last two days,' he says. 'Then the deposit broke off and the ankle locked. So I went to Houston for the operation. I'm okay now.'

He's okay all around now. At the age of 25 and married, he has ambitions. He wants to play pro ball (which he will) and owns a sportrs shop. He is happy, living in a four-room apartment with his wife Betty ('She's a great housekeeper'), being called 'Pops' by his teammates, finding important friendships with them ('There's isn't a greater bunch of fellows anywhere'), and playing a game he learned late in athletic life and now loves. He is no tramp kid."

-Sport Magazine, November 1958

RALPH FELTON
Linebacker
No. 57
Maryland
Coming to Buffalo from Washington last year, Ralph played in all 14 games, made two interceptions and was named second-team All-AFL by UPI. Primarily a fullback during his college days at Maryland, Ralph has recovered from the knee injuries that threatened his career a few years ago.

"The Bills' old-pro left-side linebacker is starting his 10th season. He's one of the AFL's best red-doggers. He constantly advises, encourages and protects the Bills' younger players. He's particularly adept at covering for injury-slowed teammates without weakening his own position.

Ralph was considered by many observers to be the Bills' most effective 1960 performer. He was an All-American fullback at the University of Maryland. He announced his retirement at the end of 1961, but reconsidered upon close evaluation of the Bills' 1961 title possibilities.

'I think we can do it.' "

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

1962 Bills Defensive Line Profiles

TOM SESTAK

Defensive Tackle

No. 70 

McNeese State

"One of 1962's top rookie sleepers. A rangy 265, Sestak was an All-Conference and Little All-America from McNeese State whom the Bills selected on the 17th round of the draft.

He has speed to go with his size and learns quickly. Sestak made a great impression during the Bills' rookie camp and was installed at defensive tackle almost immediately. He has been battling for a starting berth since the beginning."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

CHUCK MCMURTRY
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
"The strongest of all in the AFL is presumed to be Chuck McMurtry, the All-Pro defensive tackle who dropped below 300 pounds and stepped up the quality of his play. Impossible to budge head-on, he's constantly scrapping with two blockers and rarely comes out a loser. He can pursue to the side with surprising speed.
Born in Chandler, Oklahoma, he was a Little All-American at Whittier College."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama

"Hoist the storm warnings when Sid goes into a game. Chances are that the field will be strewn with enemy ball carriers who thought they could run plays through Sid's slot.

The former Crimson Tide captain was drafted by the 49ers and was later traded to New York. His arrival in  Philadelphia was a big help to the Eagle forward wall.

Sid was Alabama captain his senior year. He starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl."

-1957 Topps No. 145

"The Brooklyn-born brute is one of the National League's toughest linemen. He is hard to move out of position and he is terrific at harassing forward passers. And don't let his size fool you- Sid is a pretty mobile fellow and he can really move when he has to.

During the off-season he keeps up his rugged activity by working as a professional wrestler."

-1958 Topps No. 24

1960
At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Sid is hard to move out of position. He has great mobility despite his size, along with an outstanding ability to bring down ball-carriers and harass passers.
Captain of the Crimson Tide his senior year, Sid starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl. He's a native of Brooklyn and a pro wrestler in the off-season.

"Sid Youngelman was acquired from the Browns to help the youngsters learn their defensive lessons, but the 29-year-old Brooklynite felt frisky enough to get voted an All-Star tackle. He was a sterling figure with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns before coming to the Titans.
Strong, durable and combative, he is combat-sharpened and wise to the ways of an oncoming offense."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Sid Youngelman is an old hand at the business- he's been a pro since 1955. Youngelman's measurements are 6-5 and 267 and have led him into occasional forays in wrestling, though some guys say he's grappling every time he puts on shoulder pads.
He's a Brooklyn boy who went to Alabama and played in two bowl games and captained the Crimson Tide his senior year. Drafted by the Forty-Niners, he made the merry rounds of the league. One year on the coast as a rookie regular on the defensive unit was followed by three with the Eagles. The Browns acquired him in 1959 and he played on their Front Four, but also played out his option and was quickly grabbed by the AFL. He's the strong force in the Titan forward wall, a strong pass rusher and plenty nimble at 29."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"One of the old pros of the new league. Sid played in three bowl games while starring at 'Bama, then performed for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Sid works as a school teacher in Brooklyn and appears as a professional wrestler in the Long Island area during the off-season."

-1961 Fleer No. 220

"No one can teach this 'Old Pro' any new tricks of defensive line play. Big Sid, who once tried pro wrestling, plays with the spirit of a rookie."

-1961 Topps No. 152

"Still scrambling with the enthusiasm of a rookie is ponderous Sid Youngelman, 30, who found a new career with the Titans. Considered a relief man after service with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns, his experience went a long way toward making him one of the AFL's most destructive defenders at tackle and end. The Brooklyn-born battler makes the middle of the New York wall a formidable barrier."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


TOM SAIDOCK
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Michigan State
"Because of his height [6'5"] and weight [265], Tom lines up in everyone's book as an outstanding tackle. He should prove to be a terrific asset to the Titans. Tom will be a hard man to fool because of the experience he gained playing pro ball for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Before turning pro, he attended Michigan State University and was named to the All-Big Ten team."

-1960 Fleer No. 64

"Military service interrupted Saidock's collegiate career at Michigan State. He left after the 1951 and 1952 seasons but came back to star in the 1955 campaign.
He played for two years for the NFL Philadelphia Eagles, then cast his lot with the new league where his height and speed soon made his presence felt."

-1961 Fleer No. 219

"In his own quiet way Big Tom did yeoman work in a defense that was not too strong. Saidock is a fine competitor who never slackens his drive."

-1961 Topps No. 155

"Rangy, rugged Tom plays football with exceptional savor and savvy.
This towering tackle had an interesting career with the Spartans. He played on their 1951 and 1952 teams, then put in three years in service before finishing his varsity term. Following his graduation from Michigan State in 1957, Saidock spent two years with the Eagles.
Off-season, he is a salesman. He is married and the father of a seven-year-old son."

-1962 Fleer No. 66

"The former New York Titan defensive captain, the Bills traded veteran flanker Perry Richards to get him. Saidock is a five-year pro with a three-year military service hitch.

He anchored a rugged Michigan State line during three great Spartan years. He's a powerful, heady player who gives the Bills needed depth."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

JIM SOREY 

Defensive Tackle

No. 79

Texas Southern

"Big and strong. Sorey plays at 278 pounds and is surprisingly quick for his size. He has shown constant improvement during his two years with the Bills.

Sorey was signed by the Bills, who had obtained negotiating rights from Houston Oilers' owner Bud Adams. He was the most valuable lineman in the history of Texas Southern University. He is the heaviest man on the Bills' roster."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

LAVERNE TORCZON
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"The Browns are still unhappy about losing LaVerne Torczon to the service. Drafted by Cleveland in 1956, he first got in his military duty and then decided to become a Bill in 1960.
One of the finest crashing ends, his destructive style has gained him two-time All-Pro recognition. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, LaVerne still has a sufficient number of seasons remaining to continue his harassment of passers."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"LaVerne Torczon is captain and defensive end of the Buffalo Bills, a leader who inspires by example, one of the league's most dependable performers the last two years."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"This All-Leaguer from Nebraska is one of the greatest defensemen in football. He is tremendously versatile, playing equally as well at guard or defensive end.
The Bills' captain was a unanimous selection at end in 1960 and as a linebacker in 1961. He made the All-Big Seven two years and was selected as Nebraska's most valuable player in his senior year. He lost his NFL shot with the Browns when he was called into service in 1957 and was signed by Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Big Four in 1959."

-1962 Fleer No. 21

"Captain of the Buffalo Bills. An All-AFL selection in 1960 and 1961.

Extremely fast and tough with one of the best exterior pass rushes in the business, Torczon is a hard and authoritative tackler. He's been called by former Bills' Coach Buster Ramsey, 'One of the three of four finest defensive ends I have ever seen in pro ball.'

A former captain and most valuable player of the University of Nebraska, Torczon was All-America and All-Big Eight as a collegian."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 82
Miami-Ohio
Having played every game for Buffalo in the AFL's first two seasons, Mack is a powerful if underrated part of the feared defensive line of the Bills. As a rookie, he returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown at Denver and kicked a 48-yard field goal at Houston.
Mack won All-Mid-Atlantic honors as a lineman on both offense and defense.