Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"A man who has played in three professional leagues, Art Powell has become a legend in his own time. He currently leads AFL receivers in lifetime touchdown catches with 81 and in yards gained with 8,105; and he is second only to Lionel Taylor in receptions with 478.
Earlier in his career, Art signed to play with Toronto in the Canadian Football League after coming out of San Jose State in 1956. He then spent a year with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles before joining the new AFL New York Titans in 1960. His odyssey since then has taken him to Oakland, where he set a raft of team records, and finally to Buffalo last season.
Art got off to his usual good start in '67, but he got a knee banged up and had to undergo surgery after the sixth game. Up to then, had caught 20 passes for 346 yards and four touchdowns.
At 31, he's still the most dangerous deep receiver inside the 30-yard line."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"This end holds the AFL record for career touchdowns and yards gained while pass receiving. Art once caught four touchdowns in one game.
Art's older brother was a heavyweight boxer."
-1968 Topps No. 71
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
1968 Bills Offensive Line Profiles
AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
Al started 13 of the 14 games he played last season after starting all 14 every year beginning with his rookie campaign in 1961. He's quick to pivot after snapping the ball. Al enjoys hand-to-hand combat with the defender waiting for him across the line of scrimmage.
BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
Billy challenges himself every day- in practice, in the film room and on the day of a game. He's a great blocker for both passing and rushing.
An AFL All-Star for the sixth straight year in 1967, Billy was first-team All-AFL from 1962-1966.
JOE O'DONNELL
Guard
No. 67
Michigan
Last season Joe once again proved himself a determined blocker and a rugged competitor who gives all-out effort until the whistle blows.
Joe attended Michigan on an academic scholarship and made the Big Ten academic team in both 1963 and '64. He played fullback, guard and tackle in his three varsity seasons and was captain of the 1964 team.
STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Penn State
"Now in his eighth year with the Bills, Stew has been the club's starting left tackle since 1962. Previously, he spent his rookie year as an outside linebacker. Stew signed with the Bills after considering going with the Dallas Cowboys."
-1968 Topps No. 44
DICK HUDSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Memphis State
"Described as a man with educated hands, Dick Hudson provides Bills' quarterbacks with sound protection from his slot at right tackle. A beefy individual standing 6-4 and weighing 262 pounds, he makes it impossible for pass rushers to use their hands on him because his own hands are constantly in motion.
Dick originally was drafted by the Chargers when he came out of Memphis State in 1962, but was acquired a year later by the Bills in a trade involving Tobin Rote."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
Al started 13 of the 14 games he played last season after starting all 14 every year beginning with his rookie campaign in 1961. He's quick to pivot after snapping the ball. Al enjoys hand-to-hand combat with the defender waiting for him across the line of scrimmage.
BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
Billy challenges himself every day- in practice, in the film room and on the day of a game. He's a great blocker for both passing and rushing.
An AFL All-Star for the sixth straight year in 1967, Billy was first-team All-AFL from 1962-1966.
JOE O'DONNELL
Guard
No. 67
Michigan
Last season Joe once again proved himself a determined blocker and a rugged competitor who gives all-out effort until the whistle blows.
Joe attended Michigan on an academic scholarship and made the Big Ten academic team in both 1963 and '64. He played fullback, guard and tackle in his three varsity seasons and was captain of the 1964 team.
STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Penn State
"Now in his eighth year with the Bills, Stew has been the club's starting left tackle since 1962. Previously, he spent his rookie year as an outside linebacker. Stew signed with the Bills after considering going with the Dallas Cowboys."
-1968 Topps No. 44
DICK HUDSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Memphis State
"Described as a man with educated hands, Dick Hudson provides Bills' quarterbacks with sound protection from his slot at right tackle. A beefy individual standing 6-4 and weighing 262 pounds, he makes it impossible for pass rushers to use their hands on him because his own hands are constantly in motion.
Dick originally was drafted by the Chargers when he came out of Memphis State in 1962, but was acquired a year later by the Bills in a trade involving Tobin Rote."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Monday, September 29, 2014
1968 Bills Linebacker Profiles
HARRY JACOBS
Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
Harry is the signal-caller for the Buffalo defense and one of the most punishing tacklers in the pros. A defensive stalwart since coming to the Bills from the Patriots in 1963, he made two interceptions in 1964 and two more in 1966.
As a collegian, Harry was Bradley's Athlete of the Year and played in the College All-Star Game.
MIKE STRATTON
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"It was of no solace to opposition teams last year that Mike Stratton was not playing at full strength. He was just as mean as ever, and few offenses took advantage of him.
Rated second only to Bobby Bell as a corner linebacker, Mike has the speed to run with any halfback in the league, which makes him especially tough on pass defense. His coach, Joe Collier, says he's the best blitzer in the league; and it's a fact that when he nails you with a tackle, you know you've been hit.
Now in his seventh AFL season, Mike came to the Bills as a 13th round draft choice after getting out of Tennessee in 1962."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
PAUL GUIDRY
Linebacker
No. 59
McNeese State
This headhunting youngster has proven himself more than worthy of joining Mike Statton and Harry Jacobs in Buffalo's feared linebacking corps. His search and destroy spirit of play puts extra pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
Harry is the signal-caller for the Buffalo defense and one of the most punishing tacklers in the pros. A defensive stalwart since coming to the Bills from the Patriots in 1963, he made two interceptions in 1964 and two more in 1966.
As a collegian, Harry was Bradley's Athlete of the Year and played in the College All-Star Game.
MIKE STRATTON
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"It was of no solace to opposition teams last year that Mike Stratton was not playing at full strength. He was just as mean as ever, and few offenses took advantage of him.
Rated second only to Bobby Bell as a corner linebacker, Mike has the speed to run with any halfback in the league, which makes him especially tough on pass defense. His coach, Joe Collier, says he's the best blitzer in the league; and it's a fact that when he nails you with a tackle, you know you've been hit.
Now in his seventh AFL season, Mike came to the Bills as a 13th round draft choice after getting out of Tennessee in 1962."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
PAUL GUIDRY
Linebacker
No. 59
McNeese State
This headhunting youngster has proven himself more than worthy of joining Mike Statton and Harry Jacobs in Buffalo's feared linebacking corps. His search and destroy spirit of play puts extra pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
1968 Profiles: Mike Mercer and Paul Maguire
MIKE MERCER
Place Kicker
No. 7
Arizona State
"In 1966, Mike had pro football's best field goal record, making 21 of 30 attempts. While with Oakland he kicked 116 consecutive extra points.
Mike's dad played for the Giants and Eagles."
-1968 Topps No. 123
PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
Named Sporting News second-team All-AFL last year, Paul was second in the league with 77 punts, third with 3,320 punting yards and third with 43.1 yards per punt. His long punt of 64 yards was third-best in the AFL.
Paul came to Buffalo from San Diego in 1964 and was All-Pro in 1965.
Place Kicker
No. 7
Arizona State
"In 1966, Mike had pro football's best field goal record, making 21 of 30 attempts. While with Oakland he kicked 116 consecutive extra points.
Mike's dad played for the Giants and Eagles."
-1968 Topps No. 123
PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
Named Sporting News second-team All-AFL last year, Paul was second in the league with 77 punts, third with 3,320 punting yards and third with 43.1 yards per punt. His long punt of 64 yards was third-best in the AFL.
Paul came to Buffalo from San Diego in 1964 and was All-Pro in 1965.
Friday, September 26, 2014
1968 Profile: Paul Costa
Tight End
No. 82
Notre Dame
"He may not yet be in Mike Ditka's class as a tight end, but Paul Costa is progressing toward that level of play. Regarded as probably the strongest man on the squad, the 6-4, 256-pounder has immense chest development and powerful though supple hands. And despite his size, he can run 50 yards in 5.6 seconds.
Paul displayed his better points last year - his third as a pro - when he caught 39 passes for 726 yards and two touchdowns; he caught one scoring pass on a 63-yard play, and he averaged 18.6 yards per catch.
Paul played his college football at Notre Dame and came to the Bills when they traded with Kansas City for the rights to him."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Paul finished second on the Bills in receptions in 1967. Originally the property of the Chiefs, he scored a touchdown in his second pro game.
Paul's trademark is his over-the-head catches."
-1968 Topps No. 175
No. 82
Notre Dame
"He may not yet be in Mike Ditka's class as a tight end, but Paul Costa is progressing toward that level of play. Regarded as probably the strongest man on the squad, the 6-4, 256-pounder has immense chest development and powerful though supple hands. And despite his size, he can run 50 yards in 5.6 seconds.
Paul displayed his better points last year - his third as a pro - when he caught 39 passes for 726 yards and two touchdowns; he caught one scoring pass on a 63-yard play, and he averaged 18.6 yards per catch.
Paul played his college football at Notre Dame and came to the Bills when they traded with Kansas City for the rights to him."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Paul finished second on the Bills in receptions in 1967. Originally the property of the Chiefs, he scored a touchdown in his second pro game.
Paul's trademark is his over-the-head catches."
-1968 Topps No. 175
Thursday, September 25, 2014
1968 Bills Defensive Line Profiles
JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
Jim was an AFL All-Star for the third straight year in 1967 following his selection to the All-AFL first team in 1966. He's played every game since his rookie season of 1963.
As a senior at Ole Miss, Jim was a consensus All-American. He was All-SEC in 1961 and 1962 and played in Coaches All-America and College All-Star Games.
TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
First team All-AFL from 1963-1965, Tom still nails his opposition with hard, sure tackles. Known for his consistent, solid effort and outstanding character, he's totally dedicated to keeping opposing offenses off the scoreboard.
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"The Bills' vaunted defense bogged down a bit last year, but there was nothing wrong with the work of big Ron McDole. The deceptively quick 6-2 1/2", 278-pound end hounded quarterbacks and manhandled enemy tackles to lead the Buffalo charge. It was the second good year in a row for McDole, who seems to be settling into a consistent pattern now.
He was troubled earlier in his career by migraine headaches, which may account for his nomadic life as a pro. After graduating from Nebraska, he played briefly as an offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals, then moved into the AFL as a defensive end with the Oilers. He was cut, and that's when the Bills picked him up."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 89
North Carolina A & T
"Before joining the San Diego Chargers last year, Tom played with the Buffalo Bills. There, the big ballplayer served as a defensive end and an offensive guard."
-1967 Topps No. 117
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
Jim was an AFL All-Star for the third straight year in 1967 following his selection to the All-AFL first team in 1966. He's played every game since his rookie season of 1963.
As a senior at Ole Miss, Jim was a consensus All-American. He was All-SEC in 1961 and 1962 and played in Coaches All-America and College All-Star Games.
TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
First team All-AFL from 1963-1965, Tom still nails his opposition with hard, sure tackles. Known for his consistent, solid effort and outstanding character, he's totally dedicated to keeping opposing offenses off the scoreboard.
RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"The Bills' vaunted defense bogged down a bit last year, but there was nothing wrong with the work of big Ron McDole. The deceptively quick 6-2 1/2", 278-pound end hounded quarterbacks and manhandled enemy tackles to lead the Buffalo charge. It was the second good year in a row for McDole, who seems to be settling into a consistent pattern now.
He was troubled earlier in his career by migraine headaches, which may account for his nomadic life as a pro. After graduating from Nebraska, he played briefly as an offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals, then moved into the AFL as a defensive end with the Oilers. He was cut, and that's when the Bills picked him up."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 89
North Carolina A & T
"Before joining the San Diego Chargers last year, Tom played with the Buffalo Bills. There, the big ballplayer served as a defensive end and an offensive guard."
-1967 Topps No. 117
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
1968 Profile: Keith Lincoln
Halfback
No. 20
Washington State
"In his early years with the San Diego Chargers, Keith Lincoln was the league's elite running back, a two-time All-AFL selection. Then injuries marred his effectiveness for a couple of seasons, and he was finally traded to the Bills in 1967.
But the new environment and improved health enabled him to climb right back up among the top rushers, as he finished with 601 yards on 159 carries for a 3.8 average and four touchdowns. The solidly built 6-1, 215-pounder also caught 41 passes for 558 yards and five more TD's - one of them coming on a 60-yard play.
This is a guy who knows where the goal line is, which explains why he's in the top ten of all-time AFL rushers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"One of the superstars of football, Keith averaged 6.4 yards per carry in 1963- a mark that still stands! He was acquired from San Diego.
Keith played for Washington State in the Hula Bowl."
-1968 Topps No. 19
No. 20
Washington State
"In his early years with the San Diego Chargers, Keith Lincoln was the league's elite running back, a two-time All-AFL selection. Then injuries marred his effectiveness for a couple of seasons, and he was finally traded to the Bills in 1967.
But the new environment and improved health enabled him to climb right back up among the top rushers, as he finished with 601 yards on 159 carries for a 3.8 average and four touchdowns. The solidly built 6-1, 215-pounder also caught 41 passes for 558 yards and five more TD's - one of them coming on a 60-yard play.
This is a guy who knows where the goal line is, which explains why he's in the top ten of all-time AFL rushers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"One of the superstars of football, Keith averaged 6.4 yards per carry in 1963- a mark that still stands! He was acquired from San Diego.
Keith played for Washington State in the Hula Bowl."
-1968 Topps No. 19
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