July 29, 2014

Highlighted Year: Peter Boulware, 2001

Linebacker/Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens



Age: 27 (Dec. 18)
5th season in pro football & with Ravens
College: Florida State
Height: 6’4”   Weight: 255

Prelude:
A defensive end in college, where he gained notoriety for his pass rushing, Boulware was taken by the Ravens in the first round (fourth overall) of the 1997 NFL draft. Converted to outside linebacker, he moved directly into the starting lineup, joining fellow rookie Jamie Sharper and second year MLB Ray Lewis to create a young but formidable linebacking corps. He received NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors from the AP and Pro Football Writers. Boulware followed up on his outstanding rookie season by gaining selection to the Pro Bowl following the 1998 and ’99 seasons and was also recognized as a first-team All-AFC choice of Pro Football Weekly and second-team All-NFL pick by the Associated Press in 1999. While a shoulder injury caused his performance to level off, he was a mainstay of the defense in 2000 that fueled a late-season run culminating in victory in the Super Bowl. Due to injury depletion, Boulware was shifted to defensive end during the 2001 season.

2001 Season Summary
Appeared in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 15 [2, 1st in AFC]
Most sacks, game – 4 vs. Minnesota 1/7
Multi-sack games – 3
Interceptions – 0
Fumble recoveries – 1
Forced fumbles – 4
Tackles – 45
Assists – 21

Postseason: 2 G
Sacks – 1
Interceptions – 0
Fumble recoveries – 1
TDs – 0

Ravens went 10-6 to finish second in the AFC Central and qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card. Won AFC Wild Card playoff over Miami Dolphins (20-3). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Pittsburgh Steelers (27-10). 

Aftermath:
Boulware returned to outside linebacker and gained selection to two more Pro Bowls in 2002 and ’03. However, his string of 111 consecutive games was broken when he sat out the 2003 season finale due to injury and offseason knee surgery cost him all of 2004. He was released and re-signed to a lesser salary in ’05, playing as a reserve, and injuries forced his release and retirement prior to the 2006 season. Overall, he had 70 regular season sacks and three in the playoffs over the course of his career that included four Pro Bowl selections.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating
Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)
All-Purpose: Total Yards
Defense: Interceptions, Sacks
Kickoff Returns: Average
Punt Returns: Average
Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

July 27, 2014

Rookie of the Year: Shane Conlan, 1987

Linebacker, Buffalo Bills



Age: 23
College: Penn State
Height: 6’3”   Weight: 230

Prelude:
Red-shirted as a freshman due to injury, Conlan went on to be a two-time All-American and was part of Penn State’s 1986 national championship team. He was chosen by the Bills in the first round of the ’87 NFL draft (eighth overall) and started five games of his strike-interrupted rookie year at left outside linebacker before moving inside after another rookie, LB Cornelius Bennett, was acquired from the Colts as part of a three-team trade at the end of October.

1987 Season Summary
Appeared in 12 of 15 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 0.5
Interceptions – 0
Fumble recoveries – 0
Forced fumbles – 1
Tackles – 114

Awards & Honors:
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI
2nd team All-NFL: AP, NEA

Bills went 7-8 to finish fourth in the AFC East.

Aftermath:
Although he missed three regular season games plus a playoff contest due to a sprained foot, Conlan had his first of three straight Pro Bowl seasons in 1988 and received first-team All-NFL honors from UPI, the PFWA, Pro Football Weekly, and The Sporting News. He displayed good instincts and toughness and was at his best against the run, but, with his relatively slender build, durability continued to be a problem as he lost another six games in ’89 with a knee injury. Conlan appeared in every game in 1990 and ’91, as the Bills won their first two of four straight AFC titles, but he was injured once again in the Super Bowl loss against the Redskins following the latter season. With his skills beginning to diminish, Conlan signed with the Rams as a free agent in 1993 and was still an effective starting MLB despite chronic nagging injuries. He retired after three years with the Rams, having accumulated some 751 tackles over the course of 120 games spread across nine seasons.  

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 25, 2014

1974: NY Stars Edge Bell on Fourth Quarter Field Goal


For the third week of the World Football League’s 1974 season, a natural rivalry took center stage on July 25 as the Philadelphia Bell hosted the New York Stars. There were 64,719 enthusiastic fans in attendance at JFK Stadium for the nationally-televised Thursday night contest, including Commissioner Gary Davidson – although the luster would dim weeks later when it was found out that most of those present had received free or significantly-discounted tickets.

The Bell were 1-1, having won their opener in front of a similarly large crowd before bowing to Houston the previous week. Head Coach Ron Waller’s team featured an exciting offense directed by QB Jim “King” Corcoran, a colorful veteran of minor league football. The ground game was strong and featured running backs Claude Watts and John Land, who also were experienced minor league hands. The most notable player on the defense was LB Tim Rossovich, a colorful figure in his own right who had played for the NFL Eagles.

New York was coached by former pro quarterback Babe Parilli and had yet to win in two hard-fought contests. There were several ex-Jets on the roster, including WR George Sauer, DE Gerry Philbin, and DT John Elliott. QB Tom Sherman had spent three years with the Boston Patriots before toiling in the minor leagues.

The Bell struck first, completing an 89-yard drive in five plays when Jim Corcoran threw to Claude Watts for an 18-yard touchdown and then successfully added the action point on a quarterback sneak, following three offside penalties on New York, to gain an 8-0 lead (in the WFL, touchdowns counted for seven points and were followed by an action point, which couldn’t be kicked).

New York got on the board when RB Dave Richards scored on a one-yard carry to finish off an 85-yard series, but the Stars remained a point behind when the pass attempt for the action point was unsuccessful.

The Stars took a 14-8 lead just before the end of the first half when RB Bob Gladieux dove one yard for a touchdown following a 20-yard completion from Tom Sherman to WR Al Young. However, they again failed to convert on the action point.

Philadelphia moved back in front a little less than six minutes into the third quarter on a Corcoran pass to TE LeVell Hill that covered nine yards for a touchdown. The score was set up by a 19-yard completion to WR Don Shanklin on the previous play. The Bell were unable to add the action point.

Moses Lajterman (pictured at top), an Argentine kicker out of Montclair State, booted a 40-yard field goal at 3:12 into the fourth quarter to put the Stars in front, following an 11-play, 50-yard series. Lajterman was playing in his first pro game, having earlier been cut from the squad but then re-signed when PK Pete Rajecki suffered a rib injury, and adding to the drama was the fact that Larry Butler was making his first snap of the season, having moved over to center due to an injury to Bob Kuziel.

The Bell had two chances in the last two minutes as Corcoran effectively passed them down the field, but Jack Simcszak missed to the right on a 36-yard field goal attempt and George Chatlos failed from 26 yards at the end of the contest. New York won by a final score of 17-15.

The Stars led in total yards (322 to 301) and first downs (17 to 12). Most of their yardage came on the ground (201) while Philadelphia was more productive through the air (215 yards). The Bell turned the ball over four times, to three turnovers suffered by the Stars.

Tom Sherman completed 7 of 15 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns and one intercepted. Bob Gladieux rushed for 74 yards on 21 carries that included a TD and RB Ed White was right behind with 70 yards on 18 attempts. Al Young was New York’s top receiver, catching four passes for 74 yards.

For the Bell, “King” Corcoran was successful on 14 of 24 throws for 215 yards and two TDs, but also tossed two interceptions. John Land gained 59 yards on 14 rushing attempts and Claude Watts was held to 19 yards on five carries that included a score while also pulling in three passes for 31 yards. WR Don Shanklin had three pass receptions for 87 yards and WR Linzy Cole added 55 yards on his three catches.

“We played better against Jacksonville and Birmingham, but I’ll take it,” said Babe Parilli. “This is a tough, competitive league. All the teams are evenly matched. Nothing could have been bigger for us.”

Having finally broken into the win column, the Stars proceeded to put together a five-game winning streak. They were 8-5 when the franchise was shifted to Charlotte, where they were renamed the Hornets, and finished out the year with a 10-10 record. The Stars won their next two games but remained inconsistent, going 9-11, although they reached the postseason and lost in the first round. The revelations that the high early-season attendance figures were inflated by free and discounted tickets damaged the credibility of both the WFL and the Bell, which resulted in a dramatic decrease in fan support for games later in the schedule.

Moses Lajterman went on to kick 7 field goals in 11 attempts in his only pro season. George Chatlos, whose missed field goal attempt at the end of the game sealed Philadelphia’s fate, never got another opportunity to try for another, although he did remain with the club as a linebacker and scored a touchdown. The Bell had trouble with placekicking all season, with three kickers accounting for eight field goals in all. 

July 23, 2014

Highlighted Year: Morten Andersen, 1995

Placekicker, Atlanta Falcons



Age:  35
14th season in pro football, 1st with Falcons
College: Michigan State
Height: 6’2”   Weight: 221

Prelude:
The Danish, left-footed Andersen learned the art of placekicking as an exchange student in high school and went on to excel at Michigan State, where he connected on a 63-yard field goal against Ohio State. Chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft, his pro career got off to a rough start when he missed most of his rookie year due to injury. However, he came back strong in ’83, was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of four straight seasons in 1985, and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1986 and ’87. During 13 years in New Orleans, he kicked 302 field goals in 389 attempts (77.6 %), with 22 of those successful kicks coming from 50 yards or more, and added 412 extra points (missing six times) to become the franchise’s all-time scoring leader with 1318 points. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice more. In a surprising move, Andersen left the Saints for the rival Falcons as a free agent in 1995.

1995 Season Summary
Appeared in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking
Field goals – 31 [2, tied with Steve Christie & Jason Elam, 1st in NFC]
Most field goals, game – 5 vs. New England 10/1
Field goal attempts – 37 [5]
Most field goal attempts, game – 5 vs. New England 10/1
Field goal percentage – 83.8 [4]
PATs – 29 [18]
PAT attempts – 30 [18]
Longest field goal – 59 yards vs. San Francisco 12/24

Scoring
Field Goals – 31
PATs – 29
Points – 122 [7, tied with Fuad Reveiz]

Postseason: 1 G (NFC Wild Card playoff at Green Bay)
Field goals – 2
Field goal attempts – 2
PATs – 2
PAT attempts – 2
Longest field goal – 31 yards

Awards & Honors:
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News
1st team All-NFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly
Pro Bowl

Falcons went 9-7 to finish second in the NFC West and qualify for the postseason as a Wild Card entry. Lost AFC Wild Card playoff to Green Bay Packers (37-20).

Aftermath:
Andersen went on to play five more seasons in Atlanta, which included a NFC Championship in 1998 after he kicked the winning field goal against the Vikings in overtime of the conference title game. He moved on to the Giants for a year, spent 2002 and ’03 with the Chiefs, was with Minnesota in 2004, and then, after sitting out a year, returned to Atlanta in 2006 and ’07, finishing out his 25-season career at age 47. His 89.3 field goal percentage in 2007 (25 of 28) was his career best. He ended up as the NFL career leader in scoring (2544 points) and field goals (565), as well as having appeared in the most games (382) and scored in the most consecutive contests (360). Andersen was three times a consensus first-team All-NFL selection, received at least second-team or All-NFC honors on three other occasions, and was chosen to the Pro Bowl seven times. In addition to the Saints, he is also the career scoring leader for the Falcons (806 points), making him the only player to hold that distinction with two different NFL teams.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating
Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)
All-Purpose: Total Yards
Defense: Interceptions, Sacks
Kickoff Returns: Average
Punt Returns: Average
Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

July 21, 2014

Rookie of the Year: Dale Carter, 1992

Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs



Age: 23 (Nov. 28)
College: Tennessee
Height: 6’1”   Weight: 181

Prelude:
Carter was a consensus All-American in 1991, excelling as both a defensive back and kick returner. He was chosen by the Chiefs in the first round of the ’92 NFL draft (20th overall) and moved into the starting lineup for nine games.

1992 Season Summary
Appeared in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 7 [3, tied with Mark Kelso, Eugene Robinson & Donnell Woolford]
Most interceptions, game – 1 on seven occasions
Int. return yards – 65
Most int. return yards, game – 36 (on 1 int.) vs. Denver 12/27
Int. TDs – 1 [6, tied with many others]
Fumble recoveries – 2

Kickoff Returns
Returns – 11
Yards – 190
Most yards, game – 70 (on 3 ret.) vs. Philadelphia 10/11
Average per return – 17.3
TDs – 0
Longest return – 39 yards

Punt Returns
Returns – 38 [4]
Yards – 398 [4]
Most yards, game – 100 (on 4 ret.) at Seattle 11/22
Average per return – 10.5 [8]
TDs – 2 [1, tied with Todd Kinchen, Kelvin Martin & Clarence Verdin]
Longest return – 86 yards

Scoring
TDs – 3
Points – 18

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Wild Card playoff at San Diego)
Interceptions – 0
Fumble recoveries – 0

Kickoff returns – 1
Kickoff return yds. – 5
Kickoff return TDs – 0

Punt returns – 1
Punt return yds. – 1
Punt return TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

Chiefs went 10-6 to finish second in the AFC West and qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card while leading the conference in fewest passing yards allowed (2537). Lost AFC Wild Card playoff to San Diego Chargers (17-0).

Aftermath:
Carter followed up with an inconsistent 1993 season in which his great playmaking ability was intermingled with often bad decisions, and there were issues off the field as well. However, his coverage skills improved and he was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the next four years, reaching his peak while playing in combination with James Hasty on the other side. He was also occasionally used as a wide receiver on offense, catching six passes in 1996, one of which was good for a 46-yard TD. A forearm injury hampered Carter in 1998, limiting him to 11 games, and he signed a large free agent contract to join the Denver Broncos in ’99, where he underachieved. He was suspended for 18 months, starting with the 2000 season, due to substance abuse and resurfaced with Minnesota in 2001, where he was united with his brother, WR Jake Reed. Moving on to New Orleans in ’02, suspensions continued to be an issue and he played a total of 15 games over the course of two years with the Saints. He spent the 2004 season on injured reserve before finishing his career with the Baltimore Ravens in ’05. Overall, Carter intercepted 24 passes, averaged 9.5 yards on 83 punt returns, and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, but off-field problems ultimately derailed his career.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 19, 2014

Highlighted Year: Donny Anderson, 1973

Halfback, St. Louis Cardinals



Age: 30
8th season in pro football, 2nd with Cardinals
College: Texas Tech
Height: 6’3”   Weight: 210

Prelude:
A two-time All-American in college, where he was nicknamed “The Golden Palomino”, Anderson was chosen in the first round of the 1965 NFL draft as a future pick by the Green Bay Packers. Along with FB Jim Grabowski from Illinois, he received a large contract to join the Packers in ’66 with the expectation that he would be the heir to aging star HB Paul Hornung. He saw little action as a rookie but injuries provided an opportunity to contribute in 1967 and he performed well in Green Bay’s drive to a third straight NFL title, also being utilized as a punter and kick returner as well as halfback. In 1968, Anderson rushed for 761 yards and caught 25 passes for 333 more yards to gain selection to the Pro Bowl. Splitting time with Elijah Pitts and Travis Williams in ’69, his production dropped off significantly, but he came back to rush for a career-high 853 yards in 1970 while also catching 36 passes for 414 more yards. Following a 1971 season in which he was joined by rookie FB John Brockington, Anderson was involved in a contract dispute and had other problems with new Head Coach Dan Devine that led to his being traded to the Cardinals in 1972. In his first year in St. Louis, he gained 536 yards on the ground and 298 on 28 pass receptions while also handling the punting (the last year that he would do so).

1973 Season Summary
Appeared and in all 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 167
Most attempts, game – 25 (for 82 yds.) at Atlanta 12/9
Yards – 679
Most yards, game – 130 yards (on 18 carries) vs. NY Giants 10/28
Average gain – 4.1
TDs – 10 [2, tied with Mercury Morris, 1st in NFC]
100-yard rushing games – 2

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 41      
Most receptions, game – 6 (for 44 yds.) vs. Philadelphia 10/14
Yards – 409
Most yards, game – 67 (on 4 catches) vs. Denver 11/4
Average gain – 10.0
TDs – 3

Scoring
TDs – 13 [2, tied with Harold Jackson & Floyd Little]
Points – 78 [19, tied with Harold Jackson, Floyd Little & Bobby Howfield]

Cardinals went 4-9-1 to finish fourth in the NFC East.

Aftermath:
Anderson was supplanted at halfback by Terry Metcalf in 1974 and ran the ball just 90 times for 316 yards while catching 15 passes. He was traded to Miami in the offseason but retired during training camp. Overall, he rushed for 4696 yards on 1197 carries (3.9 avg.) and caught 209 passes for 2548 yards, scoring a total of 56 touchdowns. Anderson also averaged 39.6 yards on 387 punts, threw two TD passes on halfback option plays, and ran back one punt for a touchdown.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating
Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)
All-Purpose: Total Yards
Defense: Interceptions, Sacks
Kickoff Returns: Average
Punt Returns: Average
Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

July 17, 2014

1974: Late TD Propels Blazers to Win Over Wheels


July 17, 1974 marked the home debut of the Detroit Wheels, one of the teams in the newly-formed World Football League. Having lost their first game at Memphis the previous week, they were hosting the Florida Blazers with hopes of breaking into the win column.

The Wheels had a large group of investors, but were quickly showing signs of financial trouble to come. Dan Boisture had been hired away from Eastern Michigan to be head coach, and the team found itself playing at that college’s Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, over 30 miles from Detroit, having been unable to get a lease for Tiger Stadium. With a limited budget for players, the Wheels made little effort to sign NFL veterans, looking to Canada instead. QB Bubba Wyche, formerly of Saskatchewan, directed the offense and WR Hubie Bryant was the WFL’s early receiving leader after gaining 153 yards on seven catches in the opening week, although he was suffering from an eye injury.

The Blazers were coached by ex-NFL linebacker Jack Pardee and had won a narrow victory over The Hawaiians in Week 1. QB Bob Davis (pictured above) had NFL experience, having most notably served as backup to Joe Namath with the Jets, but the offense managed just eight points in the opener.

There were 10,631 fans in attendance at Rynearson Stadium for the Wednesday night contest. Several hundred people watched the action for free from a nearby hill. The atmosphere was festive, with a rock band playing prior to the game.

The Blazers scored first, driving 62 yards in eleven plays on their opening series, and Bob Davis threw to WR Matt Maslowski for a six-yard touchdown. The pass for the action point attempt failed, but the visitors held a 7-0 lead (in the WFL, touchdowns counted for seven points and were followed by an action point, which could not be kicked).

Detroit came right back, going 80 yards in ten plays that ended with FB Sam Scarber running ten yards for a TD. The Wheels also failed to add the action point, and the score remained 7-7 until, with 29 seconds left before the end of the half, Les Perry kicked a 26-yard field goal for Florida.

The Wheels regained the lead in the third quarter when Bubba Wyche connected with RB Jim Rathje, who eluded several tacklers after the catch on the way to a 41-yard TD. The attempt to run for the action point came up short, but the home team was ahead by four points.

That remained the situation until late in the fourth quarter. Florida put together a series that covered 82 yards in 18 plays and was capped when RB Tommy Reamon scored on a five-yard run with 1:37 remaining. This time, the Blazers added the action point on a pass from Davis to TE Greg Latta, and now it was Florida on top by four.

There was still enough time for the Wheels to come back, however. Wyche threw to WR Charlie McKee for a 43-yard gain, and when the receiver fumbled at the end of the play, Sam Scarber recovered at the Florida seven with the clock now down to 1:07.

Scarber ran for two yards and Rathje picked up four to reach the one yard line. After Rathje was stopped for no gain, and with no timeouts remaining, Wyche hurriedly fired a fourth down pass into the end zone, but it fell incomplete. Florida came away with an 18-14 win.

The Wheels outgained Florida (340 yards to 308) although the Blazers had the edge in first downs (18 to 13). There were no turnovers, but lots of penalties, with Detroit flagged 9 times at a cost of 87 yards and the visitors penalized seven times for 50 yards.

Bob Davis completed 14 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. RB Jim Strong led the ground attack with 89 yards on 18 carries and was also Florida’s leading receiver with four catches for 29 yards. RB A.D. Whitfield also had four receptions, for 18 yards. Tommy Reamon contributed 65 yards on 16 rushing attempts, which included the game-winning TD.



For the Wheels, Bubba Wyche was successful on 14 of 29 throws for 221 yards and a TD. Sam Scarber (pictured at left) rushed for 74 yards on 11 attempts that included a touchdown. Charlie McKee topped the receivers with three catches for 69 yards.

“Sure it boosted our spirits,” said a relieved Coach Pardee of the Blazers. “Any game you win like that has to make you feel good.”

Detroit had to hurriedly prepare for a weekend game at Honolulu and lost, and kept on losing until reaching 0-10 before finally pulling out a victory in the return meeting with the Blazers. It was the only win for the Wheels, who failed to finish out the season and ended up at the bottom of the Central Division with a 1-13 record. Florida, which also suffered from major financial problems, fared much better, topping the Eastern Division at 14-6 and advancing to the WFL Championship game (called the World Bowl) before losing to the Birmingham Americans. 

July 14, 2014

Rookie of the Year: Bobby Burnett, 1966

Halfback, Buffalo Bills



Age:  23
College: Arkansas
Height: 6’2”   Weight: 208

Prelude:
A college tailback who rushed for 1282 yards, including 947 as a senior, Burnett was taken by the Bills in the fourth round of the 1966 AFL draft (as well as in the 10th round of the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears). While fast, he lacked experience as a blocker, but made a quick adjustment to the pro game and moved into the starting backfield.

1966 Season Summary
Appeared in all 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 187 [3]
Most attempts, game – 27 (for 138 yds.) vs. San Diego 10/16
Yards – 766 [4]
Most yards, game – 138 yards (on 27 carries) vs. San Diego 10/16
Average gain – 4.1 [8]
TDs – 4 [10, tied with four others]
100-yard rushing games – 1

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 34 [18]          
Most receptions, game – 5 (for 54 yds.) vs. Boston 10/8, (for 25 yds.) at NY Jets 10/30
Yards – 419
Most yards, game – 82 (on 3 catches) at Oakland 11/24
Average gain – 12.3
TDs – 4 [13, tied with nine others]

Scoring
TDs – 8 [11, tied with four others]
Points – 48 [20, tied with four others]

Postseason: 1 G (AFL Championship vs. Kansas City)
Rushing attempts – 3
Rushing yards – 6
Average gain rushing – 2.0
Rushing TDs – 0

Pass receptions – 6
Pass receiving yards – 127
Average yards per reception – 21.2
Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:
AFL Rookie of the Year: UPI
1st team All-AFL: NY Daily News
2nd team All-AFL: League, AP, NEA, UPI
AFL All-Star Game

Bills went 9-4-1 to finish first in the AFL Eastern Division. Lost AFL Championship to Kansas City Chiefs (31-7).

Aftermath:
Burnett suffered cracked ribs during training camp in 1967 and then a major knee injury during a season in which he was limited to 96 rushing yards and 11 pass receptions. He was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the expansion draft for the 1968 season but, with his knee still in recovery, Burnett never played for them. He joined the Denver Broncos for 1969, lasted three games, and retired, with the knee injury having effectively ended his pro career after the outstanding rookie campaign. Beyond his rookie statistics, he gained just 105 yards on 50 carries (2.1 avg.) and caught 11 passes for 114 yards, scoring no further touchdowns.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 11, 2014

Highlighted Year: Gary Anderson, 1984

Running Back, Tampa Bay Bandits



Age: 23 (April 18)
2nd season in pro football & with Bandits
College: Arkansas
Height: 6’0”   Weight: 180

Prelude:
An outstanding all-purpose back in college, Anderson received All-Southwestern Conference honors in 1982 and was chosen in the first round (20th overall) of the 1983 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and in the USFL draft by the New Jersey Generals (fifth overall). The Chargers intended to convert him into a wide receiver, but Anderson expressed an interest in playing for Tampa Bay of the new spring league, and his draft rights were accordingly dealt to the Bandits. He didn’t join the team until halfway through the ’83 season but had an impact when he did, rushing for 516 yards on 97 carries (5.3 avg.) and catching 29 passes for 347 yards in eight games.

1984 Season Summary
Appeared in all 18 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 268 [4]
Most attempts, game - 26 (for 114 yds.) vs. Houston 2/26
Yards – 1008 [10]
Most yards, game – 114 yards (on 26 carries) vs. Houston 2/26
Average gain – 3.8
TDs – 19 [1]
100-yard rushing games - 2

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 66 [8] 
Most receptions, game – 7 (for 42 yds.) at Philadelphia 4/1, (for 57 yds.) at Birmingham 6/24
Yards – 682
Most yards, game – 100 (on 6 catches) vs. Houston 2/26
Average gain – 10.3
TDs – 2
100-yard receiving games – 1

Passing
Attempts – 3
Completions – 2
Yards – 44
TDs – 1
Interceptions – 1

Punt Returns
Returns – 4
Yards – 22
Average per return – 5.5
TDs – 0
Longest return – 12 yards

Scoring
TDs – 21 [1, tied with Herschel Walker]
Points – 126 [4]

Postseason: 1 G (USFL First Round playoff at Birmingham)
Rushing attempts – 8
Rushing yards – 21
Average gain rushing – 2.6
Rushing TDs – 0

Pass receptions – 3
Pass receiving yards - 19
Average yards per reception – 6.3
Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Bandits went 14-4 to finish second in the USFL Southern Division and qualify for a Wild Card playoff spot. Lost USFL First Round playoff to Birmingham Stallions (36-17).

Aftermath:
Anderson had another outstanding season in 1985, rushing for 1207 yards, catching 72 passes for another 678 yards, and scoring a total of 20 touchdowns. He was named to the official USFL All-League team and was also an All-USFL selection by The Sporting News. With the demise of the USFL, Anderson joined the Chargers during the ’85 NFL season and was a Pro Bowl honoree in 1986 after gaining 2022 all-purpose yards, including 871 on a career-high 80 catches. He had a lesser year in the strike-interrupted 1987 season while splitting time with Curtis Adams at halfback, but rushed for 1119 yards in ’88. A contract dispute led to Anderson sitting out in 1989 and he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in ’90. While he gained 1110 yards from scrimmage that year despite dealing with nagging injuries, his production dropped off significantly thereafter as he was used more as a specialty receiver out of the backfield. He finished up with Detroit, who obtained him during the ’93 season. Anderson came out of retirement in 1995 to play for the Memphis Mad Dogs of the CFL, rushing for 250 yards and catching 28 passes in his final pro season. Overall in the USFL, Anderson rushed for 2731 yards on 641 attempts (4.3 avg.), had another 1707 yards on 167 catches, and scored 45 touchdowns. In the NFL, he gained 3409 yards on the ground, 2999 on 302 pass receptions, and adding in kick returns gained 9572 all-purpose yards while scoring 32 TDs.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating
Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)
All-Purpose: Total Yards
Defense: Interceptions, Sacks
Kickoff Returns: Average
Punt Returns: Average
Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

July 8, 2014

Rookie of the Year: John Brockington, 1971

Fullback, Green Bay Packers



Age: 23 (Sept. 7)
College: Ohio State
Height: 6’0”   Weight: 225

Prelude:
Brockington started at halfback as a sophomore in college, backed up FB Jim Otis for a year, and then started at fullback as a senior and rushed for a team-record 1142 yards and scored 17 TDs in 1970. He was chosen by the Packers in the first round (ninth overall) of the ’71 NFL draft and moved directly into the starting lineup in combination with HB Donny Anderson.

1971 Season Summary
Appeared and started in all 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 216 [5, tied with Ken Willard]
Most attempts, game – 30 (for 142 yds.) at Chicago 11/7
Yards – 1105 [2, 1st in NFC]
Most yards, game – 149 yards (on 23 carries) at Minnesota 11/14
Average gain – 5.1 [4]
TDs – 4
100-yard rushing games – 4

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 14
Most receptions, game – 3 (for 9 yds.) vs. NY Giants 9/19, (for 21 yds.) at St. Louis 12/5
Yards – 98
Most yards, game – 34 (on 2 catches) vs. Chicago 12/12
Average gain – 7.0
TDs - 1

All-Purpose yards – 1203 [10]

Scoring
TDs – 5
Points – 30

Awards & Honors:
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP
NFC Rookie of the Year: UPI, NEA, Sporting News
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly
1st team All-NFC: AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News
Pro Bowl

Packers went 4-8-2 to finish fourth in the NFC Central.

Aftermath:
Brockington, who had a new backfield mate in HB MacArthur Lane, followed up by rushing for 1027 yards as the Packers won the NFC Central in 1972 and then had a career-high 1144 yards in ’73, which led the conference. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl after each season, having become the first player in NFL history to reach a thousand yards in each of his first three years. A straight-ahead runner, he found the going more difficult over time as the team’s lack of a credible passing attack had defenses keying on stopping the ground game. His rookie yards-per-carry average was his best, as he averaged 3.7 and 4.3 yards, respectively, in ’72 and ’73. After gaining 883 yards on the ground in 1974, in addition to catching a career-high 43 passes, his production dropped sharply as the wear and tear of his punishing running style began to take its toll and he never again gained as many as 500 yards in a season. Released by the Packers early in the 1977 season, he finished up with the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, Brockington rushed for 5185 yards on 1347 carries (all but 161 yards and 54 carries coming with Green Bay) and caught 157 passes for 1297 yards (19 for 222 yards with the Chiefs), scoring a total of 34 touchdowns (30 rushing, four receiving).

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 7, 2014

1984: Fourth Quarter Rally Propels Wranglers Past Express


The teams meeting for the championship of the United States Football League’s Western Conference on July 7, 1984 both had 10-8 regular season records and had recently been hot, winning six of their previous seven games. But beyond that, there were significant differences in the composition and style of the two clubs.

The Arizona Wranglers were coached by George Allen, a 66-year-old veteran of 12 NFL head coaching seasons and one in the USFL’s inaugural year. As was typical of Allen’s teams, the Wranglers relied on veteran pro talent, with strong defense that ranked at the top of the league complemented by a conservative, ball-control offense. 37-year-old QB Greg Landry (pictured above) directed the attack that featured two thousand-yard rushers in Tim Spencer (1212 yards) and Kevin Long (1010 yards) as well as a talented wide receiver in Trumaine Johnson. Still, Arizona got off to a slow start before coming on strong to conclude the season and, qualifying for the playoffs as a Wild Card team after finishing second in the Pacific Division, came from behind to defeat the high-powered Houston Gamblers by a 17-16 score in the Quarterfinal round.

The Express, on the other hand, consisted of a large number of first- and second-year players and had an offensive-minded first-year head coach in John Hadl, a former AFL and NFL quarterback. Following a 2-3 start, the offense benefited from the arrival of rookie QB Steve Young, with talent that matched a huge contract. An effective left-handed passer with outstanding mobility, Young had second-year WR JoJo Townsell leading the receiving corps plus a group of three effective rookie running backs in Kevin Nelson, Mel Gray, and Kevin Mack to handle the ground game. The Express won the Pacific Division and then eliminated the defending-champion Michigan Panthers the previous week in a game that wasn’t settled until the third overtime period. Unfortunately, Gray, in scoring the winning touchdown, also suffered a broken leg.

There had been controversy in the week leading up to the game when Hadl accused Allen of putting a bounty on Steve Young. Beyond that, there was bad feeling between the two teams, and numerous scuffles broke out during the contest.

There were 33,188 fans in attendance at Sun Devil Stadium, as the Express had forfeited home field advantage due to lack of an available venue (although lack of fan support may have been the bigger consideration). USFL Commissioner Chet Simmons moved the starting time back by eight hours due to concerns about the intense daytime heat, but it was still 100 degrees at the 8:30 pm kickoff, mitigated somewhat by a light breeze.

Los Angeles took the opening kickoff and methodically drove 73 yards down the field, with running backs Kevin Nelson and Kevin Mack, who had a 34-yard carry, running effectively. The series stalled at the Arizona seven yard line and Tony Zendejas kicked a 25-yard field goal for the first score of the game.

Following a short series and punt by the Wranglers, Young threw a pass that was intercepted by FS Luther Bradley, thus giving Arizona good field position. The Wranglers took advantage of it, driving 36 yards in four plays culminating in a four-yard touchdown run by Tim Spencer. Frank Corral added the extra point and the tally remained 7-3 at the end of the opening period.



Early in the second quarter, the Express took advantage of a pass interference penalty to retake the lead on an 11-yard run by Nelson. On their next possession, the visitors again drove 62 yards to a score, once again on a Nelson carry, this time from a yard out. Zendejas successfully added both extra points for a 17-7 lead.

A promising Arizona drive came to naught when DB Darrell Pattillo picked off a Landry pass. However, up by ten points and with time running down in the first half, the Express attempted a fake punt, with Jeff Partridge trying to throw to DB Troy West, but the pass was broken up. Taking possession at the LA 35, the Wranglers were able to score a touchdown on a six-yard run by Spencer followed by a Corral PAT that narrowed the margin to three points going into halftime.

The defenses dominated the third quarter as the teams traded punts. Young had difficulty completing passes, not helped by injuries to his receivers, and Los Angeles, which was already missing Mel Gray, lost Kevin Nelson, who left the game in the third quarter with a sprained neck.

Still, the Express held a three-point lead and got a break when CB Wymon Henderson intercepted a Landry pass and returned it 28 yards to gain possession in Arizona territory. But, with the partisan crowd roaring, the Wranglers sacked Young on successive plays to force a punt from midfield.

Arizona responded with a long scoring series. A pass to RB Allan Clark picked up 44 yards and, on the second play of the fourth quarter, Kevin Long ran for a touchdown from a yard out. Corral’s extra point gave the home team a 21-17 lead.

A short LA possession that ended in a punt gave the Wranglers good starting field position at the Express 45 and they again drove to a score, this time with Landry throwing to Tim Spencer for a five-yard TD that extended the lead to 28-17.

Any prospect for a comeback by the Express, now being thoroughly dominated by the Wranglers, was snuffed out a few plays later when LB Jim Fahnhorst intercepted a pass by Young. Arizona moved methodically 36 yards down the field in eight plays and FB Mack Boatner finished off the spree of three touchdowns in 11 minutes by rushing five yards for a score. With less than three minutes left on the clock, the Wranglers were up by 18 points.

The Express came alive to score once, with a scrambling Young connecting with a leaping TE David Hersey in the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. But the try for a two-point conversion failed, as did the attempted onside kick. Time ran out on LA and the Wranglers advanced by a final score of 35-23.

The Wranglers overcame a significant deficit in the first half to lead in total yards (329 to 283) although Los Angeles maintained the edge in first downs (19 to 18). Each team turned the ball over twice, but the Wranglers recorded four sacks, for a loss of 36 yards, to just one by LA. Both teams were also penalized ten times apiece.



Greg Landry completed 10 of 21 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown along with two interceptions, but was at his best during the fourth quarter surge. Tim Spencer (pictured at right) rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries that included two TDs and Kevin Long contributed 60 yards on 13 attempts. WR Lenny Willis topped the receivers with three catches for 60 yards.

For the Express, Steve Young had his worst statistical game of the season, succeeding on only 7 of 23 throws for 126 yards and a TD, but with two picked off. Kevin Mack ran the ball 14 times for 88 yards and Kevin Nelson added 72 yards on 18 attempts that included two for scores before having to leave the game, with most of that production coming in the first half. David Hersey was the only LA receiver to catch two passes, for 27 yards and the one late TD, while WR Freddie Scott gained 39 yards on his lone reception.

“We never really got going,” said Steve Young in defeat. “It’s my job to make things happen. I’m the guy who’s supposed to be the catalyst, and unfortunately I didn’t do that. I’ve got to take the blame.”

The Wranglers were beaten the next week for the USFL Championship by the Philadelphia Stars, which proved to be the end of the line for George Allen, who stepped down as head coach. Arizona was merged with the Oklahoma Outlaws for 1985 and went 8-10 to finish fourth in the revamped Western Conference. Things got much worse for the financially strapped Express, who fell to the bottom of the conference at 3-15.