1971 Football Cards

Philadelphia Eagles

2011-11-25T12:07:00.035-05:00

These are the cards for the 1971 Eagles. You may be wondering why there is no quarterback card. Long-time veteran Norm Snead was traded to the Vikings in the off-season, and appears on a Vikings card (but in an Eagles' jersey). Snead was replaced by CFL quarterback Pete Liske, but not until just before training camp.

Aside from not including a quarterback, the position allocation seems a little strange here: 3 running backs, 2 wide receivers (including kick returner Billy Walik instead of veteran starter Ben Hawkins), no offensive linemen, and no middle linebacker.

Except for Tom Woodeshick, Harold Jackson, and Tim Rossovich, all of the cards here are the player's rookie card. The 1970 rookies (Lee Bouggess, Walik, Mark Moseley) appear in the team's current jerseys. Others are shown in the late-1960s' Eagles jersey with stripes around the shoulders.

I noticed today that although each player's card back contains a long narrative, most of them go into great detail about the player's college career, with only a sentence about their NFL accomplishments. I guess because it's the early-70s Eagles!

Cyril Pinder - Cyril was the Eagles' #2 pick in 1968, and worked his way up to starting halfback in 1970, leading the team in rushing. However he didn't make the team in 1971 (?!?) and was traded to the Bears. After 2 seasons in Chicago, he ended his career in 1973 with the Cowboys.

Lee Bouggess - The Eagles' #3 pick in the 1970 draft, Bouggess was the team's starting fullback for his first 2 seasons, and was the Eagles' 2nd-leading rusher as a rookie, with 401 yards. After missing the 1972 season with injuries, he returned for 1 final season with the Eagles in 1973, as a backup.

Tom Woodeshick - Tom was drafted by the Eagles in 1963, and after 4 seasons as a backup, he was the starting fullback from 1967-69. Woodeshick made the Pro Bowl in 1968, the year he rushed for 947 yards. He was the 2nd-string fullback behind Bouggess from 1970-71, and wrapped up his career with the Cardinals in 1972.

Harold Jackson - Harold was one of the few stars on the Eagles in 1971. Drafted by the Rams in 1968, he was a starter for the Eagles from 1969-72, and led the NFL in receiving yards in 1969 and 1972. After the 1972 season, he returned to the Rams in the Roman Gabriel trade. Jackson played 5 more seasons for the Rams, and 4 with the Patriots. He finished as a backup with the Vikings (1982) and Seahawks (1983).

Billy Walik - Walik's NFL career consisted of 3 seasons (1970-72) with the Eagles as a kick returner and occasional punt returner. I'm not sure why he has a card, as he never scored on a return, and he rarely lined up as a receiver. (Meanwhile, #2 WR Ben Hawkins had over 30 catches and 4 TDs in 1970, but no card in 1971.)

Mark Moseley - Oh, what could have been! Moseley was drafted by the Eagles in 1970, and after a poor rookie season (56% of field goals made) where he was also pressed into service as a punter due to injuries, the Eagles gave up on him. After 2 seasons with the Oilers, Mark went on to kick for the Redskins for 12 years, leading the NFL in field goals 4 times.

Tim Rossovich - The Eagles' #1 pick in the 1968 draft was probably more notable for his off-field activities (like eating glass and setting his hair on fire) than for his football accomplishments. After starting at left defensive end for 2 1/2 seasons, he moved to middle linebacker midway through the 1970 season, replacing long-time veteran Dave Lloyd. After the 1971 season, he moved on to the Chargers. Rossovich played for the WFL's Philadelphia Bell for the 1974-75 seasons, then returned to the NFL with the Oilers in 1976.

After football, Tim began acting, and appeared in various TV series, including "Magnum, P.I." (with his college roommate Tom Selleck), "MacGyver", "Knight Rider", and most notably 1980's "When the Whistle Blows".

Gary Pettigrew - Gary was the Eagles' #2 draft pick in 1966, and was a starter on their defensive line for 8-plus seasons, except for missing some time in 1969 and 1971 with injuries. He was the team's starting right end for his first 2 seasons, before moving to defensive tackle. He began his last season (1974) with the Eagles, but ended it with the Giants.

Steve Preece - Preece began his career with the Saints in 1969, but was the Eagles' starting free safety in 1970. He replaced long-time Eagles' free safety Joe Scarpati, who was traded to the Saints in a separate deal. After his 2nd season with the Eagles, Steve moved on to the Broncos and Rams before ending his career with the Seahawks in 1977.

Adrian Young - Young was the Eagles' #3 pick in 1968 out of USC, the same school where they found their #1 pick Rossovich. After 2 seasons as a backup, Adrian was a starting outside linebacker in 1970. He missed almost all of 1971 due to injury, and was traded to the Lions early in the 1972 season. He finished his career in 1973 with the Bears.

One more thing: this picture is not Adrian Young - it's Rick Duncan. Duncan punted for 1 game with the Eagles in 1968, and was invited to their 1971 training camp, but didn't make the team. Below are Young's and Duncan's pages from the Eagles 1971 yearbook.

Also check out the 1967 and 1972 Eagles.
.

Denver Broncos

2010-11-09T22:20:00.006-05:00

Here we have the 1971 Denver Broncos cards. Four of the ten players are pictured in other teams' uniforms. In the early days, the Broncos seemed like the AFL's revolving door. In their first 8 seasons, Denver finished 2-11-1 twice, 3-11 twice, and 4-10 twice. After 2 straight 5-8-1 seasons, the Broncos slipped to 4-9-1 in 1971, bringing an end to Lou Saban's 5-year tenure as head coach.

#59 Don Horn - Horn was the Packers' 1st-round draft pick in 1967, and after caddying for Bart Starr for 4 seasons, Don finally got his own gig in 1971 with the Broncos. He was Denver's 4th starting QB in 4 years, but the carousel didn't stop there. After 9 games, he lost his job to Steve Ramsey, who would be replaced in 1972 by ex-Cardinal Charlie Johnson. In 1972, Don wasted away as the Broncos' 3rd-string QB before moving on to Cleveland in 1973 and San Diego in 1974.

#110 Floyd Little - One of the few Broncos' stars of the 1960s and early 1970s, Little was Denver's 1st-round pick in 1967, and played his entire career (1967-75) with the Broncos. Floyd led the NFL in rushing with 1133 yards in 1971, and his 12 TDs in 1973 also led the league. Little was inducted in to the Hall of Fame in 2010.

#212 Bob Anderson - Bob was drafted in the 1st round by the Broncos in 1970, and played 4 seasons with them as a fullback and kick returner. After jumping to the WFL in 1974, Bob returned to the NFL in 1975 and played briefly for the Redskins and Patriots. His brother Dick was a safety with the Dolphins in the early 1970s.

#185 Sam Brunelli - Brunelli had a 6-year career with the Broncos from 1966 to 1971. He was their starting left tackle from 1967-70.

#136 Jim Turner - Turner was drafted by the Redskins in 1963 but did not make the team. Beginning in 1964, Jim played every game for the next 16 seasons, first with the Jets (1964-70) and then the Broncos (1971-79). Turner kicked for the Jets in Super Bowl III and the Broncos in Super Bowl XII. Because the back of the card said "he can also fill in at quarterback", apparently in 1971 I felt the need to update his position on the front. (He had a total of 4 passing attempts in 1967 and 1 in 1973.)

#81 Rich Jackson - Jackson was signed as a free agent in 1965 by the Raiders, but a training camp injury landed him on the taxi squad all season. He returned in 1966 as a backup linebacker for the Raiders, then was traded to the Broncos in summer 1967 and switched to defensive END. From 1967 to 1972, he was a starting defensive end for Denver, until finishing his career with the Browns in the latter part of the 1972 season.

#164 Dave Costa - Dave played 12 years in the AFL and NFL as a defensive tackle. He began with Oakland (1963-65), then Buffalo (1966), Denver (1967-71), San Diego (1972-72), and back to Buffalo (1974). He was a starter everywhere except for his 2 seasons with the Bills, and made the Pro Bowl 4 times.

#256 Cornell Gordon - Cornell played for the Jets from 1965 to 1969, finally becoming the starting right cornerback in his last season there. He also played 3 seasons with the Broncos (1970-72), and was their starting left cornerback in 1970.

#38 Paul Martha - Paul was drafted by the Steelers in the 1st round in 1964, out of the University of Pittsburgh. A seldom-used split end during his first 2 seasons, he moved to defense in 1966 when injuries decimated the Steelers, and was their starting free safety for 4 seasons. He wrapped up his career in 1970 as the Broncos' starting free safety. After football, he became an attorney, and was an executive with the San Francisco 49ers and later the Pittsburgh Penguins.

#9 Billy Van Heusen - Van Heusen was primarily a punter, and played his entire career (1968-76) with the Broncos. He was also a starting wide receiver in 1974 and 1975.

Also see the 1968 Broncos.

Next time: Green Bay Packers
.

New Orleans Saints

2010-05-05T13:17:00.011-04:00

The 1971 New Orleans Saints have the standard allotment of 10 player cards. In 1970, the Saints finished 2-11-1, in what would become their customary 4th spot in the NFC West. In 1971, with rookie QB Archie Manning at the controls, they improved to 4-8-2, but still finished 4th.

#226 Edd Hargett - Hargett played for the Saints from 1969-72, and the Oilers in 1973. His only starts came during 1970 and 1971.

#198 Hoyle Granger - Granger was drafted by the Oilers in 1966, and was their fullback from 1966 to 1972, except for the one season (1971) he spent with the Saints. His best season was 1967, when he rushed for 1194 yards.

#90 Dan Abramowicz - Dan was picked by the Saints in the last (17th) round of the 1967 draft. He played for the Saints from 1967 until 2 games into the 1973 season. He spent the remainder of 1973 and all of 1974 with the 49ers. His 73 receptions led the NFL in 1969.

#148 Al Dodd - After playing in a few games for the Bears in 1967, Al became a starting wide receiver for the Saints from 1969-71, and the Falcons in 1973-74. He also returned kicks and punts during his career. Al missed the 1968 and 1972 seasons.

#37 Dave Parks - Dave was the first overall pick (by the 49ers) in the 1964 draft. After playing split end for the 49ers from 1964-67, he joined the Saints in 1968, and switched to tight end in 1969. In 1965, he led the NFL in receptions (80), receiving yards (134), and touchdowns (12). He finished his career with the Oilers in 1973.

#117 Errol Linden - Linden's career began in 1961 with the Browns. He played for the Vikings from 1962-65, the Falcons from 1966-68, and the Saints from 1969-70. He was his team's starting offensive right tackle from 1963-70.

#5 Tom Dempsey - Tom was with the Chargers in 1968 but did not play. He kicked for the Saints from 1969-70, including a record 63-yard field goal in 1970. In a classic "What have you done for me lately?" move, he was cut after the 1970 season. Midway through the 1971 season, he hooked on with the Eagles, where he stayed through the 1974 season. He also kicked for the Rams (1975-76), Oilers (1977), and Bills (1978-79).

#251 Jackie Burkett - Jackie was the Colts' 1st-round pick in 1959. After playing for the Colts through the 1966 season, he played for the Saints in 1967 and 1970, and for the Cowboys in 1968-69.

#57 Mike Morgan - Here we see Morgan in his Eagles' jersey, where he was the starting left linebacker from 1964-67. After one season (1968) with the Redskins, he finished his career as the Saints' regular left linebacker from 1969-70.

#173 Joe Scarpati - Another ex-Eagle here is Joe Scarpati. Joe was the Eagles' starting free safety from 1964 to 1969. He was also the Saints' free safety during his only season there (1970). Although he's shown on this card as a Saint, he returned to the Eagles for the 1971 season. A pre-season injury ended his career.

Also check out the 1967 and 1972 Saints.

Next time: Denver Broncos
.

Oakland Raiders

2010-04-14T23:42:00.022-04:00

I'm weeks behind with all my football card blogs, but it's been hard to stay motivated about football and football cards, what with Spring, baseball, the Phillies, yard work, taxes, and what not. If I can catch up to my original schedule, all these football cards will be completed by Thanksgiving.

Here are the 1971 Oakland Raiders. Only 2 all-stars here (compared to the five on their arch-rival Kansas City Chiefs!) I just got the Charlie Smith card a few weeks ago, which was the last card I needed to complete the set.

In 1970 under 2nd-year coach John Madden, the team went 8-4-2, finishing 1st in the AFC West. In the playoffs, they beat the Dolphins, but lost the conference championship to the Colts. In 1971 they also finished 8-4-2, but that was only good enough for 2nd place, behind the Chiefs (10-3-1).

Daryle Lamonica - After 4 seasons as a backup in Buffalo, Lamonica came to Oakland in 1967 and was the #1 QB from 1967-72. His best season was 1969, when he led the AFL in attempts, completions, passing yards, and TDs. Daryle played 2 more seasons (1973-74) in Oakland as Ken Stabler's backup.

Charlie Smith - Smith was the Raiders' 4th-round pick in 1968. Charlie was the Raiders' starting halfback in '69, '70, '72, and '73. He played 7 seasons in Oakland before finishing his career in 1975 with the Chargers.

Hewritt Dixon - Although he has a card, Dixon's last season was 1970. He played tight end and halfback for the Broncos from 1963-65, and was the Raiders' starting fullback from 1966-70.

Fred Biletnikoff - Fred was a 2nd-round pick in 1965, and played his entire career (1965-78) with the Raiders. He made the Pro Bowl 6 times, and played in Super Bowls II and XI. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Jim Otto - Otto is widely considered to have been the best center in the AFL. He played his entire 15-year career (1960-74) with the Raiders, and made the Pro Bowl in 12 consecutive seasons. One of the few players to wear double-zero, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

George Blanda - Blanda's career goes way back to 1949, when he was drafted by the Bears. George was the Bears' kicker from 1949-58, but was the starting quarterback only during the 1953 and 1954 seasons. He was out the league in 1959, but the advent of the AFL in 1960 gave him a 2nd career, as he became the Houston Oilers' starting QB and kicker from 1960-66. The following season he moved to the Raiders, where he continued as the team's kicker and 3rd-string QB from 1967-75. He played for 26 seasons, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Gus Otto - Gus was the Raiders' 4th-round pick in 1965, and played right linebacker for Oakland for his entire career (1965-72). He was the starter in all but his last season.

Kent McCloughan - Kent played left cornerback for the Raiders for his entire career (1965-70), and was the starter for all but the 1969 season.

Willie Brown - Willie began his career as the left cornerback for the Denver Broncos from 1963-66. He played the rest of his career (1967-78) as Oakland's right cornerback. This 9-time Pro Bowler was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

Mike Eischeid - Mike punted for the Raiders (1966-71) and the Vikings (1972-74). He was also a placekicker in his rookie season.

After posting these cards and giving the completed blog a once-over, I noticed that (except maybe for Biletnikoff) all these cards have pretty much the same pose!

Also check out the 1968 Raiders.

Next time: New Orleans Saints
.

Atlanta Falcons

2010-03-06T10:34:00.021-05:00

Here are the 1971 Atlanta Falcons. After seeing 5 all-stars out of 10 Chiefs cards, there's not an all-star in sight here! Topps went overboard on the defensive linemen, and skipped the defensive backs.

#195 Bob Berry - Bob was the Falcons' starting QB for 5 seasons (1968-72), sandwiched between 2 stints as a backup with the Vikings (1965-67, 73-75).

#246 Harmon Wages - Harmon played his entire career (1968-71, 73) with the Falcons. He was their starting halfback in 1969 and 1970.

#2 Jim "Cannonball" Butler - Butler began his career with the Steelers (1965-67). After being the Falcons' starting fullback for 4 seasons, he wrapped up his career with the Cardinals in 1972.

#84 Jim Mitchell - Jim was the Falcons' 4th-round pick in 1969. He played his entire career (1969-79) as the Falcons' starting tight end.

#109 George Kunz - George was the Falcons' 1st-round pick (#2 overall) in the 1969 draft. After 6 seasons as Atlanta's starting right tackle, Kunz played for the Colts from 1975-78, and 1980. He was the Colts' starting right tackle for his first 3 seasons in Baltimore.

#218 Claude Humphrey - The Falcons' #1 pick (3rd overall) in the 1968 draft, Humphrey was their starting left defensive end from 1968-74, and 1976-77 (missing the entire 1975 season). After missing part of the 1978 season, Claude was traded to the Eagles, where he played from 1979-81, including Super Bowl XV. He was a 6-time Pro-bowler while with Atlanta.

#166 John Zook - John was drafted by the Rams in 1969, but was immediately dealt to the Falcons. He was Atlanta's starting right defensive end from 1969 to 1975. He also played for the Cardinals from 1976-79, the first 3 seasons as a starter.

#122 Glen Condren - Glen was drafted by both the Giants and the Jets in 1964. He didn't play in 1964, but played for the Giants from 1965-67. After missing the 1968 season, he played for the Falcons from 1969-72, starting at right defensive tackle in 1970 and 1971.

#60 Tommy Nobis - Nobis' card number (60) was the same as his jersey number! Tommy was the first overall pick in the 1966 draft (the Falcons' inaugural season). He played his entire career (1966-76) as the Falcons' starting middle linebacker.

#29 Billy Lothridge - Billy was the Cowboys' 6th-round pick in 1964. After 1 season each with Dallas and the Rams, Lothridge came to the Falcons in the 1966 expansion draft. After 6 seasons in Atlanta, he finished his career with the Dolphins in 1972. Lothridge was also the Falcons' starting free safety in 1968.

Also check out the 1967 Falcons.

Coming March 13th: Oakland Raiders
.

Kansas City Chiefs

2010-02-20T19:35:00.023-05:00

I'm a week late, but...
Here are the ten 1971 cards for the Chiefs. This includes FIVE all-star cards. (Surprisingly, Len Dawson is not one of them!) With all those all-stars, how did the team do?

In 1970 (the first year after the AFL was absorbed) the Chiefs finished 7-5-2, 2nd in the AFC West behind Oakland (who were 8-4-2). In 1971, the Chiefs finished 10-3-1, 1st in the division, but lost to Miami in the playoffs.

#180 Len Dawson - This is the 10th of Dawson's 14 seasons with the team. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

#254 Robert Holmes - Holmes was the Chiefs' 14th-round pick in 1968. He was their starting fullback in his first 2 seasons. In 1970 he was primarily a kick returner (with Wendell Hayes playing fullback). In 1971 he played 6 games with the Chiefs, then spent the rest of the season (and 1972) with the Oilers. He later played for the Chargers.

#139 Otis Taylor - Taylor was the Chiefs' 4th-round pick in 1965, and played his entire 11-year career with the Chiefs. In 1967, his 11 TDs were tops in the AFL. In 1971 he led the NFL with 1110 receiving yards. He also played in 3 Pro Bowls.

#206 Jim Tyrer - A 3rd round pick for the Chiefs (Dallas Texans) in 1961, Tyrer was a fixture at left tackle from 1961 to 1973, before finishing his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was an AFL All-Star from 1962 to 1969, a 9-time Pro Bowler, and played in Super Bowls I and IV.

#61 Jan Stenerud - Jan joined the Chiefs in 1967 (the year after the Chiefs' Super Bowl I appearance) and kicked for them through 1979. He then played 4 seasons with the Packers and 2 with the Vikings. Stenerud was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

#13 Buck Buchanan - Buck was the Chiefs' #1 pick in 1963. He played defensive tackle for the Chiefs for his entire career (1963-75), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

#114 Willie Lanier - One of two 2nd-round picks for the Chiefs in 1967, Lanier moved to middle linebacker in his sophomore season, and held that spot until his retirement after the 1977 season. He and Dick Butkus were known as the 2 toughest ~~SOBs~~ MLBs of their era. He was an 8-time Pro Bowler, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

#35 Bobby Bell - Bell is the 2nd All-Star Chiefs linebacker to be featured in this card set. Bell played his entire career (1963-74) with the Chiefs. His first 2 seasons were at left defensive end, before moving to left linebacker. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

#232 Jim Lynch - Like Willie Lanier, Lynch was a Chiefs' 2nd-round pick in 1967. Also like Lanier, Jim played his entire career (1967-77) with the Chiefs. He took over as the starting right linebacker in 1968 (from Lanier), and stayed there until the end of his career.

#88 Johnny Robinson - Robinson was the Detroit Lions' 1st-round pick (#3 overall) in 1960, but signed with the new Dallas Texans AFL franchise (which became the Chiefs in 1963). He was a flanker in his first 2 seasons, then became the starting free safety from 1962 until his retirement after the 1971 season. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler.

Also check out the 1968 Chiefs.

Coming Feb 27th: Atlanta Falcons
.

Los Angeles Rams

2010-02-02T22:11:00.024-05:00

Here are the 1971 Los Angeles Rams. Most teams have 10 cards, but there are only nine here. I think the Billy Truax card was planned to be a Rams card, but he was traded to the Cowboys before the 1971 season. (There are 11 Cowboys cards.) The Rams seem to have more than their fare share of All-Star cards (and offensive linemen cards). Four of these eight players are in the Hall of Fame.

#230 Roman Gabriel - Roman was the Rams' #1 draft pick in 1962. After sharing the QB job for 4 seasons (first with Zeke Bratkowski, then with Bill Munson) Gabriel took over as the fulltime starter in 1966. From 1966 to 1972, he started all but one game for the Rams. He played for the Eagles from 1973 to 1977, and was the starting QB for the first 3 years there. Imagine the excitement for Eagles fans in 1973: "We're finally getting a legitimate QB, after many years of Norm Snead followed by 2 seasons of pretenders (Pete Liske, John Reaves)!"

#181 Les Josephson - Les played his entire career (1964-67, 69-74) with the Rams. His best seasons were '67 and '70.

#44 Jack Snow - Jack was the Vikings' #1 pick in 1965, but never played for them. His entire career (1965-75) was with the Rams. He even found time to appear on TV in an episode of "Bewitched" (which can be found on YouTube). His son J.T. Snow played major league baseball.

#68 Ken Iman - Iman spent 4 seasons as a backup with the Packers before starting every game for the Rams from 1965 through 1974.

#94 Tom Mack - Tom played his entire career (1966-78) with the Rams, and was the starting left guard for every season. He's an 11-time Pro Bowler, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

#16 Bob Brown - Brown was one of the top offensive tackles of his era. He was the Eagles #1 pick (2nd overall) in the 1964 draft, and played 5 seasons as their starting right tackle. In 1969, former teammate Pete Retzlaff was hired as the Eagles' GM. Brown refused to play for a team run by Retzlaff, and demanded a trade. He spent 2 seasons with the Rams, and his final 3 seasons with the Raiders, all as the starting right tackle. A 6-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

#209 Deacon Jones - Jones was the ringleader of the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line of the late 1960s/early 1970s. He was drafted by the Rams in 1961 (14th round!) and was a fixture at left defensive end through the 1971 season. After 2 more seasons as the Chargers' starting left defensive end, he wrapped up his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

#125 Merlin Olsen - Playing next to Deacon Jones all those years was Merlin Olsen. He was the Rams' #1 draft pick (3rd overall) in 1962, and was the Rams' starting left defensive tackle every year until he retired after the 1976 season. A FOURTEEN-time Pro Bowler in his 15 seasons, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

#243 Kermit Alexander - Alexander was the 49ers' #1 pick in the 1963 draft. From 1963 to 1969, he was a starting defensive back (usually right cornerback) for the 49ers. For most of those seasons, he also returned kicks and punts. After 2 seasons (1970-71) as a starting DB for the Rams, he played his final 2 seasons with the Eagles. Alexander may be most remembered for his hit on Gale Sayers that blew out Sayers' knee.

Also check out the 1967 Rams.

Next time: Kansas City Chiefs
.

San Diego Chargers

2010-01-17T15:35:00.024-05:00

Here are the 10 cards for the 1971 San Diego Chargers. (Actually, 3 of these players were already off the team by the time the cards came out.) Unlike the 3 teams already posted, there are no all-stars in this bunch. After all, it is 1971 and it is the Chargers!

#255 John Hadl - Hadl has been with the Chargers since 1962, and was the starting QB for all those seasons except 1963, when Tobin Rote led the team. After 1972, Hadl moved on to the Rams, Packers, and Oilers, retiring after the 1974 season. He was the last QB to wear a number higher than #19, wearing #21 for his entire career except while at Green Bay.

#66 Marty Domres - A rookie in 1969, Domres was being groomed as Hadl's eventual replacement, but was traded to the Baltimore Colts before the 1972 season for Johnny Unitas.

#119 Mike Garrett - Garrett was a star with the Chiefs for his first 4 seasons, before being traded to the Chargers during the 1970 season. He played for the Chargers until retiring after the 1973 season.

#229 Dickie Post - Post was a Chargers' rookie in 1967, and led the AFL in rushing in 1969 with 873 yards. His production dropped in 1970, when Mike Garrett joined the team and took carries away from Post. Although appearing on the card as a Charger, he played for the Oilers and Broncos (not the Chargers) in 1971.

#10 Lance Alworth - After a promising rookie season in 1962, Alworth became one of the top receivers in the AFL from 1963 onward. He led the league in receiving TDs from 1964-66, and in receiving yards in '65, '66, and '68. Before this 1971 season, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys (replacing the departed Lance Rentzel) where he helped get them to Super Bowl VI.

#172 Gary Garrison - Gary played for the Chargers from 1966 to 1976, before finishing up his career with the Oilers in 1977. He made the Pro Bowl 4 times.

#201 Mike Mercer - Mercer didn't play during the 1971 season, but had kicked for 6 teams in a 10-year career spanning 1961 to 1970 (Vikings, Raiders, Chiefs, Bills, Packers, and Chargers). He also punted for the Vikings and Chiefs, and was the Chargers backup punter in 1970.

#92 Steve DeLong - The Chargers' 1st-round pick in 1965, he played on their defensive line through the 1971 season, and finished up with the Bears in 1972.

#42 Rick Redman - Rick played his entire career (1965-73) with the Chargers. Early on, he was their middle linebacker before moving outside beginning in 1971. He was also the Chargers' punter from 1965 to 1967.

#148 Speedy Duncan - As you may guess from his name, Speedy was a kick and punt returner for his entire career (1964-74). He was also the Charger's right cornerback from 1964 to 1969. From 1970 until the end of his career, he was primarily a return specialist. He played for the Washington Redskins for his last 4 seasons, including in Super Bowl VII.

Also see the 1968 Chargers.

Next time: Los Angeles Rams
.

San Francisco 49ers

2010-01-05T18:34:00.017-05:00

The 49ers must have been a pretty good team back in the early 1970s, since Topps had designated 3 of their players as All-Stars (including the QB).

A quick check of Pro-Football-Reference.com shows that they were just coming off a 1970 season where they finished 1st in the NFC West, with a 10-3-1 record (the 2nd best record in the NFC after Minnesota). They lost the NFC Championship game to the Cowboys.

In 1971, they slipped to 9-5, but still finished 1st in the division. In both seasons, they were 1 win ahead of the Rams.

#100 John Brodie - Brodie's rookie season in San Francisco was 1957. In 1970, he was the league's MVP and leading passer. His last season as a fulltime starter was 1971, as he shared the QB job with Steve Spurrier in 1972 & 1973.

#129 Ken Willard - This card tells us that Willard led the 49ers in rushing for each of his 1st 6 seasons (1965-70). After 9 seasons as a 49ers regular, Ken finished his career as a bit player with the Cardinals in 1974.

#165 Gene Washington - Gene was an instant sensation from his rookie season in 1969. In 1970, he led the league with 1100 receiving yards. Washington was the 49ers' star receiver for 9 years, then missed the 1978 season. In 1979, he finished his career with the Lions.

#52 Cas Banaszek - Banaszek played his entire career (1967-77) with the 49ers. He was drafted as a linebacker, and switched to tackle in his 2nd season. Cas was the 49ers' starting right tackle for the remainder of his career.

#77 Bruce Gossett - The only player in this set that didn't begin his career with San Francisco, Gossett played 6 seasons with the Rams before moving to the 49ers in 1970. He led the league in scoring in 1966. Bruce finished his career with the 49ers in 1974.

#149 Cedric Hardman - Cedric played 10 seasons with the 49ers (1970-79) before hopping across the bay to Oakland for 2 more seasons. He played in 2 Pro Bowls.

#213 Charlie Krueger - When I got this card in 1971, I thought Krueger looked like somebody's grandpa, but he was only 36 at the time. Charlie didn't play during his rookie season of 1958, but he was a fixture on the 49ers' defensive line from 1959 through 1973. After a few seasons at defensive end, he was the 49ers' starting left defensive tackle for the rest of his career. This is one of the few lineman's cards with a statistics chart on the back, thanks to an interception in 1969.

#189 Dave Wilcox - Dave was the 49ers' starting left linebacker for 11 seasons (1964-74). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. (I always thought he looked like Gilligan on this card.)

#24 Jim Johnson - The 49ers' 1st draft pick in 1961, Johnson played 16 seasons (starting at left cornerback from 1964-76) until his retirement following the 1976 season. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. He is the brother of former Olympic track star Rafer Johnson.

#239 Bruce Taylor - San Francisco's other cornerback was a first round pick in 1970. He played 8 seasons, all with the 49ers. For most of his career, he was also the team's punt returner.

Next time: San Diego Chargers
.

Miami Dolphins

2009-12-15T23:12:00.011-05:00

Here are the 10 cards for the Miami Dolphins in 1971, the year they met the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI. Although the Dolphins lost, the following season they would compile a 17-0 record, capped by a Super Bowl victory over the Redskins.

In 1971, all AFC player cards have red borders. Players designated as all-stars in each conference have red and blue card borders.

#160 Bob Griese - Griese joined the Dolphins as a rookie in 1967 (the franchise's 2nd season). He was the team's starting QB in each of those seasons.

#45 Larry Csonka - The Dolphins' bruising fullback was the team's #1 draft pick in 1968. At Syracuse, he had broken all the school's rushing records previously held by Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, and Floyd Little. Csonka was the AFC's 2nd leading rusher in 1970, with 874 yards.

#186 Jim Kiick - The Dolphin's starting halfback, Kiick joined the team as a rookie in 1968, and in 1970 rushed for 658 yards - 2nd on the team to Larry Csonka. He was also frequently used as a pass catcher.

#91 Mercury Morris - A Dolphins' rookie in 1969, Mercury was primarily a kickoff and punt return specialist from 1969-71, until taking over the starting halfback job from Jim Kiick in 1972.

#261 Paul Warfield - After starring with the Cleveland Browns for his first 6 seasons, Warfield joined the Dolphins in 1970 and immediately became Bob Griese's primary target. With the Browns, he played in the NFL Championship Game in '64, '65, '68, and '69.

#121 Garo Yepremian - Garo, from Cyprus, played with the Lions in 1966 and 1967, then after idling on the Lions reserve list for 2 seasons, joined Miami in 1970. This is an early picture, because he wore #1 for most of his time in Miami. Anyone who watched Super Bowl VII will never forget Yepremian's feeble attempt to throw a pass after a botched field goal attempt, which ended up as a Redskins' touchdown.

#147 Nick Buoniconti - Nick played 7 seasons with the Boston Patriots before coming to Miami in 1969 to head up the Dolphins' "No-name Defense". He was chosen as the Dolphins' MVP in 1969, and was the Patriots' MVP twice.

#17 Lloyd Mumphord - Lloyd was Miami's 16th-round pick in 1969, and not only made the team, but became a starting cornerback as a rookie, leading the team with 5 interceptions.

#67 Dick Anderson - Anderson was the team's starting strong safety, and was also used occasionally as a punter and punt returner. He led the team with 8 interceptions in 1970.

#211 Jake Scott - Scott joined Vancouver in the Canadian Football League after his junior year in college. After only 1 season in the CFL, Jake joined the Dolphins in 1970, and was their rookie of the year. In addition to starting at free safety, he was 3rd in the AFC in punt returns.

Also check out the 1968 Dolphins.

Next time: San Francisco 49ers
.

Dallas Cowboys

2009-12-05T14:23:00.022-05:00

This is the team that would beat the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. At the end of the previous season, the Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V, on a last-second field goal.

There are 11 Cowboys' football cards (instead of the usual allotment of 10) in 1971, but I think the Billy Truax card was intended to be a Rams card. The text on the back of Truax' card implies he's still a Ram, and there were only 9 Rams' cards this year.

#171 Craig Morton - After caddying for Don Meredith for 4 seasons, Craig Morton became the starter in 1969, and led the Cowboys to the Super Bowl in the 1970 season. Although Morton is featured here on a 1971 card, Roger Staubach would take over the QB job and lead the team to victory in Super Bowl VI.

#217 Calvin Hill - Calvin was the NFL's rookie of the year in 1969 (and from ivy-league Yale!), rushing for 942 yards. He replaced Dan Reeves as the Cowboys' primary halfback. Hill missed much of the 1970 season due to injuries, but the Cowboys just plugged 1970 rookie Duane Thomas in Hill's place, and Thomas rushed for 803 yards as the Cowboys marched to the Super Bowl!
He is the father of NBA player Grant Hill.

#65 Duane Thomas - As a rookie in 1970, Thomas replaced the injured Calvin Hill and rushed for 803 yards. He continued his excellent play in 1971 as the Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl to defeat the Dolphins. After the 1971 season, the often-moody Thomas sulked to the extent that he was traded away while in his prime.

#8 Walt Garrison - Garrison was with the Cowboys for 3 seasons before taking over the starting fullback job in 1969 from the retired Don Perkins. Walt was a rodeo cowboy in the off-season!

#190 Bob Hayes - Hayes once held the title "World's fastest man". He was a gold-medalist in the 100-yard dash in the 1964 Olympics. A Cowboys rookie in 1965, he accumulated 1003 and 1232 receiving yards in his first 2 seasons.

#152 Billy Truax - After 7 seasons with the Rams, Truax was acquired by the Cowboys before the 1971 season. I don't recall him ever being the Cowboys' primary tight end, as they also had Mike Ditka, and soon Jean Fugett and Billy Joe DuPree would be arriving on the scene.

#89 Ralph Neely - Neely was a two-time All-American offensive tackle at Oklahoma. He was named to the NFL all-rookie team in 1965, and spent many years as the Cowboys' starting left tackle.

#144 Bob Lilly - Bob was a fixture on the Cowboys defensive line for his entire career, joining the team in 1961. On the back of this card, Lilly is quoted as saying "You've got to stomp your guys into the ground a few times to get their respect. Then, [your] moves may work."

#31 Lee Roy Jordan - Jordan joined the Cowboys as a rookie in 1963, becoming a Pro Bowl regular. In 1971, he and Craig Morton were the Cowboys co-captains.

#238 Chuck Howley - Howley played for the Chicago Bears for 3 seasons before joining the Cowboys in their inaugural 1961 season. Chuck was the Cowboys starting right linebacker in Super Bowls V and VI, and won the MVP award in Super Bowl V, despite being on the losing team!

#118 Mel Renfro - Renfro was the Cowboys' right cornerback, teaming with ex-Packer cornerback Herb Adderley and safties Cornell Green and Cliff Harris to give the Cowboys probably the league's best defensive backfield in the early 1970s. A rookie in 1964, he previously played safety, and filled in as a running back in 1966.

Also check out the 1967 and 1972 Cowboys.

Next time: Miami Dolphins
.

Welcome to my 1971 football cards blog!

2009-12-05T12:27:00.009-05:00

Welcome to my new 1971 football card blog. I collected football cards in 1967 and 1968, but not in '69 or '70. In 1971, I jumped back into collecting. (You can read my football card back-story here on my 1967 football card blog.)

The 1971 card set consisted of 261 player cards and 2 checklists. This works out to 10 players for each of the 26 teams. The NFC cards have blue borders, while the AFC cards have red borders. There are no "special" cards in this set, but some of the players are designated as all-stars, and have half-red/half-blue borders.

In each post, I will include all the players for one team. I will not be scanning the card backs, but in this introductory post, I am including a sample card back, and the checklists.

Here you can see that back in 1971, I collected all the cards except #21 Charlie Smith, a running back for the Raiders. I got that card last week, so my set is complete!

All player card backs have this same layout, except that linemen don't have a stat chart (unless they happened to run back a fumble for a touchdown!)

First up: The Dallas Cowboys
.