49ers QB John Brodie Runs Behind the Blocking of R.C. Owens in 1960
Running behind the blocking of wide receiver RC Owens in 1960. The Bears Joe Fortunato (#31) closes in.
Tony Casillas Rushing Phil Simms
The Giants quarterback eludes the efforts of Cowboys defensive lineman Tony Casillas - with help from offensive lineman Doug Riesenberg.
George Blanda Kicking as Kenny Stabler Holds in 1975
2 of Pro Footballs All-Time Greats. Kenny Stabler holds while the timeless George Blanda kicks the winning fieldgoal in the 1975 overtime win over Washington.
Paul Hornung 1962 Green Bay Packers NFL
The Golden Boy - already 6 years into his career in this 1962 photo.
Dallas Texans Defensive Back Johnny Robinson in 1961
Inducted into the Fall of Fame in 2019 he was one of the AFL's top defenders during the league's 10-year existence. He finished his career with 57 interceptions.
Dallas Texans Runner Abner Hayes in 1961
From a 1961 publication previewing the upcoming football season. In 1961 he would lead the Texans with 841 yards and score a total of 12 touchdowns.
Dick Lynch, Rosey Grier & Sam Huff of the 1961 NY Giants Defense
1961 New York Giants Defense in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dick Lynch (#22), Rosey Grier (#76) & Sam Huff (#70) swarm over the Steelers Hall of Fame runner John Henry Johnson - recognizable only by the number on his helmet. Also shown are the Giants Cliff Livingston (#89) and the Steelers Dan James (#55). The unidentified Giant behind Grier may be Dick Nolan (#25).
Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Bobby Mitchell
Making a touchdown catch over Cardinals great Jerry Stovall. In all he scored 91 TDs in his 11-year career, 53 of those as a Redskin.
Ron Mix 1961 San Diego Chargers Offensive Tackle
The Charger's Hall of Fame Offensive Tackle in 1961.
Lions Rookie Gail Cogdill Makes a TD Catch in 1960
The Lions legendary receiver shown here during his rookie year of 1960 as he scores his first NFL touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Earl Morrall. In 9 seasons with the Lions he had 28 TD catches.
Joe Theismann as a Sophomore Quarterback with Notre Dame in 1968
The Washington Redskins quarterback shown here as a quarterback during his sophomore year at Notre Dame. This picture comes from 1968 when he filled in for an injured Terry Hanratty and the Fighting Irish played top ranked USC to a 21-21 tie.
Alex Karras 1964 Detroit Lions
From 1964 after he had just returned from his 1-year suspension for gambling.
Joe Namath on the Cover of Sports Illustrated in December of 1968
As the showdown between the NFL and AFL was approaching the brash and outspoken quarterback of the Jets was featured on the cove of the December 9, 1968 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Jim Marshall of the Vikings Pressures Bob Griese as Wayne Moore Blocks
A showdown of 2 of the NFL's powerhouses of the 70s - The Dolphins Bob Griese unloads a pass under the pressure of the Vikings Jim Marshall. Dolphins lineman Wayne Moore blocking.
Dan Hampton Chicago Bears Hall of Fame
Hall of Famer from the 1980s decade. Major player in one of the NFL's most dominate defenses ever. Credited with 57 sacks in his career, ranks #3 on the Bears All-Time sacks list.
Mike Ditka Blocks for Johnny Morris | Chicago Bears
One of the most physical tight ends to ever play the game, here he takes out a defender to spring Bear's receiver Johnny Morris.
Jim Brown as a Syracuse Runner in the 1957 Cotton Bowl
From the 1957 Cotton Bowl between Syracuse and Texas Christian University. A 28-27 win by TCU. Brown was the game's MVP scoring 21 of the Orangemen's 27 points rushing for 3 touchdowns and kicking 2 xtra-points while rushing for 132 yards.
Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Raiders
One year as a Raider - in 1992 he rushed for 729 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Bob Lilly Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman
Los Angeles Rams Defensive Hall of Famer Deacon Jones
Unofficially, he is credited with 173.5 sacks. That would rank him #3 among All-Time defensive players.
YA Tittle as the 1961 New York Giants Quarterback
One of the most respected quarterbacks in NFL History. The above picture, from the 1961 season - he has just been traded to the New York Giants.
He ended up with league MVP honors passing for over 2200 yards as he led the Giants to an Eastern Division title.
Visible in the foreground are #80, Joe Walton and #79, Hall of Famer Rosey Brown.
Bart Starr, Fuzzy Thurston & Norm Masters of the 1961 Green Bay Packers
NFL Champions in 1961. Here are Packers Quarterback Bart Starr (#15) with offensive lineman Fuzzy Thurston (#63) & Norm Masters (#78).
Don Meredith as an SMU Mustang
During his 3 seasons as the starting quarterback at Southern Methodist University he was the Southwest Conference's leading passer. Al-American in 1958 & 1959.
Bobby Layne Detroit Lions in 1956
6-time Pro Bowler won 3 NFL Championships with the Detroit Lions.
Offensive Guard Larry Little of the Dolphins
Hall of Fame Guard with the Miami Dolphins 12 seasons. 5 All Pro Teams, 5 Pro Bowl seasons, 2 Super Bowl wins.
Nick Buoniconti Dolphins Middle Linebacker
3-time Pro Bowler during his 7 seasons with the Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Bob Griese
Miami's 14-year veteran quarterback. 2 Super Bowl victories and 8 Pro Bowls.
Marcus Allen's 74 Yard Touchdown Run in Super Bowl XVIII
After shaking off the efforts of Redskin defender Ken Coffey Allen rips offs a record setting 74-yard touchdown run id Super Bowl XVIII.
Lenny Moore in 1957 against Rams
The Colts Hall of Famer makes a 17-yard gain against the Rams in a 1957 contest. Moving in to stop him are defenders Will Sherman (#43) and Art Hauser (#65).
Billy Cannon, Houston Oilers versus Los Angeles Chargers - 1960 AFL
The former Heisman Trophy winner stands to deliver a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in AFL action from 1960. Blocking for Cannon is fellow rookie Bob Talamini (#61) who would play 8 seasons with the Oilers and finish his career with the Jets in Super Bowl III. The on-coming Chargers are former NFL veteran Volney Peters (#70) and Rommie Loudd (#51). The Oilers would end the year as the 1960 AFL Champions.
Ron McDole Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackle 1963 to 1970
18-year veteran spent 8 years with the Buffalo Bills.
Billy Kilmer, Sonny Jurgensen and Len Hauss of the Washington Redskins
Redskins Quarterbacks Billy Kilmer and Sonny Jurgensen with Pro Bowl center Len Hauss
Redskins Head Coach George Allen with his 1975 Defensive Line
Redskins Head Coach George Allen pictured in 1975 with his Defensive Line - Dave Butz (#65), Dennis Johnson (#61), Verlon Biggs (#86), Ron McDole (#79), Dennis Johnson (#77), Manny Sistrunk (#64), Head Coach George Allen and Diron Talbert (#72)
John Gilliam Saints vs Boston Patriots 1968 AFL/NFL Preseason
Early AFL/NFL Inter League preseason action. Second-year receiver John Gilliam of the Saints battles for a pass against Jay Cunningham of the Boston Patriots in this picture from 1968.
Bobby Mitchell Catches a Pass from Milt Plum | Cleveland Browns
Old School NFL - 1961! Browns halfback Bobby Mithcell takes off after taking in a pass against Pittsburgh. Steelers defender Dicky Moegle moves in after hurdling Browns blocker Dick Schafrath (#77). 1961 would be Mitchell's last season with Cleveland as he joined Washington in 1962.
Ram QB Roman Gabriel & Ronald Reagan with a Young Rams Fan
Shown here with Ronald Reagan the Rams quarterback takes a minute to show a young Rams fan some passing pointers.
Fred Glick of the Houston Oilers Moves in on Keith Lincoln of the Chargers
2 of the unsung heroes of the AFL. Houston Oilers All-Star Defensive Back moves in to stop Chargers All-Star fullback Keith Lincoln.
Defensive Back Terry Schmidt and Linebacker Doug Buffone Chicago Bears
Chicago Bear Defenders Terry Schmidt (#44) and Doug Buffone (#55)
Milt Plum gets behind the Blocking of Dick Schafrath and John Morrow
Taken from the early 1960s Browns quarterback Milt Plum gets behind the blocking of center John Morrow (#56) as Dick Schafrath (#77) takes Billy Ray Smith (#77) of the Steelers out of the play.
Del Shofner with the 1961 New York Giants
We think this image is from 1961 his after leaving the Rams and joining New York. He ended up the season as the Giants leading receiver as well as #2 in the league for receiving yards and #3 in catches. Good enough for 1st-Team NFL All-Pro.
His 1961 stats: 68 catches - 1125 yards - 16.5 YPC 11 TDs
Ollie Matson and Jon Arnett with the 1961 Los Angeles Rams
Pictured here with future Hall of Famer Ollie Matson the shifty Rams runner carries outside. A Pro-Bowler in 1961 he gained 609 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.
Jim Brown carries against the Giants in 1961
The Browns great runner takes a hand off from Quarterback Milt Plum (#16) and gets ready to go through a huge hole in the Giants defense. In front of Brown is All-Pro guard Jim Ray Smith (#64) and Ray Renfro (#26) at far right. Giants defenders pictured are Rosey Greer (#76, Andy Robustelli (#81), Jim Katcavage (#75) & Cliff Livingston (#89).
Paul Hornung Scores Against the 49ers in 1960
As the Packer offensive line takes out the 49er defenders Paul Hornung takes a handoff from quarterback Lamar McHan and dive over for a Green Bay score.
Steve Largent Seahawks Receiver
7 Pro Bowls in his 14-year career in Seattle. 819 catches, 13089 yards and 100 TDs.
Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions Sacks Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers in 1962
From the 1962 Thanksgiving Day win over the Pack - the Lions Legendary Linebacker brings down Bart Starr.
Steve Atwater 1991 Denver Broncos
From 1991, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection. He had 5 picks and was credited with 150 tackles.
Don Hutson in the 1938 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants
From the 1938 NFL Title Game against the New York Giants. The Giants pulled it out 23-17.
An All-Pro that season he lead the NFL with 548 yards in receptions and 9 touchdown catches. His 32 catches were ranked second.
Bears Great Mike Ditka 1961 to 1966
Played 6 seasons as a Bear and when he left in 1966 he was the #2 All-Time Bears leader for receptions.
Totaled 316 catches, 4503 yards and 34 touchdowns. 5 Pro Bowls and 2 All-Pro selections.
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Don Meredith
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback from 1960 to 1968. Made the Pro Bowl 3 times.
Archie Manning New Orleans Saints Quarterback 1971-1982
Arguably the only consistently positive aspect of the Saints teams of the early 1970s.
Matt Snell of the NY Jets scores in Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III - Jets and the Colts. Here he scores the first points of the game, a 4-yard run in the 2nd quarter to give the Jets a lead they would never gave up. All in all he ended up with 121 yards rushing, 4 catches and 40 yards receiving.
Earl Campbell Houston Oilers Rookie in 1978
Led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 1978. 1450 yards, 13 rushing touchdowns and a 4.8 YPC average.
Roger Staubach and Jackie Smith of the Dallas Cowboys in 1978
The Hall of Fame tight end and Quarterback played together for 1 season in 1978. Smith came out of retirement and served primarily as a blocking tight end with the Cowboys for their Super Bowl run that year.
Deacon Jones against the Raiders Bob Brown in 1971
1971 action - going up against Bob Brown, the Pro Bowl tackle of the Raiders.
Brett Favre says hello to Reggie White, now a Panther
A meeting between Favre and former team mate Reggie White as a Carolina Panther. They won a Super Bowl together after the 1996 season.
Reggie White of the Packers Rushing Troy Aikmen of the Cowboys
Packers Great Reggie White applies pressure to Cowboys Hall of Fame Quarterback Troy Aikmen.
Doug Atkins 1968 Workout Ad
If you've ever wondered how Doug Atkins got so strong it was because he worked out with the Astro-Gym! From a 1968 ad when he was nearing the end of his career in New Orleans.
The Big Cat - Ernie Ladd of the San Diego Chargers
The Big Cat - From Grambling he played 5 seasons with the Chargers. 3 time AFL All-League and 4 times AFL All-Star.
Jim Nance Carries Against Saints | 1968 Preseason
In 1968 Exhibition action against the New Orleans Saints. Les Kelly (#30) hangs on while Dave Whitsell (#23) moves in.
Bobby Layne NFL Quarterback
Colts Quarterback Bert Jones
The Colts 1st round draft pick of 1973. Played 9 seasons in Baltimore.
Pittsburgh's Franco Harris
8 1,000-plus yard rushing seasons in his 13-year NFL career. 91 touchdowns and a 4.1 yard life-time YPC average.
Wes Chandler TD Catch in 1981
Originally a 1st-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1978 he stayed with the Saints until the first few weeks of 1981. Here he is during that final season as a Saint making a Touchdown catch against Houston in an exhibition game in the Super Dome.
Kermit Alexander LA Rams Defensive Back
After 7 years with the 49ers he spent 1970 and 1971 with the Rams where he continued his solid play getting 7 picks and scoring 2 touchdowns on interception returns.
Buffalo Bills Ron McDole on the Sidelines
One of Pro Football's All-Time legends. A career that spanned for 16 seasons between the AFL and NFL he was a part of 2 of professional football's best defenses. The Bills of the 1960s and the Redskins of the early 1970s.
A Drawing of Jim Taylor by Artist Robert Riger
A sketch of the Packer great done by renowned sports artist of the 1960s Robert Riger. Thanks to the Robert Riger Living Trust for this image.
Rams Runner Eric Dickerson
The NFL's most yards rushing in a single season record holder. 2105 yards rushing in 1984.
Defender Doug Atkins New Orleans Saints
The last 3 years of a 15 year Hall of Fame career were spent in New Orleans with the newly formed New Orleans Saints. Despite a lack of wins the Saints bolstered a feisty hard-hitting defense led by the veteran.
Chuck Bednarik Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker 1949 to 1962
YA Tittle with Frank Gifford New York Giants
2 aging stars in the twilight of their careers. In 1961 YA Tittle joined the Giants and when Gifford rejoined the team in 1962 both men retired after the 1964 campaign. During that period from 1961 to 1964 the Giants won 3 East Divisional Titles while Tittle proved his career was hardly over with 3 Pro Bowl selections and making the All-Pro team 1962 and 1963. Gifford returned in 1962 after sitting out a year following that hellacious hit he received from Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik as a receiver. He made the Pro Bowl in 1963.
Oakland Raiders Center Jim Otto
The only All-League Center the AFL ever had. Considered by many to be one of the best offensive lineman ever.
Oakland Raiders All Pro Gene Upshaw
The 7-time Pro Bowler played 15 seasons for the Oakland Raiders.
Photo from the Man in Sport Photo Exhibit | Johnny Unitas going against the Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship
One of the photos from Sports Photographer Bob Riger's Man in Sport Photo Exhibit. This one is taken from the 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. The Giants rush appears halted as the Colts signal caller sets to throw downfield.
Other Colts pictured along with Unitas are #63 - Art Spinney, #50 - Buzz Nutter, #60 - George Prias and #35 - Alan Ameche. For New York #77 - Dick Modzelewski looks on as Jim Katcavage leaps with out stretched arms.
Johnny Unitas Sacked by Deacon Jones and Rosey Grier in 1966
The Hall of Fame quarterback is brought down by Rams legend Deacon Jones as Rosey Grier comes in to support.
Roman Gabriel 1969 NFL MVP
The NFL MVP of 1969 he guided the Rams to an 11-3 record along with a Coastal Divisional title. Leading the league with 24 touchdown passes he only threw 7 interceptions in 399 passing attempts.
Chuck Bednarik in Pass Defense Against Paul Hornung
The Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker separates Packer great Paul Hornung from the ball. Jim Taylor (#31) looks on.
Joe Perry picks up yardage against the Green Bay Packers in 1958
The 49ers Hall of Famer picks up some yards against the Green Bay Packer Defense in 1958 NFL action.
Sam Huff on the New York Giants Sideline in 1959
The Hall of Fame middle linebacker on the New York Giants Sideline sometime in 1959. That season the Giants made it to the NFL Championship game against the Colts. Huff was named to the Pro Bowl team.
Del Shofner 1964 New York Giants
From the 1964 offseason. This particular image came from a exhibition season program between the Packers and Cardinals played at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.
Doak Walker and Bobby Layne with the Detroit Lions
Before they were winning championships at Detroit Hall of Famers Doak Walker (#42) and Bobby Layne (#22) were teammates at Parkland High of Dallas Texas.
Wilbert Montgomery of the 1984 Eagles
From 1984 - His final season as an Eagle before joining Detroit. While a disappointing season for the Eagles he led the team in rushing with 789 yards. Also had 60 catches for 501 yards.
Packers Fullback Jim Taylor
As fellow Packer Bart Starr looks on the Hall of Fame fullback churns out yards on the field.
Jets QB Joe Namath 1966 Pro Football Almanac
Named to the AFL All-Star team as a rookie in 1965. Started 9 games for the Jets passing for 2220 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Joe Perry 49ers
A total of 14 seasons with San Francisco he racked up 8689 yards and 68 touchdowns with an average-yards-per-carry of 5.2.
Franco Harris World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers
The MVP of Super Bowl IX he rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in the 16-6 win over the Vikings.
Joe Namath, Winston Hill and Ben Davidson in the 1968 Heidi Game
From the Heidi Game of 1968 - Winston Hill barely manages to keep Oakland Raiders defensive end Ben Davidson off of Jets quarterback Joe Namath.
John Elway | the 1989 AFC Championship game against the Browns
The 37-21 win over the Browns in the 1989 AFC Championship game was a big day for the Broncos - 385 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Packer Greats Bart Starr and Jim Taylor in 1965
A couple of Green Bay Packer Legends - Quarterback Bart Starr (#15) and fullback Jimmy Taylor (#31)
Neal Anderson 1989 Chicago Bears
From the 1989 game against the Buccaneers. He had an even 100 yards rushing and a touchdown. 1989 was his best season as a pro. His 1275 yards was 4th best in the league.
Kenny Stabler Old Saints QB
Saints Quarterback from 1982-1984. It was the last stop for the aging veteran's 15-year NFL career.
Joe Morris New York Giants 1985
In 1985 he was the league's leader with 21 rushing touchdowns. He was also #4 in rushing yards with 1336.
Larry Brown vs the Saints Defense in 1971
A big day against the Saints in 1971. 113 yards rushing plus another 56 receiving with a 36-yard touchdown catch from Billy Kilmer. At the end of the day it was a 24-14 win for Washington over New Orleans. Also pictured for the Saints are #72 - Joe Owens, #89 - Dave Long and #23 - Doug Wyatt.
Detroit Lions Midle Linebacker Joe Schmidt
A 7th-round pick from Pittsburgh in 1953 he quickly established himself a the leader of those great Detroit Lions defenses of the 1950s.
NY Jets QB Joe Namath
The face of the New York Jets and the American Football league in the late 1960s. He is famously known for his bold prediction of an upset of the NFL powerhouse Baltimore Coltsc in Super Bowl III.
Billy Kilmer flushed out by Saints Defense in 1971
Having recently been traded to Washington he found himself facing his old team, the Saints in 1971. Here linebacker Wayne Coleman forces him to repostion himself. At the end of the day though it was a 24-14 Redskins win with Kilmer throwing one touchdown, running for another and passing for 204 yards.
Carl Eller Vikings Defensive Tackle