Football Daily Card Tribune

Read and learn about the history of the gridiron, through cards. Remember... you heard it here first!
ALL-PRO MAKES HISTORY
Brian Westbrook
Brian is taking on the look of an impact player in Philadelphia - not only as a versatile back and exciting kick returner, but as one of the city's most popular players. Last year, he actually received write-in votes for the Mayor of Philadelphia, Supreme Court Justice, Superior Court Judge, Traffic Court Judge and even Registrar of Wills! Westbrook has such speed, teammates call him "Seabiscuit."
Tom Bienemann
As a pass catching end in college, Tom rated with the best in the country. He was voted All-Missouri Valley every year, was mentioned on several All-American Teams and in 1950 placed 2nd in the Nation among offensive ends. When he joined the Cards in '51 Tom was put on defense and the experiment was a complete success. Today he is one of the finest defensemen in the N.F.L. - a whiz at tackling and an airtight operator on pass defense.
Taking cue from ex-teammate Brad Johnson, now of Tampa Bay, Todd did not see regular season action until 2001, his fifth year out of St. Cloud State. "Brad told me to be patient," Bouman said after throwing for 4 TDs against Tennessee in his first start. "Things will work out if you keep working hard."
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Curt Warner
Warner loved playing for coach Chuck Knox. "Chuck's offense gave me freedom," he told the Spokesman-Review. "There's textbook plays and then there's football plays... never exact. Sometimes my best runs were for 2-3 yards, sometimes you make a couple guys miss in the backfield just to get back to the line."
FOOTBALL TRIVIA
Q: Who is this player? He is a Falcons tackle. (click to reveal)
Q: What is the nickname of the University of Nebraska? (click to reveal)
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Sonny Bishop
Houston acquired Sonny from the Oakland Raiders prior to the 1964 campaign and he has been their regular guard ever since. Sonny is one of the steadiest linemen in professional football. He is particularly effective as the lead blocker on sweeps, getting a good jump from the line of scrimmage.
Sonny is a three time All-Star selection.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
859 yards
The Rams named Jack as the club's Rookie of the Year in 1965 and as the outstanding offensive lineman in 1967, the same year he made the West Pro Bowl squad but was unable to play because of an ankle injury. The Rams' leading pass receiver with his 51 receptions for 859 yards in 1970, Jack caught five passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas in the NFL Playoff Bowl, 1-4-70. Jack's other best days were seven catches for 72-yards vs. Vikings, 1969, six catches for 106-yards & one TD vs. Colts, 1968, & three catches for 151-yards & 2 TD's vs. Colts, 1967.
VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT
John McGeever
Another one of Denver's great pass-snatchers, John was among the leaders in that department last year. John has a quiet, pleasant disposition off the field, but is one of the hardest-hitting backs when on the field. Excellent speed and intense desire make him one of the finest defensive backs in the league.
John was among the top 10 in pass interceptions last year.
Brock Bowers
Bowers entered the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the most pro-ready tight ends in recent memory. He backed up that reputation with 112 receptions to break Puka Nacua's mark for most catches by a rookie (105). In addition, he set a Raiders record for grabs and logged the third-most receptions by a tight end in NFL history.
Reyton Manning
Peyton's 3,819 passing yards ranked third in the nation behind Tim Couch (3,884) and Tim Rattay (3,876) in 1997. Peyton is said to have superb technique, and possesses a quick, compact throwing motion. He has the arm strength to go long, and the savvy and pure skill to throw the soft touch passes.
Bill Triplett
Bill was originally drafted by the Giants in 1962 but was traded to the Cardinals when New York needed some quarterback help. Strong and fast, Bill returned 24 kick-offs for 608 yards in 1962. Always a threat to break loose!
Bill's brother was a fullback for the Giants and Vikings.
RETRO CORNER
Ron Hall
Ron didn't win a job with the Patriots right away. It took Coach Mike Holovak, newly appointed in 1961, to see to it that the Patriots signed Ron. The back won his starting role during an impressive training camp in 1962. At college, Ron was a track star in the dash and broad jump events. He was chosen All-Conference in both his junior and senior years at Missouri Valley.
Made first Pro Bowl after 2012 season... Ranked fourth in NFL with 1,494 yards receiving... Had 29 grabs of 20-plus yards to lead AFC... Caught 10 TDs, including pair versus Tampa Bay on 12/2... Hauled in 80-yard game-winning OT TD pass from Tim Tebow in Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, 1/8/12
Travis Kelce
In an ad promoting his appearance as host of the venerable TV show Saturday Night Live, Kelce appeared as iconic film character Indiana Jones. That is truly appropriate his exploits on the field as the game's greatest tight end are every bit as fearless and swashbuckling as the legendary Jones' movie scenes.
Willie Frazier
He's big, strong and perfect for the tight end position. Willie is a fine blocker & excellent receiver. Led the Chargers with 57 receptions in 1967.
Willie holds the AFL record with 10 TDs. in 1 season.
MODERN ERA
Gaines Adams
Gaines says he models his game after Julius Peppers, and in 2007, he out-sacked the Panthers star and led all NFL rookies with 6.0. He's not resting on his success, however. Adams spent much of the offseason in the weight room, trying to add some size and strength at the point of attack. "I have a lot more room for improvement," he says.
Guy Reese
All-Rookie, Guy is a strong member of Dallas' defensive forward wall, called the "Maverick Line" because it's made up of young members of Dallas' team.
Jerry Simmons
Jerry came to the Falcons on waivers in 1967 and has blossomed into a fine prospect. Last season, he led the Atlanta club with 28 pass receptions. The elusive end has good moves, fine hands and better than average speed.
Jerry averaged 17.1 yards per catch in 1968.
80s-90s ERA
Wade Wilson
"To play quarterback, you have to be in such good condition that you're able to absorb the bits. You've got 300-pound guys running into you all the time. The mental part of it is just something that comes with preparation. You have more to do because you have to not only know your position but you also have to know what all your supporting cast is supposed to do. I've always believed that if you prepare yourself mentally, the phys ical part will take care of itself."
Kerby Joseph
Joseph entered 2024 with eight interceptions in his first two seasons. He bested that mark in Year 3, snagging a league-best nine interceptions en route to earning First Team All-Pro honors. That marked the most picks in a season. by a Lions defender since Jimmy Allen equaled the feat in 1981.
Don Meredith
Injuries curtailed Don's activities a bit last year, but he's still recognized as one of the NFL's best. He was a two-time All America at SMU.
Don was an All-State basketball player in high school.
Tom Matte
Another banner year for this halfback in 1967. Tom led the Colts in rushing and was third on Baltimore in pass receiving with 496 yards.
Tom quarterbacked for the Colts in 1965 when Unitas was hurt.
CLASSIC vs. MODERN
CLASSIC ERA
In their eight years in the NFL, the Browns have failed only once to win at least their conference championship. That was in 1956. But they bounced back last year to win the Eastern Conference title. They were founded, organized and have been brilliantly coached by Paul Brown, who led them to four consecutive championships from 1946-49.
MODERN ERA
Kincaid showed flashes. of brilliance during his first two seasons that suggest he's going to be a key component to the Bills' high-flying offense for years to come. The tough tight end hauled in 44 catches. over 13 games in 2024, including a season-high six in a Week 6 win over the Jets.
Wille Credshaw
In addition to being the best blocking back on the Cardinals, Willis was the top rushing back for St. Louis last season as he chewed-up 813 yards for a lofty 4.0 average. Willis is also effective on screen passes.
Willis led the Cardinals with 7 TD's in '68.