Football Daily Card Tribune
Read and learn about the history of the gridiron, through cards. Remember... you heard it here first!
ROOKIE SENSATION BREAKS RECORDS
In Week 14 of 2024, Bowers pulled in reception No. 87 on the season, which topped Sam LaPorta's NFL record for the most by a rookie tight end. But the breakthrough star wasn't done there. By the time the season ended, he had 112 catches, topping by seven the mark set by Puka Nacua for all rookies.
The Jets coached the Senior Bowl in 1979 and needed to fill a roster spot. They asked one of their scouts for recommendations, and one stuck out. "Loaded with enthusiasm and ready to jump on a plane immediately," Connie Carberg said. "It was Mark Gastineau. I didn't know he'd be great, but loved his attitude and his speed on film." Five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first team All-Pro. Established a then-NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984. Became nationally famous for celebratory "sack dance".
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The diminutive free safety is one of the most impressive figures on the Saints defensive unit. It's a thrill watching him tackle the big backs.
FOOTBALL TRIVIA
Q: How many men talk in a huddle?
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Q: What is the longest run from scrimmage?
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George broke into pro ball in 1949. After playing with the Chicago Bears for 10 seasons, he joined the Oilers in '60. Traded to Oakland in '67.
George has thrown 5 T.D. passes in championship games.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
45.6 yards
The Colts seemed to be on their way to a western con- ference championship in '66 but blew their chances. They led the NFL in the punting department with an average of 45.6 yards per kick. They won the Playoff Bowl Game, 20 to 14.
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VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT
One of professional football's great receivers, Art was obtained by the Bills after the 1966 campaign. In the 1963 All-Star game, Art caught the winning touchdown pass to give the western All-Stars the victory.
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.
Norman, who was NFL passing champion in 1950, was nosed out for that honor in 1951 by his teammate, Bob Waterfield, in a very close race. Entered pro football in 1949 from Oregon where he starred in passing and punting.
Lathon spent the early part of his rookie season on the injured reserve. By season's end he claimed a starting role with the Oiler defense. On the first play of the second Pittsburgh game he forced a key fumble. Because of an automobile accident, Lamar missed most of his senior
year at Houston.
Lamar played in just one game as a senior at Houston.
RETRO CORNER
Leo made the All Pro Team last year for the fourth time. He's one of the most ferocious blockers and tacklers in the game today. On the offensive he can blast gaping holes in the defense line and clear the way for 49er backs to march through. As a defensive operator, his bull-like rushes spell trouble for ball-carriers.
As pro wrestler leo met Lou Thesz for world title in 1952. He never played football before joining m...
Boutte proves to be a handful for defenders, using a combination of the three big traits -size, speed and strength - to make winning plays. Pro evaluators know it. "He has inside/outside value and can be just as adept at uncovering underneath as he can at stretching the field," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote.
He had an outstanding season in 2022, with 109 tackles and a pair of interceptions. But as far as James is concerned, that's simply the prelude to bigger things. "I feel like I can be even better next year," the L.A. safety said. "I know that may sound crazy, but I feel like I can continue to get better and work on my game."
Fred has been described as the perfect tight end because he is an excellent blocker and pass receiver. Although without sight in his left eye since 1965, Kansas City's Most Valuable Player of 1964, is still a top notch receiver.
Fred played on the 1963-64 AFL All-Star teams
MODERN ERA
Yet another NFL record in Peyton's sights is most 4,000-yard passing seasons. Doing it again in 2006 will give him seven, breaking a tie with Dan Marino.
The highest passer rating a player can achieve is 158.3.
One of the foremost names in pro circles, Frank is one of the surest blockers around. Watch him at work and you will see a competitor who never lets up the pressure on the enemy linemen.
Donnie experienced the unique feat of receiving a pass and intercepting one in the same game for Steelers vs. Chargers in 1975. He covers the run as good as any safety in pro football.
Donnie has a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling.
80s-90s ERA
Lathon spent the early part of his rookie season on the injured reserve. By season's end he claimed a starting role with the Oiler defense. On the first play of the second Pittsburgh game he forced a key fumble. Because of an automobile accident, Lamar missed most of his senior
year at Houston.
Lamar played in just one game as a senior at Houston.
Stats aren't everything. Although Baker has plenty of numbers to his name as an All-Pro, he agrees. "I know I'm doing my job. My peers around me know. My coaches and my teammates know, and that's the biggest thing for me," he said. "As long as you turn on that film and you see me doing the right thing, that's all I care about."
The NFC's fourth leading rusher in 1971, Larry contributed greatly to the Redskins in helping the club attain a playoff berth. In setting a new club record with 1125 yards gained on the ground in 1970, Larry accomplished this despite injuries. He missed one complete game that season.
Larry is an NFC All-Star.
Only the second man in pro football history to top 1000 points scored, Gino is the AFL's all-time scoring leader. A quarterback at Minnesota, the Patriots signed Gino as a free agent. He holds the AFL scoring record with 155 points in 1964, he kicked six field goals in a game against Denver that year. He set a club field goal mark with a 53-yarder against the Jets in 1965.
Gino is a mod-style dresser.
CLASSIC vs. MODERN
CLASSIC ERA
Comes into pro football with a brilliant collegiate record for Southern Methodist. Has won many awards. In the Rice-SMU game, Oct. 15, 1949, was knocked unconscious when tackled out of bounds. Removed from field. When the contest was finished, Doak entered the Rice dressing room, and congratulated the player on his fine game.
MODERN ERA
Bubba, whose given first name is Daniel, spent his college summers working as a caddy in Miami. He has more than carried his weight as a scorer in the pros, catching 16 TDs in the last two years the most of any NFL tight end in that span. He is so effective catching the ball near paydirt, the Packers have started calling goal-to-go situations "The Bubba Zone."
Larry was pro football's leading rusher last season and he was named to virtually every NFL All-Star team for his superb showing. Had a 75-yard run for a touchdown which ranks as his longest gainer of his pro career. Larry became one of the brightest rookies in the NFL in 1969 and just missed winning the Rookie of the Year honors, finishing second to Calvin Hill of the Cowboys. Last season he became the first Redskin runner in the club's history to rush for over 1000 yards and broke the all-time Washington record of 951 yards in a season set by Rob Goode in 1951. Larry is also outstanding as a pass receiver as he caught 34 passes for 302 yards in 1969 for an 8.9 average and 37 passes for 341-yards in 1970 for a 9.2 average.
Larry led Wildcat ball carriers in both his years at Kansas State.