Football Daily Card Tribune
Read and learn about the history of the gridiron, through cards. Remember... you heard it here first!
FOOTBALL'S FINEST MOMENTS CAPTURED
The Dolphins dealt for Earl after the 1966 season had begun. The powerful veteran is big and fast and plays a tough game of football. Earl has the respect of his teammates and the opposition in the AFL.
Consistent veteran has made transition from big-play receiver to possession receiver... Two-time Pro Bowl pick shares club record with 12 touchdown catches in 1985.
Few football players ever threw as great a scare into opponents' hearts as "Doc" Blanchard. With legs that churned like pistons, he ripped enemy teams to shreds and chewed up yardage in open field runs. His great power and amazing line-busting led the Army squad to some of its greatest seasons.
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One of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome, Merlin came into his own in a hurry. As a rookie, this immense defensive tackle made the Pro Bowl and he hasn't missed one since! Merlin was drafted #1 by L.A. in 1962 after being named to every All-American team for his line play at Utah State.
FOOTBALL TRIVIA
Q: Which player first won stardom in Canadian football before coming to the Giants?
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Q: Who is this player? He is a Redskins halfback.
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The #1 draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in 1968, Larry is a hard-running, rough-blocking fullback. At Syracuse, he eclipsed school rushing records held by former collegians such as Jim Brown, Floyd Little and the late Ernie Davis.
In college, Larry gained 216 yds. in a game vs. West Virginia.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
29 TDs
Dallas won the Eastern Title, but lost the NFL Crown 34 to 27. They racked up the most points, 445, with 29 TDs rushing, 56 TDs in all, 56 XPS and 1 safety. They also kicked 17 FGs in 31 tries. They gained 3331 yards passing, too.
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VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT
Charles is one of the few men in the A.F.L. to pick up over 1,000 yards rushing. He is the only Houston Oiler to ever hit that figure. Last season seemed to be a jinxed year for the fiery fullback as he was hit with a long series of minor injuries. Great at butting his way past would-be tacklers, Charles is popular with the fans. He's a top pass protector and fine at pass receiving.
Used as a flanker back, Odell literally outruns the defense with his blazing speed. He was once clocked 9.2 for the 100 yard dash. Odell uses his speed to outmaneuver the defense and is a passer's delight because of his sure hands. A threat to go all the way any time he gets the ball, he will cause the defense all kinds of problems.
Ron completed the 1989 season with 9 Quarterback Sacks to establish a career high. Acquired by the Broncos prior to the campaign opener, he posted 8 Tackles of opposing passers at Tampa Bay in 1987. Ron's Denver numbers also included 32 Tackles, 16 Assists and 4 Passes Defensed.
Julius was chosen as a Pro Bowl starter in 2005 after reaching double figures in sacks for the third time in four years. Even among top athletes, his amazing athletic abilities stand out. "We line him up at tight end, wideout, defensive end, linebacker," said coach John Fox.
Great NFL Nicknames: Big Blue Wrecking Crew ('88 Giants Defense)
RETRO CORNER
Steve's 21 field goals and 96 points last year, set a team record for Baltimore.
Another dominating season. Another shower of post-season awards. Possibly the greatest single accomplishment of Joe Montana for 1990 was his directing of the 49ers to an NFL best 14-2 record and a Western Division Title for the 5th straight year. Joe was the third highest rated passer in the NFC. His 26 touchdowns and 3,944 yards were second in the NFC, and those yards set a single-season 49ers record. The 49ers, behind the direction of Montana and explosiveness of Jerry Rice, had the highest rated offense in the NFC, second in the NFL. Against Atlanta on October 14, he threw for an unbelievable 476 yards and six TDs. Both were personal highs and NFC 1990 single-game bests. Montana was twice named Offensive Player-of-the-Week, sharing the award once with Rice. While other quarterbacks strive for team records and personal highs, Montana continues to assert himself as the greatest in NFL history. He passed John Hadl and Jim Hart to move into third on the All-Time NFL passing yardage list with 34,998 yards. Against Tampa Bay on 11/18/90 he passed Johnny Unitas to move into third on the NFL All-Time Completions list (2,836). With a few more fourth quarter miracles, Joe finished the season with 26 career fourth quarter comebacks. On paper and on the field, he's simply the best.
Starred for Jacksonville Navy. Played halfback for Florida. All-Southeastern, 1948, 1949. In 1949 gained 774 yards for average of 6 yards, scoring 72 points. Went pro with the Bears in 1950. Their No. 1 draft choice.
Junior moved in as the Falcons' starting halfback and responded by leading the team in rushing with 722 yards in 199 carries, a 3.6 yard average and 4 TD's. Along with his fine rushing, he caught 15 passes for 182 yards and one TD.
What happened to Junior in his junior college year.
Johnny is a speedy, hard runner, and very touch to bring down in the open field. He averaged 4.5 yards from scrimmage and ranked 2nd in the loop in punt runbacks in '60.
A regular in the Viking's offensive line since his rookie year, Larry is a top pass blocker who hits real hard. The quiet man is one of the most popular men on the squad. Quarterback Joe Kapp operates with a little more confidence when he knows that Larry is getting his job done. Larry always gives a top performance!
Larry won All Big Ten honors at Purdue.
80s-90s ERA
Tied for Oilers' lead in forced fumbles and 2nd in interceptions last season ...Led defensive backs in tackles for 4th consecutive season...Returned interception 58 yards for TD against Bills (1/3) in playoffs.
A sure-handed acquisition for the Falcons in 1989, Keith didn't fumble in 52 rushing attempts, 41 receptions, and 23 returns. He led the Falcons with 6 touchdowns.
"Butch" has been named to numerous All-Star teams in six of the past seven years. He is the Bills' all-time pass interception leader with 40 and he ran his first pro interception back for a 72-yard touchdown in 1964. A durable performer and a strong hitter, he has started all the Bills' games the past seven years. One of his best games occurred in the Houston Astrodome, 10-5-69, when he intercepted three aerials against the Oilers. "Butch" played offense at Boston University, leading the team in rushing in his junior and senior years. He's rated as one of the AFC's foremost punt return artists.
George's wife is a registered nurse.
Was called upon by Steelers to spell injured Terry Bradshaw in 1976 & responded with outstanding poise and leadership qualities in rookie year. Was a unanimous All-East selection during his senior campaign at Boston College and won the Harry Agganis Award as the outstanding college football player in all of New England. Had career marks of 235 completions for 2590 yards at Boston College.
Ranked 20th nationally in average passing yardage per game at Boston College in 1975.
CLASSIC vs. MODERN
CLASSIC ERA
Frank has been a consistent top Dallas pass receiver. He caught 41 passes in '65 which were good for 682 yards and 4 TDs. His longest reception was good for a 53 yard TD. He averaged 16.6 yards gained per reception.
MODERN ERA
Antonio made a catch last November 6 that won him an ESPY for "Play of the Year." The Packers and Vikings were in overtime when Brett Favre threw deep to Freeman, who had slipped and fallen. The ball was deflected by a cornerback and bounced off Antonio's shoulder. However, he tipped the ball with his right hand and grabbed it, jumped to his feet, juked a safety and completed a 43-yard game-winning score.
One of the exciting rookie stars of '67, Jack finished third in pass snaring last year. In college, Jack was a part-time quarterback & halfback.
Jack led the Big Ten with 50 receptions in 1966.