Age: 34
12th season in pro football, 3rd with Eagles
College: Oregon
Height: 6’1” Weight: 190
Prelude:
Van Brocklin started his career with the Rams in 1949, who drafted him in the 4th round. While forced to split time with Bob Waterfield in his first four seasons – an arrangement not to the liking of either player – “The Dutchman” still led the NFL in passing in 1950 and ’52 and, following Waterfield’s departure, in ’54 as well. Also led league in yards per attempt four times, completion percentage once (55.1 % in 1952) and passing yards once (2637 in 1954). Threw the winning TD pass as Rams defeated Browns for 1951 NFL Championship and was selected to six straight Pro Bowls. However, differences with Head Coach Sid Gillman led him to demand a trade following the ’57 season, and he was dealt to Philadelphia. Took charge of the Eagles offense and led the NFL in pass attempts (374) and completions (198) in 1958 and was named to the Pro Bowl in both ’58 and ‘59. Van Brocklin was also an outstanding punter who led the league in average twice (1955 and ’56).
1960 Season Summary
Appeared in all 12 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]
Passing
Attempts – 284 [2]
Most attempts, game – 30 vs. Cleveland 9/25, vs. Pittsburgh 11/6
Completions – 153 [2]
Most completions, game – 19 vs. Pittsburgh 11/6
Yards – 2471 [2]
Most yards, game – 295 vs. Pittsburgh 11/6
Completion percentage – 53.9 [6]
Yards per attempt – 8.7 [2]
TD passes – 24 [2]
Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. St. Louis 10/9, at Cleveland 10/23, vs. Pittsburgh 11/6, vs. NY Giants 11/27
Interceptions – 17 [7, tied with Bobby Layne]
Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Cleveland 9/25, at Dallas 9/30, vs. Washington 11/13, vs. NY Giants 11/27
Passer rating – 86.5 [2]
200-yard passing games – 5
Rushing
Attempts – 11
Most attempts, game - 2 (for -2 yds.) vs. St. Louis 10/9
Yards – -13
Most yards, game – 1 yard (on 1 carry) at Cleveland 10/23, vs. Pittsburgh 11/6, vs. NY Giants 11/27
Yards per attempt – -1.2
TDs – 0
Punting
Punts – 60 [4]
Yards – 2585 [4]
Average – 43.1 [5]
Punts blocked – 0
Longest punt – 70 yards
Postseason: 1 G (NFL Championship vs. Green Bay)
Pass attempts – 20
Pass completions – 9
Passing yardage – 204
TD passes – 1
Interceptions – 1
Rushing attempts – 2
Rushing yards – 3
Average gain rushing – 1.5
Rushing TDs – 0
Punts – 6
Yards – 237
Average – 39.5
Punts blocked – 0
Awards & Honors:
NFL MVP: AP, UPI, NEA, Bert Bell Award, Sporting News
1st team All-NFL: AP, NEA, UPI, NY Daily News, Sporting News
Pro Bowl
Eagles went 10-2 to win Eastern Conference. Defeated Green Bay Packers for NFL Championship (17-13).
Aftermath:
Van Brocklin retired following the championship season (at the time, he ranked among all-time career leaders with 23,611 passing yards and 178 TD passes) and became head coach of the expansion Minnesota Vikings. He coached the Vikings for six seasons and the Atlanta Falcons for seven (five complete, as he took over during 1968 season and resigned eight games into ’74). “The Dutchman” was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1971.
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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself).
[Updated 2/15/14]
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