MVP Profile: Bruce Smith, 1996

Defensive End, Buffalo Bills

Age:  33

12^th season in pro football & with Bills

College: Virginia Tech

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 273

Prelude:

The first overall pick by the Bills in the 1985 NFL draft, Smith started off slowly as a rookie with a poor team but broke out with 15 sacks in 1986 and earned both consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl honors for the first time in ’87. Strong against both the run and pass, he benefited from the arrival of LB Cornelius Bennett and other defensive stars. Smith was again a first-team All-NFL choice in 1988 and ’90 as well as a Pro Bowl selection in each year from 1987 to ’90, and was the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 as well. A knee injury limited Smith to just five games in 1991, but he bounced back in ’92 to record 14 sacks and return to the Pro Bowl for the first of seven consecutive seasons. He was also a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1993 to ’95.

1996 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 13.5 [2, tied with Michael McCrary & Lamar Lathon, 1st in AFC]

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. New England 9/8

Multi-sack games – 3

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Forced fumbles – 5

Tackles – 69

Assists – 21

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Wild Card playoff vs. Jacksonville)

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Bills went 10-6 to finish second in the AFC East and qualify for the postseason as a Wild Card entry. Lost AFC Wild Card playoff to Jacksonville Jaguars (30-27).

Aftermath:

Smith was a consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl selection again in 1997, a year in which he registered 14 sacks, and he was named to one more Pro Bowl with the Bills in ’98. After 15 years with Buffalo, Smith moved on to the Washington Redskins in 2000 and had his last double-digit sack season, with 10. He hung on until 2003, finishing up as the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks with 200. A great all-around defensive end with tremendous savvy as well as speed and strength, Smith played in a total of 279 games, was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection eight times and a Pro Bowl choice on 11 occasions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2009.

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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). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

Rookie of the Year: John Stephens, 1988

Running Back, New England Patriots

Age: 22

College: Northwestern State (LA)

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 220

Prelude:

After setting a school rushing record with 3057 yards at Northwestern State, Stephens was chosen by the Patriots in the first round (17^th overall) of the 1988 NFL draft. He proved to be a key component in turning the team around from a 2-4 start with his solid running between the tackles.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 297 [5]

Most attempts, game – 35 (for 124 yds.) vs. Chicago 10/30

Yards – 1168 [5]

Most yards, game – 134 yards (on 25 carries) at Buffalo 10/23

Average gain – 3.9

TDs – 4

100-yard rushing games – 5

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 14      

Most receptions, game – 3 (for 15 yds.) vs. Miami 11/6, (for 29 yds.) at Denver 12/17

Yards – 98

Most yards, game – 29 (on 3 catches) at Denver 12/17

Average gain – 7.0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 5

Points – 30

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA (co-winner)

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

1^st-team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Patriots went 9-7 to finish third in the AFC East.

Aftermath:

Beginning in the preseason, Stephens was dogged by injuries in 1989 and his production slipped to 833 rushing yards with an average of 3.4 yards per carry. It was a similar situation in ’90, gaining 808 yards on the ground with a 3.8-yard average gain. While an effective power runner who rarely fumbled, his tendency to carry the ball with both arms slowed him down. Relegated to a backup role behind rookie Leonard Russell in 1991, Stephens was shifted to fullback in ’92. He was traded to Green Bay in 1993 but lasted five games before finishing up with the Chiefs in what was his last pro season. Overall, he rushed for 3440 yards on 945 carries (3.6 avg.) and gained another 812 yards on 105 pass receptions, scoring a total of 20 touchdowns.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

1958: Eagles Obtain Norm Van Brocklin from Rams

On May 26, 1958 the Philadelphia Eagles traded OT Buck Lansford, DB Jimmy Harris, and a 1959 first round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams for QB Norm Van Brocklin. According to Philadelphia GM Vince McNally, the deal had been in the works for some three months and at least two other teams were in the bidding.

The Eagles were coming off of three straight losing seasons, including a 4-8 record in 1957, and had a new head coach in Buck Shaw. QB Bobby Thomason had retired, and while rookie Sonny Jurgensen showed his potential in limited action, Shaw wanted to add an experienced quarterback.

The 32-year-old Van Brocklin had been with the Rams for nine seasons and was widely considered to be the best pure passer in the NFL. Drafted in the fourth round in 1949, his strong and accurate arm, combined with a quick release, made him one of the league’s most productive quarterbacks. He split time with Bob Waterfield through 1953, an arrangement neither player liked but that also helped make the LA offense one of the NFL’s most potent.

Van Brocklin led the league in passing three times, yards per attempts on four occasions, yards per catch twice, and completion percentage and passing yards one time apiece. He threw a 73-yard touchdown bomb to end Tom Fears that won the 1951 NFL Championship game and set a still-standing record for passing yards in a game with 554 against the New York Yanks, also in ‘51. In addition, Van Brocklin was an outstanding punter and led the league in that category in 1955.

The player known as “The Dutchman” had his detractors, to be sure, especially with regard to his lack of mobility. He was also volatile and acerbic, and locked horns with intense Head Coach Sid Gillman, especially when Gillman insisted in calling the plays and had Van Brocklin once again splitting time, in this case with Bill Wade, who was drafted out of Vanderbilt in 1954. A poor six-interception performance in the 1955 title game against the Browns did not help matters between star quarterback and head coach, and Van Brocklin believed that Gillman lost confidence in him as a result. In any event, things came to a head when Van Brocklin announced that he would retire following the ’57 season rather than continue to play under Gillman, forcing a trade.

The Eagles were not a team that “The Dutchman” wished to play for, but he later insisted that he had received assurances that he would succeed the 59-year-old Shaw as head coach if he came to Philadelphia. The Eagles went just 2-9-1 in 1958, but Van Brocklin led the NFL in pass attempts (374) and completions (198) while throwing for 2409 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl. He also showed a gift for developing talent as he helped hone the skills of second-year end Tommy McDonald and Pete Retzlaff, a converted reserve halfback who, as an offensive end, broke out to co-lead the NFL with 56 pass receptions.

The team improved to 7-5 in 1959, with Van Brocklin again receiving Pro Bowl recognition while throwing for 2617 yards and 16 TDs, and it set the stage for a MVP season in ’60. The overachieving Eagles went 10-2 to top the Eastern Conference and then defeated the Packers for the NFL Championship. “The Dutchman” passed for 2471 yards and a career-high 24 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per attempt, adding 204 yards and a TD in the title game triumph. Moreover, his determined leadership was viewed as essential to the team’s overall success.

Both Coach Shaw and Van Brocklin retired following the 1960 triumph, and bitterness ensued. The Philadelphia front office balked at replacing Shaw with the strong-willed Van Brocklin. Trying to get him to come back as a player, they offered him a chance to be player/coach, which he disdainfully rejected (he was quoted as saying derisively “that sort of thing went out with Johnny Blood!”). When Nick Skorich was elevated to the position, Van Brocklin was hired to be the first head coach of the expansion Minnesota Vikings. While the relationship between the team and the star quarterback ended on a sour note, it also paid off over the course of three years, culminating in a NFL title.

With regard to the players that the Rams received for Van Brocklin, Buck Lansford was the most accomplished. The 6’2”, 232-pound lineman had been a second-round draft pick by the Eagles out of Texas in 1955 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in ’56. Capable of playing both at tackle and guard, he moved into the starting lineup for the Rams and lasted three seasons.

Jimmy Harris was a rookie in 1957, drafted out of Oklahoma by the Eagles in the fifth round. Playing at safety in ’57, he intercepted three passes, one of which he returned for a TD, and he went on to start at defensive halfback for the Rams, although he was gone after one year.

The 1959 first draft choice ultimately yielded the highest return. It was used to take FB Dick Bass from the College of the Pacific, who went on to a productive ten-year career in which he became the first Ram to rush for a thousand yards in a season (1033 in 1962). He retired as the leading rusher in franchise history at the time, with 5417 yards.

MVP Profile: Joe Greene, 1974

Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 28 (Sept. 24)

6^th season in pro football & with Steelers

College: North Texas State

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 275

Prelude:

An All-American and considered the best college defensive line prospect available, even if comparatively unknown to most fans, “Mean Joe” was taken by the Steelers in the first round of the 1969 NFL draft (fourth overall). With his speed as well as strength, he quickly established himself as an outstanding pass rusher from the interior of the line and was the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. Greene followed up with Pro Bowl years in each of the next four years from 1970 to ’73, including a selection as NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 1972. Fast, strong, and agile, he had the ability to dominate games and provided outstanding emotional leadership.

1974 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 26

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 4

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – 1 (unofficial)

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 10

Fumble recoveries – 1

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Steelers went 10-3-1 to finish first in the AFC Central while leading the NFL in fewest total yards allowed (3074), fewest passing yards allowed (1466), and most sacks (52) and the AFC in fewest points allowed (189). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Buffalo Bills (32-14), AFC Championship over Oakland Raiders (24-13), and Super Bowl over Minnesota Vikings (16-6).

Aftermath:

Greene became the cornerstone of an outstanding defense that was one of the highest-ranked in the NFL over the remainder of the decade and the Steelers won four NFL titles. While injuries became more of a factor after his 91-game playing streak came to an end in 1975, his string of Pro Bowl selections reached eight straight. “Mean Joe” played a total of 13 years, all with Pittsburgh, and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection five times, received at least some All-NFL or All-AFC recognition in four other seasons, and was named to the Pro Bowl on a total of 10 occasions. Greene was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1987.

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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). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

1983: Stallions Beat Panthers in Overtime for Fifth Straight Win

The United States Football League game on May 23, 1983, a Monday night, featured two teams with winning streaks on the line and trying to remain in contention in the competitive Central Division.

The visiting Birmingham Stallions, coached by Rollie Dotsch, had won four straight after getting off to a 2-5 start. They were the USFL’s top rushing team, but the passing attack, utilizing two rookie quarterbacks in Bob Lane (pictured at right) and Reggie Collier, was less successful, although ex-Steeler Jim Smith was a capable wide receiver. The defense was effective, especially when rushing opposing passers.

The Michigan Panthers had also gotten off to a slow start, sporting a lowly 1-4 tally at one point, with the only win coming against the Stallions in the opening week. But Head Coach Jim Stanley’s team was now at 7-4 after winning six consecutive games. Rookie QB Bobby Hebert was a pleasant surprise, more-heralded (and high-priced) rookie WR Anthony Carter was displaying the anticipated big-play ability after getting off to a quiet start, and the addition of some veteran offensive linemen was making a difference. On defense, the Panthers topped the league in sacks with OLB John Corker leading the way.

A somewhat disappointing crowd of 20,042 was on hand at the Pontiac Silverdome. The opening period was scoreless but the Stallions were driving after recovering a Michigan fumble as the game moved into second quarter and the series ended when QB Bob Lane connected with TE Steve Stephens for a one-yard touchdown on a fourth down gamble. Scott Norwood added the extra point.

The visitors then took advantage of an interception by LB Larry McPherson to add to their lead. The Stallions again moved the ball inside the Michigan five, going 29 yards in eight plays, but settled for a 23-yard Norwood field goal and a 10-0 score.

Down by ten points, the Panthers came through with a big play when a scrambling Bobby Hebert went long for Anthony Carter, who grabbed the ball after it was tipped by a defender and raced to the end zone for an 81-yard touchdown. Bojovic kicked the PAT.

The Stallions got another break inside the last two minutes of the half when Carter muffed a punt and RB Lonnie Johnson recovered at the Michigan 17. Five plays later, WR Greg Anderson caught a pass for a 15-yard touchdown with 27 seconds remaining on the clock and, having capitalized on three turnovers, the score was 17-7 in favor of Birmingham at the half.

The Stallions added to their lead with the first series of the third quarter, putting together a methodical drive that ended with Norwood booting a 25-yard field goal. Michigan finally was able to get back into the game with a fumble recovery late in the period in Birmingham territory. After driving down to the one, RB John Williams was stopped short on successive carries but scored on the first play of the fourth quarter. Bojovic added the extra point that made it a six-point contest.

Ahead by 20-14, the Stallions attempted to extend their lead with 7:24 left on the clock, but Norwood’s 49-yard field goal try was short. The Panthers responded by driving 68 yards in nine plays, and it seemed as though they would prevail when Williams again scored a touchdown from a yard out with 2:52 remaining in regulation. However, Birmingham LB Herb Spencer was able to get a hand on Bojovic’s extra point kick and block it, keeping the contest tied at 20-20.

Birmingham nearly won in regulation when DB Fred Logan intercepted a long pass intended for WR Ron Frederick at the Michigan one and rolled into the end zone, losing the ball as he attempted to spike it. TE Darryl Mason fell on the loose football in the end zone and one official signaled a touchdown for the Stallions, but after a long conference it was ruled that the Panthers had possession at the one, and they ran out the clock.

Michigan won the toss and had the first possession in overtime, but the Panthers were forced to punt after six plays. The Stallions then got a huge break when a bad snap sailed over punter Rick Partridge’s head and Birmingham got the ball at the Michigan 34. After two running plays and an incomplete pass, Norwood kicked a 46-yard field goal at 4:22 into the overtime period to win the game by a final score of 23-20.

Total yards were nearly even, with Michigan holding a 341 to 340 edge, although the Stallions had more first downs (22 to 17) and were well ahead in time of possession (38:03 to 26:29). Both teams were penalized seven times and there were no sacks. But the Panthers turned the ball over three times, with all of them leading to Birmingham scores, while the visitors turned it over twice.

Bob Lane completed 16 of 28 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns while giving up one interception. RB Ken Talton rushed for 103 yards on 27 carries. Jim Smith topped the Stallions with 5 catches for 62 yards.

For the Panthers, Bobby Hebert was successful on 13 of 20 throws for 198 yards and had a TD and an interception. Ken Lacy gained 106 yards on 15 rushing attempts and added another 40 yards on three pass receptions. John Williams ran for just 27 yards on 13 carries, but two were good for touchdowns. Anthony Carter caught 6 passes for 136 yards that included the one long score.

“I think the key was the blocked extra point try,” said a disappointed Coach Jim Stanley. “If we make it, we win the game. Those little things come back to haunt you.”

The win for Birmingham left both teams tied at 7-5 in the Central Division race with the Chicago Blitz a game ahead. It proved to be the high point of the season for the Stallions, who lost their next two games and ended up fourth with a 9-9 record. Ultimately, the Panthers prevailed by winning five of their last six contests, topping the division at 12-6 on the way to winning the first USFL Championship. 

Rookie of the Year: Dennis Shaw, 1970

Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Age:  23

College: San Diego State

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 210

Prelude:

A product of Head Coach Don Coryell’s program at San Diego State, Shaw threw 39 TD passes in 1969, including 9 in a single game, and the team was undefeated during his starts. He was chosen by the Bills in the second round of the 1970 NFL draft and took over the starting job from Dan Darragh three weeks into the season.

1970 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 321 [10, tied with Johnny Unitas]

Most attempts, game – 43 vs. Baltimore 12/13

Completions – 178 [8]

Most completions, game – 24 vs. Miami 10/18

Yards – 2507 [6]

Most yards, game – 348 vs. Miami 10/18

Completion percentage – 55.5 [7]

Yards per attempt – 7.8 [3]

TD passes – 10 [16, tied with Bill Munson]

Most TD passes, game – 2 vs. NY Jets 10/4, vs. Miami 10/18, at Baltimore 11/15

Interceptions – 20 [2, tied with Norm Snead]

Most interceptions, game – 2 on eight occasions

Passer rating – 65.3 [16]

300-yard passing games – 2

200-yard passing games – 5

Rushing

Attempts – 39

Most attempts, game - 6 (for 23 yds.) vs. NY Jets 10/4

Yards – 210

Most yards, game – 48 yards (on 5 carries) at Chicago 11/22

Yards per attempt – 5.4

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI, Sporting News

Bills went 3-10-1 to finish fourth in the AFC East.

Aftermath:

While possessing a strong arm, toughness, and plenty of confidence, Shaw also had difficulty reading defenses, lacked consistency, and failed to build upon his promising rookie season. He led the NFL in interceptions (26) in 1971 while his overall production dropped, and after a slightly better year in ’72, a knee injury caused him to lose the starting job to rookie Joe Ferguson in 1973. Shaw was traded to the Cardinals for 1974, reuniting him with Coach Coryell, but he saw little action as a backup over two seasons and was waived. It was the end of his regular season NFL career, although he did have tryouts with other teams. He was a player/coach with the Chicago Blitz of the USFL in 1984 but saw no regular season action. Overall, in six NFL seasons Shaw completed 52.9 percent of his passes for 6347 yards and 35 touchdowns while tossing 68 interceptions, with all but 61 passing yards and one interception occurring as a member of the Bills.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Lawrence Taylor, 1982

Linebacker, New York Giants

Age: 23

2^nd season in pro football & with Giants

College: North Carolina

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 237

Prelude:

Following a college career in which he was a consensus first-team All-American and Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year for 1980, Taylor was chosen in the first round by the Giants in 1981 (second overall). It was expected that he would start right away, and he did with an immediate impact. Not only was he the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and a consensus first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, but he was selected as NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the AP.

1982 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 9 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 7.5 [6, tied with Curtis Greer & Jesse Baker]

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. Philadelphia 12/11

Multi-sack games – 1

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 97 [4]

Int. return TDs – 1 [1, tied with many others]

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, NEA, PFWA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-NFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Giants went 4-5 to finish tenth in the NFC, divisions having been eliminated due to the strike-shortened nature of the season.

Aftermath:

With his attacking style of play, Taylor almost immediately set new standards for outside linebackers and continued to excel with his excellent speed and ability to disrupt running as well as passing plays. He was a consensus first-team All-Pro in each of the next four seasons and a Pro Bowl selection over the next eight. Taylor continued to be the leader of the Giants defense, including 1986 when the team won the Super Bowl and Taylor received consensus MVP as well as Defensive Player of the Year honors from the AP for a third time. He achieved consensus first-team All Pro honors a total of eight times in addition to the 10 Pro Bowl selections in a career that spanned 13 years and 184 games. Taylor retired following the 1993 season, with 132.5 career sacks, and his #56 was retired by the Giants. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1999.

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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). 

1985: Big Plays by Mills on Defense Spur Stars to Defeat of Renegades

The Baltimore Stars, reigning champions of the United States Football League, were struggling at 5-6-1 as they faced the Orlando Renegades on May 17, 1985. Highly successful as a Philadelphia-based franchise in 1983 and ’84, the Stars were having difficulty adjusting to the move to Byrd Stadium at the University of Maryland (Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium was unavailable) while continuing to practice in Philadelphia. However, Head Coach Jim Mora’s team still had a solid defense plus an effective ball-control offense directed by QB Chuck Fusina that featured RB Kelvin Bryant.

The Renegades, coached by Lee Corso, were the remnant of the far-less-successful Washington Federals of the prior two years. They came into the contest at 3-9, but were showing improvement after getting off to a 0-6 start. Highly mobile QB Reggie Collier led the attack but the defense was poor, often failing in the second half of games.

There were 23,121 fans in attendance on a Friday night at Orlando Stadium. The Renegades took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, first on a six-yard TD pass from Reggie Collier to WR Jackie Flowers less than two minutes into the contest that was set up when Baltimore’s Kelvin Bryant fumbled the ball away at his own 11 yard line, safety Victor Jackson recovering, and then on a four-yard run by RB Leon Perry that completed a six-play, 50-yard possession. Jeff Brockhaus added the extra point after each.

The Stars came back in the second quarter when Chuck Fusina threw long to Bryant for a 43-yard touchdown and David Trout added the point after. However, Perry scored a second touchdown shortly thereafter, carrying from two yards out. Trout kicked a 42-yard field goal for the visitors in the final minute, but the Renegades held a surprising 21-10 lead at the half.

The Stars were known for their opportunism on defense, and two big plays by inside LB Sam Mills in the first four minutes of the second half turned the game around. First, he returned an intercepted pass 20 yards for a touchdown. Then he forced a fumble with a hard tackle of RB Henry Odom, who had just caught a Collier pass across the middle, which gave the Stars the ball at the Orlando 22 when DE William Fuller recovered. Six plays later, Bryant ran five yards for another Baltimore TD. The Stars were suddenly in front by 24-21.

The Renegades came back strong on offense, driving to the Baltimore one on their next series. However, the Stars repelled three straight runs and it was Mills making a big stop of Odom inches from the goal line on fourth down that ended the threat. The Stars responded with an 83-yard drive and Trout added a 34-yard field goal before the period was over.

There was one more score midway through the fourth quarter as Fusina passed to WR Herbert Harris for a 16-yard TD, icing the cake for the Stars. Baltimore came away with a comfortable 34-21 win thanks to 24 unanswered second half points.

Orlando outgained the Stars (348 yards to 301) and had more first downs (24 to 19). However, the Renegades also turned the ball over five times, four on fumbles, while the visitors did so twice. The Stars also recorded five sacks, to three for the home team. There were many penalties, with Philadelphia flagged 15 times to 9 called on Orlando.

Chuck Fusina completed 15 of 30 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns while giving up one interception. Kelvin Bryant ran for 87 yards on 16 carries and also led the club with 5 pass receptions for 74 yards, scoring one TD apiece on the ground and through the air.

For the Renegades, Reggie Collier was successful on 27 of 47 throws for 243 yards and a TD with one picked off. Collier was also Orlando’s rushing leader as he accumulated 50 yards on five attempts. Jackie Flowers caught 7 passes for 93 yards and a score.

The win evened the Stars’ record at 6-6-1 and they went on to win four of their next five games to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 10-7-1 tally. The rally continued into the postseason as they went on to defeat the Oakland Invaders and repeat as USFL Champions. Orlando ended up at 5-13 and the bottom of the conference. 

Sam Mills was a consensus first-team All-USFL selection for the third straight year. An undersized (5’9”, 225 pounds) player out of Montclair State in New Jersey who had previously failed in free agent tryouts with the NFL Browns and CFL Argonauts, he made the most of his opportunity in the Spring league and, following the demise of the USFL, moved on to the New Orleans Saints of the NFL along with Coach Mora. He was selected to four Pro Bowls as a member of the Saints and one after moving on to the Carolina Panthers.

Rookie of the Year: Paul Robinson, 1968

Halfback, Cincinnati Bengals

Age: 24 (Dec. 19)

College: Arizona

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

Robinson went to college on a track scholarship and only played football in his last year. He was chosen by the expansion Bengals in the third round of the 1968 AFL/NFL draft, moved directly into the lineup, and scored the first regular season touchdown in franchise history.

1968 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 238 [1]

Most attempts, game - 26 (for 33 yds.) at NY Jets 12/8

Yards – 1023 [1]

Most yards, game – 159 yards (on 17 carries) at Oakland 10/27

Average gain – 4.3 [5]

TDs – 8 [1]

100-yard rushing games – 4

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 24      

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 30 yds.) at Boston 12/1

Yards – 128

Most yards, game – 78 (on 4 catches) vs. Houston 11/3

Average gain – 5.3

TDs – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 3

Yards – 58

Average per return – 19.3

TDs – 0

Longest return – 22 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 1

Yards – 1

TDs – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1210 [7]

Scoring

TDs – 9 [6]

Points – 54 [14]

Awards & Honors:

AFL Rookie of the Year: UPI

1^st team All-AFL: AP, UPI, NEA, NY Daily News, Pro Football Weekly

2^nd team All-AFL: PFWA

1^st team All-Western Division: Sporting News

AFL All-Star Game

Bengals went 3-11 to finish fifth in the AFL Western Division.

Aftermath:

The smooth-running Robinson never again matched the production of his rookie year. His rushing total dropped off to 489 yards in 1969, although he was still chosen to the last AFL All-Star Game. With a strong second half, he reached 622 yards in ’70 but carried only 49 times for 213 yards in 1971 and was traded to the Oilers during the ’72 season. Robinson was a backup with Houston in 1973 and left for the Birmingham Americans of the WFL, where he played one final season in 1974 and led the team in rushing with 599 yards on the way to that league’s only championship. In the AFL and NFL, Robinson rushed for 2947 yards on 737 carries (4.0 avg.) and caught 90 passes for 612 more yards, scoring a total of 26 touchdowns. While his career failed to live up to the early promise, Robinson remains the only player to rush for a thousand yards for a first-year expansion team in the AFL/NFL.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Reggie White, 1998

Defensive End, Green Bay Packers

Age: 37 (Dec. 19)

16^th season in pro football, 14^th in NFL & 6^th with Packers

College: Tennessee

Height: 6’5”   Weight: 304

Prelude:

A consensus All-American and SEC Player of the Year as a senior in college (where he gained his nickname “The Minister of Defense”), White started his pro career in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats in 1984. In two seasons, he garnered 23.5 sacks and then left the ill-fated spring league for the Eagles, who had taken him in the first round of the ’84 NFL Supplemental draft. He joined Philadelphia early in the 1985 season and had 13 sacks in 13 games (between the spring USFL season and the fall NFL campaign, he played in a total of 31 contests in ‘85). Quickly establishing himself as a dominant player at his position, White had 18 sacks in 1986 and was a consensus first-team All-Pro and was chosen for the Pro Bowl. In ’87, he achieved NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors as he recorded 21 sacks, just missing the existing league record, and despite being limited to 12 games due to the players’ strike. White again led the NFL in sacks with 18 in 1988. He remained with the Eagles through 1992 and was a consensus first-team All-Pro selection for six straight years and was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls. The leader of an outstanding defensive unit, White also became a vocal critic of the team’s front office and left to sign with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent in 1993. He went to five more Pro Bowls through 1997and was a consensus All-Pro choice in ’95 while receiving first- or second-team consideration on three other occasions. The Packers also won two NFC titles and the Super Bowl following the ’96 season.

1998 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 16 [2, 1^st in NFC]

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. Tampa Bay 9/13, vs. San Francisco 11/1

Multi-sack games – 5

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 4

Tackles – 33

Assists – 13

Postseason: 1 G (NFC Wild Card playoff at San Francisco)

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Packers went 11-5 to finish second in the NFC Central and qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card. Lost NFC Wild Card playoff to San Francisco 49ers (30-27).

Aftermath:

White retired for a year in 1999 but returned for one more season with the Carolina Panthers in 2000. He finished his career as the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks at the time with 198 and reached double figures in 12 seasons. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection eight times (twice with the Packers) and was chosen to the Pro Bowl after 13 straight years (the last six with Green Bay). White’s #92 was retired by both the Eagles and Packers and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2006.

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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). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

1969: Eagles Trade Bob Brown to Rams

On May 12, 1969 star OT Bob Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles came to new GM Pete Retzlaff’s office and demanded to be traded. He was accommodated later that very day. Brown was sent to the Los Angeles Rams along with another disgruntled player, DB Jim Nettles, for OT Joe Carollo, G Don Chuy, and DB Irv Cross.

“I am so ecstatic I can hardly find words to describe my feelings,” said Brown. “I just feel great.”

“Bob Brown is the finest offensive lineman in pro football,” declared Rams Head Coach George Allen. “With Brown and Charlie Cowan, the Rams will have the finest set of offensive tackles in the game.”

Coach Allen’s enthusiasm seemed appropriate, for the 6’4”, 295-pound Brown was widely considered to be one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. He had been Philadelphia’s first draft pick in 1964 (second overall) out of Nebraska and the Eagles outbid the AFL’s Denver Broncos for his services. He moved into the starting lineup despite suffering from a tonsil infection that caused him to lose weight. Recovered and up over 290 pounds in ’65, Brown was a consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl selection for the first of two straight years. Fast and aggressive, he earned the nickname “The Boomer” for his ferocious style of play. Even on passing plays, he was inclined to plow into opposing pass rushers rather than drop back.

“I’m not a finesse lineman like a lot of tackles in this league,” explained Brown. “There’s nothing fancy about me. I’m about as fancy as a sixteen-pound sledge hammer. I’m basic.”

In the eighth game of the 1967 season, Brown suffered torn tendons in his right knee and was knocked out of action for the rest of the year. It broke a string of 50 straight starts going back to his rookie season. He underwent surgery and his weight dropped to 250 pounds. However, he regained both his weight and his form with the 2-12 Eagles, once again receiving All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition. Unlike many of the veteran players on the team who actively disliked GM/Head Coach Joe Kuharich, Brown had a great deal of respect for him and, with his ouster following the ’68 season, he determined to leave the club.

There were plenty of questions asked in the wake of the trade as to whether the Eagles had adequately filled Brown’s spot on the offensive line. There was certainly no long-term return from the three players that were received.

Joe Carollo, a product of Notre Dame, was 6’2” and 252 pounds and had played seven years in the NFL. He had never missed a game with the Rams, was selected to the Pro Bowl in ’68, and appeared in every contest over two seasons with the Eagles before returning to LA. Carollo was consistent, but not nearly as distinguished as the player he replaced at right tackle.

The 6’1”, 255-pound Don Chuy was in his sixth season out of Clemson. A native of Nutley, NJ he was capable of playing from either guard position and had expressed a desire to be traded. Chuy had lost his starting job to Tom Mack after injury-plagued seasons in 1966 and ’67. His career came to a premature end during the 1969 season when he suffered a shoulder injury and was then found to have a blood clot in his lung that forced his retirement (he would go on to successfully sue the Eagles after the team physician was reported in the media as saying he had a fatal blood disease).

Irv Cross was returning to the club that originally drafted him and for which he had played with distinction for five years, but while Cross had twice been a Pro Bowl performer, he was now nearing the end of his career. It was anticipated that he might even retire to join the new coaching staff, and he was a player/coach in 1969 before becoming exclusively an assistant coach in ’70.

As for Brown, he continued to excel with the Rams. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in both 1969 and ’70 as well as receiving Pro Bowl honors. Los Angeles was a more successful team than the Eagles, winning the Coastal Division with an 11-3 record in ’69 and going a respectable 9-4-1 in 1970. But contract difficulties caused LA to deal the star tackle to the Oakland Raiders after two seasons.

Brown made an immediate impression on his new teammates by shattering a wooden training camp goal post with his forearms, and he gained Pro Bowl honors one last time in 1971. However, chronic knee problems became more of an issue. While he made a quick recovery from surgery during the ’71 season, his return to action was probably too quick and he again underwent surgery afterward. Two years later, at age 32, his career was over. It was a notable career, for sure, as he was a first-team All-Pro following five of his ten seasons and gained selection to the Pro Bowl six times. He was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2004.

The other player the Eagles sent to LA, Jim Nettles, played four years, appearing at cornerback and safety, and intercepted 16 passes. He was primarily a backup during his time with the Rams.

Rookie of the Year: Clinton Portis, 2002

Running Back, Denver Broncos

Age: 21

College: Miami (FL)

Height: 5’11” Weight: 205

Prelude:

After gaining 2523 rushing yards in three college seasons, Portis chose to enter the NFL draft following his junior year. The Broncos selected him in the second round and, while there were concerns about his lack of ideal size, he made up for it with his breakaway speed. Portis came on strong in the second half of the season on the way to setting a team rookie record for rushing yards and also showed ability as a receiver out of the backfield.

2002 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 273 [14]

Most attempts, game – 26 (for 111 yds.) at New England 10/27

Yards – 1508 [4]

Most yards, game – 228 yards (on 24 carries) vs. Arizona 12/29

Average gain – 5.5 [3]

TDs – 15 [4]

200-yard rushing games – 1

100-yard rushing games – 8

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 33      

Most receptions, game – 6 (for 67 yds.) vs. Miami 10/13

Yards – 364

Most yards, game – 75 (on 3 catches) vs. Kansas City 12/15

Average gain – 11.0

TDs – 2

All-Purpose yards – 1872 [9]

Scoring

TDs – 17 [3, tied with Ricky Williams]

Points – 102 [20, tied with Ricky Williams]

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: Sporting News

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

Broncos went 9-7 to finish second in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Portis achieved Pro Bowl recognition in 2003 as he rushed for 1591 yards, again averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scoring 14 TDs. Bucking for a new contract after gaining 3099 yards in his first two seasons, he was sent to the Washington Redskins in a blockbuster trade for CB Champ Bailey. While Portis gained 1315 rushing yards in ’04, his average gain dropped to 3.8 yards, but he improved to 1516 yards and 4.3 yards per carry in 2005. Injuries limited him to eight games and 523 yards in ’06 and while he came back to gain 1262 yards on a league-leading 325 carries and caught a career-high 47 passes in 2007, he was showing signs of wear. A fast start in ’08 ended with a slow finish as Portis gained 1487 yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time. He played in just 13 games over the next two injury-riddled years, finishing up in 2010 with a total of 9923 yards on 2230 carries (4.4 avg.) and 247 catches for 2018 yards while scoring a total of 80 touchdowns.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Chuck Foreman, 1974

Fullback, Minnesota Vikings

Age: 24 (Oct. 26)

2^nd season in pro football & with Vikings

College: Miami (FL)

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 207

Prelude:

Seeking an upgrade at running back, the Vikings took Foreman in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft (12^th overall). In college, he had played in the defensive backfield and at wide receiver as well as running back and excelled, setting school records for total yards, scoring, touchdowns, and kickoff return yards. As a rookie in ’73, he rushed for 801 yards on 182 carries, caught 37 passes for 362 more yards, and received Rookie of the Year as well as Pro Bowl honors.

1974 Season Summary

Appeared in 13 of 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 199 [10]

Most attempts, game – 23 (for 72 yds.) at Dallas 10/6

Yards – 777 [11]

Most yards, game – 83 yards (on 13 carries) at Detroit 9/22

Average gain – 3.9

TDs – 9 [3, tied with Sam Cunningham, Larry Csonka & Otis Armstrong]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 53 [8] 

Most receptions, game – 9 (for 88 yds.) at LA Rams 11/24

Yards – 586 [18]

Most yards, game – 131 (on 5 catches) at Dallas 10/6

Average gain – 11.1

TDs – 6 [6, tied with five others]

100-yard receiving games – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 1

Yards – 30

Average – 30.0

TDs – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1393 [9]

Scoring

TDs – 15 [1]

Points – 90 [4, tied with John Smith]

Postseason: 3 G

Rushing attempts – 57

Most rushing attempts, game - 23 vs. St. Louis, NFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – 212

Most rushing yards, game - 114 vs. St. Louis, NFC Divisional playoff

Average gain rushing – 3.7

Rushing TDs – 1

Pass receptions – 10

Most pass receptions, game - 5 vs. St. Louis, NFC Divisional playoff; vs. Pittsburgh, Super Bowl

Pass receiving yards - 104

Most pass receiving yards, game – 54 vs. St. Louis, NFC Divisional playoff

Average yards per reception – 10.4

Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:

NFC Player of the Year: Sporting News

2^nd team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA

1^st team All-NFC: AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Vikings went 10-4 to finish first in the NFC Central. Won NFC Divisional playoff over St. Louis Cardinals (30-14) and NFC Championship over Los Angeles Rams (14-10). Lost Super Bowl to Pittsburgh Steelers (16-6).

Aftermath:

Foreman was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons and received first- or second-team All-NFL honors every year from 1974 to ’77. Outstanding as a receiver out of the backfield as well as a ball carrier, Foreman totaled over a thousand yards from scrimmage in each of his first six years and had over a thousand yards in rushing alone for three straight seasons (1975-77). He led the NFL in pass receptions (73) and NFC in touchdowns (22) in 1975, and was league leader in TDs again in ‘76. His productivity dropped significantly after 1977 and he finished his career with the New England Patriots in 1980. Overall, Foreman rushed for 5950 yards on 1556 carries (3.8 avg.), caught 350 passes for 3156 more yards, and scored a total of 76 TDs. 

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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). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.