1962: Starr’s 5 TD Passes Lead Packers to Win Over College All-Stars

The 29^th College All-Star Game on August 3, 1962 featured the Green Bay Packers, NFL Champions of the previous season, facing a group of All-Stars under the direction of Otto Graham, who was back at the helm for the fifth consecutive year.

Coached by Vince Lombardi, the Packers had the league’s most prolific scorer, HB Paul Hornung, plus FB Jim Taylor to fuel the running attack and QB Bart Starr (pictured at right) was an accurate passer, all operating behind an outstanding line. The defense was also strong from front to back and contained players coming off of All-Pro performances such as DT Henry Jordan, OLB Bill Forester, and CB Jesse Whittenton.

The All-Stars had future pro standouts on the roster that included QB John Hadl and HB Curtis McClinton of Kansas, QB Roman Gabriel from North Carolina State, HB Lance Alworth of Arkansas, and Utah State DT Merlin Olsen. However, they were missing two running backs due to illness: Baylor HB Ronnie Bull and, far more seriously, HB Ernie Davis, the Heisman Trophy winner from Syracuse, who was in the early stages of the leukemia that, tragically, would end his life the following year.

There were 65,000 fans in attendance on a 79-degree Friday night at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The All-Stars took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards in 13 plays with John Hadl behind center. Hadl, typically rolling out to take advantage of his mobility, completed all four of his passes along the way, including one that was partially deflected by DE Willie Davis but was still hauled in by Lance Alworth for a 22-yard gain. FB Earl Gros from LSU (who was also Green Bay’s first-round draft pick) dove into the end zone from a yard out on a third down play for a touchdown. Greg Mather of Navy added the extra point.

CB Herb Adderley returned the ensuing kickoff 33 yards and the Packers responded with a 67-yard scoring series in seven plays, although hindered by two holding penalties. Bart Starr completed three passes to flanker Boyd Dowler, for 49, 26, and 22 yards, the last of which was good for a TD. Paul Hornung converted to tie the score at 7-7.

That was it until midway through the second quarter when the All-Stars got a break on a turnover. HB Lew Carpenter of the Packers fumbled a punt and Kentucky center Irv Goode recovered at the Green Bay 27. The turnover resulted in three running plays and a 26-yard Mather field goal that put that collegians back in front by 10-7.

Once again it appeared that the Packers would respond with a score until Notre Dame CB Angelo Dabiero intercepted a Starr pass intended for split end Max McGee at the goal line and returned it 37 yards. However, any hopes the All-Stars had of adding to their lead were extinguished when LB Dan Currie picked off a sideline pass by Roman Gabriel and ran it back 31 yards to the All-Star 27. With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Starr connected with Dowler for 23 yards down the middle and then, rolling out to his right, fired a pass to TE Ron Kramer for a four-yard touchdown. Hornung added the PAT and the Packers were ahead by 14-10 at the half. Neither team had distinguished itself on the ground in the first thirty minutes of play, with Green Bay, known for its outstanding running game, gaining just 17 yards and the All-Stars, who had 104 yards through the air, being held to a net total of minus one yard.

Once again the pro champs turned the ball over on a kick when Adderley fumbled the second half kickoff and Oregon State HB Hank Rivera recovered and returned it to the Green Bay 25. Following a run by Gros for three yards, Hadl threw to Ohio State end Charlie Bryant, who outmaneuvered SS John Symank for a 22-yard TD. With the successful Mather conversion, the All-Stars were once again in the lead by a 17-14 margin.

The Packers came back with a 10-play, 67-yard drive. Starr hit Dowler (pictured at left) for a 22-yard touchdown and, with Hornung’s kick, Green Bay was back in front by 21-17. A personal foul helped the All-Stars along on their next possession that reached the Green Bay three before the defense held and Mather kicked a 14-yard field goal to make it a one-point contest. 

Up by just 21-20 heading into the fourth quarter, the Packers finally pulled away in the final period. It started on the second play of the quarter when Starr completed a five-play, 64-yard series with a touchdown pass to McGee from 20 yards out and Hornung booted the point after.

Shortly thereafter, a 28-yard punt return by FS Willie Wood gave Green Bay the ball in All-Star territory and it took just two plays to score again. Starr passed to McGee along the sideline for a play that covered 35 yards for a TD. Hornung converted once again.

The All-Stars had to turn the ball over on downs and, with their reserves in the game, the Packers advanced to one more score, going 44 yards in 10 plays. The drive was helped along by a roughing-the-kicker call on a McGee punt. HB Elijah Pitts, just returned from Army duty, capped the scoring with a three-yard carry around end with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. Hornung kicked his game-record sixth extra point and what had been a close game for three quarters resulted in a 42-20 win for the Packers.

Green Bay led in total yards (380 to 237) and first downs (16 to 11). The Packers turned the ball over three times, to two suffered by the collegians.

Bart Starr completed 13 of 22 passes for 255 years and his five touchdown passes set an All-Star Game record. John Hadl (pictured at right), who was named MVP for the All-Stars, completed 6 of 10 passes and averaged 48.8 yards on five punts.

The win by the Packers gave the pro champs a lead of 19 to 8 in the series, with two ties, and it was the third for Green Bay. They went on to repeat as NFL Champions in 1962, going 13-1 to top the Western Conference and then defeating the Giants for the second straight year in the league title contest.

John Hadl joined the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League and went on to a 16-year pro career, also spending time with the Rams, Packers, and Oilers and throwing for 33,503 yards and 244 touchdowns. He was selected to four AFL All-Star Games and two Pro Bowls.

Highlighted Year: Mike Ditka, 1962

Tight End, Chicago Bears

Age: 23 (Oct. 18)

2^nd season in pro football & with Bears

College: Pittsburgh

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 230

Prelude:

Ditka was a three-sport athlete in college (baseball and basketball were the others). He led the team in pass receiving three times and was a consensus first-team All-American as a senior. Ditka also played linebacker and defensive end with distinction and punted, setting the tone for his later pro career with his competitive fury and hard-nosed playing style as well as being a skillful performer. He was chosen by the Bears with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft (he was chosen by the Houston Oilers of the AFL, also in the first round) and quickly became a key player on offense at tight end with his ability as a receiver as well as blocker. He caught 56 passes for 1076 yards (19.2 avg.) and 12 touchdowns in ’61 and, in addition to receiving Rookie of the Year honors from UPI and The Sporting News, was also a first-team All-NFL selection of NEA and The Sporting News and was chosen to the Pro Bowl.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 58 [5, tied with Tommy McDonald & Johnny Morris]    

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 132 yds.) vs. San Francisco 10/14

Yards – 904 [10]

Most yards, game – 155 (on 6 catches) vs. LA Rams 12/9

Average gain – 15.6 [19]

TDs – 5 [18, tied with five others]

100-yard receiving games - 4

Scoring

TDs – 6

Points – 36

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: UPI, NEA

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-Western Conference: Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Bears went 9-5 to finish third in the NFL Western Conference.   

Aftermath:

Ditka was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the next three seasons and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1963, when the Bears won the NFL Championship, and ’64, when he caught a career-high 75 passes. He did much to define the newly-evolved position of tight end with his outstanding combination of skills. After a contract dispute fouled his relations with Chicago’s owner and head coach, George Halas, Ditka was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967, but accumulated wear-and-tear caused his production to drop off during two injury-plagued seasons. After catching 316 passes for 4503 yards and 34 TDs in six years with the Bears, he had just 39 receptions for 385 yards and four TDs in 20 games for the Eagles. Traded again to Dallas, Ditka split time in his last four seasons. He had 30 catches in 1971, a year in which he also caught a touchdown pass in a winning Super Bowl appearance. Ditka retired into coaching after the ’72 season, having caught a total of 427 passes for 5812 yards and 43 TDs. His greatest years came with the Bears, where he was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection twice, received at least second-team recognition after four other seasons, and was named to the Pro Bowl five straight times. He later became head coach of the Bears, leading them to a NFL title in 1985, and also was head coach of the Saints. Ditka’s #89 was retired by the Bears and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1988.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Timmy Brown, 1962

Halfback, Philadelphia Eagles

Age: 25

4^th season in pro football, 3^rd active with Eagles

College: Ball State

Height: 5’10” Weight: 190

Prelude:

Brown went to college on a basketball scholarship but played football well enough to draw the interest of the Green Bay Packers, who chose him in the 27^th round of the 1959 NFL draft. He was cut following the season’s first game and was signed to Philadelphia’s taxi squad. Brown was a backup halfback and kick returner for the ’60 squad that won the NFL title and saw more action in 1961, when he took the opening kickoff of the season 105 yards for a touchdown. In limited play on offense, he rushed for 338 yards and averaged 18.9 yards on his 14 catches. Returning kickoffs, Brown had a 28.0 average on 28 returns with a TD, and one of his eight punt returns was for a touchdown as well. While there were doubts as to whether he could be an every-down back, he got his chance to start during the ’62 season when HB Ted Dean suffered a broken leg.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 137 [12, tied with Clarence Peaks]

Most attempts, game – 17 (for 107 yds.) vs. Dallas 11/25

Yards – 545 [11]

Most yards, game – 107 yards (on 17 carries) vs. Dallas 11/25

Average gain – 4.0 [15]

TDs – 5 [11, tied with six others]

100-yard rushing games – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 52 [12]

Most receptions, game – 9 (for 160 yds.) vs. NY Giants 9/23

Yards – 849 [13]

Most yards, game – 199 (on 5 catches) at St. Louis 12/16

Average gain – 16.3 [17]

TDs – 6 [11, tied with six others]

100-yard receiving games – 3

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 30 [3]

Yards – 831 [3]

Most yards, game – 117 (on 4 ret.) at NY Giants 11/18

Average per return – 27.7 [5]

TDs – 1 [1, tied with four others]

Longest return – 99 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 6

Yards – 81 [11, tied with Dick Bass]

Average per return – 13.5

TDs – 0

Longest return – 38 yards

All-Purpose yards – 2306 [1]

Scoring

TDs – 13 [5]

Points – 78 [8]

Awards & Honors:

Pro Bowl

Eagles went 3-10-1 to finish seventh in the NFL Eastern Conference while leading the league in passing yards (3385).

Aftermath:

Having set a NFL record for all-purpose yards in 1962, Brown exceeded it in ’63 by gaining 2428 yards (841 rushing, 487 pass receiving, 945 returning kickoffs, 152 on punt returns). Fast with surprising power and an excellent receiver out of the backfield, he scored 11 touchdowns and received consensus second-team All-NFL honors as well as another selection to the Pro Bowl. Brown suffered a thigh injury that cost him four games during the 1964 season but returned to rush for a career-high 861 yards in ’65 while averaging a league-leading 5.4 yards-per-carry. He also caught 50 passes for 682 yards and was again chosen to the Pro Bowl as well as receiving second-team All-NFL recognition. The offensive numbers dropped in 1966 but he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in a game against the Cowboys, becoming the first player in league history to do so. A hamstring injury cost him the early part of the ’67 season and further reduced his effectiveness, and he was traded to the Baltimore Colts for 1968, where he played one final season as a backup halfback and kick returner. Overall, Brown rushed for 3862 yards on 889 carries (4.3 avg.) and 31 TDs (850 attempts for 3703 yards and 29 TDs coming with the Eagles), caught 235 passes for 3399 yards (14.5 avg.) and 26 TDs, (231 for 3346 yards and all of the TDs with Philadelphia), returned 71 punts for a 9.0 average and one TD, and 184 kickoffs for a 26.0 average and five TDs (55 punt returns for 9.3 yards and 169 kickoff returns for 26.5 yards and all of the return TDs with the Eagles). He gained a total of 12,684 all-purpose yards, scored 64 touchdowns (12,049 yards and 62 TDs with the Eagles), and was chosen to three Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Frank Clarke, 1962

Flanker, Dallas Cowboys

Age: 28

6^th season in pro football, 3^rd with Cowboys

College: Colorado

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Clarke was the first African-American to play varsity football at Colorado and, in a run-oriented single-wing offense, caught 20 passes for 532 yards, an average of 26.6 yards per catch. He was chosen as a future pick by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1956 NFL draft and joined the club in ’57. In three years as a backup with the Browns, Clarke caught 10 passes for 212 yards and he moved on to the expansion Cowboys for 1960. He broke out in 1961 with 41 catches for 919 yards and a league-leading 22.4-yard average while scoring nine touchdowns.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in 12 of 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 47 [18, tied with Jim Brown & Alex Webster]     

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 241 yds.) vs. Washington 9/16

Yards – 1043 [5]

Most yards, game – 241 (on 10 catches) vs. Washington 9/16

Average gain – 22.2 [1]

TDs – 14 [1]

200-yard receiving games – 1

100-yard receiving games – 4

Scoring

TDs – 14 [4]

Points – 84 [7]

Cowboys went 5-8-1 to finish fifth in the NFL Eastern Conference while ranking second in the league in touchdowns (51) and scoring (398 points, tied with the New York Giants).

Aftermath:

Clarke followed up in 1963 with 43 catches for 833 yards (19.4 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. He achieved a career-high with 65 receptions in ’64, for 973 yards (15.0 avg.) and five TDs, and received first-team All-NFL recognition from the Associated Press and New York Daily News. Shifted to tight end in 1965, Clarke caught 41 passes for 682 yards (16.6 avg.) and four TDs. His production declined sharply in 1966 and ’67, his last two seasons. Overall, Clarke ended up with 291 catches for 5426 yards (18.6 avg.) and 50 touchdowns, with 281 receptions for 5214 yards and all of the TDs coming with the Cowboys. His 14 touchdown catches in 1962 remained the club record until 2007.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1962: Eagles Trade Billy Barnes to Redskins in Four-Player Deal

On March 21, 1962 the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins made a four-player trade, with the Eagles sending HB Billy Barnes (pictured at right) and safety Bobby Freeman to Washington in exchange for C Jim Schrader and CB Ben Scotti.

The teams were in significantly different situations following the 1961 season. The Eagles had been NFL Champions in 1960 and, while they had lost both Head Coach Buck Shaw and QB Norm Van Brocklin to retirement, contended in ‘61 while featuring the league’s most productive offense. The Redskins, cellar dwellers in ‘60, had suffered through a dreadful 1961 season with the league’s poorest attack while compiling a 1-12-1 record. A rookie, Norm Snead, started at quarterback and experienced a rough trial by fire. HB Dick James led the team in rushing with just 374 yards and FB Don Bosseler, once a productive ball carrier, suffered through an injury-riddled season and gained 220 yards.

Washington’s transaction with the Eagles followed the momentous December trade of the rights to first draft choice Ernie Davis, the Heisman Trophy-winning halfback out of Syracuse, to Cleveland for halfbacks Bobby Mitchell, a savvy veteran of four years, and Leroy Jackson, a sprinter out of Western Illinois who had been a first round draft pick by the Browns (and who thus became the first African-American players for the Redskins, along with RB/DB Ron Hatcher, who was drafted in the eighth round and signed before their acquisition). While Davis was a powerful runner (and who tragically never played in the NFL, dying of leukemia at age 23), the Redskins hoped to make good use of Mitchell’s and Jackson’s speed.

Billy Barnes (often referred to with his middle name included as Billy Ray Barnes) was stocky and not especially fast but played with great determination. He had been chosen in the second round of the 1957 NFL draft out of Wake Forest and was selected to the Pro Bowl after each of his first three seasons. High-spirited off the field but a fierce competitor on it, QB Norm Van Brocklin nicknamed Barnes “the Boiler” because his face would turn red during games. He rushed for a high of 687 yards on 181 carries (3.8 avg.) in 1959 and had his best year as a pass receiver out of the backfield in ’58 with 35 catches for 423 yards (12.1 avg.). His production had dropped in both 1960 and ’61 due to a knee injury and the presence of young halfbacks Ted Dean and Timmy Brown made him available to the Redskins. In five seasons with the Eagles, Barnes rushed for 3421 yards and gained another 1786 yards on 153 catches, scoring a total of 28 touchdowns.

The key to the deal for Philadelphia was Jim Schrader (pictured at left), who filled a need at center, thus freeing up Chuck Bednarik, who moved between center and linebacker, to move back to the defense full-time. Schrader had been a college star at Notre Dame and started 64 straight games at center for the Redskins, garnering three Pro Bowl selections, including one following the ’61 season.

As for Bobby Freeman and Ben Scotti, it was an exchange of defensive backs that were expected to start for their respective teams. Freeman had been a third round draft pick of the Browns in 1955 who moved on to Green Bay in ’59 and was acquired by the Eagles during the 1960 preseason. He was a starting safety as the team went on to win the NFL title that year, and his key interception in a crucial contest against the Giants was a notable highlight along the way. Scotti was undrafted out of Maryland in 1959 and spent three years with Washington. Freeman ended up playing just one more season while Scotti intercepted four passes in ’62, although his performance was uneven and he split time with Mike McClellan. He was released during the 1963 season following a vicious off-field fight with a teammate, DT John Mellekas, and moved on to the 49ers.

Barnes moved into the lineup at halfback while Bobby Mitchell was converted to flanker (with outstanding results). He led the club in rushing with 492 yards on 159 carries (3.1 avg.) while catching 14 passes for 220 yards (15.7 avg.) despite being limited to ten games by injury. It was an adequate performance while Mitchell led the league with 72 pass receptions for 1384 yards and 11 touchdowns. Washington got off to a 4-0-2 start before collapsing during the second half of the season and finishing at 5-7-2 (putting them ahead of the injury-riddled Eagles, who replaced Washington in the cellar of the Eastern Conference with a 3-10-1 record).

While unhappy with his contract, Barnes played another year for the Redskins, with lesser returns, and after suffering an injury during the preseason, was released and missed all of 1964. He was with Minnesota in 1965 and ’66, where Van Brocklin was now the head coach, for his last two seasons. Overall in Washington, Barnes ran for 866 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and caught 29 passes for 476 yards, scoring a total of nine touchdowns. 

Schrader spent the last three years of his career with the Eagles, starting at center in 1962 and ’63 and then backing up Jim Ringo after the future Hall of Famer was obtained from the Packers in ’64. Knee problems caused his performance to drop off during his time in Philadelphia and he failed to play at the anticipated level.

1962: Tittle’s 4 TD Passes Propel Giants Past Steelers

The New York Giants, defending champions of the NFL Eastern Conference, were 1-1 as they met the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had the same record, on September 30, 1962. In their second year under Head Coach Allie Sherman, the Giants were an outstanding passing team, with a rejuvenated QB Y.A. Tittle (pictured at right), in his 15^th pro season but second in New York, throwing to split end Del Shofner and Frank Gifford, once a star halfback but, following a year missed due to injury, back as a flanker. The ground game was led by 31-year-old FB Alex Webster, operating behind a good veteran line. The defense was also experienced and a tough and cohesive unit.

Pittsburgh, coached by Buddy Parker for a sixth season, still had QB Bobby Layne, who was a worn but savvy veteran. The offense also featured FB John Henry Johnson and split end Buddy Dial while the defensive line was anchored by DT Ernie Stautner. However, Pittsburgh’s normally good corps of linebackers was depleted by injury and Parker started only two against the Giants, George Tarasovic and Tom Bettis, until Ken Kirk joined them midway through the second quarter while Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, normally a defensive tackle, lined up at middle guard.

There were 40,916 fans in attendance on a sunny afternoon at Pitt Stadium. Pittsburgh had first possession and drove 84 yards in 12 plays, the highlight of which was a 36-yard carry by John Henry Johnson. HB Joe Womack ran for the last seven yards and a touchdown. Lou Michaels added the extra point and the Steelers held the early 7-0 advantage.

The Giants responded with a good drive of their own, but it stalled in Pittsburgh territory and Don Chandler kicked a 23-yard field goal. CB Brady Keys returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards with a sensational run to give the Steelers good field position at the New York 40. A two-yard loss on an end-around was followed by a 15-yard penalty against the Giants for defensive holding. Bobby Layne (pictured at left) finished the series off with a throw to flanker Red Mack in the corner of the end zone for a 28-yard TD. Michaels again converted and the home team was up by a 14-3 lead at the end of a quarter of play.

Early in the second quarter, safety Jim Patton intercepted a Layne pass and returned it ten yards to the Pittsburgh 38. The Giants advanced to the two, but after being backed up five yards by a penalty, Y.A. Tittle threw to HB Paul Dudley for an 11-yard touchdown. Chandler added the PAT and Pittsburgh’s lead was narrowed to 14-10.

Once again Keys made an outstanding kickoff return for the Steelers, running it back 57 yards this time to the New York 39. They moved inside the ten but they lost sizable yardage to a holding penalty and sack, and settled for a 41-yard Michaels field goal.

In the final two minutes of the half, the Giants came up with a big play when Tittle connected with Alex Webster (pictured at right) on a screen pass, and he went the distance for a 58-yard touchdown. Chandler’s extra point tied the score at 17-17.

The Steelers fought back in what proved to be a wild close to the first half. End Harlon Hill dropped a pass at the New York two and Michaels attempted a 53-yard field goal that was blocked, but HB Dick Hoak recovered for Pittsburgh and ran to the New York 17. With the clock down to seven seconds, the Steelers again lined up for an apparent kick, but instead tried a fake. The resulting pass by holder and backup QB Ed Brown was intercepted in the end zone by safety Allan Webb and the score remained tied at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Keys intercepted a Tittle pass at his own 43 and the Steelers took advantage as Michaels capped the ensuing series with a 33-yard field goal. The home team was back in front by 20-17. 

New York responded with a scoring drive of its own. Tittle passed the Giants down the field and threw to a well-covered Frank Gifford, who pulled the pass away from safety Clendon Thomas for a 27-yard TD. Chandler’s conversion put the visitors in front for the first time by a score of 21-20. The Steelers threatened again late in the period, but a Michaels field goal try from 42 yards was short.

In the early seconds of the fourth quarter, Tittle threw to split end Del Shofner for a 16-yard touchdown. The Steelers fought back, helped by penalties on New York for roughing the passer and pass interference, and Johnson leaped the last yard for a TD. Michaels was good on the extra point to put Pittsburgh four points behind.

As the time wound down in the game, and with the home crowd cheering wildly, the Steelers again drove into scoring position. But after reaching the New York 16, a Layne pass into the end zone that was intended for Buddy Dial was instead intercepted by CB Erich Barnes to seal the 31-27 win for the Giants.

New York accumulated the most total yards (427 to 317) although the Steelers held the edge in first downs (23 to 19). Pittsburgh did a good job defensively against New York’s running game, at least until the fourth quarter, holding the Giants to 95 yards on 27 attempts while gaining 175 yards themselves. However, the Steelers also turned the ball over three times, including the climactic interception in the fourth quarter, to one suffered by New York. The Giants also recorded three sacks while Pittsburgh had none.

Y.A. Tittle completed 17 of 29 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns while giving up one interception. Alex Webster led the Giants with 77 rushing yards on nine carries and also in pass receiving with 5 catches for 101 yards and a TD. Frank Gifford gained 99 yards on four receptions that included a score. 

  

For the Steelers, Bobby Layne was successful on 12 of 23 throws for 166 yards and a TD as well as two interceptions. John Henry Johnson rushed for 113 yards on 20 attempts that included a touchdown. TE Preston Carpenter had 5 receptions for 44 yards while Buddy Dial accumulated 70 yards on his four catches. Brady Keys (pictured below) averaged 36.8 yards on five kickoff returns that included two of 55 and 57 yards.

Two weeks later, the teams met again at Yankee Stadium and Pittsburgh prevailed, but it was the only loss for the Giants the rest of the way. New York posted a 12-2 record to again top the Eastern Conference, although the Giants still came up short against Green Bay in the NFL title game. The Steelers were a mediocre 3-4 at the season’s halfway point before catching fire and winning six of their last seven games to place second in the conference at 9-5. They appeared in the Playoff Bowl, the postseason exhibition game for second place teams during that era, and lost to Detroit.

Y.A. Tittle received MVP honors from United Press International as well as consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl recognition as he passed for 3224 yards and a league-record 33 touchdown passes (Houston’s George Blanda passed for 36 in the AFL in 1961, a mark that Tittle would match in ’63). Alex Webster rushed for 743 yards on 207 carries (3.6 avg.) and caught 47 passes for another 477 yards (10.1 avg.), for 1220 yards from scrimmage and a total of nine TDs.

In his last season, Bobby Layne threw for 1686 yards and nine touchdowns and left the NFL as the career leader in several major passing categories. John Henry Johnson enjoyed a big year in his ninth season, rushing for 1141 yards and gaining selection to the Pro Bowl.

Highlighted Year: Herb Adderley, 1962

Cornerback, Green Bay Packers

Age: 23

2^nd season in pro football & with Packers

College: Michigan State

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 205

Prelude:

Adderley was an All-Big 10 back in college and was chosen by the Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft (12^th overall; he was picked by the New York Titans in the second round of the corresponding AFL draft). Projected to be a halfback on offense, his career started slowly as he suffered an injury during the preseason and was used only for kickoff returns, although he performed well in that role and averaged 26.6 yards on 18 returns. A late-season injury to CB Hank Gremminger provided a shot for Adderley on defense, and he made the most of it. Heading into 1962, he was the regular left cornerback.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 7 [3, tied with five others]

Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Minnesota 9/16

Int. return yards – 132 [5, tied with Willie Wood]

Most int. return yards, game – 50 (on 1 int.) vs. Chicago 9/30

Int. TDs – 1 [1, tied with eleven others]

Fumble recoveries – 4

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 15 [19]

Yards – 418 [17]

Most yards, game – 103 (on 1 ret.) vs. Baltimore 11/18

Average per return – 27.9 [3]

TDs – 1 [1, tied with four others]

Longest return – 103 yards

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Postseason: 1 G (NFL Championship at NY Giants)

Interceptions – 0

Kickoff returns – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, UPI

2^nd team All-NFL: NEA

Packers went 13-1 to finish first in the NFL Western Conference while leading the league in interceptions (31), fewest passing yards allowed (1746), and fewest points allowed (148). Won NFL Championship over New York Giants (16-7).

Aftermath:

Adderley had another outstanding season in 1963, again gaining consensus All-NFL honors as well as being selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of five straight years. Fast enough to play loose in coverage, he was also an instinctive ball hawk who could tackle. In all, he appeared in five NFL Championship games with the Packers and the first two Super Bowls. His 60-yard interception return for a TD in Super Bowl II helped nail down Green Bay’s win over the Raiders.  Adderley moved on to the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 and, in three years with the team, it reached the Super Bowl twice and won once, making him part of six championship teams over the course of his 12-year career. Overall, Adderley intercepted 48 passes (39 with the Packers), seven of which he returned for touchdowns. He also averaged 25.7 yards on 120 kickoff returns, two of which were TDs. Adderley was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection four times, received at least second-team honors after three other seasons, and was chosen to the Pro Bowl five times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1980.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Rookie of the Year: Ronnie Bull, 1962

Halfback, Chicago Bears

Age: 22

College: Baylor

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

An all-purpose star in college, where he gained 1990 yards from scrimmage, Bull was taken by the Bears in the first round of the 1962 NFL draft (seventh overall; he was also chosen third overall by the Dallas Texans of the AFL). With veteran Willie Galimore a fixture at halfback, Bull started the season as a defensive back and saw scant action, but was shifted to offense when Galimore went down with a knee injury.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 113 [19, tied with Tom Watkins]

Most attempts, game - 18 (for 72 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/9

Yards – 363

Most yards, game – 72 yards (on 18 carries) vs. LA Rams 12/9

Average gain – 3.2

TDs – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 31      

Most receptions, game – 6 (for 90 yds.) at Dallas 11/18

Yards – 331

Most yards, game - 90 (on 6 catches) at Dallas 11/18

Average gain – 10.7

TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 9

Yards – 235

Average per return – 26.1

TDs – 0

Longest return – 35 yards

All-Purpose yards – 929

Passing

Attempts – 3

Completions – 0

Yards – 0

TDs – 0

INT – 0

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: UPI, Sporting News

Bears went 9-5 to finish third in the NFL Western Conference.

Aftermath:

Bull followed up in 1963 by splitting time with Galimore and rushing for 404 yards on a career-high 117 carries while the defense carried the Bears to the NFL Championship. The arrival of HB Jon Arnett from the Rams cut into Bull’s playing time in ’64, and with outstanding HB Gale Sayers joining the team in 1965, he was used more at fullback. So it remained through 1970, a total of nine seasons with the Bears, as Bull split time with other backs. He lacked ideal speed at halfback and, with his blocking ability, was more successful at fullback, although he was small for the position. His highest rushing total was 472 yards, on 107 attempts, in 1968 when he played in tandem with HB Brian Piccolo after Sayers went down with a knee injury. Bull was with the Eagles for one last season in 1971, where he led the club in rushing but with just 351 yards. Overall, he ran for 3222 yards (2871 with the Bears) while averaging 3.7 yards per carry and caught 172 passes for 1479 yards (163 for 1404 in Chicago), scoring a total of 14 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: Y.A. Tittle, 1962

Quarterback, New York Giants

Age:  36 (Oct. 24)

15^th season in pro football, 13^th in NFL and 2^nd with Giants

College: LSU

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 195

Prelude:

While drafted by the NFL’s Detroit Lions in 1948, Tittle instead signed with the Baltimore Colts of the AAFC. He had an immediate impact, leading the league in yards per attempt (8.7) and throwing for 16 TDs against 9 interceptions. After another year in the AAFC, Tittle and the Colts joined the NFL in 1950, and he led the league in pass completions (161) although the team went a dismal 1-11 and folded. Picked up by the 49ers in ’51, he gradually took over from Frankie Albert as the starting quarterback and was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1953, ’54, and ‘57 seasons. In 1957 the 49ers tied for first in the Western Conference and Tittle also received MVP consideration. He suffered through an injury-plagued season in 1958 and, and while he bounced back with a Pro Bowl year in ’59, by ’60 found himself in competition with the up-and-coming John Brodie. With Head Coach Red Hickey committing to a shotgun offense for 1961, Tittle was dealt to the New York Giants in the preseason and revived his career as he threw for 2272 yards and 17 TDs. The Giants topped the Eastern Conference and Tittle was selected for the Pro Bowl and received MVP recognition from the Newspaper Enterprise Association.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 375 [3]

Most attempts, game – 42 vs. Dallas 12/16

Completions – 200 [3]

Most completions, game – 27 vs. Washington 10/28

Yards – 3224 [2]

Most yards, game – 505 vs. Washington 10/28

Completion percentage – 53.3 [9]

Yards per attempt – 8.6 [3, tied with Bart Starr]

TD passes – 33 [1]

Most TD passes, game – 7 vs. Washington 10/28

Interceptions – 20 [6, tied with Charley Johnson & Milt Plum]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Cleveland 9/16, vs. Philadelphia 11/18

Passer rating – 89.5 [3]

500-yard passing games – 1

300-yard passing games – 4

200-yard passing games – 7

Rushing

Attempts – 17

Most attempts, game – 3 (for -9 yds.) at Pittsburgh 9/30

Yards – 108

Most yards, game – 21 (on 1 att.) at St. Louis 10/7, (on 2 att.) vs. St. Louis 11/4

Yards per attempt – 6.4

TDs – 2

Points

TDs - 2

Points – 12

Postseason: 1 G (NFL Championship vs. Green Bay)

Pass attempts – 41

Pass completions – 18

Passing yards – 197

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL MVP: UPI, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFL: AP, UPI, NEA

1^st team All-Eastern Conference: Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Giants went 12-2 to finish first in the Eastern Conference while leading the NFL in total yards (5005). Lost NFL Championship to Green Bay Packers (16-7).

Aftermath:

Tittle continued his success in 1963, breaking his own record for TD passes with 36, leading the league in passing, and receiving MVP, All-Pro, and Pro Bowl recognition once more. The Giants won the Eastern Conference for the third straight time, but still came up short in the title game against the Bears. The team collapsed in 1964, Tittle’s last season. He retired as NFL career leader in pass attempts (3817), completions (2118), and yards (28,339). The Giants retired his #14, and Tittle 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). 

1962: Bears Trade Ed Brown to Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers had gone through a disappointing 6-8 season in 1961. One of the problems had been the health of QB Bobby Layne, an all-time great and an outstanding leader but increasingly brittle. Head Coach Buddy Parker had expressed the desire to pick up another top quarterback and, on April 4, 1962, he did so.

Ed Brown was obtained from the Bears for a 1963 first-round pick and an unspecified player to be named. In a separate deal with Chicago, punter Bobby Joe Green was dealt to the Bears. The draft choice was used to take Dave Behrman, a center from Michigan State, who signed with Buffalo of the AFL.

Brown, at 33, had played seven seasons in the NFL and was 6’2” and 210 pounds. A proven quarterback, he was also a punter. Taken by the Bears in the sixth round of the 1952 NFL draft out of the University of San Francisco, where he had been part of the legendary undefeated team of 1951, he spent two years in the military before joining the club in 1954 and took over the starting job in ’55. He went to the Pro Bowl that year and again in 1956, when he also led the league in passing and the Bears topped the Western Conference. While his passing efficiency failed to remain at a high level (his completion percentage was under fifty percent in four of the next five seasons after his league-leading 57.1 in ’56), he had a strong arm and was considered among the best long passers in the NFL. Often splitting time with other quarterbacks (first George Blanda and then Zeke Bratkowski), Brown had lost his starting job to Bill Wade in 1961, a veteran obtained from the Rams.

“We got one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Brown,” said Buddy Parker. “Ed has a great arm and he has proven himself all during his career with the Bears. Parker added, perhaps as a spur to Layne, “Another thing about Brown is that he always stays in top condition and you know he’ll be ready when the season gets under way.”

It was Layne behind center for the most part during the ’62 season and the Steelers, after starting slowly, went 9-5 to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Brown started three games and threw a total of 84 passes, completing 43 for 726 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions. He handled the punting, averaging an even 40 yards on his 60 kicks.

Layne retired following the season and Brown took over as the starting quarterback in 1963. For the most part, he had a fine season for a Steelers team that contended until the final week. He achieved career highs in pass attempts (362), completions (168), yards (2982), and touchdowns (21) while also tossing 20 interceptions. His 17.8 yards per completion led the league. Along the way, he had a 377-yard, four-TD performance against the Cowboys and made the most of having a capable deep threat in Pro Bowl split end Buddy Dial (60 catches, 1295 yards, 21.6 yards per catch, 9 TDs). However, while three ties allowed Pittsburgh to mathematically remain in contention (ties did not factor into the winning percentage as they do today), in the final-game showdown against the Giants in New York, Brown had a dreadful day. He was off target all day and was successful on just 13 of 33 throws for 217 yards with two touchdowns but also three interceptions. The 33-17 loss dropped the Steelers all the way to fourth place at 7-4-3.

In the offseason, Dial was traded to Dallas, a much-criticized move that was made all the worse when DT Scott Appleton, the highly-touted rookie from Texas whose rights they had obtained for Dial, instead signed with the Houston Oilers of the AFL. While third-year flanker Gary Ballman rose to the occasion, the rest of the receiving corps did not, and Brown’s numbers suffered accordingly. He completed just 44.5 percent of his passes for 1990 yards and threw far more interceptions (19) than TD passes (12). The Steelers finished next-to-last in the Eastern Conference with a 5-9 record.

Coach Parker abruptly quit during the 1965 preseason, to be succeeded by Mike Nixon, and the club dropped all the way to the bottom at 2-12. Brown was shunted aside in favor of young quarterbacks Bill Nelsen, who was up-and-coming, and Tommy Wade, who was not. He threw just 18 passes – five of them interceptions – and finished out the season (and his career) with the quarterback-depleted Baltimore Colts.

In his four years in Pittsburgh, Brown completed 339 of 736 passes (46.1 %) for 5821 yards and 38 touchdowns along with 50 interceptions. He also punted 148 times for a 40.6-yard average.  Having filled in capably for Layne in 1962 and nearly led the club to the Eastern Conference title in ’63, he came up short in his most significant game with the Steelers and his performance dropped off quickly thereafter. 

1962: Packers Defeat Giants to Repeat as NFL Champions

The NFL Championship game on December 30, 1962 featured the same two teams who had faced off for the title in ’61 – the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants. In that instance, the Packers had blown the Giants out by a 37-0 score at Green Bay. Now they were meeting on New York’s home turf in the rematch.

The Packers, under Head Coach Vince Lombardi, had gone 13-1 in placing at the top of the Western Conference for the third straight year. Hard-hitting FB Jim Taylor had a MVP season as he led the NFL in rushing with 1474 yards (the first NFL runner not named Jim Brown to do so since 1956) and scored a record 19 touchdowns. QB Bart Starr was the league’s top-rated passer and the offensive line was outstanding. Even the off-year for HB Paul Hornung, who had won three straight scoring titles from 1959 to ’61 but was hampered by a bad knee, could not derail the offense, and All-Pro G Jerry Kramer (pictured above) had taken over Hornung’s placekicking responsibilities. The defense was just as strong and yielded the fewest points in the NFL.

Head Coach Allie Sherman’s Giants came in first in the Eastern Conference at 12-2, winning their last nine games in doing so. The brilliant passing of QB Y.A. Tittle was the key to the offense – he had set a new NFL record with 33 TD passes and had excellent targets in split end Del Shofner, flanker Frank Gifford, and TE Joe Walton. FB Alex Webster was effective both running the ball and as a receiver out of the backfield. The veteran defense was solid.

There were 64,892 in attendance at frigid Yankee Stadium. Temperatures were in the teens and with winds gusting as high as 45 mph, the wind chill was below zero. Traction was difficult on the frozen turf and whirlwinds of dust occasionally blew about.

The Giants had first possession and reached their own 46 before having to punt.  Jerry Kramer put the Packers on the board with a 26-yard field goal midway through the first quarter after Green Bay drove 61 yards to the 19 yard line and Jim Taylor was stopped for no gain on third down and short.

The Giants threatened, driving to the Green Bay 15. However, MLB Ray Nitschke deflected a Tittle pass that was intercepted by LB Dan Currie to end the threat and returned it 30 yards before falling. Following the interception, the Packers advanced to the New York 30 but Kramer missed a field goal try from 37 yards.

A punt by Max McGee was nearly blocked by CB Erich Barnes but the rushed kick went only 23 yards. Two plays later, HB Phil King fumbled when hit by Currie and Nitschke recovered at the New York 28. The Packers capitalized as Paul Hornung tossed an option pass to flanker Boyd Dowler for 21 yards and Taylor followed up with a seven-yard touchdown run up the middle (pictured below).

Now late in the second quarter, the Giants responded by moving into Green Bay territory. However, Don Chandler attempted a 47-yard field goal for the Giants that went wide of the mark. The Packers took a 10-0 lead into halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Green Bay’s offense couldn’t advance the ball while backed up deep in its own territory. With the Packers punting from their own 15 yard line, Barnes broke through this time to block McGee’s kick and end Jim Collier fell on the loose ball in the end zone for a New York touchdown after LB Bill Forester was unable to scoop it up at the five (picture below shows Barnes at right just before blocking the punt). With the successful extra point, it was a three-point game.

Once again the Packers couldn’t move on offense, but McGee’s line-drive punt was muffed by DB Sam Horner and Nitschke recovered at the New York 42. The five-play series culminated in a 29-yard field goal by Kramer.

The Giants, now down by six, drove into Green Bay territory with the help of penalties. From the Green Bay 47, Tittle threw a pass intended for Del Shofner that fell incomplete. However, FS Willlie Wood was charged with pass interference and when he leaped up to protest he inadvertently knocked the official, back judge Thomas Kelleher, to the ground. It resulted in Wood’s ejection and another 15 yard penalty on the Packers that advanced the ball to the 18. Tittle overthrew Shofner and the Giants followed up with a double reverse in which King lateraled back to Tittle who was under pressure from DE Willie Davis and threw a bad pass that was almost picked off by Currie. Two holding calls on the Giants moved the ball all the way back to the 40. On third-and-52, Tittle threw short for flanker Frank Gifford, who dropped it. The Giants came up empty.

Early in the fourth quarter, HB Elijah Pitts returned a punt 36 yards and nearly broke it all the way. Bart Starr passed the Packers down to the New York 27 but they lost ground from there and Kramer was unsuccessful on a 40-yard field goal try.

The Giants were unable to move on offense and punted. Taking over at their 28, the Packers kept the ball on the ground and reached the New York 24. With 1:50 remaining in the game, Kramer kicked his third field goal to effectively seal the win for the Packers. The Giants drove to the Green Bay seven on their last possession before time ran out. Green Bay was the champion once again by a score of 16-7.

The Giants outgained Green Bay (291 yards to 244) and the clubs were even in first downs with 18 apiece. The Packers were more successful at running the ball (148 yards to 94) and New York turned the ball over three times while Green Bay’s offense suffered none.

Jim Taylor had a hard-earned 85 yards on 31 carries that included a touchdown and gained 20 more yards on three pass receptions. Moreover, he engaged in a personal battle in the trenches with New York’s defense (most notably star MLB Sam Huff), often exchanging words and exemplifying the game’s intensity. Bart Starr completed just 9 of 21 passes for 85 yards while Paul Hornung, who contributed 35 yards on 8 rushing attempts, also tossed a key halfback option pass for a 21-yard gain. Boyd Dowler led the Green Bay receivers with 4 catches for 48 yards. Ray Nitschke recovered two fumbles and had the pass deflection that was intercepted and was named MVP of the game by Sport Magazine.

As if the wind was not enough, Y.A. Tittle (pictured below) was under constant pressure throughout the game. He was successful on 18 of 41 throws for 197 yards with no TDs and one interception. Joe Walton and Del Shofner had 5 catches apiece, for 75 and 69 yards, respectively. Alex Webster ran for 56 yards on 15 carries and Phil King added 38 yards on 11 attempts.

Summing up, Vince Lombardi stated that his team’s “defense was superb and so was New York’s.”

“Green Bay is obviously a worthy champion, because they have things they had to overcome and they went out there and overcame them and got the points,” said Allie Sherman from the losing side.

The Packers barely missed out on winning the Western Conference again in 1963, finishing a close second to the Chicago Bears. They would win their next league title in 1965. New York topped the Eastern Conference yet again in ’63, but once more fell short in the Championship game.  In two title games, the Giants failed to score a single offensive touchdown against Green Bay.