Highlighted Year: Gary Garrison, 1970

Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

 Age: 26

5^th season in pro football & with Chargers

College: San Diego State

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 193

Prelude:

Garrison gained 1272 pass receiving yards in San Diego State’s air-oriented offense, setting a school record with 26 touchdowns. He twice received Little All-American honors and appeared in the East-West Shrine Game as a senior. Garrison was a future draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles and Chargers in 1965. Joining the Chargers in 1966, he moved into the starting lineup as split end in place of the injured Don Norton across from star flanker Lance Alworth during his 1966 rookie season, catching 46 passes for 642 yards (14.0 avg.) and four TDs. The speedy Garrison followed up with 44 receptions for 772 yards (17.5 avg.) in 1967 and 52 catches for 1103 yards (21.2 avg.) and 10 TDs in ’68 when he was selected to the AFL All-Star Game. Plagued by injuries in 1969, Garrison’s numbers dropped to a still-impressive 40 catches for 804 yards (20.1 avg.) with 7 TDs.

1970 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 44 [16, tied with four others]         

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 165 yds.) at Chicago 10/18

Yards – 1006 [4]

Most yards, game – 165 (on 8 catches) at Chicago 10/18

Average gain – 22.9 [4]

TDs – 12 [2, tied with Gene Washington, 1^st in AFC]

100-yard receiving games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 4

Yards – 7

Average gain – 1.8

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 12 [3, tied with Ron Johnson & Gene Washington, 1^st in AFC]

Points – 72 [20, tied with Ron Johnson & Gene Washington]

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 5-6-3 to finish third in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Garrison followed up with Pro Bowl seasons in 1971 and ‘72, catching 42 passes for 889 yards (21.2 avg.) and 6 TDs in ’71 and 52 for 744 yards (14.3 avg.) and 7 scores in ’72. He spent a total of 11 seasons with San Diego, until 1976, catching a total of 404 passes for 7533 yards (18.6 avg.) and 58 touchdowns. He appeared in one game with the Houston Oilers in 1977 after being let go by the Chargers and caught one last pass for five yards to close out his career. Garrison received second-team All-AFL or All-AFC honors twice and was chosen to three Pro Bowls.

--

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: Irving Fryar, 1996

Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

Age: 34 (Sept. 28)

13^th season in pro football, 1^st with Eagles

College: Nebraska

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

Fryar caught 67 passes for1196 yards (17.9 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in college, including 40 for 780 yards (19.5 avg.) and 8 TDs as a senior in 1983, when he was a consensus first-team All-American. He was chosen by the New England Patriots with the first overall pick in the 1984 NFL draft. In an injury-plagued rookie season Fryar caught only 11 passes and was used primarily to return punts, averaging 9.6 yards on 36 returns. In nine years with New England that were marked by numerous off-field issues through 1992 he accumulated 363 pass receptions for 5726 yards (15.8 avg.) and 38 TDs and returned 206 punts for a 10.0 average and another three scores. Fryar was a Pro Bowl selection in 1985. Moving on to the Miami Dolphins in 1993, Fryar was productive, garnering Pro Bowl honors twice more in 1993 and ’94. Over the course of three seasons he caught 199 passes for 3190 yards (16.0 avg.) and 20 touchdowns. Fryar signed with the Eagles as a free agent in 1996.

1996 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 88 [9] 

Most receptions, game – 9 (for 120 yds.) at Dallas 11/3

Yards – 1195 [7]

Most yards, game – 143 (on 7 catches) vs. Miami 10/20

Average gain – 13.6

TDs – 11 [4, 1^st in NFC]

100-yard receiving games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 1

Yards – -4

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 11 [9, tied with four others]

Points – 66

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

Pass receptions – 5

Pass receiving yards – 62

Average yards per reception – 12.4

Pass Receiving TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

Pro Bowl

Eagles went 9-7 to finish second in the NFC East and qualify for a Wild Card playoff slot while leading the NFC in total yards (5627). Lost NFC Wild Card playoff to San Francisco 49ers (14-0).

Aftermath:

Fryar followed up in 1997 by catching 86 passes for 1316 yards (15.3 avg.) and 6 touchdowns and again receiving Pro Bowl recognition. With the Eagles dropping to 3-13 in 1998, his production slipped to 48 pass receptions for 556 yards (11.6 avg.) and just two TDs and Fryar announced his intention to retire. However,he reconsidered and joined the Washington Redskins for two last seasons in 1999 and 2000. Overall Fryar finished with 851 catches for 12,785 yards (15.0 avg.) and 84 TDs, with 222 receptions for 3067 yards coming with the Eagles. Fryar received second-team all-conference honors twice and was selected to five 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: Bob Hayes, 1965

Split End, Dallas Cowboys

Age: 23 (Dec. 20)

1^st season in pro football

College: Florida A & M

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 190

Prelude:

A world class sprinter, Hayes first achieved fame for setting a world record of 9.1 seconds in the 100-yard dash. He also set an Olympic record in winning the 100-meter dash in the 1964 Tokyo Games. He also won gold by anchoring the successful US effort in the 4X 100-meter relay. The recipient of a football scholarship to attend Florida A & M was chosen as a future pick by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 1964 NFL draft  (the Denver Broncos picked him in the 14^th round of the corresponding AFL draft). While he was a raw talent who needed to develop technique to complement his great speed, “Bullet Bob” moved into the starting lineup as a rookie.

1965 Season Summary

Appeared in 13 of 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 46 [13]          

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 177 yds.) vs. Philadelphia 10/10

Yards – 1003 [4]

Most yards, game – 177 (on 8 catches) vs. Philadelphia 10/10

Average gain – 21.8 [3]

TDs – 12 [1, tied with Dave Parks]

100-yard receiving games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 4

Yards – -8

Average gain – -2.0

TDs – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 17

Yards – 450 [16]

Most yards, game – 128 (on 4 ret.) vs. San Francisco 11/7

Average per return – 26.5 [6]

TDs – 0

Longest return – 66 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 12 [15]

Yards – 153 [8]

Most yards, game – 47 (on 1 ret.) vs. Philadelphia 10/10

Average per return – 12.8

TDs – 0

Longest return – 47 yards

All-purpose yards – 1598 [4]

Scoring

TDs – 13 [3]

Points – 78 [11]

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: UPI

1^st team All-Eastern Conference: Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Cowboys went 7-7 second in the NFL Eastern Conference (tied with the New York Giants.  

Aftermath:

Hayes followed up by catching 64 passes for 1232 yards (19.3 avg.) and a league-leading 13 TDs in 1966 and was again selected to the Pro Bowl as well as receiving first-team All-NFL recognition from the Pro FootballWriters, NEA and the Associated Press. He went on to spend ten seasons eith the Cowboys. In addition to being a productive receiver that opposing defenses had to account for, “Bullet Bob was also a fine kick returner who led the league with a 20.8 punt return average in 1968.Overall with Dallas Hayes had 365 pass receptions for 7295 yards (20.0 avg.) and 71 touchdowns. In addition he returned 104 punts for an 11.1-yard average and three TDs and 23 kickoffs with a 25.3-yard average.He caught another 31 passes for 492 yards (15.9 avg.) in 15 playoff games that included two touchdowns. Hayes was traded to San Francisco in 1975 but was released after catching just six passes for119 yards,thus ending his career. He received first or second team All-NFL honors after four seasons and was selected to three Pro Bowls. Hayes was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2009.

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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: Al Denson, 1967

Flanker, Denver Broncos

Age: 25

4^th season in pro football & with Broncos

College: Florida A & M

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 208

Prelude:

Denson starred as a wide receiver in college, catching 68 passes for 1420 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was chosen by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 1964 AFL draft (the Philadelphia Eagles picked him in the NFL draft, also in the sixth round).and caught 25 passes as a rookie flanker. However, he was shifted to backup tight end and his productivity dropped to nine receptions in ’65, but moving into a starting role he had 36 catches for 725 yards (20.1 avg.) and three touchdowns in 1966. Denson returned to flanker, his natural position, in ’67.

1967 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 46 [8, tied with Eric Crabtree & Mike Garrett]     

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 134 yds.) vs. NY Jets 9/24, (for 102 yds.) at Buffalo 11/19, (for 97 yds.) at San Diego 11/23

Yards – 899 [6]

Most yards, game – 134 (on 7 catches) vs. NY Jets 9/24

Average gain – 19.5 [4]

TDs – 11 [1, tied with Otis Taylor]

100-yard receiving games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 1

Yards – -2

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 11 [3]

Points – 66 [10]

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-AFL: NEA

2^nd team All-AFL: AP, UPI, NY Daily News

2^nd team All-Western Division: Sporting News

AFL All-Star Game

Broncos went 3-11 to finish fourth in the AFL Western Division.

Aftermath:

Denson was injured in the first week of the 1968 season and appeared in just eight games, but still caught a respectable 34 passes for 586 yards (17.2 avg.) and five touchdowns. He followed up with 53 catches for 809 yards (15.3 avg.) and 10 TDs in ’69, and received some second-team All-AFL recognition as well as selection to the last AFL All-Star Game. Following a 47-catch, 646-yard season in 1970, Denson was traded to Minnesota but was little used and left the team, bringing his career to an end. Overall, he caught 260 passes for 4275 yards (16.4 avg.) and 32 touchdowns, with 250 for 4150 yards and all of the TDs coming with the Broncos. Denson received first-team All-AFL recognition from the NEA after one season, was a second-team choice three times, and was selected to two AFL All-Star Games.

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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: Wes Chandler, 1982

Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

Age: 26

5^th season in pro football, 2^nd with Chargers (1^st complete)

College: Florida

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 183

Prelude:

Playing wide receiver in a wishbone offense in college, Chandler caught 93 passes for 1994 yards (21.4 avg.) and 22 touchdowns, adding 353 rushing yards and six TDs in his senior season of 1977. He received some All-American recognition after both the 1976 and ’77 seasons and was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (third overall) of the 1978 NFL draft. Chandler caught 35 passes for 472 yards (13.5 avg.) as a rookie and broke out in 1979 with 65 receptions for 1069 yards (16.4 avg.) and six TDs, gaining selection to the Pro Bowl as well as second-team All-NFL honors from NEA. He followed up with another solid year in ’80, catching 65 passes for 975 yards (15.0 avg.) and six touchdowns. The Chargers obtained him during the 1981 season after having dealt disgruntled WR John Jefferson to Green Bay, and Chandler proved to fit perfectly in the high-powered “Air Coryell” (for Head Coach Don Coryell) passing offense. Of his 69 catches for 1142 yards and six TDs, 52 for 857 yards (16.5 avg.) and five scores came with San Diego.

1982 Season Summary

Appeared in 8 of 9 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 49 [4, tied with Cris Collinsworth & Ozzie Newsome]  

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 260 yds.) vs. Cincinnati 12/20

Yards – 1032 [1]

Most yards, game – 260 (on 10 catches) vs. Cincinnati 12/20

Average gain – 21.1 [2]

TDs – 9 [1]

200-yard receiving games – 1

100-yard receiving games – 6

Rushing

Attempts – 5

Yards – 32

Average gain – 6.4

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 9 [4, tied with Wilbert Montgomery & Chuck Muncie]

Points – 54 [15, tied with Wilbert Montgomery, Chuck Muncie & Joe Danelo]

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 11

Most pass receptions, game – 9 at Pittsburgh, AFC First Round playoff

Pass receiving yards – 162

Most pass receiving yards, game – 124 at Pittsburgh, AFC First Round playoff

Average yards per reception – 14.7

Pass Receiving TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

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

1^st team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 6-3 in the strike-shortened season and were fifth seed in the AFC playoff tournament that replaced the usual postseason format while leading the NFL in total yards (4048), passing yards (2927), touchdowns (34), and scoring (288 points). Won First Round playoff over Pittsburgh Steelers (31-28). Lost Second Round playoff to Miami Dolphins (34-13).

Aftermath:

Although hampered by a sprained foot, Chandler caught 58 passes for 845 yards (14.6 avg.) and five touchdowns in 1983 and was again selected for the Pro Bowl. He slipped further in ’84 but bounced back with 67 catches for a career-high 1199 yards (17.9 avg.) and 10 TDs in 1985, earning another Pro Bowl trip. Following lesser seasons in 1986 and ’87, and with the team in decline, Chandler was traded to San Francisco in 1988 where he caught four passes in four games in his last year. Overall, Chandler caught 559 passes for 8966 yards (16.0 avg.) and 56 touchdowns, with 373 of those receptions for 6132 yards (16.4 avg.) and 41 TDs coming with the Chargers. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection once, received second-team honors after one other season, and was chosen to four 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: Joey Galloway, 1997

Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Age: 26 (Nov. 20)

3^rd season in pro football & with Seahawks

College: Ohio State

Height: 5’11” Weight: 188

Prelude:

Galloway caught 108 passes for 1894 yards (17.5 avg.) and 19 touchdowns in college. He was chosen by the Seahawks in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft (eighth overall), who were looking to add speed at wide receiver, and moved directly into the starting lineup. Galloway caught 67 passes for 1039 yards (15.5 avg.) and seven TDs as a rookie and also returned 36 punts for a 10.0 average with one touchdown. He followed up with 57 receptions for 987 yards (17.3 avg.) and seven more TDs in 1996.

1997 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 72 [15, tied with Andre Rison & Shannon Sharpe]     

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 75 yds.) at St. Louis 10/19, (for 98 yds.) at Denver 11/2

Yards – 1049 [16]

Most yards, game – 117 (on 7 catches) vs. Oakland 10/26

Average gain – 14.6

TDs – 12 [2, tied with James Jett, Rod Smith & Antonio Freeman, 1^st in AFC]

100-yard receiving games – 3

Rushing

Attempts – 9

Yards – 72

Yards per attempt – 8.0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 12 [5, tied with four others]

Points – 72

Seahawks went 8-8 to finish third in the AFC West while leading the NFL in passing yards (3959).

Aftermath:

Galloway had another strong year in 1998, catching 65 passes for 1047 yards (16.1 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, but a long contract holdout in ’99 cost him half the season, as well as good will with the organization, and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2000. A knee injury suffered in the first week cost him the remainder of the season and he had a mediocre year in 2001, averaging a then-career-low 13.4 yards on 52 catches. He bounced back in ’02 with 61 receptions for 908 yards (14.9 avg.) and six TDs and led the NFL by averaging 19.8 yards, although on just 34 catches, in 2003. Traded to Tampa Bay for WR Keyshawn Johnson in ’04, Galloway spent the next five seasons with the Buccaneers and, following an injury-plagued year in which he was limited to ten games, he achieved career highs with 83 receptions for 1287 yards in 2005. It was the first of three straight thousand-yard receiving seasons in his mid-thirties. A foot injury hindered his performance in 2008 and he was released, finishing up with brief stints with New England and Washington in 2009 and ’10. Overall, Galloway caught 701 passes for 10,950 yards (15.6 avg.) and 77 touchdowns, with 283 of those catches for 4457 yards and 37 TDs coming with the Seahawks. He also returned 141 punts for a 9.6-yard average and five TDs.

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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: Cliff Branch, 1974

Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders

Age: 26

3^rd season in pro football & with Raiders

College: Colorado

Height: 5’11” Weight: 170

Prelude:

A track as well as football star in college, Branch caught 36 passes for 665 yards (18.5 avg.), rushed for 354 yards, and scored eight touchdowns on kickoff returns, which was a NCAA Division 1-A record. He was chosen by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 1972 NFL draft and, while Branch impressed with his speed, he was also still a raw talent and caught just 22 passes in his first two seasons as backup to WR Mike Siani. He beat out Siani for the starting job in 1974 and became the deep threat across from dependable possession WR Fred Biletnikoff.

1974 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 60 [4] 

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 124 yds.) at San Diego 10/13, (for 96 yds.) vs. Cincinnati 10/20, (for 125 yds.) vs. San Diego 11/17

Yards – 1092 [1]

Most yards, game – 138 (on 6 catches) vs. New England 12/1

Average gain – 18.2 [10]

TDs – 13 [1]

100-yard receiving games – 5

Scoring

TDs – 13 [2, 1^st in AFC]

Points – 78 [8]

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 12

Most pass receptions, game – 9 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

Pass receiving yards – 270

Most pass receiving yards, game – 186 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

Average yards per reception – 22.5

Pass Receiving TDs – 2

Awards & Honors:

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

Raiders went 12-2 to finish first in the AFC West while leading the NFL in touchdowns (46) and scoring (355 points) and the AFC in total yards (4983). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Miami Dolphins (28-26). Lost AFC Championship to Pittsburgh Steelers (24-13).

Aftermath:

Branch’s breakout 1974 season was the first of three straight in which he was a consensus first-team All-NFL choice and four that resulted in selection to the Pro Bowl. He had career highs with 1111 yards and averaging 24.2 yards per catch on 46 receptions in 1976, when he again topped the league with 12 touchdowns. While the honors ceased coming after 1977, he had a long and productive career with the Raiders, playing until 1985 and catching 501 passes for 8685 yards (17.3 avg.) and 67 touchdowns. Branch added another 73 receptions for 1289 yards (17.7 avg.) and five TDs in 22 playoff games and was a member of three NFL Championship squads. Following his departure from the Raiders in 1985, he played for the Los Angeles Cobras of the Arena Football League in ‘88 and caught 25 passes for 250 yards and three TDs.

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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: Rich Caster, 1972

Tight End, New York Jets

Age: 24 (Oct. 16)

3^rd season in pro football & with Jets

College: Jackson State

Height: 6’5”   Weight: 228

Prelude:

Caster was chosen by the Jets in the second round of the 1970 NFL draft in the hope that he would bolster an aging corps of wide receivers. He caught 19 passes for 393 yards (20.7 avg.) and three touchdowns as a rookie and followed up with 26 receptions for 454 yards (17.5 avg.) and six TDs in ’71. While he had problems with inconsistency, Caster was shifted to tight end where it was hoped that his size and speed would be of benefit.

1972 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 39      

Most receptions, game – 6 (for 204 yds.) at Baltimore 9/24

Yards – 833 [4]

Most yards, game – 204 (on 6 catches) at Baltimore 9/24

Average gain – 21.4 [2]

TDs – 10 [2, 1^st in AFC]

200-yard receiving games – 1

Rushing

Attempts – 2

Yards – 6

Average gain – 3.0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 10 [8, tied with Walt Garrison, Art Malone & Charlie Smith]

Points – 60

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Jets went 7-7 to finish second in the AFC East while leading the NFL in passing yards (2777) and placing second in total yards (4787) and scoring (367 points).

Aftermath:

Caster followed up his breakout season with 35 catches for 593 yards (16.9 avg.) and four touchdowns in 1973, continuing to display great ability but having problems with consistency as well. He had two Pro Bowl seasons in 1974 and ’75, leading all NFL tight ends in the second year with a career-high 47 catches, for 820 yards (17.4 avg.) and four TDs. Caster’s performance dropped off in 1976 and he was shifted back to wide receiver in an injury-plagued ’77 season. He was traded to the Houston Oilers in 1978 and mostly backed up as a wide receiver and tight end over three years, catching a high of 27 passes for 341 yards in 1980. Following an abortive stint with New Orleans in ’81 Caster was picked up by the Washington Redskins, where he finished his career in 1982. Overall he caught 322 passes for 5515 yards (17.1 avg.) and 45 touchdowns, with 245 of those receptions for 4434 yards (18.1 avg.) and 36 TDs coming with the Jets. Caster was a first-team All-AFC selection once, received second-team honors after two other seasons, and was named 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: Mark Clayton, 1984

Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins

Age: 23

2^nd season in pro football & with Dolphins

College: Louisville

Height: 5’9”   Weight: 172

Prelude:

Clayton caught 96 passes for 2004 yards and 10 touchdowns in college (20.9) avg., including 53 for 1112 yards (21.0 avg.) and six TDs as a senior in 1982. He was chosen by the Dolphins in the eighth round of the ’83 NFL draft and saw little action on offense as a rookie, with six catches for 114 yards and a TD, although he returned 41 punts for a 9.6-yard average and included a touchdown. Clayton replaced the aging Nat Moore in the starting lineup across from WR Mark Duper in 1984.

1984 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 73 [10]          

Most receptions, game – 9 (for 177 yds.) vs. LA Raiders 12/2, (for 127 yds.) at Indianapolis 12/9

Yards – 1389 [3]

Most yards, game – 177 (on 9 catches) vs. LA Raiders 12/2

Average gain – 19.0 [6]

TDs – 18 [1]

100-yard receiving games – 6

Rushing

Attempts – 3

Yards – 35

Average gain – 11.7

TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 2

Yards – 15

Average per return – 7.5

TDs – 0

Longest return – 14 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 8

Yards – 79

Average per return – 9.9

TDs – 0

Longest return – 22 yards

Passing

Pass attempts – 1

Pass completions – 0

Passing yardage – 0

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 1

Scoring

TDs – 18 [1, tied with Marcus Allen]

Points – 108 [8, tied with Marcus Allen & Tony Franklin]

Postseason: 3 G

Pass receptions – 15

Most pass receptions, game – 6 vs. San Francisco, Super Bowl

Pass receiving yards – 262

Most pass receiving yards, game – 95 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

Average yards per reception – 17.5

Pass Receiving TDs – 2

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Dolphins went 14-2 to finish first in the AFC East with the conference’s best record and led the NFL in total yards (6936), passing yards (5018), passing TDs (49), touchdowns (70), and scoring (513 points). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Seattle Seahawks (31-10) & AFC Championship over Pittsburgh Steelers (45-28). Lost Super Bowl to San Francisco 49ers (38-16).

Aftermath:

Having set a then-NFL record for touchdown catches in his breakout ’84 season, Clayton followed up with 70 catches for 996 yards (14.2 avg.) and four TDs in 1985, again being selected for the Pro Bowl. The undersized receiver had great jumping ability and quickness, if not the greatest speed, and made for a productive tandem in combination with Mark Duper and catching passes from QB Dan Marino. Clayton was named to another Pro Bowl in 1986 and, following a lesser year in the strike-interrupted ’87 season, caught a career-high 86 passes in 1988 and led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions. Overall, he played ten years with Miami, through 1992, and set franchise records with 550 catches and 81 TDs while gaining 8643 yards (15.7 avg.). Clayton played one final season for the Green Bay Packers in 1993 and ended up with a total of 582 pass receptions for 8974 yards (15.4 avg.) and 84 touchdowns.  He received first- or second-team All-AFC honors three times and was chosen to the Pro Bowl on five occasions.

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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: Chris Burford, 1962

Split End, Dallas Texans

Age: 24

3^rd season in pro football & with Texans

College: Stanford

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Burford caught a NCAA-leading 61 passes for 757 yards in 1959 and received first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association and Time magazine. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round of the 1960 NFL draft but signed with the Texans of the new AFL and had 46 catches for 789 yards (17.2 avg.) and five touchdowns as a rookie. Burford followed up with 51 receptions for 850 yards (16.7 avg.) and another five TDs in ’61, when he was also named to the AFL All-Star Game. What he lacked in speed he made up for in moves, technique, and reliability.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in 11 of 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 45 [8]

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 171 yds.) at Boston 10/12

Yards – 645 [9]

Most yards, game – 171 (on 10 catches) at Boston 10/12

Average gain – 14.3 [18]

TDs – 12 [1]

100-yard receiving games – 1

Rushing

Attempts – 1

Yards – 13

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 12 [4]

Points – 72 [9]

Missed postseason game due to injury

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-AFL: League, AP, UPI

Texans went 11-3 to finish first in the AFL Western Division while leading the league in touchdowns (50, tied with Houston Oilers). Won AFL Championship over Houston Oilers (20-17).

Aftermath:

The team moved to Kansas City in 1963 and Burford, recovered from the knee injury that cost him the last few games of the ’62 season, caught a career-high 68 passes, for 824 yards (12.1 avg.) and nine touchdowns. He went on to play with the Chiefs until 1967, and started for the ’66 AFL Championship squad that appeared in the first Super Bowl. Overall, Burford caught 391 passes for 5505 yards (14.1 avg.) and scored 55 TDs. He received All-AFL honors once and was named to one AFL All-Star Game.

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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