WORLD CHAMPIONS
The 1965 Green Bay Packers - 10-3-1 (1ST - Western Conference)
Head Coach: Vince Lombardi
1965 PRE-SEASON RESULTS (4-1)
OFF DEF
AUGUST (2-1) RESULT RECORD ATT RSH PSS RSH PSS STARTING QB LEADING RUSHER LEADING PASSER LEADING RECEIVER
14 G-NEW YORK GIANTS W 44- 7 1- 0-0 50,837 163 216 147 22 Bart Starr Tom Moore (40) Bart Starr (153) Marv Fleming (6-59)
21 M-CHICAGO BEARS W 31-14 2- 0-0 47,066 129 194 132 96 Bart Starr Elijah Pitts (34) Bart Starr (132) Carroll Dale (3-43)
28 at Dallas Cowboys L 12-21 2- 1-0 67,954 142 178 84 134 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (48) Bart Starr (216) Boyd Dowler (4-41)
SEPTEMBER (2-1)
4 at Cleveland Browns W 30-14 3- 1-0 83,118 194 182 113 117 Bart Starr Elijah Pitts (71) Bart Starr (202) Boyd Dowler (3-68)
11 G-ST. LOUIS CARDINALS W 31-13 4- 1-0 50,858 118 200 80 167 Bart Starr Allen Jacobs (45) Bart Starr (181) Boyd Dowler (4-26)
1965 REGULAR SEASON RESULTS (10-3-1)
SEPTEMBER (2-0)
19 at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) W 41- 9 1- 0-0 38,383 134 220 92 101 Bart Starr Paul Hornung (50) Bart Starr (226) Boyd Dowler (6-104)
26 M-BALTIMORE COLTS (1-0) W 20-17 2- 0-0 48,130 106 78 112 197 Bart Starr Tom Moore (66) Zeke Bratkowski (73) Boyd Dowler (4-53)
OCTOBER (4-1)
3 G-CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) W 23-14 3- 0-0 50,852 78 221 192 221 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (45) Bart Starr (263) Jim Taylor (4-76)
10 G-SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-1) W 27-10 4- 0-0 50,852 186 153 103 176 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (73) Bart Starr (163) Boyd Dowler (5-46)
17 at Detroit Lions (3-1) W 31-21 5- 0-0 56,712 83 291 131 165 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (45) Bart Starr (301) Bob Long (4-106)
24 M-DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) W 13- 3 6- 0-0 48,311 73 -10 193 -1 Bart Starr Paul Hornung (42) Bart Starr (42) Boyd Dowler (2-27)
31 at Chicago Bears (3-3) L 10-31 6- 1-0 45,664 121 98 212 53 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (50) Bart Starr (94) Max McGee (6-58)
NOVEMBER (2-2)
7 G-DETROIT LIONS (4-3) L 7-12 6- 2-0 50,852 70 -2 128 52 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (50) Bart Starr (107) Carroll Dale (3-52)
14 M-LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-7) W 6- 3 7- 2-0 48,485 102 75 116 26 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (68) Bart Starr (73) Jim Taylor (2-49)
21 at Minnesota Vikings (5-4) W 38-13 8- 2-0 47,426 180 159 183 181 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (111) Bart Starr (159) Boyd Dowler (3-78)
28 at Los Angeles Rams (1-9) L 10-21 8- 3-0 39,733 22 232 102 242 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (21) Zeke Bratkowski (148) Boyd Dowler (6-62)
DECEMBER (2-0-1)
5 G-MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-6) W 24-19 9- 3-0 50,852 113 153 251 85 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (89) Zeke Bratkowski (90) Boyd Dowler (3-51)
12 at Baltimore Colts (9-2-1) W 42-27 10- 3-0 60,238 144 222 74 190 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (66) Bart Starr (222) Boyd Dowler (4-40)
19 at San Francisco 49ers (7-6) T 24-24 10- 3-1 45,710 76 223 99 293 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (55) Bart Starr (203) Boyd Dowler (6-117)
1965 POST-SEASON SEASON RESULTS (2-0)
1965 WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF - DECEMBER (1-0)
26 G-BALTIMORE COLTS (10-3-1) W 13-10 50,484 112 250 143 32 Bart Starr Jim Taylor (60) Zeke Bratkowski (248) Bill Anderson (8-78)
1965 NFL CHAMPIONSHIP - JANUARY (1-0)
2 G-CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-3) W 23-12 50,777 204 128 64 97 Bart Starr Paul Hornung (105) Bart Starr (147) Boyd Dowler (5-59)
G - Green Bay M - Milwaukee
1965 IN REVIEW
Despite the offense being no better than 12th in the NFL, Green Bay won its first title in three years, thanks to its third-ranked defense. Jim Taylor failed to crack the 1,000-yard mark in rushing for the first time since 1959, and Green Bay's 3.4 yards per rush average was the worst since 1946. In nine games, Green Bay was outrushed by its opponent, but managed to win five of those contests. The Packer defense recorded 44 sacks (3rd best in the NFL) and an NFL-best 27 interceptions. Don Chandler replaced Paul Hornung as kicker and was good on 17 of 26 attempts, while Hornung had missed an NFL-record 26 field goals the previous year. One sad note came in June, when Packer founder Curly Lambeau died of a heart attack, leading to the renaming of City Stadium before the first pre-season game. Lombardi also signed a contract extension through 1974 in November.
LOMBARDI STAYS HOME...FOR NOW
When he first arrived in Green Bay, Vince Lombardi signed a five-year contract with an annual salary of $36,000 plus bonus clauses. In his first season, the Packers responded with a surprising 7-5 record, and New York Giants owner Wellington Mara approached his former assistant about replacing Jim Lee Howell as head coach. One year later, the Packers were in the NFL title game, which they lost, and, once again, Mara approached Lombardi about replacing Howell, who had retired. This time, Lombardi thought about the offer a little longer, but remained in Green Bay, where he would win the next two championships. As a reward for his decision to stay, the Packers renewed and extended Lombardi's contract in 1961 and 1963. The next serious challenge to Lombardi tenure in Titletown came in 1965. The expansion Atlanta Falcons apparently approached the legendary coach about taking over their team, as coach and general manager, when it began play in 1966. While we will never know how lucrative the offer was or how serious it was taken, Lombardi turned the Falcons down, but recommended his assistance coach, Norb Hecker. The Lombardi magic did not follow Hecker, who went 4-26-1 before being fired after starting the 1968 season 0-3. The Packers once again rewarded Lombardi for staying in Green Bay, with another contract extension. This one would run through January 31st 1974. There would be one more serious attempt to lure Lombardi from Green Bay. In late 1965, after firing Bill McPeak, the Washington Redskins asked Lombard if he was interested in moving to the nation's capital. The coach turned the Redskins down, and they offered the position to Otto Graham, the former Cleveland Browns quarterbacking great. After seeing Graham fail in three season to give Washington its first winning season since 1955, the Redskins again approached Lombardi after the 1968 season. This time, they offered a piece of ownership as an incentive, and, this time, it worked. The Lombardi legacy was moving east, and the Packers were left with a contract that was supposed to run until 1974.
NAME NO POS HGT WGT COLLEGE YR PR AG G HOW ACQUIRED
Herb Adderley 26 CB 6- 1 210 Michigan State 5 5 26 14 1961 Draft-1st
Lionel Aldridge 62 DE 6- 4 245 Utah State 3 3 24 14 1963 Draft-4th
Bill Anderson 88 TE 6- 3 216 Tennessee 1 7 29 14 1965 Trade-Wash
Ken Bowman 57 C 6- 3 230 Wisconsin 2 2 22 14 1964 Draft-8th
Zeke Bratkowski 12 QB 6- 3 200 Georgia 3 10 32 6 1963 FA-LA
Tom Brown 40 DB 6- 1 190 Maryland 2 2 24 14 1963 Draft-2nd
Lee Roy Caffey 60 LB 6- 3 250 Texas A&M 2 3 24 14 1964 Trade-Phil
Don Chandler 34 K 6- 2 210 Florida 1 10 31 14 1965 Trade-NYG
Dennis Claridge 10 QB 6- 3 225 Nebraska 1 1 24 1 1963 Draft-3rd
Junior Coffey 41 HB 6- 1 210 Washington 1 1 23 13 1965 Draft-7th
Tommy Crutcher 56 LB 6- 3 230 TCU 2 2 24 14 1964 Draft-3rd
Bill Curry 50 C 6- 2 235 Georgia Tech 1 1 22 14 1964 Draft-20th
Carroll Dale 84 WR 6- 2 200 Virginia Tech 1 6 27 13 1965 Trade-LA
Willie Davis 87 DE 6- 3 245 Grambling 6 8 31 14 1960 Trade-Cleve
Boyd Dowler 86 WR 6- 5 225 Colorado 7 7 27 14 1959 Draft-3rd
Marv Fleming 81 TE 6- 4 235 Utah 3 3 23 13 1963 Draft-11th
Forrest Gregg 75 G 6- 4 250 SMU 9 9 31 14 1956 Draft-2nd
Hank Gremminger 46 DB 6- 1 200 Baylor 10 10 32 8 1956 Draft-7th
Dan Grimm 67 G 6- 3 245 Colorado 3 3 24 14 1963 Draft-5th
Doug Hart 43 DB 6- 0 190 Arlington State 2 2 26 14 1964 FA-St. L
Paul Hornung 5 HB 6- 2 215 Notre Dame 8 8 29 24 1957 Draft-Bonus
Allen Jacobs 35 HB 6- 1 215 Utah 1 1 24 14 1964 Draft-10th
Bob Jeter 21 WR 6- 1 205 Iowa 3 3 28 13 1960 Draft-2nd
Henry Jordan 74 DT 6- 3 250 Virginia 7 9 30 14 1959 Trade-Cleve
Ron Kostelnik 77 DT 6- 4 260 Cincinnati 5 5 25 14 1961 Draft-2nd
Jerry Kramer 64 G 6- 3 245 Idaho 8 8 29 14 1958 Draft-4th
Bob Long 80 WR 6- 3 190 Wichita 2 2 23 13 1964 Draft-4th
Rich Marshall 70 DT 6- 5 270 Stephen F.Austin 1 1 23 14 1965 Draft-10th
Max McGee 85 E 6- 3 205 Tulane 10 10 33 12 1954 Draft-5th
Tom Moore 25 HB 6- 2 210 Vanderbilt 6 6 27 13 1960 Draft-1st
Ray Nitschke 66 LB 6- 3 240 Illinois 8 8 28 12 1958 Draft-3rd
Elijah Pitts 22 HB 6- 1 205 Philander Smith 5 5 26 14 1961 Draft-13th
Dave Robinson 89 LB 6- 3 245 Penn State 3 3 24 14 1963 Draft-1st
Bob Skoronski 76 T 6- 3 250 Indiana 8 8 31 14 1956 Draft-5th
Bart Starr 15 QB 6- 1 200 Alabama 10 10 31 14 1956 Draft-17th
Jim Taylor 31 FB 6- 0 215 LSU 8 8 30 13 1958 Draft-2nd
NAME NO POS HGT WGT COLLEGE YR PR AG G HOW ACQUIRED
Fuzzy Thurston 63 G 6- 1 245 Valparaiso 7 8 30 14 1959 Trade-Balt
Lloyd Voss 71 T 6- 4 260 Nebraska 2 2 23 14 1964 Draft-1st
Willie Wood 24 DB 5-10 190 USC 6 6 28 14 1960 FA
Steve Wright 72 T 6- 6 250 Alabama 2 2 23 14 1964 Draft-5th
NO - Jersey Number POS - Position HGT - Height WGT - Weight YR - Years with Packers PR - Years of Professional Football AGE - Age on September 1 G - Games Played FA - Free Agent
1965 PACKERS DRAFT (November 28, 1964)
RND-PICK NAME POS COLLEGE
1a - 7 *-Donny Anderson (A) HB Texas Tech
1b - 10 Larry Elkins WR Baylor
2 - 24 Alphonse Dotson T Grambling
3 - 38 Allen Brown E Mississippi
4 - 52 Wally Mahle HB Syracuse
5a - 59 *-James Harvey (B) T Mississippi
5b - 66 Doug Goodwin FB Maryland State
6a - 74 Rick Koeper (B) T Oregon State
6b - 80 Bill Symons HB Colorado
7a - 85 Jerry Roberts (C) E Baldwin-Wallace
7b - 86 Roger Jacobazzi (D) T Wisconsin
7c - 94 Junior Coffey HB Washington
8 - 108 *-Mike Shinn E Kansas
9 - 122 Larry Bulaich HB TCU
10 - 136 Rich Marshall T Stephen Austin
11 - 150 *-Jim Weatherwax T Cal State-LA
12 - 164 Gene Jeter HB Ark-Pine Bluff
13 - 178 *-Roy Schmidt G Long Beach St
14 - 192 John Putman FB Drake
15 - 206 Chuck Hurston T Auburn
16 - 220 *Phil Vandersea FB Massachusetts
17 - 234 Steve Clark K Oregon State
18 - 248 *-Jeff White E Texas Tech
19 - 262 *-Len Sears T South Carolina
20 - 276 James Chandler HB Benedictine
A - from Philadelphia Eagles as part of Jim Ringo, Earl Gros, Lee Roy Caffey trade - B - from Pittsburgh Steelers - C - from New York Giants for Turnley Todd - D - from San Francisco 49ers * - Juniors
1965 PACKER TRADES - TRANSACTIONS
JAN - WR Larry Elkins (1st round) signed with HOUSTON (AFL). T Alphonse Doston (2nd round) signed with KANSAS CITY (AFL). FB Doug Goodwin (5th round) signed with BUFFALO (AFL).
JAN 12 - Acquired K Don Chandler from NEW YORK for a future undisclosed draft choice
APRIL 13 - Acquired E Carroll Dale from LOS ANGELES for LB Dan Currie
JULY 25 - Waived QB Tom Singleton, QB Jim Van Gordon, HB Tellis Ellis, FB John Putman (14th round), K Steve Clark (17th round), G Ken Burke and T Ernie Smith on waivers (66 players on roster).
AUG 4 - Traded E Ron Kramer to DETROIT for a 1966 1st-round draft choice. Placed HB James Chandler on waivers.
AUG 17 - Placed T Roger Jacobazzi, DT Dick Herzing and HB Ron Heller on waivers (50 players on roster)
AUG 18 - Traded a 1966 6th-round choice to WASHINGTON for TE Bill Anderson
AUG 30 - Traded DE John McDowell to NEW YORK GIANTS for undisclosed terms. Placed HB Wally Mahle, HB Bill Symons and DB Donnie Davis on waivers (46 players on roster)
SEPT 7 - Placed E Jerry Robert, OT Rich Koeper and TE Jim Thilbert on waivers.
ALDRIDGE RANKS AS MOST IMPROVED PACKER
JAN 2 (Miami-Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Lionel Aldridge has no trouble with his hearing, but there was a time when he couldn't hear the enemy quarterback. The Big Train right now ranks as the Packers' most improved player. He was off to a rather slow start this season but has been a real wild man from his position at defensive end in the last six or seven games. Aldridge, the sophomore from Utah, got his first start as a Packer rookie in the Orange Bowl against the Steelers a year ago last August. The Aldridge who opens against the Cardinals in the Playoff Bowl on the same turf Sunday will be a new man. "I was so scared that night my arm was shaking when I got down into my stance. They took me out after the first three plays, and I went to the sidelines and got sick." Lionel laughed. Henry Jordan started the next few games at defensive end "until they quieted me down. I guess I'm a little excitable," Aldridge said, adding: "In my first year, I couldn't hear the quarterback give his signals I was so intent on what I had to do." Asked if he could account for his improvement, Aldridge said he realized he had been doing better and revealed that "I don't have to think anymore what I have to do. I have been able to react automatically and they have moved me out just a little wider, which has helped. I guess it all adds up to experience." Lionel added with a grin: "I can hear the quarterback now, too." The Packers are exceptionally young on the right "end" of their defense. Backing up Aldridge is Lee Roy Caffey, also a sophomore. Caffey, however, is virtually a Green Bay rookie since he played in Philadelphia last year. And to complete a threesome on that side of the line, there's another sophomore very much in the running for next year. That would be Dave Robinson, who left here earlier in the week to have an operation on his injured knee. Since Robinson can also play defensive end, it appears that the Packers are set on the right side for a few years...The Northern Packers will be the home team Sunday and will wear the Green and Gold uniforms, while the Cardinals put on their traveling whites. The clubs have an option this year and can wear white in their home park if they wish. Equipment chief Dad Braisher said the Packers wore their white uniforms in only three of the 21 games this year - at San Francisco, Detroit and Chicago...The Packers welcomed in the New Year with a good drill Friday morning, emphasizing offense. The players' 11 o'clock curfew was extended to 1 a.m. New Year's Eve to permit a good view of the arrival of the new year. Quite a few of the Packers went to the Orange Bowl game Friday night. The Alabama players and the Cardinals are staying in the Ivanhoe Hotel, which is next to the Packers' Harbour Inn. Texas is staying down the street a few hotels and at times the ocean beach is virtually covered with musclemen...The Cardinals are really strangers to the Packers, so try these statistics on for size: St. Louis' statistical leaders are Charley Johnson, who has thrown 420 passes; Jim Bakken, with 115 points on 40 for 40 extra points and and 25 field goals; John David Crow, with 554 yards in 163 attempts; Pat Fischer, with 10 interceptions; and Bobby Joe Conrad, with 61 pass catches. Johnson completed 223 for 3,045 yards, 21 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Bart Starr has thrown less (272 and 163 completions, 2,144 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), but as you can see he has enjoyed it more. Look at those interceptions. Bakken has a tiny edge over Paul Horning's top of 107 points. Fischer's interception total is great compared to the Pack's leader, Herb Adderley, with only four. The Cards intercepted 25, the Pack 16, but Green Bay has the best pass defense in the league.
PACKERS CARRY WEST'S FINAL HOPE AGAINST CARDS IN 'BOWL'
JAN 3 (Miami-Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers are the last hope of the Western Division. They'll carry the weight of that division in the Playoff Bowl battle against the Cardinals in the Orange Bowl before more than 60,000 fans this afternoon. This thinking is based on the Western's blowout in the championship game in Cleveland last Sunday when the Browns smothered John Unitas and the Colts 27 to 0. Folks down here may be a little prejudiced but the Cardinals and Packers like to think of today's game as the real "championship" game for a couple of good reasons: First, the Packers outscored the yard-crazy Browns 28 to 21 in a league match in Milwaukee - and second, the Cardinals tied the Browns in Cleveland 33 to 33 and then beat them real good in St. Louis 28 to 19. So who's best? The Packers and Cardinals, of course. Now, as to the playoff business in this land of sunshine and salt water, the Packers are confronted with ye olde law of averages. The Western Division has never lost a Playoff Bowl and the Packers will be seeking the division's fifth straight victory. The Lions played the first three games here, beating the Browns 17-16, the Eagles 38-10, and the Steelers 17-10 before the Packers whipped the Browns here last year 40-23. You might recall the Western Division had a "streak" going into last Sunday's title game, too. The Colts were trying to make it four in a row, following the Pack's wins in 1961-62 and the Bears' triumph in '63. The Cardinals are quite an eager bunch and some folks claim they aren't blessed with stars and well-knowns such as the Packers. But they are rated the scrappiest club in the East. The Packers got a load of the Cardinals in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans last August, and it was quite a surprise. The Cards won 20 to 7 and the turning point was a 74-yard return of an interception of a Bart Starr pass by little Pat Fischer. This Fischer, who normally works against Boyd Dowler, came up with 10 (count 'em) interceptions during the league season, and there's a story here: The Packers downed the Cardinals in league competition in 1962 and 1963 and in each game Starr threw a long gainer to Dowler on the very first play - right over Fischer. Each led to a touchdown. Fischer is probably wondering whether the Packers will try to make it three in a row. But it's possible Dowler may open at left end in place of Max McGee, and then Bob Jeter will go to Dowler's flanker spot - against Fischer. McGee missed the last two league games with a pulled groin muscle and it still bothers him - "especially if I have to cut," he says. Max undoubtedly will play but possibly not for long. The rest of the Packer cast is in good shape, and that includes Hank Gremminger, who missed the last game with an injured leg. There may be a question on starting Gremminger in view of Tom Brown's fine performance against the Rams. This could be a duel of two smart quarterbacks - Starr and the Cards' Charley Johnson. These signalists like to pick a defense apart and neither specializes in the bombs. They rely on such busters as Jim Taylor, Tom Moore, John Crow and others to loosen up the defenses for their passing. For the most part of the Playoff Bowls have been tight and that could result in a kicking duel between the ex-Badger, Jim Bakken, and our Paul Hornung. Bakken leads the Cardinals with 115 points, including 40 for 40 on extra points and 25 field goals in 38 attempts, while Hornung has 107 points on 41 conversions in 43 attempts and 12 field goals in 38 tries. Hornung has been kicking well in practice. And maybe this is the day he starts hitting. His best day was in the first game of the season when he booted three field goals (one a 52-yard free kick) against the Bears.
MAN WITH UNUSUAL PACKER TIE-INS, DON ROSSIE, VIEWS BAY WARMUP FOR PLAYOFF WITH DELIGH
JAN 3 (Miami-Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Don Rossi, an athletic looking middle-ager, viewed the Packers' warmup Saturday with delight. Rossi is vice president of the Riddell Sport Equipment Co., which supplies the Packers' helmets, shoes, etc., but he has an unusual tie-in with Green Bay. Don once fought the late Al Urlich, former St. Norbert College boxing great; he was field judge at Vince Lombardi's first game as Packer head coach; and he tried to sign Tom Moore for the Dallas Texans. "We boxed St. Norbert at Michigan State and I drew Urlich. He gave me a good lacing, but boy I got a real hometown decision. Al was pretty mad about it, and I didn't blame him. We had another match at St. Norbert the next year, but we didn't meet because of the difference in weights," Rossi recalled. The onetime Spartan officiated at 16 National League games in 1959 and "the only one I can remember was your game against the Bears. We all got quite a thrill out of that one because it was such a big upset," he said, adding: "Before the game, we (the officials) met with the coaches (Lombardi and George Halas) and Vince was just as cool as a cucumber. This was the biggest game of his life but you never would have known it. And who can forget that one. A 9 to 6 Packer victory on a touchdown by Jim Taylor and a safety in the fourth quarter." Rossi said he tried his hand in the AFL the next year - as general manager of the Texans, who have since moved to Kansas City. "We drafted Tom Moore, but he wouldn't even listen to us. He had his mind all made up on going to Green Bay. This is unusual with both leagues," Don pointed out. "I guess I decided that the AFL wasn't for me, because I got out the next year and went with Riddell," he laughed...Jess Whittenton, Jr., 10-year-old son of the Packer defensive back, was drawing some plays on the blackboard while his dad was dressing Saturday morning. He drew up a pitchout, sending him around right end and pointing out that Herb Adderley had to come up and make the tackle. We suggested that he draw a play with the fullback going around the left end for his father to make the tackle. "Oh," young Jess said without drawing a breath. "He'd miss anyway." We don't tell tales out of school, but big Jess just had to hear what his son thought of his tackling. To which big Jess replied, "Those kids sure catch on in a hurry." And as an afterthought, Jesse growled and smiled at the same time, "I guess I'll just have to give him a whipping." Me thinks Jess will watch his tackling against the Cardinal Sunday.
REPORT HORNUNG CLASH, POSSIBLE GIANT TRADE
JAN 6 (New York) - The New York Journal-American said Wednesday that Paul Hornung, the Golden Boy halfback, is finished with the Green Bay Packers and may be traded to the New York Giants. The newspaper said Hornung and his coach, Vince Lombardi, reached the breaking point last week in Miami when the Packers were training for the NFL Playoff Bowl game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Hornung did not start in the game, and his last play was a halfback option pass that was intercepted by the Cardinals. The interception doomed Green Bay's hopes. The Cardinals won 24-17. The Journal-American, in a story by Charley Feeney, said that the Packers earlier had promised the Giants first refusal if Hornung ever came on the player trade market. According to the newspaper, Hornung's latest clash with Lombardi came when the player was late for a team meeting. He reportedly telephoned Lombardi to apologize and was told: "Get in your car and keep going." Hornung reportedly looks on his latest clash with Lombardi as the "end of the line in Green Bay. Lombardi, it's rumored, feels any dissension with the Packers revolves around Hornung," the paper said. The former Notre Dame star sat out the 1963 season under suspension for betting on games. (Lombardi was not immediately available for comment but Pat Peppler, Packer personnel director, said, "I don't have any reason to think Paul will be traded. There's nothing here as far as I know that would give that rumor any credence. I think somebody has surmised it, and maybe they're going to make some overtures about him," he added. "Maybe they already have. There is no way you could be delighted with the year Paul has had and I know Paul feels that way more than anyone else. But I wouldn't think there would be any reason to do anything rash. I would think it couldn't be classes as anything but a wild rumor.")
WHITTENTON 1 STROKE OUT IN NFL TOURNEY
JAN 6 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Jess Whittenton, Packer defensive back, fired the best round of the second day of the 54-hole NFL Players Golf Tournament at the Hollywood Beach, Fla., Hotel course Tuesday. He turned in a 76 and pulled into second place behind the leader, 49er quarterback John Brodie. Whittenton has 157 and Brodie, who hit 77 Tuesday, has 156. Brodie is a heavy favorite due to his consistency and his experience as a former golf pro. King Hill, Eagle quarterback, and Jim Bakken, Cardinal placekicker, were tied for third at 158. They were followed by Bob Taylor, Giant defensive back, at 162; Bernie Parrish, Brown defensive back, 166; Willie Richardson, Colt flanker, 167; and Zeke Bratkowski, Packer quarterback, 168. Redskin linebacker John Reger blew his chances of winning when he turned in a 94 to ruin his first round 75, which had him in the early lead...WEDDING BELLS: Herb Adderley, Packer defensive back, said he may get married next summer...Wally Mahle, the Syracuse University star signed by the Packers the other day, is listed as a "running quarterback" by his team. The fourth round pick was kept at QB by the Orangemen for his running - not his passing. In the Sugar Bowl game, Mahle played right halfback, replacing an injured player. At 6-3 and 195, Mahle is also a possibility for defense back and flanker - as well as running back, with the Pack.
PAUL DOESN'T WANT HORNUNG TRADED; NEITHER DOES VINCE
JAN 7 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - It wouldn't be much of an offseason if the trade-Hornung rumors didn't fly. But they came early this time. In fact, before the 1964 campaign was over. One day after practice in Miami last week, Paul Hornung, Bart Starr and yours truly drove back to the Packers' hotel in Miami Beach with Packer publicist Tom Miller. And Paul was getting quite a chuckle out of "the stories that they're going to trade me." Being quite a ham, Hornung painted himself as a New Yorker sitting "up there on Fifth Avenue," etc. It was all good clean fun and, if you want a trip shortened, just invite Hornung along. He makes you forget your troubles. When the fun settled down, and a stop sign approached, we asked Paul this: Do you want to be traded? "Hell no, I don't want to be traded," Hornung emphasized with an expletive and a couple of negatives. And that ended the run, darn it, but Hornung's real feeling toward the Packers came out automatically. This guy wants to play his football in Green Bay. And, incidentally, under Coach Vince Lombardi, who made him into a star. That brings us up to yesterday when Charley Feeney wrote in the New York Journal-American that Hornung is finished with the Packers and may be traded to the Giants. He also reported that Lombardi and Hornung reached the breaking point in Miami last week when Hornung reportedly was late for a team meeting. He reportedly phoned Vince to apologize and was told: "Get in your car and keep going." Asked about Feeney's report, Lombardi said today "there's no truth to it" and for emphasis he added: "It's a lie." Vince has always said and he reiterated this today that he would make any trade if he thought it would help the team. But, he also noted, that if he desired a trade he would initiate it himself. "I don't know a player in the NFL who has the potential of Hornung." Vince said. "You don't give up something for nothing. Now I's mot saying that we're going to sit pat. If we have an opportunity to better ourselves, we will trade. But I have no plans to trade Hornung, period." Some significance was attached to the fact that Hornung did not start in the Playoff Bowl game against the Cardinals Sunday. This is not unusual since Hornung has been ailing, what with a shoulder injury, and Tom Moore and Elijah Pitts have started in his place at times. If significance is put on Hornung not starting, how about Ron Kramer? Kramer started every game during the season, but sophomore Marv Fleming was the opening tight end against the Cardinals, and Kramer, bothered with a gimpy knee most of the season, didn't make an appearance until after the first two series. Lombardi made frequent substitutions Sunday what with the 80-degree heat. Hornung, reached later in Los Angeles, said it was "the first I've heard of such reports. I'm perfectly happy in Green Bay. And any reports that I have not been getting along with Coach Lombardi are untrue." What would Hornung bring the Packers on the NFL market? "There's not a club in football that wouldn't grab him," said Steeler aide Mike Nixon. "And they would give Lombardi practically anything he wanted." Hornung always felt that a pinched neck nerve had nothing to do with his placekicking slump, but Nixon disagreed: "We noticed on films that when Hornung lined up for a field goal, his neck was always tilted," said Nixon. "You can't tell me that it didn't bother him." And there you are. The offseason is off to a flying start. Let's have a little peace - for at least a few weeks!
HANNER DOUBTS COLLEGIANS' WILLINGNESS TO 'PAY PRICE'
JAN 7 (West Memphis, AK) - Dave (Hawg) Hanner, veteran Green Bay Packer tackle, says he doesn't believe today's bonus stars will be willing to pay the price to become outstanding professional football players. "A man who gets that much money usually doesn't want to pay the price," Hanner said. "If he doesn't like it, what with a no-cut contract, he can quit as soon as his contract runs out." Hanner, who has spent 13 years with Green Bay, was referring to the fat bonuses being handed out this year to college stars for signing pro contracts in the dollar war between the National and American Football Leagues. The contract most talked about is the $400,000 put out by the New York Jets of the AFL to lure Alabama quarterback Joe Namath into the fold. "I saw Namath play in the Orange Bowl against Texas," Hanner said. "He looked great, but he will have to make a big improvement to look that good in the pros. You can't blame the boys for taking the money, but when you pay that much for a player, you have to play him, and if he doesn't do well, then you're going to have dissension on the ball club and friction is the worst thing you can have on a club." Hanner, who earns in the $20,000 a year bracket as one of the NFL's top linemen, lives here in the offseason. He played his college football at Arkansas.
PERSONALITY PARADE
JAN 8 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - It comes as a distinct surprise, considering the "battle of the buck" now being wages with record abandon by the National and American football leagues, but 1965's graduating collegiate football heroes are authoritatively characterized as "pretty reasonable." Wiry, balding Pat Peppler, the Packers' puckish personnel director, who is presently pursuing a variety of expensive autographs, frankly admits, "They all are pretty well aware of the position they're in from the standpoint of competition between the leagues. And few do get high-handed but, actually, there isn't the percentage that you would think. You do get a certain amount of stubbornness and reluctance to make the thing final at times. But I think the boys in general are pretty reasonable. We get out of it on a lot of those who are not," the ex-North Carolina State coaching aide added, pointing out, "We feel we can't afford it because of what it's going to do the business." And just how are the Packer faring in the flesh mart? "It varies more with the type of boy than anything else, if that makes sense," Pepper, the possessor of a delightfully sly sense of humor, replied. Expanding upon this point, he revealed, "I feel we have a better chance with the boys you can talk to and reason with because we have a lot to offer them - in the type of town, the way the franchise has been and the recent record of the Packers. Plus the fact Green Bay is sort of a Cinderella story - the small town playing with the big boys. "Those not near to a big league football town geographically are more likely to sign with the Packers. A lot of them feel the atmosphere of a small town. I know we don't do as well with the kind of boy who goes for the early signing and the big flashy show - what we consider the high pressure salesmanship gimmicks." Analyzing the Packers' loss of No. 1 choice Larry Elkins to the Houston Oilers, who reportedly bagged the Baylor ace with a four-year, $260,000 contract, and No. 2 pick Alphonse Dotson of Grambling to the Kansas City Chiefs, Peppler observed, "I think we're better off letting 'em go than getting
involved in situations that are completely out of line with reason just to say you beat somebody. I think any single club could do that if you're trying to beat somebody, but you're not trying to sign one player so that you'll ruin your whole ball club." What of Packer patriarch Dave Hanner's Thursday comment that these high-salaries rookies will create "dissension on the ball club?" "Dave would be in a better position to know that than I would," the ex-Shorewood three-sport star pointed out. "I would say, for the most part, everybody has a chance to make a deal the best way he can. The bigger point that he is making is that it's not so much a matter of the money - whether the clubs can afford it - but what is it going to do to the game? If the greatest thing that ever happens to a boy is to sign a pro contract, what incentive will he have for the future? If he is ever going to achieve anything like this again - if money is his only goal - what has he to look forward to? I think there are some boys who will play regardless, but it's easier to play if you have an incentive, like a raise in salary next year. But for them, they are likely to go down, rather than up."
PACKERS SIGN BULAICH; FIVE 'BIG BACKS' SET
JAN 10 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Move over Tom Moore, Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and Elijah Pitts? Coach Vince Lombardi has just signed a fifth "big back" to provide fiery competition for the Packers' 1965 running back posts. Latest to enter the battle is Larry Bulaich, a 215-pound battering ram from Texas Christian, whose signing was announced Saturday by Lombardi. The five backs all stand 6-1 or over and they have good speed, plus power. They'll join Tommy Crutcher, a rookie in '64, in providing the Packers' Big Four with their stiffest competition yet. Crutcher displayed considerable strength in a few appearances at fullback last season. He also worked some at linebacker. The Packers now have announced the signing of 15 players, including eight members of the latest draft, three futures chosen a year ago, and four free agents...In the spirit of the hockey season, you might say that the Eastern Division will be going for the "hat trick" in the Pro Bowl in Los Angeles today. The East won the first two skirmishes with the Western Division. The Browns beat the Colts 27-0 and the Packers at least scored in losing to the Cardinals 24-17...Jimmy Burns of the Miami Herald was a bit unhappy with the Pack's performance in Miami. Wrote Jimmy: "Judging from conversations with fans for the past two days, the listless Packers soured a lot of people on the game. It will be harder to sell the game, staged for the players' benefit fund, next year. The Packers will be remembered as players who looked like they were on pension instead of playing to increase their retirement fund. Let's hope they don't return in '65." Wonder what Burns said about the Browns' flip before the Pack in the '64 Playoff Bowl? As we recall, the
Browns went on to win the East in '64. Maybe the Pack can get themselves off that hallowed Miami turf and win the West in '65. Then they won't have to return to Miami...The Robert Kennedy who was appointed district attorney of Forest County by Judge Arnold Murphy the other day is the same Robert Kennedy who joined Jim Ringo in fleeing the Packer training camp in Grand Rapids, Minn., in 1953. Ringo returned, but Kennedy went to law school at Wisconsin, though Bob gave the Pack another brief whirl in '54.
CLARK SIGNS BASEBALL PACT
JAN 12 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Steve Clark, the kicker from Oregon State drafted by the Packers, has signed a baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox. His contract permits him to placekick in professional football. A pitcher, Clark signed for what Sox scout Bobby Doerr called a substantial bonus. Clark, who stands 6-2 and weighs 210 pounds, was the Packers' 17th draft choice. His home is in Springfield, Ore. He was assigned to Winston-Salem of the Carolina League and will report for spring training at Ocala, Fla...Lee Bondhus, who stayed with the Packers until the last cut in 1961, has been named head football coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, Ia. He succeeds Norm Johansen, who coached at Wartburg for 13 years. Bondhus played with Grand Rapids of the United Football League after leaving Green Bay. He was line coach at Wartburg last year.
PACKER'S CHANDLER 3-WAY SPECIALIST
JAN 13 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Don chandler, the Giants' three-way foot specialist, is a Packer. And the deal "reaches" four men - Paul Hornung, Jerry Kramer, Lee Roy Caffey and Jerry Norton. Chandler comes to Green Bay in exchange for a draft choice, Coach Vince Lombardi announced Tuesday afternoon. Chandler does all things footwise. He punts, kicks off and kicks extra points and field goals. The Giants' fifth draft choice in 1956 represents a collective sign of relief on a Packer team that was virtually toeless in 1964. Look: Hornung's field goal success was down to 31 percent; Norton finished with a 42-yard punting average; nobody could kick off until Caffey was uncovered late in the season, and Kramer, the lone relief for Hornung, was ill early in the season and Hornung was on his own. More specifically, the Packers lost the championship for lack of an effective toe. They dropped three of their first seven games - one to the Vikings and two to the Colts - by a total of five points, and then it was too late. Chandler worked nine years as a punting specialist for the Giants and had a lifetime average of 43.6 yards on 525 punts, four of which were blocked. He took over the Giants' placekicking duties from Pat Summerall in 1962 and hit 46 of 77 field goals and 126 of 133 extra points in three seasons. He has scored 264 points. Lombardi, asked if the deal changes the status of Hornung, said, "it does not change anything. It means that we have two kickers now. If we had had two kickers last year, we would have won it." Vince agreed that it's a relief to know that the Packers' kicking game is bs bolstered but explained with a chuckle that "we'll have 10 kickers in camp next season." At least for him Chandler had an offseason kicking in 1964, hitting eight of 20 for a success ratio of 45 percent. Hornung was even worse with 31 percent on 12 successes in 38 attempts. Lombardi reminded that Chandler was "kicking a lot from way out. But he came along strong near the close." Chandler actually hit seven of 11 late in the season after his slow start, despite the fact that the fortunes of the Giants went from bad to worse. Chandler, from his home in Tulsa, said he had "a great association with the Giants, but I'm not shook up about leaving. I hadn't thought much about the deal but I'm never surprised about anything in this business." The one-time Florida star said, "I have all the respect in the world for Hornung. He has beaten us more than once with his kicking. I was in complete sympathy with him last season." Chandler had threatened to retire at the start of the 1964 season unless he could remain at home and join the club on weekends. The Giants rejected the idea and he finally signed for full time duty.
He said Tuesday he had no retirement plans and would not ask the Packers to make a weekend arrangement. In New York, Giant Coach Allie Sherman said "we felt we could part with Chandler because we were able to get some boys who can kick and play a position. With a younger club next season, we can't afford to carry a kicking specialist." Jerry Hillebrand and Andy Stynchula will do the Giant kicking next year, plus rookies Bob Timberlake and Chuck Mercein. Chandler has a lifetime (three years) field goal percentage of a shade under 60 on 46 out of 77. His longest was 53 yards against the Cowboys in '63. He has hit on 126 out of 133 extra point tries and all but one of the misses were on poor set-downs on bad passes from center.
PACKERS LOSE COACH (AUSTIN); PLAYER (RON KRAMER), TOO?
JAN 14 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers lost a coach for sure and a player for maybe in the space of three hours Wednesday afternoon. Both for family health reasons. Bill Austin, 36, the Packers' offensive line coach and a member of Vince Lombardi's original staff, resigned shortly after 3 o'clock. And in Detroit in the early evening, Packer tight end Ron Kramer said he (1) cannot play for Green Bay anymore and (2) wants to continue in professional football only if he can play for the Lions. Kramer's decision opened the way for trade talks between the two clubs and pinpointed a recent request by the Lions' Gail Cogdill, an offensive end, to be traded. Cogdill revealed his feelings about the time George Wilson resigned as head coach of the Lions. Kramer, the Packers' first choice in 1957, said he is faced with a "family situation" and that he doesn't want to leave his family anymore. Ron's family remained in Detroit during recent off-seasons. His son, Kurt, 6, suffered a freak injury last summer when hit in the eye by a shoelace and has undergone one operation and may need another. Lions General Manager Ed Anderson said today he planned to call Lombardi today to seek permission to talk to Kramer. "If he says no, we can't talk to him," Anderson said. Lombardi said today he would have no comment on the Kramer thing "until we hear from them." Vince said this morning he hadn't heard from Anderson yet, pointing out that "what I've heard thus far has been secondhand." Kramer, 29, caught 34 passes in 1964 for 497 yards and went without a touchdown for the first season since 1960 when he played briefly behind Gary Knafelc. He scored 15 touchdowns in three seasons starting in 1961. Ron made it plain there was no other reasons for his quitting the Packers. He was called home twice during the season when his son underwent an operation. Austin said it was a "tough decision" for him to make, but added that he wished to stay in coaching - "in the pros and preferably in the National League." Bills's wife, Goodie, is allergic to the cold climate in these parts, and Austin said her physician recommended that she live in a milder climate. Austin said, "I'm sorry to leave her. I've had a pleasant association with Coach Lombardi and the Packers." The youngest member of Lombardi's staff, Austin came to the Packers in '59 an in two years his offensive line of guards Jerry Kramer and Fred Thurston, tackles Bob Skoronski, Forrest Gregg and Norm Masters and center Jim Ringo was rated as the best in the league. "We've had good personnel in those championship years and it's still good," Austin said, referring to the Pack's three straight Western titles and two world's. He noted that the Packers led the league in rushing in '64. A 1949 graduate of Oregon State College, Austin was a regular offensive tackle with the Giants at the age of 20. He later switched to guard and played under Lombardi, then Giant offensive coach. "Bill was never very big, but he was real smart," Lombardi said in picking Austin for the Packer staff, adding: "He was a boy genius when he joined the Giants." At the height of his career, Bill was called into service and was stationed in Japan where he was head coach of the Far East champs at Camp Drake, Tokyo. His team, which included former Packer Clayton Tonnemaker, had a 10-0 record. He rejoined the Giants in 1953 and at the end of the 1954 season he made the Pro Bowl game. He made all-pro in '55 and closed out his pro career in '57. He was line coach at Wichita University in 1058. Lombardi said he expected to have an addition to the coaching staff named in "about a month or so. Since the thing broke, I've had about 35 applications by telephone and wire and mail."
LIONS' GILMER NOT READY TO TALK TRADE
JAN 15 (Green Bay) - Ron Kramer's request to play in Detroit next season opens the way for trade talks between the Packers and the Lions and pinpoints a recent request by the Lions' Gail Cogdill, an offensive end, to be traded. However, new Detroit head coach Harry Gilmer said Thursday it was too early to give serious consideration to possible player trades. Gilmer said it would require a "period of weeks" to evaluate the team before considering such deals.
THREE MILWAUKEE GROUPS INTERESTED IN AFL FRANCHISE
JAN 15 (Houston) - The AFL will remain an eight-team league in 1965 and probably for at least two more years although it has scheduled an expansion meeting to consider 38 applications this year. Commissioner Joe Foss said Thursday the AFL was investigating the various groups applying for franchises and then make up its mind when and if it wants to add any new clubs. Foss said nine groups from Philadelphia, five from Atlanta, four each from Washington and Chicago, three from Milwaukee and two from Los Angeles have made inquiries. He also had heard from would-be owners in Miami, New Orleans, Birmingham, Seattle, Portland, Columbus and Cincinnati. In Milwaukee, County Board Chairman Eugene Grobschmidt said no group had contacted him about possible playing dates in County Stadium. Foss did not name the groups in Milwaukee, where the NFL Green Bay Packers play three of their home games. Although Foss declined to name names, he did reveal he had spoken to Arthur Allyn, owner of the Chicago White Sox, earlier this week in Chicago. Allyn would like to put an AFL franchise in Comiskey Park. All league owners assured Foss they expected to stand pat through 1965. Anaheim, Cal., new home of the Los Angeles Angels, has been making a strong pitch for San Diego and there are rumors that Denver eventually might be headed toward Philadelphia. Under the terms of a new five-year $36-million television contract with the National Broadcasting Co., it is reported each team will get each team will get $750,000 in 1065, $900,000 in 1966, $850,000 in 1967, $900,000 in 1968, and $950,000 in 1969. There is an additional $2 million expansion fund that probably will be split among new franchises. That fund could provide $500,000 for each of two new clubs in 1968 and 1969 but lesser amounts if spread over more than two years. The AFL stole a march on the rival NFL by voting to putting a player representative on its pension committee. NFL players have been trying unsuccessfully for such representation for years. The AFL five-man pension committee will include Foss, a player to be selected by the players association and three outside businessmen to be picked by Foss...SCREEN ROAD GAMES: Under the new television setup, an attempt will be made to screen most of the teams' road games in the home city. The league will operate once more on a 15-week schedule adding an extra week by allotting open dates as it did last season. Milt Woodard, assistant commissioner, has the job of making up the schedule. It is probable that a special gala opener for Houston's new domed stadium will be arranged. Every club in the league wants to help Houston open its stadium with its 53,000 seats for football.
BILL AUSTIN SIGNS AS RAM ASSISTANT
JAN 16 (Los Angeles) - Bill Austin, who quit as Green Bay Packers offensive line coach this week, has been hired by the Los Angeles Rams to replace Ray Wietecha, it was announced Friday. Wietecha resigned for personal reasons from the Rams. Austin played guard in the NFL for the New York Giants. He was line coach at the University of Wichita in 1958, then in 1959, when Vince Lombardi was made head coach at Green Bay, Austin joined the staff and remained six years. Austin said he had been negotiating with the Rams since submitting his resignation to the Packers Wednesday. He said he would probably go to Los Angeles about the middle of next week, and that he and his wife looked forward to returning to southern California. Austin said he hadn't had a chance to look at the Rams' offensive line because "previously I've been concerned about their defensive line. I just hope I can do a job for them," he said.
'IF STARR HAD SEEN MOORE...'; SHULA 'SEES' PACK AS CHAMP
JAN 17 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Colt Coach Don Shula, in his analysis on the 1964 season via Tex Maule in Sports Illustrated, including this item: "If Starr had seen Moore, it might have been the Packers in the championship game, not the Colts." Shula was referring to the final 1:50 of the Packer-Colt game in City Stadium when the Packers had the ball on the Colts' 31-yard line, third and nine to go, and the Colts leading 21-20. Bart Starr threw a pass off to his left, toward Max McGee, but it was intercepted by Don Shinnick, saving the game for the Colts and giving each team a 1-1 record at the time. A Green Bay win might have given the Pack the momentum they needed to go on to the title and a loss likely would have flattened the Baltimore hopes. Shula wrote: "Starr called the pattern we were afraid of - a pass to Tom Moore against single coverage by Bill Pellington. Starr dropped back and Moore circled out of the backfield and was all alone. Then Starr threw - and he threw toward McGee. Shinnick went up and picked off the ball and closed the Packers out, and we ran out the clock. I don't know why Starr did not throw to Moore; maybe the defensive line had shut off the lane to Moore." Starr, asked to recall the play, said, "I couldn't see Tom and I don't know if it was the tackle or end that blocked my view. I wasn't trying to hit Max. I was just trying to thrown the ball out of bounds, but it was a poor throw." Bart had a humorous sequel to the play, which, of course, became a real "crucial" because Paul Hornung had missed the extra point after the Packers' second touchdown. "Later in the season as we often discussed the play, I kidded Paul, 'we might have gone to the 10 but you probably would have missed the field goal anyway,'" Starr laughed. While an entire season often seems to "turn" on one play, and this seems to THE play, there were many other instances that could be championship-losing keys. Two weeks later in City Stadium, the Vikings were ahead 21-20 (this one when Hornung's extra point kick was blocked), but the Packers went ahead 23-21 on a 20-yard field goal by Hornung with 4:52 left. Then Fran Tarkenton, being chased madly, uncorked a 44-yard prayer pass with 54 seconds left to set up a winning field goal. Two weeks later - this time in Baltimore, the Packers, ahead 14-10, had first and goal on the Colt two and wound up with Hornung missing a field goal from the 17 (one of the five he missed that day). Then late in the game Willie Wood dopped an interception of a John Unitas pass on the Colt 25 with nothing but daylight in front of him. And so it went. The season "turned" on many plays, but, like that first kiss, the first one meant the most...Don Chandler, the kicking specialist obtained by Coach Vince Lombardi last week, already holds two Packer "records" (which won't go in the Green Bay books). Chandler's longest field goal was for 53 yards vs the Cowboys, a yard longer than the record of 52 shared by Ted Fritsch and Paul Hornung. And his best punting average was 46.6 yards in 1959, which topes the Packer mark of 44. by Jerry Norton in 1963. Chandler, who carries the nickname Babe. will be 31 next Sept. 5. Norton, incidentally, will be 34 May 16...Jerry Kramer will go back to Mayo's for additional surgery in February. Meanwhile, the big guard says, "I'm feeling fine and the doctor said I could do a little weightlifting." Also on his program is some bow and arrow shooting...Ron Kramer of the Packers and the Lions' Gail Cogdill, the two fellers who asked to be traded, opposed each other twice last season and R.K. led in catches while Cogdill scored the only TD. Kramer caught 10 passes for 156 yards, including six for 77 in Detroit, while Cogdill nailed six for 82. Gail caught four for 59 here and one was a 23-yard TD throw from Milt Plum. The Packers won both games, 14-10 there and 34-7 here.
WIETECHA NAMED PACKER LINE COACH
JAN 19 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers and Los Angeles Rams completed a unique "trade" today. It was consummated in New York late this morning with the signing of Ray Wietecha, former Giant center, as the Packers' new offensive line coach by GM-Coach Vince Lombardi. Wietecha, who recently resigned a similar position with the Rams, succeeds Bill Austin, who quit his Packer post last week to replace Wietecha on the Rams' staff. Asserting "we are real fortunate to get him," Lombardi said, "The Ram line was the most improved in the NFL last season under Wietecha." The new Packer aide is highly regarded by his former boss, Ram Coach Harland (Swede) Svare, who the day he appointed Wietecha to his staff declared, "He's been preparing himself to coach for years." Wietecha joined the Rams in 1963. Considered one of the most intelligent and durable players in the league during his 10-year NFL career, Wietecha played in 133 consecutive games with the Giants and was rated one of the best offensive line blockers in the pro ranks, earning all-pro honors five teams. An all-Big Ten center at Northwestern University, he was drafted No. 12 in 1950 by the Giants as a future but did not join them until 1953 - after taking a fling at minor league baseball. As a rookie, he proved himself a genuine jack-of-all-trades, playing linebacker, defensive halfback, and end in addition to center. Wietecha, who has been making his home in New York, is married and the father of four children.
'I'D LOVE TO PLAY IN NEW YORK,' HORNUNG
JAN 24 (New York) - The Golden Boy is in town. But not to play pro football for the New York Giants. Not yet, anyway. And it isn't Joe Namath of the New York Jets, of course. The reference is to the original glamour boy of the big dough world of pro football, Paul Hornung. Not that he'd mind being traded to the Giants by the Green Bay Packers. "I'd love to play in New York," he said honestly yesterday. "I think I'd like living here. But I talked with our coach (Vince Lombardi) and he said he isn't going to trade me. I called him after he had gotten Don Chandler from the Giants. The stories said I was on the block because we got Chandler to take over as our kicker. He said there was no deal on."...PLAYER LIKE CHATTEL: "But a NFL player is like chattel. You can be bought and sold. Lombardi is a good man, strong and respected. I know that if he did deal me, it would be for the good of the team (what he would get in return) and for me. That's the kind of man he is." How about the stories that they weren't talking after Paul missed a meeting of the team prior to the Playoff Bowl in Miami recently? "Nothing to that," Paul said. "There are no hard feelings between us. He's the coach, the boss. If I play for him, I'd give him it all. If I'm traded, the other team will get everything I can do."...HE'S A SWINGER: Is Hornung sorry he was born 10 years too soon? How would he like to be one of today's great college quarterbacks like Namath or another Notre Damer like himself, John Huarte? A six-figure bonus baby? "I'd be looking for seven figures," he laughed. Then, seriously: "The game has been very good to me. I don't resend the college kids getting all that money. In fact, it puts the established players in a better bargaining position." Meaning that proven stars like himself might be able to get bonus contracts, with life insurance, post-career salary guarantees and other fancy financial fringe benefits? "Yes, we ought to be able to get things like that," he answered. Paul is a "swinger," which he readily admits. Meaning he loves a good time and loves money. He was told that the Dallas Cowboys had corralled a centerline backer from Rice, Malcolm Walker, with a unique deal: They put $80,000 in a saving account in the player's name. If he doesn't touch it for 10 years, it will bring him an annuity of $500 a month. If he leaves it alone for 17 years, he'll get nearly $800 a month...WANTS TO KICK: "That would not be for me," Hornung laughed. "I'd take the whole 80 thousand and run off to Paris. They would have to address me: 'Paul Hornung, Left Bank.'" Much of Green Bay's trouble last year was due to placekicking, for which Hornung got the horns. He missed 17 of 35 field goals and a couple of vital extra points. Four games were either tied or lost by a total of five points when his kicks when awry. Assuming no trade, does Paul intend to yield the placekicking duties to Chandler? "No, I want to keep the job," he answered. The pride showed in his face.
PACKERS PLAN MORE SEATS AT STADIUM
JAN 26 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Green Bay Packers will open bids Feb. 11, to establish cost estimates for adding from 5,300 to 12,000 permanent seats to City Stadium. The bids will be from four possibilities including removal of all or some of the bleacher seats now on the north side of the stadium. City Stadium now seats 42,328, including about 4,200 bleacher seats. The Green Bay Stadium Commission last week authorized the Packer Corp. to obtain the bids and undertake the construction if it sees fit to do so. No municipal funds would be involved under the proposal. Osborn Engineering Co., Cleveland, a consultant in the original stadium site in 1957, is the architect for the project and circulated the request for bids. The bid opening was stated as 10 a.m., Feb. 11.
DON CHANDLER, 'SAVED' BY LOMBARDI, SIGNED AS PACKER
JAN 27 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Don Chandler, the punting and kicking specialist who was virtually "saved" for pro football by Vince Lombardi, has signed a 1965 Packer contract. And it might be added,,.already. Chandler was obtained from the Giants just 15 days ago in exchange for a high draft choice. And today Lombardi announced the three-way foot specialist as the first veteran signed for the new campaign. Vince noted that, "We're fortunate to have an established punter and kicker like Chandler." Thus, in one quick stroke, the Packers' tantalizing kicking problem has been licked - at least on paper. And such footsters as Paul Hornung, Jerry Norton and Lee Roy Caffey will have to contend with Chandler next season. Hornung and Norton both dropped off with their booting and some of Paul's misses meant the difference in winning and losing. Caffey was discovered later in the season as a kickoff man. Chandler said at his home in Tulsa today that "I am certainly looking forward to a warm relationship with the Packers after so many years on the opposite side of the fence. I have always been aware of the fine operations of the Packers and the feeling of the city toward the players." The 30-year-old Chandler came to the Giants out of Florida University, as a punting specialist and offensive back. Due to a shoulder injury, a carryover from his college days, Chandler was homesick, discouraged and pessimistic about his chances of making the Giants as a rookie in '56 in the Vermont training camp. "I knew my shoulder might go any moment," he recalled, "and I didn't think the Giants could afford to carry a cripple - even if he could kick. So I packed my bags and left camp. I was going to go home and forget all about pro football." Fortunately for the Giants and now the Packers, Lombardi, then offensive coach of the Giants, got wind of Chandler's unscheduled departure and reached the Burlington, Vt., airport just in time to take him off a plane and haul him back to camp. "You may not make this ball club," Lombardi growled at Chandler, "but you're sure as hell not going to run out on me." Chandler said later "it was the best thing that ever happened to me." Chandler is a kickoff, placekick, field goal and punting specialist. He spent his first six years in New York as a punter and in 1962 assumed the placekicking duties when Pat Summerall retired. As a punter, Don averaged just under 45 yards in nine years. He hit on 46 of 77 field goals, including a 53-yarder against the Cowboys in '63 - a Giant record. He made 127 of 135 extra points. Chandler's dual role creates an interesting shoe problem on the sidelines since he wears the light conventional low-cut shoe for punting and the high-top square-toe shoe for placekicking. He merely changes shoes but the problem becomes complex when his team has the ball near midfield when a punt or kick could the order. The "high" shoe must be laced up, while it takes little time with the low-cut. Chander is considered a clutch passer. Over the years, the quiet Oklahoman, who is known as "Babe," has averaged 51 yards a punt from behind his goal line. In his nine years in New York, the Giants have won six division titles. Chandler would like to roll, or rather, a seven in '65 up in Green Bay.
WIETECHA IMPRESSED BY PACK STAFF'S EARLY ENTHUSIASM
JAN 28 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Ray Wietecha, fresh out of sunny California, poked his nose into our town's 15-below weather this morning. And never even shivered. "I'm used to this weather," explained the Packers' new offensive line coach, who pointed out that he was raised in East Chicago, Ind., "where it also gets plenty cold." Wietecha came in with his wife, Joan, from Los Angeles Wednesday, and Ray went right to work while the little woman did some house hunting. They're looking for a three or four-bedroom place. The Wietechas have four children - Billy, Barbara, Donna and Darren. Ray played 10 seasons with the Giants and served as the Rams' offensive line coach in 1963-64. He replaces Bill Austin, who went to the Rams. The former Northwestern University center and linebacker, who played two years of baseball in the Washington Senators farm system before joining the Giants in '53, started preliminary work with Coach Vince Lombardi Wednesday. "You should see the enthusiasm already," Wietecha observed today. "It's not even the end of January yet and we're all working as if the season was ready to start tomorrow. Not too many clubs are working this time of the year." Wietecha said he will spend most of the time this winter looking at the Packers' offensive line on film. "I'm familiar with it, but I'll be starting from scratch," said Ray. Though Wietecha has opposed the Packers for 12 years and is familiar with the club, his major chore as an "enemy" has been the Packers' defensive line. One of Ray's prize pupils will be Ken Bowman, the former Badger who did so well as a rookie center last year. "I understand he did a nice job as a first year man," Ray said. Bowman was pressed into service when Lombardi shuffled the offensive line after injuries floored Fuzzy Thurston. Center Bob Skoronski was shifted to tackle and Bowman went to center. Wietecha is actually only the second change in the staff organized by Lombardi when he took over the club in 1959. Phil Bengtson, Norb Hecker and Red Cochran are starting their seventh seasons with Vince and Tom Fears, who did some part-time work with the Pack in '59, is starting his fourth. Austin served six seasons.
BIG OAF NOT IN PACK PLANS? PRO SEASON TOO LONG - HARRY
JAN 31 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Vince Lombardi posed with his new offensive line coach, Ray Wietecha, the other day, and it turned out to be the newsiest picture of the offseason. The Packers' head coach and the former Giant center "worked" in front of the club personnel board while P-G photographer Kem Behrend snapped away. It was Wietecha's first day at work and Vince, who once coached Ray in New York, pointed out the Packers' center prospects. The picture revealed an insight into the Packers' plans for '65, although it must be reminded that the cards bearing the players' names on the board are placed on hooks and thus easily moved. The major missing player was one Ron Kramer, who normally would be listed at the head of the "tight ends." The top player in this group was Marv Fleming, who understudied Ron in 1963-64. Lombardi got quite a chuckle out of it and reminded that "Kramer said he didn't want to play with us anymore. And we're not planning on him." The Big Oaf said recently that he wanted to be traded to the Lions so that he could remain with his family in Detroit. Whether Ron plays here or there, of course, depends on what kind of a deal Vince can make with the Lions. The feller who is in the center of most of the trade talk - one Paul Hornung - is at the top of the list of offensive halfbacks. Behind him are Tom Moore and Elijah Pitts. There are some interesting "revelations" concerning the linemen. Lloyd Voss, who played on defense as a rookie last year, is posted as an offensive guard while Dan Grimm, a second year guard last season, is included with a group of defensive tackles. That list, by the way, also includes Dave Hanner, who has just completed 13 years of Packer action. And guard Steve Wright is with the offense tackles. But, like we said, those names are on hooks. And they're easily moved. One card has the name of Jerry Kramer, and it's posted with the list of offensive guards. Jerry still must undergo more surgery, later in February. And everybody's pulling for the big, wonderful guy to make it back to the Packer lineup in '65. J. Kramer has been quite active with skiing, basketball and bow hunting. He's looking forward to an Arctic Circle trip in April with Art Laha, a hunter and guide from Winchester, Wis. "If I can endure the expedition, I'm sure I'll play football again," Jerry said.
PACKERS' AMBITION: '65 TITLE GAME HERE
FEB 1 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers' ambition in 1965 is to play the championship game in Green Bay. This was included today in Coach Vince Lombardi's annual ticket information letter to Packer season ticket holders for games in Green Bay and Milwaukee. "Your Green Bay Packers lost five games in 1964. However, three of those losses were by a margin of five points. In the last five years, the Packers have finished first three times and second twice. No other team in the league can match this record. However, we are only happy with first place and our ambition for 1965 is to host the championship game in Green Bay," Lombardi wrote. Ticket renewal cards were enclosed in each letter and Vince pointed out in his letter: "Our ticket office has received 12,000 new seat request and while we are planning on additional new permanent seats in Green Bay the requests far outnumber the season tickets that will be available. However, we shall try to please as many as possible, and we shall also try to meet your request for transfer whenever possible." The letter also revealed two price increases. The end zone seats were increased from $3.75 to $4 and in the children's section tickets from $1 to $2. "These prices are more realistic with those charged throughout the league for similar events," Vince said.
HORNUNG INSISTS HE'LL BE IN '65 PACKER LINEUP
FEB 6 (Gadsden, AL) - Rumors persist that Paul Hornung and the Green Bay Packers will part company because of his kicking failures last season, but Hornung said Friday he disagrees. Hornung said in an interview at the Gadsden airport that he definitely would be in the Packer lineup in 1965. He was in town to speak at the Etowah Touchdown Club. The former Notre Dame "golden boy" said he had talked with Packer Coach Vince Lombardi, and was told he would not be traded. Hornung said he expected to play in Green Bay another two or three years.
WILLIE WOOD 'TACKLES' GANG WARS IN OFFSEASON
FEB 7 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Willie Wood lives in a world of violence. All year long. From August through the Pro Bowl game (he's an annual selection), the Packers' fearless defensive back contends with the biggest and fiercest offensive backs in the NFL. During the offseason, Roving Leader Wood acts as a mediator in the gang wars continually erupting in Washington, D.C., and some of the fights involve shooting. The Roving Leaders is an organization set up the President's Committee on School Dropouts and functions in the Washington Recreation Dept. Just the other day, Wood molded a truce between rival gangs after he had been summoned to mediate an outbreak of rumbles and rhubarbs in northwest Washington between two gangs known to juvenile authorities as the Downtowners and the Uptowners. A product of the old Armstrong High School environment, Wood knows gang warfare from his own experiences with a group called the Tagalongs. Stan Anderson of the Recreation Dept., which sponsors the roving leaders, put it this way for Jim McCannon, a Washington Post staff writer: "The boys trust Willie and respect his judgement. When he says something, it has emphasis. Wood is delighted to be working with the troubled youngsters, using classroom theories absorbed in his sociology major at Southern California. With cooperation from the area roving leaders, he has affected a stalemate between the gangs. The situation is critical and could have become worse," Anderson said. "We are trying to unite the groups with constructive programs that help them to do things together." One of the Downtowners, also known as the Decaturs, who participated in major rumbles before Wood's arrival, said, "It really had gone too far. Practically everybody was getting shot at. I don't know where all the guns came from, but bullets were flying." Another Downtowner said, "I read in the papers that it started over basketball. It didn't. It was girls. Kennedy street is the dividing line. We couldn't go up there to visit so we wouldn't let 'em come down here. Something had to be done." Wood, who had been a teacher before becoming a rover, had some ideas on the subject: "These kids involved aren't hopeless. They're jockeying for recognition and status. The hard core of both groups numbers only 10 or 20, although each gang is capable of arousing 50 to 75 others for a rumble." Jabbo Kenner, retired second precinct boys club director who played a major role in steering the once precocious Wood into the straight and narrow, said: "They couldn't have selected a better equipped man for the job of reasoning with those kids. If anyone can talk to those kids he can. He was a one-man gang himself." A spring football clinic, dances and other projects flexible enough to reach the majority of the kids are some of the positive steps Wood is taking. Wood's offseason job takes a lot of hard work. Sometimes his day stretches to 10 or 11 hours, but he doesn't mind. "I've got maybe five or six more years as a professional football player. When my days are numbered, I'd like to go into this kind of work permanently. It's more rewarding to me than teaching," Wood said.
LARGEST STADIUM INCREASE (8,173) UPS CAPACITY TO 50,500
FEB 12 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers have invested in more new seats and "little Green Bay" now boasts a City Stadium that will seat 50,500 - enough room for almost two-third of the population of 81,000. In addition, two one-story wings will be added to the Administration Building fronting the stadium at 1265 Highland Ave., and a 190-foot tunnel will be constructed from the dressing rooms to the gridiron. The three-point program was announced by GM-Coach Vince Lombardi following a meeting of the Packer executive committee Thursday morning when bids were accepted for the project. Cost of the construction, estimated at $500,000, will be shouldered by Green Bay Packers Inc., which has received authorization to build from the Stadium Commision. The original Stadum was built by the City of Green Bay in 1957. The south end of the stadium will be closed in and extensions will be added on to the east and west stands at the north side. These 12,100 new seas will all be permanent seats, matching the pre-cast, bench-type seats now in the stadium. All of the temporary bleachers in the north and south ends will be removed and all seats will henceforth be "permanent reserved." The capacity of the stadium is being increased by 8,173 - the largest since the stadium was built with 32,150 seats. The capacity was raised by 6,519 to 38,639 in 1961 and by 3,658 bleacher seats to the present 42,327 in 1963. Since the stadium was opened in '57, the capacity has been increased by 18,350. With the exception of the lower-level seats at the north end of the stadium, the structure will be a complete "horseshoe" of 60 rows. Twenty-one rows are below the ground level entrance and 39 above. The large scoreboard at the south end will remain at that end but will be placed behind and above the curved section at the south end. The north-end advertising billboard, which as a smaller scoreboard facing the field, will be moved. The tunnel will "empty" the players of both teams onto the field at an entrance to the east side of the north runway. The tunnel will start in the dressing rooms, thus giving the players complete freedom from the crowds going to and from the field. The wings will be built at the northeast and northwest ends of the Administration Building. Each will be 22 feet by 53 feet and will house a television room and space for storage. Also to be constructed will be additional toilet facilities under the stands and a water storage system at the top of the pressbox. This system will permit use of the toilets in the pressbox, which is occupied by radio, television and newspaper people. Lombardi said all construction will start "as soon as possible. It will be ready for the Bishop's Charities game." The Stadium will be larger than five other parks in the league, including Milwaukee County Stadium, which has a capacity of 46,814. Other stadiums smaller than Green Bay are Washington with 50,000, Chicago with 49,200, Minneapolis with 41,000, and St. Louis with 32,801. The Stadium capacity is now close to that of Detroit, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Baltimore, which range from 53,000 to 60,000. Carl Staker of Osborn Engineering Co., of Cleveland, the architect for the work, was here to present blueprints plus a model of the project at the committee meeting.
STADIUM SEQUEL: TICKET REQUESTS EXCEED CAPACITY
FEB 14 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The fantastic situation that exists in our town was hammered home again last week when the Packers upped the capacity of City Stadium from 42,327 to 50,500. When Molly Glutz out in Seattle, Harvey Hardrock down in Ada, Olka., and Joe Jocko in Providence, R.I., picked up their sports pages Friday and read that the Packers in Green Bay, Wis. (population 81,000) have enlarged their ball park, they must have uttered those time-worn words: "How do they do it?" It doesn't make sense - this kind of major league setup in a tiny town. While we here all take it pretty much for granted, it's always fund to tell folks around the country just how "they do it." You tell me. It also must be difficult for fans to figure how a city like Milwaukee can't keep a baseball team like the Braves and Green Bay can keep the Packers (with some help from Milwaukee, of course). Be that as it may - and let's not be tempted to rattle those skeletons in the closet, there's a bit of a sequel today to the stadium bulge. But it probably won't get to Seattle, Ada or Providence. The additional 8,173 seats won't accommodate the new requests for season tickets. Coach-GM Vince Lombardi,
in his recent information letter to season ticket holders, said the Packer ticket office has received requests for 12,000 more season tickets. And at the rate the requests come in this figure could be around 13,000. Thus, the Packers are certain to draw a record 202,000 for their four home league games in '65 - not to mention a possible sellout for the Bishop's Charities battle which this season will "debut" the enlarged stadium. The Packers, you know, have a sixth home game to shoot for, since the championship game will be in the home park of the Western Division champion in '65. There are several significant factors surrounding the bigger stadium. There will be 8,173 more voice to cheer the Packers on, which delights Lombardi no end. What's more, there will be at least 2,000 more cars to park, which delights the City Fathers and the operators of "home" parking lots. And that brings up two other interesting points. Green Bay, Milwaukee and Minneapolis are the only parks in the league that have plentiful parking space. And the Packers and Cowboys of Dallas are the only teams with what might be called true football stadiums. City Stadium, the only orchard built for professional football, sets its audience virtually on top of the field. The Cotton Bowl in Dallas is used for only for football, but the stands are set back considerably farther than City Stadium. The other 12 parks are either used for major league baseball or the gridiron is surrounded by a track by auto races or track meets...BRIEFS: Lombardi and his wife, Marie, will take a three-week vacation in Puerto Rico after the league meeting in Palm Desert, Calif., this week. This isn't a signal for you Trade Fans to go to sleep. They have telephones in Puerto Rico...Boyd Dowler's brother, John, a senior at Wyoming, has been signed by the Denver Broncos...49ers coach Jack Christiansen has left Palo Alto-Stanford after treatment for 2 1/2 weeks for hepatitis. He will convalesce two more weeks at home for the liver ailment.
FORMER PACKER, SYMANK, JOINS VIRGINIA STAFF
FEB 15 (New Orleans) - Former Detroit University line coach Joe Clark and Jeff Bratton, who played football at Tulane from 1957-59, were named Monday as assistant coaches at Tulane. They replace Bob Marich and John Symank, who resigned earlier in the day to join the Virginia football staff. Bratton will be in charge of offensive backs and ends. Clark played college football at Santa Clara. He was offensive line coach - the same position he'll hold at Tulane - at Detroit, which recently gave up football.
NFL TO MINGLE UNDER BOTTLE CAPS WITH AFL
FEB 19 (Palm Springs, CA) - The NFL has decided NFL and rival AFL players can mingle - but only under soft drink bottle caps. Approval at the NFL annual meeting Thursday to continue a program mixing NFL and AFL player pop bottle pictures was rare evidence that the NFL is aware a rival league exists. Since the meetings began Monday, NFL owners have ignored the AFL like a distant relative. Commissioner Pete Rozelle announced that the league is enthusiastic about backing for a second year a soft drink company's (Coca Cola) program that put pictures of NFL and AFL players under bottle caps. Prizes are given when photos of an entire team are collected. The promotion is excellent publicity for the NFL, Rozelle said, adding with a grin:..NO COMMON DRAFT: "This is in no way connected with a common draft between the two leagues." Rozelle's joking reference underscored that "AFL" is almost a dirty word at the yearly NFL meeting. Representatives of the 14 clubs officially have kept a studied silence about the rival league that has triggered spiraling bids for untested college stars. A survey on the bottle cap program was presented at a closed door session by a representative of the soft drink firm who announced: "As an example of how big this program was last year, $18,000 was spent on radio and television advertising in Green Bay, Wis., alone - and for that kind of money you can buy almost the town." According to unofficial word seeping out from the meeting, Vince Lombardi, coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers, rose red-faces and trembling and said: "Golly, gee whiz - I think you're wrong, you rascal."...NEUTRAL GROUND: The soft drink official quickly recovered by giving an example covering neutral ground - one of every 66 persons in Huntington, W. Va., completed a pop bottle picture team last season.
TRADE FUZZY, HAWG? J.K. HOPES NOT
FEB 21 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - This is the trading and retirement season. And who hasn't heard such things about Fuzzy Thurston and Dave Hanner? Jerry Kramer, the Packers' big guard who hopes to make a "comeback" in '65, had some comments about those two gents on a recent trip to Marquette, Mich., where he met up with Terry Barr, the Lions' star pass catcher. Kramer said he hoped that Thurston wouldn't be put on the block. "I just hope it's not true, Fuzzy's a great player and I think he'd leave a big hole in our line. It would be a mistake to let him go," Jerry said. As to Hanner, Kramer explained that Hawg has been invited back to practice for next season. "Dave is a great player and he could be used as a coach if he decides not to play. He's taught me a lot since I've been with the Packers. In fact, he's still teaching me things." We have a hunch that Thurston and Kramer will be the Packers' starting guards come the '65 league opener. Incidentally, Kramer also told Marquette scribe Bob Biolo that Paul Hornung could still be the Packers' kicker next season - not to mention a fellow by the name of J. Kramer, despite the fact that specialist Don Chandler was obtained in a trade from the Giants. "I don't know if he (Chandler) will be doing the kicking for us. Paul is a great one and I wouldn't say anybody's going to take even the kicking job away from him Anyway, if Paul's not going to be used for kicking for
some reason, I'm ready to move back in." Barr, who was on a telethon program with Kramer, picks his own team to win the 1965 championship and the two players agreed that six clubs would have a shot at the title. Terry, commenting on '64, noted, "Green Bay, but for a matter of about 10 points, could have gone undefeated the entire season."...BRIEFS: Hank Jordan is one of 18 pro football players who teamed up last week as sales and merchandising trainees for Allied Chemical Corp. The players plan to work in the industry in the offseason to prepare for business careers after their playing days are over. Others in the program include Mike Ditka, Merlin Olsen, Andy Robustelli and Frank Ryan...Why does Harry Gilmer, the new head coach of the Lions, wear cowboy boots even though he spent the last 15 years in the North? "I've worn them ever since I was a kid back home in Tuscaloosa. Darned if I know why everybody doesn't wear them. They're real comfortable," Harry explains...A fourth Packer will go into the restaurant business shortly. That would be Hank Gremminger, who is opening a place in Madison next month. Max McGee opened a spot, the Left End, in Manitowoc a week ago. Fuzzy Thurston has The Left Guard in Menasha and Jess Whittenton operates King's X here. The "daddy" of all Packer restauranteurs is Buckets Goldenberg, who has operated Pappy's in Milwaukee for years.
GREEN BAY BANS A SOFT DRINK AT PACKER GAMES
FEB 22 (Green Bay) - Green Bay, still smarting from a remark allegedly made by a representative of a soft drink firm, retaliated Sunday. The Stadium Commission, which operates City Stadium where the Packers of the NFL play their home games, voted to ban sales of the drink (Coca Cola) at all games in Green Bay next season. The ban was announced by city attorney Clarence Nier, who also is president of the commission. League Commissioner Pete Rozelle had announced Thursday at Palm Desert, Calif., that the league is enthusiastic about backing for a second year the soft drink company's program that puts pictures of pro football players under bottle caps. Prizes are given when phots of an entire team are collected. A representative of the firm presented to the NFL owners at a closed door session on the bottle cap program. He is reported to have said: "As an example of how big this program was last year. $18,000 was spent on radio and television adverting in Green Bay, Wis., alone - and for that kind of money you can almost buy the town."
PACKERS WILL PLAY IN SEPT. 4 DOUBLEHEADER
FEB 24 (Cleveland) - The Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants return to Municipal Stadium Sept. 4 for the Cleveland Browns' fourth annual pro football doubleheader. The program will be the same one offered last year when a capacity crowd of 83,736 turned out for the NFL exhibition twinbill. The Lions have appeared on every doubleheader program since Browns' President Art Modell inaugurated the feature in 1962. The Giant are coming back for their third appearance, and this will be Green Bay's second doubleheader.
PACK'S RUSH TITLE OLD HAT? HARDLY
FEB 28 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The foot-conscious Packers won the rushing championship in 1964. And while that many seem like old hat it isn't. This is only the fourth time in 33 years (since the league started keeping statistics in the early 1930s) the Packers have won the league title. And three of them were accomplished in the last four seasons. The first Green Bay ground title was produced away back in 1946. That might have been by accident. Green Bay opponents were caught with their rushing defense down. For 11 seasons - during Don Hutson's career, Packer foes were subjected to constant bombardment via the forward pass, which became Green Bay's trademark. Then one season (1946) Hutson disappeared from the Packer lineup and the Packers became a "different" team - a rushing team, to be specific. They rushed the ball 560 times, which still stands as a Packer record, and closed out with 1,765 ground yards to lead the league. Tony Canadeo led he club that year with 476 yards, Ted Fritsch picked up 444 and Walt Schlinkman made 379 - a total of 1,299. The fourth runner was Cliff Aberson, who made 161...WON LAST SEASON: Those figures seem microscopic compared to the present-day earth movers, but the league played only 11 games in '46 compared to the present 14. And the two clubs that dominated rushing in the league in the last six years, Green Bay and Cleveland, possessed the two best rushers in league history - Jim Brown and Jim Taylor. Since Vince Lombardi came upon the Green Bay scene in '59 and put Taylor, Paul Hornung and Tom Moore to work, the Packers finished third in rushing in '59, second in '60, first in '61, first in '62, second in '63, and now first in '64. The Packers won it last season with 2,276 yards on 495 attempts - an average of 4.6 per. Minnesota, thanks to a fast start, finished second with 2,183 and Cleveland third with 2,163. Taylor's 84-yard scamper against the Lions here turned out to be the longest run of last season and the second longest in Packer history. The record is 97, set by Andy Uram against the Cardinals in 1939. Uram's run is also a league record, though it's shared by Bob Gage of Pittsburgh (1949). The Packers won the rushing title in 1962 with 2,460 yards (an all-time Packer record) and 2,350 in 1961. Those were both title years.
THUMBS OR PINKIES, DOWLER HANDY GUY
MAR 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Boyd Dowler may be undergoing a gradual shift from spread end to split (left) end. But it makes no difference to the Packer's pass catching leader. Dowler played the last two games in 1964 for the injured Max McGee at left end and caught 6 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. Bob Jeter came off the bench to work in Dowler's spread (right) end spot. Dowler seems like the logical successor to the left end position if Father Time ever catches up with Maxie. But you've got to figure that The Taxi will be on hand for a spell despite his 32 years. Dowler is 27. Boyd led the Bays again last season with 45 catches for 623 yards and five touchdowns. He paced his team in '63 with 53 catches for 901 yards and six TDs. The nonchalant Dowler said he had no trouble moving from his lonesome end spot to the not-so-lonesome wing on the left side. "On occasion I felt like I was getting open sooner," Boyd pointed out, adding: "Well, maybe Bart was throwing quicker, too." Dowler did not one difference in split and spread ends. "That's when you cut over toward the middle. I use my hands differently," Boyd said, explaining: "When I go from the right side (spread) toward the middle, I put my thumbs together to catch the ball. When I got from split end (left) toward the middle, I put my little fingers together and catch the ball that way." Boyd laughed, "Maybe that's much more peculiar to me." Whatever it is, nobody can say Dowler is all thumbs or little fingers for that matter. He has big, strong, quick and glue-fingered hands. He caught 245 passes in his six-year career - a solid average of 40 per year. The Packers' "unit" of Dowler, McGee and Ron Kramer, which may be broken up in '65 since R.K. wants to be traded, had an intruder last year. These three didn't finish as a trio last year - as they had the previous three years. The No. 2 catcher in '64 was none other than fullback Jim Taylor, who caught 38 passes for 354 yards. R. Kramer was next with 34 and McGee caught 31. Oddly enough, Taylor closed in on a Packer record with his big catch total. Howie Ferguson amazed the league back in '54 when he caught 41 passes from his fullback spot. "The halfbacks are usually the first target of Bart, but they were guarded closely last season, and he generally threw to the fullback," Dowler said. Halfback Tom Moore caught 17 for 140 yards and two touchdowns, while Paul Hornung caught 89 for 98 yards and no TDs. The Bays' three ends totaled 11 touchdowns. Dowler caught five, McGee six, and Kramer went scoreless all season...The Packers' three league games in Milwaukee are sold out. Renewals and new requests for season tickets to the games in the 47,122-seat County Stadium assure sellout crowds, Coach Vince Lombardi announced. In keeping with past policy, a limited number of tickets for individual games will be placed on sale Aug. 16. Deadline for renewals is March 16. The Milwaukee office has a waiting list of 2,500 persons who are requesting over 10,000 tickets.
HOUGARD GIVEN STADIUM CONTRACT
MAR 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The contract for work on City Stadium has been awarded to George Hougard and Sons Contractors, it was announced today by Dominic Olejniczak, president of Green Bay Packers, Inc. Hougard, who was low bidder, will start work immediately and the project will be completed Aug. 1. More than 12,000 permanent seats will be added, additions will made to the Administration Building, and a tunnel from the dressing rooms to the field will be built. Hougard, who worked on the construction of Soldier's Field in Chicago in the 1920s, built City Stadium in 1957, and made the first addition in 1961.
MOORE ONLY FIFTH NON-KICKER TO TOP NFL SCORING
MAR 4 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Lenny Moore is only the fifth non-kicker to win the NFL scoring championship in the last 33 years - since 1932 when the league stated keeping statistics. Final scoring figures for the 1964 season, announced today by the NFL, showed Moore with 120 points on 20 touchdowns, including 17 by rushing. Others in the select non-kick ground are the Packers' Jim Taylor, who won the title with 114 points on 19 TDs in 1962; the Browns' Jim Brown, with 108 on 18 TDs in 1958; the Rams' Elroy Hirsch, with 102 on 17 TDs in 1951; and the Giants' Gene Roberts, with 102 on 17 TDs in 1949. Roberts shared the scoring championship with kicker and runner Pat Harder of the old Chicago Cardinals. Paul Hornung topped the Packers with 107 points and ranked fourth in the league. He scored five touchdowns and kicked 41 extra points and 12 field goals. Hornung might easily have won the scoring title had he hit on a normal two-thirds of his field goal attempts. He tried 38 field goals but hit less than a third, though one was a 52-yard field goal from a free kick. Taylor picked up 15 touchdowns for 90 points to finish eighth in the league. Hornung's total boosted his all-time Packer figure to 682 points - just 143 behind the record of 825 set by Don Hutson in his 11-year career. Taylor boosted his all-time Packer total to 486 points, thus moving into third place behind Hornung. Fred Cone dropped to fourth with his 455 points. Taylor ranks second in touchdowns scored by a Packer, with 81. Hutson's 105 is tops.
GARY KRONER JOINS BRONCS
MAR 5 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Green Bay's Gary Kroner, former Premontre and Wisconsin star who spent the 1963 season on the Packer taxi squad, has been signed by the Denver Broncos of the AFL. Kroner spent the training season with the Packers in '64 and then was made a free agent. He set an NCAA record in '62 by botting 27 for 27 extra points...Final NFL figures on punting disclosed that Bobby Walden of the Vikings won the 1964 booting title. He averaged 46.3 yards on 72
kicks, barely beating the Lions' Yale Lary, who averaged 46.3 on 67 kicks. The Packers' Jerry Norton finished 11th with his average of 42.2. Don Chandler, the specialist who was obtained by the Packers in a trade with the Giants, finished third with an average of 45.6 Norton delivered 56 punts, Chandler 73.
STADIUM ADDITION TO KEY 3 NEW PACK GATE MARKS
MAR 14 (Green Bay) - The Packers will break three home attendance records in 1965. Thanks to the addition to City Stadium. They are: Single game in Green Bay - 50,692 (old record 42,327). Five games in Green Bay - 253,460 (old record 211,635 in 1963). Nine games in Green Bay and Milwaukee - 443,443 (old record 401,617 in 1963). There could be a fourth - if Ockie Krueger can corkscrew more people into County Stadium in Milwaukee. The Packers set a record in pulling 189,962 fans for four games there last season. Only one of the records is safely in Coach-GM Vince Lombardi's satchel. The others depend on the attendance at the Bays' two preseason classics - the Bishop's Charities event in Green Bay and the Shrine show in Milwaukee. The 1963 Charities game drew capacity of 42,327 while the Shrine contest attracted 46,920. The record figures are based on 50,692 at City Stadium for the Bishop's game and a repeat of the 46,920 for the Shriner go. The seven league games (four in Green Bay and three in Milwaukee) are sold out, though a limited number of single game tickets in Milwaukee are being held out for "automatic" sale in August. Milwaukee is fresh from three straight single game records. The three league games last year drew in order 47,380 (49ers), 47,617 (Rams), and 48,065 (Browns). This, with the 46,920 at the Shrine game, totaled out to 189,982. If these kind of figures don't toss you today, it can be reported that the Packers' total home attendance just 10 years ago hit the "staggering" total of 188,153, which is much less than half of the projected attendance for 1965. Green Bay drew 83,895 for four games, including 16,912 for an un-sponsored preseason game, while Milwaukee attracted 104,258 for four games, including 18,000 at the Shrine game. A ninth game was added when the NFL went to a 14-game schedule in 1961. This game is being played in Green Bay. The capacity of City Stadium is being increased by 8,365 (from 42,327 to 50,692) with the removal of the old temporary bleachers and the addition of 12,053 permanent seats, including 5,754 by rounding out the south end and 6,299 on the wings of the north end. The requests for season tickets to fill the 8,365 difference already have approached 15,000, which means that around 7,000 will be without season tickets. In other words, the Packers have enough season ticket requests to fill approximately 57,000 seats for four games. Work on the stadium project, including the addition to the Administration Building, and the tunnel, already has been started by contractor George M. Hougard and Sons. George M., who cut his stadium teeth by working on the construction of Soldier's Field in the 1920s, has been a Packer fan and booster for years. He built the stadium in 1957 and the addition in 1961. The veteran contractor, who feels that "the stadium will look beautiful," admitted that "I was a little disappointed that they're not closing in the north end, too," adding with a look to the future: "With the north end closed, we would have a place for 6,000 students. They don't get a chance to go to the games now, but they're the ones who will have to continue this thing." And with an eye on the weather, Hougard noted that a closed north end will "keep that north wind from sweeping down on the field." The stadium was originally built with that in mind since the Administration Bldg. is set back enough to allow for the closed north end. PS - Ticket Director Merrill Knowlton reminded again today that deadline for returning season ticket renewals is Tuesday. He also said that payment on the tickets is not due until July 1.
'64 PACKERS OUT-FIGURED '62 CHAMPS - EXCEPT FOR POINTS
MAR 21 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - What's the difference between a Packer championship team and just a plain old good Packer team? We could say "about $5,000." But let's not preach money today. Many defensive and offensive factors enter the picture - plus ye old luck, but it all boils down to scoring more points than the other guy. Coach Vince Lombardi, back to work after his vacation, listened intently to a few interesting figures (yards, fumbles and interceptions) the other day and allowed that "they show that we didn't have a bad season." The Packers lost five games in 1964, finishing in a second place tie with the Vikings. And the first three of the losses were by five points. The point that interests Lombardi most, of course, is points. As he put it, "our problem was scoring from inside the 30. That was the whole story." The 1964 Packers actually outfigured the 1962 Green Bay champions - except, of course, with those magic points. The '64 defensive unit last season turned the ball over the offense 41 times, 25 on fumble recoveries, and 16 on interceptions. The champions did it 40 times - 31 on interceptions and 19 on fumble recoveries. Offensively, the 1964 Packers had 910 plays, including rushes, passes, punts and field goals attempted. The champs had 900. The big difference is on points. The champs scored 415 and allowed an amazing 148. The 1964 hard-luckers counted 342 and permitted 245 (103 more than in '62). One of the more intriguing figures is the number of passes intercepted. The Packers set the NFL record back in 1943 with 42 steals in only 10 games. The record had not even been approached even though the league is now playing a 14-game schedule. The '62 Packers had their sights set on the record but finished with 31 and defensive backfield coach Norb Hecker said, "We thought we could reach it. We had 24 in the first eight games but then tailed off with only seven in the last seven games." A defensive back himself, Hecker said, "The record is not impossible to break but the offenses will have to pass more." The Packers stole only 16 last year and Hecker felt that "we got off to a slow start. We only got five in the first seven games and 11 in the last seven. We were behind in some of our games and the other teams were running more for ball control. In our game here against Baltimore, Unitas only threw 12 passes." While the figures seem meaningful, the big story is scoring - especially from inside the 30. And that just might be the keynote for '65...BRIEFS: If you had an early dinner last Sept. 20, here's why: The Packer-Colt game in City Stadium that day was the shortest in the league last season. It lasted only 2 hours and 6 minutes. Dinner didn't taste good, as we recall. The Packers lost 21-20. The longest game was the Cardinal-Eagle marathon, and it lasted 3 hours and 1 minute.
LAMAR MCHAN JOINS TORONTO
MAR 23 (Toronto) - The Toronto Argonauts of the Eastern Football Conference have signed Lamar McHan, a 10-year NFL veteran. McHan, 32-year-old 6-1 quarterback from the University of Arkansas, was the first draft choice of the NFL Chicago Cardinals, later the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for the Cardinals from 1954 to 1958, Green Bay Packers fin 1959 and 1960 and Baltimore Colts in 1961. He was with the Colts two years prior to going to the San Francisco 49ers. He retired from the NFL after the 1963 season.
PACKERS CAN HOST RECORD CROWD TO CHARITIES TILT AUG. 14
MAR 25 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Bishop's Charities game will be held in City Stadium Saturday night, Aug. 14. The Shrine Classic is scheduled 115 miles away in Milwaukee County Stadium Saturday afternoon, Aug. 21. The Giants will be the opponents here and the Bears in Milwaukee. That's the Packer news announced today by Coach-GM Vince Lombardi. But there's a bigger and more significant story in the background: Green Bay can host the largest pro football crowd in state history, thus stepping ahead of Milwaukee in single-game attendance for the first time in the club's 46-year history. The state record of 48,065 was set at the Packer-Brown game in Milwaukee last year. The Bishop's battle will be the first "test" of City Stadium's new capacity, which will be 50,700 when work is completed Aug. 1 on enlarging the stadium from its former capacity of 42,327. The Stadium's south end will be closed in and "wings" will be added to the north end. All seats will be permanent. City Stadium already has been sold out for the Packers' four league games, thus assuring a league-season of record crowds. Both
preseason games, certainly the best pair in the league, are growth situations. Fifteen consecutive Shrine games have been played in Milwaukee and the attendance has advanced for each of the last eight. The low was 12,138 in 1956 but it jumped into the 17,000 class the next two years. And then really skyrocketed with 28,286 in 1959, 35,118 in 1960, 42,560 in 1961, 44,000-plus in 1962 and 1963 and 46,920 in 1964. The Bears, Green Bay's traditional rival, will be making their seventh straight appearance. The Packers won the last five in a row, losing only the "opener" in 1959 by 19-16 in the last few seconds. This was Lombardi's first game as Packer coach. The Packers have a 9-6 record in Shrine competition, 5-1 under Lombardi. Four Bishop's Charities game have been played, all against the Giants, and the Packers have a clean slate. The Bays won the first two by 20-17 scores, the third by 24-17 and then produced a 34-10 win last year with a 24-point fourth quarter. Three of the four Bishop's games were sellouts and only the capacity of the stadium kept the attendance "down." The first game in 1961 drew 33,452, which was about 5,000 below capacity, but the next three years the crowd nit 38,559 and twice 42,327. The stadium was enlarged in 1961 and 1963. The Shrine game becomes a national spectacle this year since it will be telecast nationally by CBS. It will start at 1 o'clock while the Bishop's game starts at 8 o'clock. One other Packer preseason game has been announced thus far. The Packers will play the Browns in the annual doubleheader in Cleveland Sept. 4. Work on the stadium, the addition to the Administration Building and the tunnel is now in full swing. The tunnel, leading from the dressing rooms and coming out onto the gridiron just east of the south runway, has been dug and cement had been poured. The footings for building addition have been poured. Most of the temporary bleacher have been removed. Contractor George Hougard has constructed a temporary building in the west parking lot to shelter the pouring of concrete in seat forms.
PACKERS NEED DEDICATION TO WIN - DAVIS
MAR 26 (Chilton) - Green Bay Packer defensive end Willie Davis said here Thursday night that if the Packers don't win the NFL championship next fall, it will be due only to a lack of dedication on the part of each player. Davis was the main speaker at the 16th annual Chilton Athletic Club banquet honoring Chilton High Schol athletes. The All-Pro defender pinpointed the Minnesota Vikings as the team he believed will be the hardest to handle in 1965, but also noted that the Western Division champion Baltimore Colts will be strong and the Chicago Bears will probably rebound from their poor season of last year. "But if the Packers can be as successful winning games as they are in receiving support from Wisconsin fans, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a big winner," Davis added.
HANNER EYES 'OLDEST' PACKER MARK
MAR 28 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Dave Hanner will try to break the "oldest" Packer record next season. The soil conservationist from West Memphis, Ark., will be returning for his 14th season. If he makes it, Hanner will set a new longevity record for homegrown Packers. The record is currently shared by Hanner and Charles (Buckets) Goldenberg, who each boast 13 years of Packer action. Goldenberg came up in 1933 - a star fullback out of the University of Wisconsin - and played through the 1945 season. He started his pro career as a fullback but then shifted to guard where he earned all-pro honors. Hanner was the Packers' fifth choice in 1952 and he was an immediate hit. He played in 108 straight league games, covering nine seasons, and then didn't miss until an appendectomy floored him in the second game in 1961. He played in 14 games each in 1962 and 1963, and last year missed four games while Ron Kostelnik took over at right tackle. Kostelnik, now a five-year veteran, has been groomed to fill Hanner's famous boots and last season the young giant came into his own. Hanner hates to think of retiring. "Don't see any reason to quit when you feel good," is the way Hawg put it Saturday, explaining: "Yeah, I'm going to give it another whirl. I'll try to come back for camp in pretty good condition. I'll tell you. I'm looking forward to this season. I don't see why we shouldn't win it but we'll need 100 percent effort from everybody all the way. They'll get that from me you know." The big Red Head felt that "we could have won it last year - except for a few unfortunate things." Anxious to know what's going on "up there," Hanner was told that Ron Kramer may not come back and he talked of Marv Fleming, who backed up Kramer the last two years. "There's one thing about Fleming. He's always made the big plays - what little he has played. Remember out in Baltimore and Los Angeles. He's big and he has good speed and good hands," Hanner said. Marv replaced the injured Kramer in Baltimore in '63, caught three passes and scored a touchdown in the Packers' win. He caught two key passes in the touchdown drive that helped the Packers to a tie against the Rams last December. Hanner played 159 league games (109 in a row) under four different Packer head coaches - 24 under Gene Ronzani in 1952-53; 48 under Liz Blackbourn in 1954-57; 12 under Scooter McLean in 1958; and 75 under Vince Lombardi, starting in 1959. besides the league games, Hanner played in approximately 65 preseason games. Hanner never actually missed a game with an injury - unless you refer to an appendectomy as an injury. While Hanner has played in more games than Goldenberg (the Packers played 11 or 12 games a season in his day and only 10 during the war), Buckets holds a record Hanner would like to tie this season. Goldenberg leads Hanner, 4 championship games to 3. Buckets played in the title games in 1936, 1938, 1939 and 1944. Hanner played in three - 1960, 1961 and 1962. A few other people, headed by Coach Lombardi, would like to see Hanner tie that one.
VINCE LIKES PACKERS' TITLE CHANCES IN '65
MAR 30 (Green Bay) - Green Bay Coach Vince Lombardi figures the Packers' NFL title chances are "as good as anyone's" this year. "Overall, I believe we will have a very representative team," Lombardi said Monday in sizing up his 1965 squad. Lombardi said his 1964 Packers, who tied for second in the NFL's Western Division, were as good as any team he has had in seven years at Green Bay. "We did not win the title because we failed to take advantage of scoring opportunities," he said. "Too many times we got inside the 30-yard line and came out with nothing. It's impossible to put your finger on any one reason. On the other hand, we were superb on defense. Usually the team with the best defense wins." Lombardi said the acquisition of kicking specialist Don Chandler from the New York Giants should help Paul Hornung, who missed 26 field goal attempts last season. "I still believe Horning is one of the best placekickers in the league," the coach said. "All Paul needed last year when he went into a slump was a backup man. But without Jerry Kramer available, we had no help. We won't be caught in that situation again." Lombardi said that he considers the return of Kramer "doubtful" this season. The all-NFL guard is recuperating from a series of abdominal operations. "His general health is good, and he has regained his weight, but because of the stomach operations I don't know if he will be strong enough to withstand such physical exertion," Lombardi said. "However, there is no question in Jerry's mind that he will play this year and I would be extremely happy if he can." The coach chuckled as he said his running corps of Jimmy Taylor, Hornung, Tom Moore and Elijah Pitts is "adequate." He said his offensive line "shows a lot of versatility" and center Ken Bowman, former Wisconsin star, should be bigger and better in his sophomore year.
PACKERS FACE BEARS, 49ERS, LIONS, VIKINGS HERE
APR 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers open their 1965 league season on the road for only the second time in their modern history. They meet the Western Division champion Colts in the second game and the second last game of the season. They make their latest league-game start and finish in history in Green Bay. And they take on the dangerous Vikings, who tied the Packers for second place last year, twice in the last five games. These are among the highlights of the Packers' 14-game schedule, announced today by Coach-GM Vince Lombardi via the NFL. The Packers will play the Bears Oct. 3, the 49ers Oct. 10, the Lions Nov. 7, and the Vikings Dec. 5 in City Stadium. They take on the Colts Sept. 26, the Cowboys Oct. 24, and the Rams Nov. 14 in Milwaukee County Stadium. The Packers will be shooting for a January appeaeance in the "new" 50,700-seat City Stadium. Which is another way of saying that the '65 championship game will be played in the home park of the Western Division winner Jan. 2. The Packers finish off their schedule with a blaze of murder. Three of the last five games are against the top
two clubs last year, the Colts and Vikings. They visit Minnesota Nov. 21 and Los Angeles Nov. 28, return home to meet the Vikings Dec. 5 and then invade Baltimore Dec. 12 and San Francisco Dec. 19. The Sunday of Dec. 26 has been reserved for divisional playoffs. The entire schedule is starting a week later this year. All of the Packers' league games are on Sunday afternoons. The City Stadium start is the first time Green Bay ever opened at home in October and no league game was ever played here in December, though the '61 title game was here in that month. Several December games were played in Milwaukee in December, the Steelers in '52, the Giants in '61, and the Rams in '62. The Packers open at Pittsburgh Sept. 19 and after three home games invade Detroit Dec. 17. Then, the Bays host the Cowboys, visit Bearland Oct. 31 and host the Lions and Rams before invading Minnesota Nov. 21 and Los Angeles Nov. 28. After the late Viking game here the Packers invade Baltimore and LA. This is the first time Green Bay opened out of the state since 1948 when they launched the season at Boston on a Friday night, Sept. 17. They returned home to face the Bears Sunday, Sept. 26. Lombardi, as a football coach, viewed the schedule with obvious concern and noted that they're all tough. He pointed out that the two Eastern Division opponents are on the way back and reminded that the Bays' five losses last year were at the hands of the Western Division clubs. As GM, Vince felt that the games in Green Bay are well distributed. Two are scheduled in October, one in November and one in December. The Milwaukee card places one in each month - September, October and November. The defending champion Colts will get a supreme test in their first two games, facing the 1964 second-place finishers. They open at home against the Vikings and then play the Pack in Milwaukee. The other champion, Cleveland, opens at Washington. Only one Western Division team will oppose the top two Eastern Division clubs - back to back, yet. The Rams visit St. Louis Dec. 5 and then return home to play the Browns. Commissioner Peter Rozelle said "fan interest in our 1964 schedule resulted in a record paid attendance of more than four and one-half million. That's very difficult to surpass, and a schedule alone, no matter how much planning goes into it, will not do it. Competition and balance make interesting races. The NFL has these factors, and we expect them to be more prevalent than ever in 1965."
WHAT'S THIS? COLTS, VIKINGS CAN 'HELP' PACK
APR 4 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Vikings and Colts - on the basis of last year's finishes - can be counted on to give the Packers all sorts of heat next season. But they can also lend Green Bay a helping hand. This observation results from a long look at the NFL's schedule. And it might be added that the opinions expressed here are those of a writer with Cabin Fever (will this snow ever depart?) and not those of this newspaper. So how can the Packers get "help" from the Western Division champion Colts and the Vikings, who finished in a second-place tie with the Packers? The Vikings and Colts can "soften up" Packer opponents, including those same Vikings and Colts, since the Packers play five games the Sunday after they (the opponents) bump heads with John Unitas and/or Fran Tarkenton. The Packers play a sixth game after the opponent meets the world champion Browns. Seriously (?), the "help" will come on the Packers' Games 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Like so: Game 2 - Colts at Milwaukee Sept. 26. The Colts will be fresh from getting a good going over by the Vikings in Baltimore. Game 4 - 49ers in Green Bay Oct. 10. The 49ers will be a bit woozy from a battle in Baltimore. Game 5 - Packers at Detroit Oct. 17. The Lions might lose some of their usual snarl after a bout in Baltimore. Game 6 - Cowboys at Milwaukee Oct. 24. The Cowboys' six-shooters could be empty after meeting the Browns in Cleveland. Game 9 - Rams at Milwaukee Nov. 14. The Rams might be tired after chasing Tarkenton in Minnesota. Game 10 - Vikings at Minnesota Nov. 21. The Vikings might be groggy after watching the Unitas passes. These observations, don't forget, represent April Optimism. As the year progresses and the season approaches, the Packers' opponents all will grow in stature. All of Green Bay's foes will automatically be "world champions." The Packers, of course, have their work cut out, what with a home and home series with each team in their own division and two games against Eastern Division oppositions - the Steelers and the Cowboys. Due to the murderous competition within their division (the Packers' five losses last year were to Western clubs), the Eastern foes can provide a "difference" in the final standings. Here are the Eastern division opponents of the Packers' Western playmates: Baltimore - Redskins Oct. 17 and Eagles Nov. 21. Minnesota - Giants Oct. 10 and Browns Oct. 31. Chicago - Cardinals Nov. 14 and Giants Nov. 28. Detroit - Redskins Oct. 3 and Eagles Dec. 19. Los Angeles - Cardinals Dec. 5 and Browns Dec. 12. San Francisco - Steelers Sept. 26 and Cowboys Nov. 7. The Rams, it can be noted, draw the top two clubs in the East, the Cards and Browns. The Vikings get the Browns' other Western assignment and the Bears draw the Cardinals' other Western job. The Browns and Cardinals loom as a two-way championship threat in the East. But it must be recalled here that the Cowboys ruled as a championship favorite just a year ago. They could smash back with a vengeance this year, which of course might be the Packers' "luck." The Packers haven't lost to an Eastern Division foe since Coach Vince Lombardi's first year here - in 1959 when the Bays lost to the Giants. Since that game the Packers won 11 straight over Eastern foes in regular league competition - the Redskins in '59; the Steelers and Cowboys in 1960; the Browns and Giants in 1961; the Cardinals and Eagles in 1962; the Cardinals and Steelers in 1963; and the Browns and Cowboys in 1964. Thus, the Packers will be going for a 12th straight win over an Eastern opponent when they open the season in Pittsburgh Sept. 19.
PACKERS SET PRE-SEASON TILT VS. CARDS HERE
APR 5 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers will play a second preseason game in Green Bay. For the first time in history. Coach Vince Lombardi announced today that the St. Louis Cardinals will be guests for a non-league battle in City Stadium Saturday night, Sept. 11. The game will be Green Bay's final test for the NFL opener in Pittsburgh Sunday, Sept. 19. The Packers will be in City Stadium over a period of five months next season. They open the non-championship campaign against the Giants in the Bishop's Charities game here Saturday night, Aug. 14. The appearance after the Cardinal test will be the Stadium league opener - against the Bears Oct. 3. The 49ers will invade the Stadium the following Sunday, the Lions visit here Nov. 7, and the Vikings will play in the Stadium Dec. 5. The Packers now possess a six-game home schedule - the largest in the club's modern history. Six games were played here in '61, but the sixth contest was the hard to get championship playoff. What with an enlarged stadium (50,700), the six-game 1965 setup serves as something of a "test case" and/or an argument for playing the entire league schedule in City Stadium in the future. The Packers each year are handicapped because they play 10 of their 14 league games on the road, even though the three Milwaukee dates (sure sellouts like the games in Green Bay) are actual home games. While going to Milwaukee may seem insignificant, it still represents travel and removes the advantage of relaxed life at home that other clubs have for half (seven) of their league games. With the addition of a date in Dallas, the Packers' five-game preseason schedule is now set. After the Giant game here, the Bays visit County Stadium Sept. 21 to meet the Bears in the Shrine Classic. They meet the Cowboys in Dallas Saturday night, Sept. 28, take on the Browns in the second game of a doubleheader in Cleveland Sept. 4 and then host the Cardinals. The Cards, incidentally, will present an interesting "case" of their own. They whipped our boys twice last year, which is no mean task. The Cards shocked a lot of folks by trimming the Packers 20-17 in New Orleans in the '64 preseason opener and then did same by downing the Bays 24-17 in the Playoff Bowl in Miami. The Cardinals will be a prime choice to unseat the world champion Browns next season. The Packers will be a prime choice to unseat the champion Colts.
GATEWOOD, FORMER PACKER, DIES AFTR COLLAPSING IN GYM
APR 10 (Oklahoma City) - A former Baylor and Tulane football star who later played for the Green Bay Packers professional team died Friday at the Federal Aviation Agency Research Institute after experimental exercises by the former heart attack victim. He was Lester Boyd Gatewood, 43, who collapsed after trotting around a gymnasium as part of an exercise research program at the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Research Institute. He reportedly suffered two coronary attacks in recent years. A physician at the institute said attempts were made to revive Gatewood with external cardiac massage. Gatewood played football with Baylor in 1941-42 and Tulane in 1953. He was with the Packers in 1946-47.
FORMER PACKER JOINS BEARS AS ASSISTANT COACH
APR 10 (Chicago) - Ed Cody, head coach at San Bernardino Valley Calif, Junior College, has been signed by the Chicago Bears as an assistant coach and talent scout, the club announced Thursday. Cody, 41, was a star fullback at Purdue and played for the Green Bay Packers in 1947-48. He joined the Bears in 1949 and played two years as a linebacker and fullback.
BOWMAN 'GROWING;' KRAMER FACES SURGERY
APR 11 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - This started out to be a yarn on Ken Bowman, the Packers' sophomore center. But a few other centers unfortunately entered the picture. Buddy Gatewood, the Packers' center in 1946-47, died of a heart attack in Oklahoma City Friday, and another former center, Charley Brock, revealed that Tom Greenfield, center in 1939-41, suffered two heart attacks in the past few years. And it was just last summer that Bob (Jake) Flowers, a center in 1942-48, dies after accidentally shooting himself while hunting in Texas. Drug store proprietor Brock had all three centers as his understudies during his nine-year all-pro Packer career, starting in 1939. "Greenfield was advised to get off his ranch in Texas after his heart attacks and now is running a garage in Helena, Montana. I was surprised to hear about Buddy. He was a fine player." These former centers ranged in weight from 205 to 220 at the most. And Bowman's present "problem" points up the vast difference in the two eras of pro football. Bowman closed out his rookie season weighing 228 pounds and while he would have been a heavyweight in the early 1940s, he now rates himself too small. "I've got to weigh 240 or more to effectively work against the big defensive linemen," Bowman pointed out in Madison Saturday. "I've got my weight up to 242 pounds right now, and I hope to have 250 on me by June. It's not all good weights, but it's not all fat eighter," he said, adding: "I figure to run my weight down to the 230s during the training season, and then pick up again once the league season starts. I'm hoping to play at 10 pounds more than I did last year. Two-twenty-eight wasn't enough." How do you put on weight? "Eating a lot and drinking plenty of milk shakes. That's all," he laughed. Bowman is finishing up work on his degree and starting law school at the same time at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. In addition, he's working with Wisconsin centers during spring practice. Exercise? "I've been playing in a city basketball league and I'm going to try tennis this spring. It's a good sport to develop quickness and lateral movements." What about 1965? "I don't see why we can't go all the way. Two of the games we lost last year we let the other teams beat us. That won't happen again."...Jerry Kramer will undergo surgery the week of April 26. Will he be ready to play in the 1965 season? "We're trying to look at it pessimistically," Jerry's wife, Barbara, said the other day, "so there won't be such a great disappointment if he can't be ready to play." Stricken with an abdominal abscess early in the 1964 season, the Packers' big all-pro guard has undergone surgery here and at Mayo's and now is faced with one more operation. "He should be okay after this operation," Barbara said, "unless there are complications." But then she added with a laugh, "you know Jerry. He's full of complications." Jerry isn't exactly sitting still waiting for the knife. He's presently down in Louisiana for some deep sea fishing with Jim Taylor and Urban Henry. With bow and arrows, yet. Kramer has turned out to be quite an archery expert. And if fishing in the gulf isn't good, they'll hunt for alligators in the bayous. Incidentally, Jerry has picked up all of the weight he lost from his previous operations. He's now packing about 250 pounds.
PACKERS DEAL CURRIE FOR RAMS' CARROLL DALE
APR 14 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - A year ago, Packer Coach Vince Lombardi sacrificed two top offensive players, Earl Gros and Jim Ringo, to obtain linebacker Lee Roy Caffey and thus bolster the defense. The Packers, despite the loss of Gros, won the league rushing championship and, with Caffey, led the league in defense. Today, Lombardi traded off veteran linebacker Dan Currie for an experienced and fleet pass catcher, Carroll Dale, in a two-player deal with the Rams. The Packers finished second only to the Vikings in passing last year, and the need for help at flanker and/or split end was showing. Dale should make the difference. The Packers' linebacking corps grew younger with the trade since it places third-year men Caffey and Dave Robinson at the corners, and, of course, keeps Ray Nitschke, eight-year veteran, in the middle. Backing them up are the hard-hitting sophomore lightweight, one Gene Breen; tough Tommy Crutcher; and a highly prized rookie, Bill Curry of Georgia Tech. Currie, a seven-year veteran, will turn 30 in June. Dale hits 27 next Saturday. Both teams can boast benefits from the deal and the Packers would seem to have an edge since Dale still hasn't reached his peak (usually from 28 to 30). The Packers displayed their need for a flanker when Lombardi drew Larry Elkins of Baylor as his top choice in the last draft, but the need remained when Elkins signed with Houston. "We lost our first draft choice," Lombardi said, "and as a result we needed a receiver with speed. Dale can run the 100 in less than 10 seconds." Lombardi said he made the trade to "help our pass receiving," but added with a note of caution "we still must get the ball to the receivers." Dale has a career average of 17.6 yards per catch, which spells out "long distance." Body Dowler is averaging in that area and Max McGee is slightly higher. The newcomer obviously is insurance on the talented McGee, who will reach 33 on July 16. Dowler is 27 and won't be 28 until next Oct. 18. And speaking of pass catchers, whatever became of Ron Kramer, the Packers' veteran tight end? "He's playing out his option as you know," Vince said, "and what he does is his own business." The Packers' option on Kramer runs out May 1 and he then automatically becomes a free agent. Dale has caught 149 passes in his five years, including 19 as a rookie, and turned 17 of them into touchdowns. He has averaged just under 30 catches a year. Carroll, who stands 6-1 and weighs 200 pounds, had a four-year receiving record of 57 catches for 1,195 yards and 15 touchdowns at VPI. He was grabbed as a future in the eighth round on the 1959 draft after earning first-team All-America honors from Look Magazine and NEA. Dale was born in Wise, Va., and was a basketball and football star and student body president at J.J. Kelly High. he's a sporting goods salesman during the offseason. Currie said in Detroit he has "mixed emotions about leaving Green Bay. It's not easy leaving a great group of guys like we had there. But those things happen in pro football and going to the Rams is a new challenge for me," Big Dapper added, "I still feel I have some good years left." Dale was on the road when the news broke Tuesday night and could not be reached today for comment. However, his wife, Pat, expressed the family feelings thusly, "We are thrilled to play with a team like the Packers." Mrs. Dale noted the advantage of playing in Green Bay, explaining: "I won't have to travel half way across the country every year with our two children when the season starts." Ram Coach Harland Svare said, "It was not an easy trade to make. We regret losing Caroll, but we feel it's better to have inexperienced pass receivers rather than inexperienced linebackers." The Rams were really hurting at linebacker with the retirement of Jack Pardee. Currie will move in with Mike Henry (who plays Tarzan in the movies during the offseason), Andy Von Sonn and Cliff Livingston, the former Giant. At one point last season, what with injuries, the Rams had to play defensive back Lindon Crow at linebacker.
'CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON TO START,' SAYS PACKERS' DALE
APR 18 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers haven't lost their awesome image. Carroll Dale joined the Rams in 1960 - the year the Packers won the first of three straight Western Division championships. During his five years the Rams won 19 games. And in the same
stretch the Packers won 51, not to mention two championship games. Now, Dale is a Packer. Coach Vince Lombardi obtained the Ram flanker in a trade for Dan Currie last week. "I'm very proud and happy about it. And I can't wait for the season to get started," Dale drawled via telephone from his home in Bristol, Tenn., the other day, adding: "I have the greatest respect for the Packers. I know they mean business in Green Bay, and I don't mind working under those conditions. The Rams are a good team, and they will be better but during my stay in Los Angeles there have been many coaching changes and a half a dozen different quarterbacks did the throwing - Wade, Ryan, Bratkowski, Baker, Gabriel and Munson." Tom Fears, the Packers' pass-receiving coach who has Dale as a rookie in Los Angeles, said, "Carroll hasn't reaches his potential yet. In fact, he hasn't even come close to reaching it." Fears added: "He had speed in the Randle (Sonny, Cardinals' star end) class and he'll go out and catch the ball with the best of them. He carries out his assignments well, isn't afraid to cut down the middle to make a catch, and he'll help the backs. He has a wonderful temperament - like Tom Moore, even talks like him." And to keynote the deal, Fears pointed out that "he'll give us that deep threat because of his speed." Just where Dale fits in remains to be seen, of course, since Boyd Dowler and Max McGee finished off the past season as flanker and split end, respectively, although Dowler worked some at split end when Maxie was hurt. "Flanker or split end? It makes no difference to me. I'm sure I can adjust as far as catching the ball. All I hope is that I can be of some use," Dale said. Dowler, himself, noted the Packers' need for help at receiving. "Let's face it," Boyd, the Pack's leading receiver last year, said, "we can use a deep threat. Not that Max and I can't go deep, but this boy (Dale) has exceptional speed." Boyd said that "we have never been deep in receivers, but we've been fortunate that nobody (among the receivers) has been seriously hurt. It we stood pat on receivers, we'd be in trouble eventually." Dale didn't exactly run rings around the Packers, but Dowler had an answer for that: "No one receiver really has given our defense a lot of trouble. I'd hate to play against our defense. Look at Johnny Morris. He catches all those passes (70 last year) and he finished with three against our defense in two games." Dale caught 16 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay in 10 games, bit he nailed 13 of them in four games. He had 3 for 18 in 1963 in Los Angeles; 4 for 64, including a touchdown pass of 15 yards from Jon Arnett, in 1964 in LA; 3 for 45 in Green Bay in 1961; and 3 for 28, including an eight-yard TD pass from Bil Wade, in LA in 1960. The Packers' image is still aglistening. And Dale hopes he can help keep it that way.
PERSONALITY PARADE
APR 23 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Back in '34, the Packers experimentally moved a portion of their home schedule to Milwaukee to alleviate economic pressure upon the Green Bay faithful - and circumvent any possible designs upon a Beer City franchise by "outside" interest. It since, of course, has become standard practice - although attendance results were not spectacular until the advent of the '60s - but recent addition of a second exhibition game to the City Stadium schedule has triggered coffee shop speculation about the advisability of playing the entire schedule in Green Bay. Earl Louis (Curly) Lambeau, founder of professional sports' most unique franchise and today the Pack's unofficial elder statesman, is customarily inclined to militant optimism but he takes a dim view of such suggestions. Curly, just back from wintering in Palm Springs, Calif., arrived here today, well in advance of Monday night's annual Elks sports banquet, at which he and five other Packer members of the national Hall of Fame - Don Hutson, Carl Hubbard, Mike Michalske, Johnny Blood and Clarke Hinkle - will be honored. He weighed the "home" question for a moment, then declared with characteristic vigor, "I hope they never do it." "They might be able to do it now," Lambeau, who spearheaded that early move to Milwaukee, conceded, "We're having good times at present, but you never know when they might change. I think it's asking too much of the Green Bay people. You would have to put the season ticket price up there pretty high, for one thing. And it's a state team - let's keep it that way. I think it would be a big mistake." Elaborating on this point, Curly observed, "It's a wonderful thing to have people in Milwaukee calling their team. It took a lot of work to instill that feeling. I think it would hurt the Packers all over Wisconsin if all the games were moved to Green Bay, because the implication then would be that it is no longer a state team. Another thing, playing in Milwaukee keeps the competition out. I think it's the only sensible thing to do. A team (from the AFL) could go into Milwaukee, and be a success, because Milwaukee undoubtedly would adopt the team in that situation and support it. You might get a little drunk with success because things are going so well, but you never know when the pendulum might wing a little the other way. You've got a golden egg, why kill it?" Speaking of the AFL, did he foresee an early peace between the new league and the NFL? "They might play each other some day, but I hope they don't - it would be quite lopsided," Curly replied. "The AFL is not in a class with the NFL. They have some good backs, but they don't have the overall coaching or the offensive or defensive personnel." Any prediction on an NFL-AFL playoff? "It's not for me to say," Lambeau noted, "but I can't see it for quite a while. What for? They're playing football in the middle of January now. What will it prove?" Reviewing the situation, he continued, "It probably will come, but the American League has to improve more. It makes good publicity for the American League to make the challenge. East High can challenge Notre Dame," Curly appended with a hearty chuckle, "knowing full well they'll never play." Never one to look back, the broad-shouldered Belgian enthuses about the current quality of his favorite sport. "It's a better game today than when we won three championships back in '29, '30 and '31, largely because of free substitution. It's more specialized and there are more good players and the players are bigger. It's faster, too, because the fellows are fresher because they play only one way and they give you better football. TV has given its a tremendous lift, too. The game had to be successful - it was a natural, but TV got a lot more people interested. It made more fans. Here was something pretty good - you just had to have more people see it." Lambeau, who pioneered the forward pass in pro football and was the first coach to install a daily practice schedule, is confident his five fellow Packer hall of famers could make the NFL grade today. "I was thinking about that on the way home from California," Curly informed, " and I came to the conclusion that a lot of great players we had on our championship teams wouldn't make it now, but it just happened that all five of these would make it in present day football - at their peak, of course. Hutson (Don) could make it for his extra point kicking alone and Hinkle (Clarke) for his placekicking - he could get' em into the end zone almost every time."...PLAYS IN THE 80S: Curly, who spent a substantial portion of the winter polishing his golf game in company with the aforementioned Mr. Hutson, admits, "I'm looking forward to Monday night. I see Don a lot, and I've seen Hubbard and Mike and Blood, but I haven't seen Hinkle in years. From the article I read about him recently though," Lambeau chuckled, "he's the same Hink." And that golf game? "Oh, I chase it around. I manage to play in the 80s," Lambeau, one of the world's most vigorous sexagenarians, couldn't resist quipping. "Pretty good for a young kid."
PACK HALL OF FAMERS 'MADE THE NFL' - LOMBARDI
APR 27 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - "With all due respect to my friend Curly, I think I could have done a pretty good job of coaching these fellows myself." Directing a sly grin from the rostrum toward predecessor Curly Lambeau, seated a few feet to his left, Vince Lombardi was paying facetious tribute to the silver-maned Belgian's five fellow Packer Hall of Famers at Monday night's fourth annual Elks sports dinner, a deft aside which elicited a collective and appreciative chuckle from nearly 500 diners - including Lambeau. The incumbent Packer headmaster had respectful reference to Don Hutson, Johnny Blood, Cal Hubbard, Clarke Hinkle and Mike Michalske, who were twice honored during the course of the 3 1/2-hour production, liberally garnished with wit, drama and not a few memories. Customarily a straight man, Lombardi shortly turned serious, asserting, "These are the men who made the NFL, who made it the great sport that it is today and gave it its color. Our present day players should ever be thankful to these men and those like them who gave them the game. And gave them the huge salaries we pay today." Similar sentiments came from Richard McCann, director of the National Pro Football Hall of Fame, the principal speaker; Oliver Kuechle, sports editor of the Milwaukee Journal; Packer President Dominic Olejniczak and toastmaster Lloyd Larson, sports editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel, all of whom have watched the sport develop from a tottering infant into what many are now pleased to call the national pastime. Lombardi, who presented each of the honorees with a gold-plated helmet plaque on behalf of the Packers (Elks Exulted Ruler William Lucas earlier had tendered them huge circular trophies in memory of the occasion), summoned Lambeau to the rostrum with, "Here is a man who coached five Hall of Fame members. I don't think anybody ever will break that record. Further, he is a pioneer in the NFL, a founder of the Green Bay Packers, winner of six world championships and a charter member of the Hall of Fame. The NFL owes him an eternal debt." Introducing Hutson, the erstwhile Alabama Antelope who still holds a host of NFL pass catching records, Vince quipped, "He's a man I'm proud to call my friend - even though he cheats a little on his handicap on the golf course." "He has been called the greatest pro football player of all time," Lombardi added, then launched into a recitation of the Hutson pedigree: "Most years leading the league in pass receiving, eight; most consecutive years leading the league in pass receiving, 5; most years leading the league is scoring, five; most touchdown passes received, 101..." When Hinkle, a somewhat balding but still-squared citizen, stepped forward, the Packer major-domo tendered him his plaque with, "He has been called the greatest fullback that ever
played, and I say that without reservation. Whenever present day fullbacks are discussed, Hinkle is used as the comparison." Noting that the eternally nomadic Blood "was second only to Sammy Baugh in number of years in the NFL with 15," Lombardi flashed a sly smile and added," You can't fine too much about him in the record book, but outside the record books there's an awful lot." In a more serious vein, he noted, "Johnny had great speed and was a fine runner and great pass receiver." Illustrating Blood's astonishing athletic longevity, Vince continued, "I know one anecdote about Johnny that I think few of you have heard. He was player-coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers late in his career and, one day, the Steelers weren't doing so well. John started the day in civilian clothes but between halves, he said something to the players, came out for the second half in uniform and ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown." Labeling the massive Hubbard "an all-time all-pro tackle," Lombardi grinned and further observed, "He never lost a discussion in his life, and he played on three world championship teams with the Packers." Inadvertently mentioning the unmentionable, to an explosion of laughter, Vince concluded, "And today he is supervisor of umpires in the AFL," a contretemps toastmaster Larson did not overlook upon his return to the mike. Michalske, Lombardi noted, "I've seen movies of him in action and this man was a great, great offensive blocker. He was known as the finest offensive blocking lineman in the NFL. He played three straight world championship teams in 1929-30-31 and was all-pro four times. Here is the man who is known as 'Mr. Desire,' Mike Michalske." Although a forthright Hubbard later took modest issue with his contention, Lambeau insisted, "I know for sure these five could make it in the NFL if they were playing today." Curly, as hale as any of his ex-proteges, went on to enumerate where they would be deployed. "Johnny (Blood) would play at a flanker today, much like Dowler (Boyd). I think Cal Hubbard would back up the line where Nitschke (Ray) plays now. Mike Michalske would be on offensive guard or defensive end of the Robustelli type." "Hinkle would definitely be on offense," he added. "He'd be doing the kicking off." And unable to resist a quip in Lombardi's direction, Curly noted, "I think he'd be kicking field goals over 30 yards." "Hutson, I think, would be at left end - the same comparable position as..." The name escaped him for the moment and he flashed a big grin when the audience came to his rescue with, "Max McGee." "I think Don would also kick the extra points. He had one record that has not been mentioned here tonight - he never missed an extra point during his Packer career." The other honorees shortly followed Lambeau to the rostrum and Hubbard provoked great merriment when he dryly announced, "I don't agree with Lambeau - of course. I never did, very much." "I don't disagree about Hutson or Blood or Hinkle, but when he says all of us could make the Hall of Fame today, I doubt that. When I was playing, I was considered one of the biggest men. Now the lines average more than I weighed." "The game's different today," the mountainous Milan, Mo., resident rumbled. "I don't know what the hell they're talking about - cornerbacks, flankers and lonesome ends. It's all Greek to me. I had a little trouble getting here - fortunately a game was rained out in Detroit so I was able to fly in from there - but I've enjoyed every minute of it." Noting "there's no question that this is no longer a town team but a state and national team," Hutson confided, "My thoughts always go to the fans and the people of Green Bay. The greatest contributing things to my life have been the Green Bay fans and the Green Bay Packers, and I'll always be grateful." Hinkle, the bone-jarring linebuster making his first Green Bay visit since 1952, declared, "This is an experience you can't possibly describe. These are memories we will carry to the grave. My heartfelt thanks to you for resurrecting us out of the past." Blood, noted for his dry wit, didn't disappoint. "Back about the time I came here to play, federal agents made a raid and arrested 60 or 65 barkeepers. But when it came to court, all of the barkeepers went free and two of the federal agents were thrown in jail. That's what always has impressed me about the spirit of Green Bay." Observing that he was in an unenviable position "because everything already has been said," Michalske asserted, "It's with great pride and deep humility that I'm here. I'm happy about it. Hink (Hinkle) told me earlier today, "Today I feel 9 feet tall.' And I said, 'Hink, hand me up a match.'" The puckish McCann, who once aspired to be a standup comedian (he still could make it, judging by last night's expert performance), was the hit of the shot. But he left on a serious note, asserting, "It's almost preposterous to ask if these men could have made it today."...'IT'S INTENT': "Size, speed and skill are not as important as one quality - one they all had. They wanted to be the best. And that is more than just desire - it's intent."
HINKLE HIT TRAINING TABLE ONCE IN CAREER
APR 27 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Clarke Hinkle was on the training table only once in his Packer career. "And then I really caught it from the old man," Clarke said, winking at his old coach, Curly Lambeau. Hinkle explained during the hijinks preceding the Hall of Fame dinner that "the only reason I went on the table that time was to get a massage." Curly said he let Hink forget about it...Dr. Paul Fitzgibbons, quarterback with the Pack in 1930-31-32, stopped in unexpectedly at the Mike and Pen luncheon. Now a surgeon in Long Beach, Calif., Dr. Fitzgibbons was en route to a medical convention in Cleveland from where he'll leave for a six-weeks vacation in Europe. Dr. Fitzgibbons wasn't here more than an hour when he was pressed into service. Hall of Fame Director Dick McCann and this writer had their coats stolen at the Northland Hotel Sunday night and McCann had some medication in the coat pocket. Another former Packer entered the picture at this point - Charley Brock, who just happens to own a drug store. Between Dr. Fitzgibbons and Charley's druggist, McCann has his prescription filled. "Nobody ever heard much about Fitz. In those days, we'd always start the second team and most times he'd take the team down to the 10-yard line and then Red Dunn would take them in," Curly laughed...Cal Hubbard, chief of umpires in the American League, has been more or less "removed" from football. "I've been in baseball for over 30 years - right after I left here - and I don't remember the last football game I've seen - other than on television," Cal said. An active umpire in the American League for years, Hubbard now travels around checking on the umps. And he's always on the lookout for good umpires, explaining "they're harder to find than good shortstops." Five of the six famers came in with suntans, which doesn't add up because the one paleface, Johnny Blood, spent the winter in Miami. Lambeau drove in from his home in Palm Springs. Don Hutson spent most of the winter there, too. Hinkle is located in Toronto, Ohio, "where we have sun," he explained. Mike Michalske lives in Tyler, Tex., but he's thinking about moving north. Hubbard's home is in Milan, Mo., but he's been south since the training camps opened....Hinkle and Hutson were on the same plane Monday "and we didn't know it until we got off in Green Bay." Don got on the North Central plane in Milwaukee, and Clarke was on the same flight out of Chicago...Hubbard and Michalske got talking about some of the old linemen they faced and they both agreed that Guy Chamberlain, the old Bear tackle, was the hardest to handle. "I couldn't take care of him, but Mike here could keep him out of there," Hubbard recalled...Actually, this is just the Hall of Fame beginning. The Packers have many potentials from the former glory days - Arnie Herber, Tony Canadeo, Verne Lewellen, Lavvie Dilweg, to mention a few. And in the distant future you can be sure some of the stars of the Lombardi reign will make it. As McCann put it, when a rookie first steps on the field, he becomes a potential hall of famer...Dick was telling a story about a young visitor to the hall of fame building in Canton. "He wanted to know if we had something on Jack Ferranti, the old Eagle pass receiver," McCann recalled, adding: "I showed him some programs and pictures and statistics and told the boy about him. 'Was he really that good?' the boy asked. It turned out that he was the son of Jack and he was just in checking on his father's football ability."...The Hall of Fame is a treasure chest of information on pro football. "Our library is the finest there is on football, all football," Dick beamed.
RAY SCOTT TO RETURN AS ANNOUNCER FOR 1965 PACKER GAMES
APR 30 (Milwaukee) - Ray Scott of Minneapolis will return next year as play-by-play announcer for the Columbia Broadcasting System telecasts of Green Bay Packers NFL games, the network said Thursday. Scott held the assignment from 1956 through 1963 but quit because of a difference with CBS over the handling of the games. He was replaced last season by Earl Gillespie of Milwaukee. Gillespie said a conflict of sponsors led to his dismissal. Former Packer star Tony Canadeo will continue as the "color" man.
WESTERN NFL RACE SHAPES UP AS SEVEN-TEAM CHASE
MAY 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The little item at the bottom of the NFL News 'n Notes quoted Ram Coach Harland Svare as follows: "I think we'll move up (from fifth place at 5-7-2). We had some very good building material last year and we think our draft has added more." Savre isn't alone. The other six coaches in the West are also planning to "move up." In fact, at the moment, which is five-plus months away from the league opener, the Western race shapes up as an authentic seven-team chase. Most years you can go down the list and deduct that two or three different clubs will fight it out for the title at the expense of the others. Not any more. Six clubs seem title possibilities, and the seventh, the 49ers, have a chance. Do you realize that three different teams won Western titles the last three seasons - the Packers in '62, the Bears in '63, and the Colts in '64. Who's for '65. Here's a capsule on each club: COLTS - The defending champs lose Gino Marchetti and Bill Pellington, but they still have John Unitas, the game's top quarterback. They have a rushing powerhouse in Tony Lorick, who will keep defenses honest and make Unitas' passing more effective. As champs, they'll be out to make up for their poor showing in the championship game. PACKERS - The Big Bays lost the '62 title when the Bears ran extremely hot and '63 for lack of a kicker. Coach Vince Lombardi correct4ed the kicking deficiency by obtaining Don Chandler from the Giants. In addition, he installed a deep threat by trading off Dan Currie for Carroll Dale. The Packers will still pack rushing power and they'll be younger and faster. VIKINGS - Minnesota
surprised by finishing in a second place tie with the Packers last year. And it was for real. Fran Tarkenton developed into a feared quarterback and the Vikings came up with a rushing attack in Tommy Mason and Bill Brown. They're hungry and hard to beat. BEARS - Never sell this team short, as the Packers discovered in 1963. Chicago has the making of a strong aerial game, what with Mike Ditka and Johnny Morris, and George Halas is sure to come up with a rush attack. The Bears' defense will be helped considerably by Dick Butkus, who could be one of the fiercest defenders in the pro game. LIONS - This team will be a happier group, what with the addition of a new coach, Harry Gilmer. Detroit has many tools, topped by a strong defense. Gilmer's big job is to soup up the offense and he's a specialist in that. He has a trio of fine ends in Jim Gibbons, Terry Barr and Gail Cogdill, but the trick will be getting some ground yards. He has a good start with Nick Pietrosante. RAMS - This outfit has all sorts of possibilities, what with a terrific quarterback in Bill Munson, a bull fullback with speed in Les Josephson and the swift Bucky Pope for pass catching. It has the biggest defense line in the league, a shot in the linebacking arm with Currie, and a hopeful offensive line headed by a healed Kenny Iman at center. 49ERS - San Francisco gave the Packers a fit on the coast last year, with a rookie quarterback (George Mira) at that. Coach Jack Christiansen has a strong defense line, fleet receivers, and, of course, John David Crow, who was obtained from the Cardinals. Crow, if he can shake off an occasional injury, could make the offense go. The secret to winning is getting off to a fast start and the first five games offer a good clue. The '62 Packers won their first five (and then added five more); the '63 Bears won their first five; and the '64 Colts won four of their first five.
TAYLOR, J. KRAMER HOME FROM 'GATOR HUNT - SAFE AND SOUND
MAY 4 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Packer Coach Vince Lombardi will be happy to know that Jim Taylor and his bodyguard, Jerry Kramer, are home safe and sound. Taylor and Kramer went alligator hunting with Urban Henry (please note, Steeler Coach Buddy Parker) in the canals of Texas north of Port Arthur the last couple of weeks and they all came up with several skins. It might be explained that they were hunting with bows and arrows. And for a side dish they did a little hunting for cottonmouth moccasins. How do you hunt alligators with an arrow? "First, you hire a plane," Kramer started, "and then you fly over the areas (about 50 miles north of Port Arthur) and look for the alligator holes. Then you hike to the holes and just shoot them. We'd get as close as 40 to 50 feet and fire away. They don't give you much shooting room. They have an armor plate on the head and it extends back to the ears. There's a soft spot about six inches long in back of the armor. You've got to hit them in that spot or on the side of the neck, which is soft. They die pretty hard, and they're still thrashing around a long time after they're hit. We skin them out on the spot. Urban took them to a tannery in Louisiana and we'll have the hides mounted. We got a half dozen alligators - from six to 12 feet." Kramer returned to Green Bay Monday afternoon and found a letter from his dad, who wrote that he caught a 36-pound mackinaw in Priest Lake, which is near the Kramer family home in Sand Point, Idaho. "He was mighty happy with that big one and it came on the opening day of the season," Jerry said, pointing out that a mackinaw is like a trout. Kramer presently is carrying 260 pounds and he explained that "it's not all fat. I've been pretty active." The Packers' big guard, who was felled by illness shortly after the '64 season started and then underwent surgery, entered the hospital Monday evening and may undergo surgery later this week. "If all goes well, I might make it by the start of the league season," Jerry said...Nate Borden, the likeable former Packer and Cowboy end, has been appointed an area scout by the Packers, Browns, Giants, Cardinals, and Colts, Lombardi announced today. Big Nate, who finished out his career with Buffalo in '62, played five seasons with the Packers, who drafted him in '55. He was a standout lineman at Indiana where he played in 36 straight games. Borden worked for many years with the juvenile division of the Cincinnati police department and in the past year was a representative for a sporting good concern.
PACKERS MADE RECORD $404,730 PROFIT IN '64
MAY 5 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers realized a net profit of $404,730.30 on 1964 operations - the largest in the history of the club. Vince Lombardi, head coach and general manager, revealed the status of Green Bay Packers, Inc., in a glowing financial report at the annual meeting in the WBAY auditorium Tuesday night. The profit, due largely to the huge increase in television revenue, represented a jump of $255,695 over 1963 when the net was $149,045. The previous all-time high was $255,501 in 1962. The Packers' income from radio and television in '64 (the first year of the NFL's $28,000,000 contract with CBS0 was $1,066,612.10 compared to $373,036.73 in 1963 - an increase of $693,575.37. Lombardi pointed out that there is one more year (1965) to go on the television pact, "but after that we don't know. We have to run scared in this business." The Packers had a total operating income of $2,540,351.17 including besides the TV total, net receipts of $804,207 from home games, income of $623,
535.88 from out of town games, and $36,995.45 from program advertising and sales. The figures represent increases of $30,473.82 from home games, $19,593 from out of town games, and $4,210.78 from program advertising over the 1963 figures. Television represented 40.41 percent of the corporation's income while home games produced 30.47 percent. The income from away games brought 23.97 percent leaving 5.15 percent as other income. Vince noted that "this is the first year that home games produced more than the away games and that's a healthy sign." Lombardi said that "we can expect added income in '65 due to the new seats at the stadium here," but he also reminded that "the corporation is paying out $600,000 for the addition of those seats." As to income from away games in '65, Vince said that "a great deal depends on what kind of season the other teams are having and what kind of season we are having." Total expenses in '64 reached $1,770,037.82 - an increase of $212,220.97. Lombardi, making his sixth annual report, noted that the higher expenses were due largely to increased player salaries and bonuses to rookies coming in. "We always want to take a look at the rookies. We know there might be a Willie Wood or Johnny Unitas among them. Our veterans understand the necessity for bonuses, by the way, and they also know we do not pay a rookie more than a veteran in that position," Lombardi said. Training expenses and overhead and administrative expenses were virtually the same as a year ago. Training expenses were $91,396.64 in '64 compared to $90,025.98 in '63, while the overhead and administrative figure was $505,848.01 in '64 and $503,823.41 in '63. The general manager complimented both the Green Bay and Milwaukee ticket offices and reported on both operations. In Green Bay, new season ticket orders have totaled 13,127 and old holders have asked for 2,204 season tickets, making a total of 15,331. While the capacity of City Stadium has been jumped to 50,800, the 8,500 added seats won't handle the requests. Vince said, adding: "There was a total of 42,251 season ticket renewals from last year and only 76 were not returning due to deaths or people moving out of the city. The season tickets here are held by more than 11,000 persons." Milwaukee is sold out on season tickets, although 2,000 seats will be sold on a single game basis Aug. 16. "We already have a waiting list of 813 games in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee seats are held by 6,713 persons, and it's interesting to note that only 122 are from Green Bay and De Pere," he said. The coach said the response has been excellent for the Shrine game (Bears, Aug. 21) in Milwaukee and the two preseason games (Giants in the Bishop's Charites Aug. 14 and the Cardinals Sept. 11). He pointed out that the Shrine game was scheduled in the afternoon at the request of the Shrine and not at the request of CBS. Lombardi said, "Our stadium here has always been major league from the standpoint of beauty, availability, parking and for the fans and the teams. With more seats, more people will get a chance to see the Packers and the visiting teams will receive more income. This, we can all be proud of." Lombardi reviewed the 1964 playing season and cited the loss of three games by five points and the loss of starting guards Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston as factors leading to the club's 8-5-1 record. In addition, he noted that Max McGee, Jess Whittenton and Jim Taylor each missed a full game due to injuries. He noted that the Packers finished first yardagewise in rushing, second in passing and first in defense, but ranked fifth in scoring. Quoting an old football axiom, Vince said, "We weren't getting off our own goal and we weren't getting across the opponents' goal enough." As to '65, Lombardi made these observations: "Dennis Claridge will get a big test to see what kind of football player he is. Thurston should make a strong comeback. Lloyd Voss will be shifted from defense to offense. Steve Wright should make a strong bid. The running game will be helped with the addition of rookies Junior Coffey, Larry Bulaich, John Purman, Allen Jacobs and Ron Heller. Bill Curry will be a key figure at linebacker or the defensive line. Carroll Dale will help the receiving. Bob Long should make a move after showing fine promise last year. We can afford to move Bob Jeter to defense. Ron Kramer is now a free agent, having played out his option, and the responsibility at tight end is now up to Marv Fleming. Behind him will be Allen Brown, the highest draft choice we signed. The kicking game has been bolstered with the trade for Don Chandler. We are all sorry to see Dan Currie (traded to the Rams for Dale) go. He has fine ability and was a great help to us. We'll field a representative team and I'm hoping, happily, that we can win the championship."
TEAMS, INC. & AFL
MAY 6 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Milwaukee County Executive John Doyle ripped the Braves management again Monday and it was duly reported in the Associated Press dispatch printed in Tuesday's Press-Gazette. But buried at the bottom of the story was a note of considerably more interest to Green Bay sports fans. "He also suggested Milwaukee might be able to obtain a franchise in the AFL," is the way the final sentence read, the "he" being Doyne. This, of course, has always been a possibility, particularly since there is a franchise application from a Milwaukee group on file with the AFL. The AFL has not been mentioned much recently, however. But with prospects for major league baseball in Milwaukee next year becoming dimmer and dimmer, the city's pride is being hit harder and harder. Although the Packers are "sort of" hometown for Milwaukeeans, they still carry the name Green Bay and not Milwaukee. And with the Braves gone, Milwaukee will be one of the few major cities in the country without any major league sports. Thus, the situation appears ripe for the AFL. Now the question remains, is Milwaukee actively working toward obtaining an AFL franchise? Obviously, the group which has applied for a franchise must be promoting its own interests. But, if indeed it is, it must be doing it very quietly. If an all-out campaign for such a franchise is to be inaugurated, it would probably be done do by Teams, Inc. Teams is dedicated to the promotion of all major league sports in Milwaukee, but right now that includes the Packers, and not the AFL franchise. At least that was the word from Ben Barkin, one of the prime movers in the Teams, Inc., effort, in a telephone conversation Wednesday. "Football has never been mentioned at any of our meetings," Barkin, a public relations firm executive, said. "We are absolutely not interested in football right now, and there has never been any reference to the AFL." Barkin added, however, that his organization "is working on behalf of all major league sports in Milwaukee." He chuckled a bit as he continued, "Although I don't think they need our help right now, we would do all in our power to help the Packers." The main concern right now for Teams, Inc., is the baseball problem. But what will happen if that situation is suddenly resolved, one way or another? Will football then become a major factor in the organization's business? "I don't think there's that kind of interest (in football) on the part of Teams, Inc.," he answered...THEY ARE ENCOURAGING: While these statements certainly do not secure Milwaukee for the Packers, they are encouraging to the portion of Packerdom that feels Milwaukee is necessary for Green Bay pro football survival. On the other hand, there is that other portion of Packerdom which continues to fight for playing all games in Green Bay and forgetting Milwaukee. Unfortunately, if the Packers ever did forget about Milwaukee, the AFL may not. And the Packers in Green Bay with no pro team in Milwaukee is considerably different than the Packers in Green Bay and another pro team in Milwaukee.
STEELER TRADE ED HOLLER FOR ART HUNTER
MAY 8 (Pittsburgh) - The Pittsburgh Steelers Friday traded linebacker Ed Holler to the Los Angeles Rams for offensive center Art Hunter in a straight player deal. Holler, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, was obtained by the Steelers last year from the Green Bay Packers. He is 25 years old. Hunter, a graduate of Notre Dame, played with the Packers and Cleveland Browns before joining the Rams. Hunter, 32, is 6-foot-4 and weighs 247 pounds.
STADIUM ACTION...SEATS GOING UP
MAY 9 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - There's plenty of action at City Stadium these days. With contractor George Hougard's men providing same. The Stadium is in the process of growing from 42,327 to 50,837 seats. But that's only part of the overall job, for which the Packers are shelling out $600,000. Also being built are an addition on the rear of the Administration Building; toilet facilities; and a tunnel, through which the players will enter the field from their dressing room. The seat additions include the closing in of the south end and wings on the north ends, giving the appearance of a giant horseshoe. Most of the work now is being done on the north ends, where the floor of the building addition already is in and brick is being laid. The tunnel, which starts in the center of the building addition, is completed and steps from the building are in. Most of the footings, on which will rest the steel girder holding the new stands on the north ends, are in, also. Toilet facilities are being built at what would be the four "corners" of the stadium. The old dressing rooms on the south end are being converted into toilet facilities. With these five and the two holdover toilet building under the middle of the east and west stands, the stadium will be adequately furnished with seven toilet buildings...READY FOR BISHOP: The steel reinforced cement seats are being cast in a temporary building in the west parking lot at the rate of 48 seat sections per day. Work on the south end will start shortly. The south "circle" will be built right over the old dressing rooms and the present scoreboard will be placed in the center on top of the stands. The work will be completed in plenty of time for the first Packer production - the Bishop's Charities game Saturday, Aug. 14, which is three months from next Friday. And it goes without saying that Bishop Stanislaus V .Bona's salesman will get the first crack at breaking the Stadium's attendance record (43,327)...BRIEFS: It will be Wisconsin vs. Minnesota in more ways than one the weekend of Nov .20 in Minneapolis. The Badgers play the Gophers on Saturday and the Packers meet the Vikings the next day. Hotel-motel managers are planning on a few headaches. The Vikings and Gophers are home on three other weekends next fall. This is about as close as you can come to a head-to-head test between pro and college football...Stockholders gave Packer Coach Vince Lombardi a hand after he finished his annual report at the stockholders' meeting the other night. But Dr. G.J. Mortell, onetime president of the board of education, felt that "we should have given him a rising vote of thanks. I thought he went all out and told us all the facts. And he certainly reflected the success of the organization." Dr. Mortell added that "perhaps we all get a little too blasé about the Packers and take them for granted."...Jerry Kramer, the Packers' star guard, underwent surgery Friday in what is hoped will be the first step toward returning him to active duty come the start of the league season...Publicity directors in NFL cities, including the Packers' Tom Miller, open their annual meeting in San Francisco Monday. The group will hear a talk by Commissioner Pete Rozelle and then join with Jim Kensil, the NFL's publicity chief, to make plans for the '65 season...Art Hunter, the Packers' first draft choice in 1954, played tackle in his first season and then was traded to the Browns where Paul Brown converted him into a center. Brown wanted him at center because he had such long legs, making it more comfortable for the quarterback. Hunter, former Notre Damer, later was traded to the Rams who just Saturday traded him to the Steelers for Ed Holler, the linebacker who came up with the Packers two years ago...The Rams' Elroy Hirsch, himself a star pass receiver, says that Carroll Dale, who was traded to the Pack for Dan Currie, "runs like fluid drive."
JERRY KRAMER HAS THREE PIECES OF WOOD REMOVED FROM GROIN
MAY 11 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The guy on the other end of the phone chirped away. Like a new-born bird. Jerry Kramer, the Packers' great guard and medical marvel, got out of his bed at St. Vincent Hospital Monday and walked around. He had undergone six and a half hours of surgery Friday - not to mention four transfusions and today he exclaimed: "You know what? He took three pieces of wood out of my groin. They'd been in there for 11 and a half years." Kramer, who was floored with illness shortly after the 1964 league opener against the Bears, was flabbergasted, wildly happy and hopeful of playing next fall - all in one breath. "Just think, He (Kramer's surgeon) took out three slivers of wood but they were bigger than slivers. Two of them were four inches long and about a half-inch around and the other was two inches long. They were imbedded in my groin since I was 17 years old. The wood didn't show up in the X-rays anywhere but he dug around there and found them." Kramer, whose illness resulted from what had termed a "barnyard infection" and apparently caused by a boyhood accident near his home in Idaho, told about the incident: "I was chasing this calf as hard as I could when the calf stepped on a leaning board. The board splintered and stuck me in the groin as I fell on the sharp end. I laid down and they pulled some slivers out of me but a few days later they removed some of the board from my back. It had gone clean through and we know now that some of it stayed right in me." Kramer went on to stardom as a lineman at the University of Idaho. He joined the Packers in 1958 and developed into a perennial all-pro before the illness caught up with last year. He suffered an ankle injury in '61 that kept him out of the last half of the season. Exceptionally active, even during the offseason (he had just returned from an alligator hunt in Texas), Kramer said today: "I feel better now than I ever have. I'll have another little operation in about three weeks - if all goes well, and maybe the old boy will be out there by the start of training camp. I'll be the fattest, healthiest guy in camp." Kramer built his weight up to 260 pounds in the past few months and "I needed it for this operation. I'm starting to eat today and they won't be able to feed me enough." Those three pieces of wood? "I guess they're the finest souvenirs I ever had. They'll go into my collection." Kramer, who often terms himself the "unluckiest, luckiest guy in the world," figures now he has seen the end of the chain of mishaps which have plagued him for years. Besides the calf incident, Jerry had part of his arm shot away and was almost fatally wounded in the side in a 10-gauge shotgun accident as a lad in Sandpoint, Idaho. In 1960, while blocking Lamar Lundy of the Rams in Milwaukee, he suffered a detached retina. Only a delicate operation saved his sight in one eye. Then came the ankle injury against the Vikings in Milwaukee. Kramer expects to get out of the hospital this weekend.
HORNUNG TO 'WAIT AND SEE' ON TOE ROLE
MAY 11 (Louisville) - Paul Hornung is taking a "wait and see" attitude in regard to his role with the Green Bay Packers next year since the team has acquired kicker Don Chandler. Hornung stoutly denied that several crucial kicks he missed last season cost the Packers the Western Conference title of the NFL. "The Packers had a lot of other chances they missed," Hornung said. However, Hornung still must have nightmares about the boots that missed the mark in two crucial games with the Baltimore Colts. In the first game, Hornung missed an extra point that enabled the Colts to eke out a 21-20 win over the Packers. In the second Colts game, with the Packers still very much in the running for the division title, Hornung missed five field goal attempts, the last one of them from only 17 yards out. Hornung admitted that his kicking wasn't what it should have been and added, "that year's layoff may have hurt some." Hornung and Alex Karras of the Detroit Lions were suspended for one year by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle for betting on games. The Packers, soon after the season ended, acquired Chandler from the New York Giants, and there has been speculation that he would handle most of the field goal and extra point chores for the Packers. Hornung said if Chandler takes over these duties it will enable him to concentrate more on running. "But I doubt if any of this will be decided before practice starts this summer," Hornung said. Meanwhile, Hornung has turned author, but he's pretty close-mouthed about the whole thing, refusing even to reveal the title of the book. "I'm not going to say anything about it until it is released for publication," Hornung said. But it's almost certain to include the oft-repeated yarn Hornung tells about the second Colt-Packers game: "A Packer fan slipped a gun into my headgear as I walked to the dressing room. Apparently he wanted me to use it on myself. I sat and thought about it, then took the gun out and pointed it at my head. About that time, Bart Starr came running across the room, yelling, 'Paul, have you gone crazy.' Jim Taylor simply said, 'Ah. let him go. He'll miss.'"
THURSTON INKS PACKER PACT
MAY 15 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Fred (Fuzzy) Thurston has signed for the 1965 Packer season, Coach Vince Lombardi announced Friday. Thurston, who missed most of the second half of 1964 with a shoulder injury, returns for his sixth season with the Packers and his ninth in pro football. He saw action with the Bears, Eagles and Colts before coming to Green Bay in a trade in '59. Lombardi expects Thurston to make a strong comeback. Thurston entered Valparaiso University as a basketball player and never had a football uniform until his junior year. He was elected football captain as a senior. Thurston made four different all-pro teams in 1961.
PACK'S GUARDIAN ANGELS EYE RETURN - TOGETHER
MAY 16 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers' "guardian angels" - Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston - always did things together, especially pulling out and blocking on the Packers' famed power sweeps. The two burly guards were virtually step by step in the World of News last week. Jerry hit the world scene when it was revealed that three pieces of wood, two of which were four inches long, were removed from his groin in surgery at St. Vincent Hospital. They were imbedded in his groin for 11 1/2 years. Fuzzy, hampered last season with injuries, proclaimed that "we're going to have a big year" after signing his 1965 contract. Coach Vince Lombardi announced his signing Friday. The chances of the Guardian Angels being together in '65 appear better than ever. Kramer is the big key, of course, and after his operation he felt that "I have a good chance to make it by the opening of the league season." Kramer expects to undergo another operation in about three weeks and "then I'll be finished," he said. Thurston said, "I was amazed when I heard the story about Jerry. Now that they know what was causing his trouble (the wood) I'm sure he'll be back. He's certainly a great inspiration to all
of us and especially to me." Thurston said he's completely cured of the shoulder injuries that knocked him off the regular list after the sixth game last year. Looking back, Fuzzy moaned, "If I had rested a couple of games I would have been all right." But the first game after his injury was the Colt battle in Baltimore, and, being a former Colt and a fierce competitor, there was no keeping Fuzzy down...REVAMP LINE: As he explained, "The coach asked me if I could play and naturally I didn't want to tell him I couldn't." The injury forced Lombardi to revamp his offensive line. Thurston feels that "I'm right in my prime even though I'm 31. I never played high school football and I have it over those who put in four years in high school. Age really is no factor as far as I'm concerned. I'm smart enough to know that some kid could come along and beat me out but my attitude is excellent. I'm dedicated and don't worry about my physical condition." Fuzzy is working three days a week on the weights and he explained that "I'll come in about 240 this year and play at 248. As you get older you cut down on your weight. I played at around 252 before."...The Ron Kramer case is resting. The Packers' tight end, who is now a free agent, having played out his option, prefers not to say anything about his future, explaining that "things will be worked out." R.K. wants to be traded to Detroit so that he can be with his family...Proceeds from the Bishop's Charities game (Giants here Aug. 14) go to operate the Green Bay Catholic Apostolate, a child and welfare agency; the St. Joseph Home for Children, which cares for emotionally disturbed and dependent children; and the Migrant Apostolate, which cares for the education and health needs of some 15,000 migrant workers in Northeastern Wisconsin.
STARR RATED THIRD ON ALL-TIME LIST
MAY 23 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Time marches on - like those ants in the movie the other night. And Vart Starr not only qualified as an all-time passer in the NFL, but he's ranked third. There was a day when longevity decided the leading passers in the league. Meaning that if you could stand the knocks long enough the chances of finishing among the all-timers was a cinch. We refer to pitchers like perennial leaders like Sammy Baugh, Bobby Layne and our own Arnie Herber, among others. A couple of years ago the NFL came up with a unique system of grading passers, a theory that had been advanced as long as 20 years ago. However, the NFL insisted on grading passers on the average gain per attempt, which meant that the passers with long-distance receivers were sure bets to win the passing honors. Jim Kensil, the NFL's publicity chief, installed the system of grading passers so that interceptions, touchdown passes, etc., all figured in the ratings. The result shows up today in a table produced by Kensil, in which he rated all of the league's passers (at least those who played since statistics were kept) under a formula that accords equal credit for standing in percentage of completions, percentage of interceptions, average gain per attempt and total touchdowns. Under this formula, a player rating first in a category receives one point; seconds get two points, etc. The passer totaling the fewest number of points in the four categories is ranked first, second fewest number is second, etc. Johnny Unitas of the Colts comes out as the leader while Milt Plum of the Browns and Lions is second and Starr is third. Y.A. Tittle is fourth. Layne isn't among the first 10, the immortal Baugh is 10th, and Herber is unrated since he pitched part of the time before statistics were kept. Arnie came up in 1931, and statistics on a league-wide basis made their "debut" - and then on a flimsy basis - around 1936. Starr qualifies as the sharpest shooter of the all-time group since he has the best efficiency percentage, with 56.8 on 1,032 completions in 1,818 attempts, and the lowest percentage of interceptions, 4.4, which is based on 79 interceptions in his 1,818 attempts. The Bays' ace quarterback, who has played nine Packer seasons, supplied most of his fireworks in his last five seasons when he led the Packers to three straight western titles, two worlds and two second place finishes. During his first four years, he shared the duties with Tobin Rote, as a rookie in '56; handled the job himself as a sophomore in '57, and shared the job with Babe Parilli in '58 and Lamar McHan in '59. Since taking over himself in '60, Starr completed 743 passes in 1,268 attempts for an amazing 58.6 completion percentage. These passes gained 10,213 yards, which gives him an average completion gain of 8.1 (high for a team that doesn't specialize in the long throw) and accounted for 67 touchdowns. Y.A. Tittle, of course, is the real rubber arm in the group with 3,817 passes for 28,339 yards and 212 touchdowns. Unitas has thrown 187 TD passes among his 3,0341 attempts and 1.647 completions for 24,315 yards. Considering the difference in attempts, Starr's average gain of 7.63 ranks well with Unitas' 8.02...Ron Kramer, the tight end who played out his Packer option last year with a wish to play in Detroit, is still teamless. The situation presently is in the hands of Commissioner Pete Rozelle, and, of course, the Packers' Vince Lombardi will want a player of equal ability in return. Kramer has an appointment to meet with the Lions shortly and the matter may be settled at that time. The change in coaches in Detroit, with Harry Gilmer taking over from George Wilson, undoubtedly figures in the delay since Gilmer understandably is not as familiar with the Lion personnel as was Wilson, who is now an assistant with the Redskins. There's always the possibility of a three or four-club deal being worked out, with Kramer winding up in Detroit.
PITTS, HART SIGN
MAY 28 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Latest to sign Packer contracts are Elijah Pitts, the fourth running back, and defensive halfback Doug Hart, who made the roster last year after a season on the taxi squad. The signings were announced by Coach Vince Lombardi Thursday. Pitts, returning for his fifth campaign, averaged 12.7 yards per punt return last year and raced 65 yards with one kick for a touchdown in Baltimore, finishing fourth in the league. He carried the ball 27 times for 128 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per trip. He caught six passes. Hart saw considerable action when Jess Whittenton was out with a pulled muscle.
PEACE? PACK WITH CHARGERS, OTHERS IN 'REALIGNED' NFL
MAY 30 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Can you imagine the Packers playing in a new NFL composed of 24 teams and a six-club division made up of the Packers, Bears, Cowboys, Chargers, Oilers and Raiders? Sports Illustrated, the noted sports magazine, came out with an interesting story in the latest issue, with these headlines: "The New NFL (?). One Day Soon, Sure As Little Apples, Pro Football's Owners Will Blow The Whistle On Their Costly Squabbles Over Talent And Sue For Peace Instead Of Damages. The Fruit Of Peace May Be This Hybrid." The magazine broke the League into two conferences - the National and American, and then assigned each an Eastern and Western Division, as follows: National Conference, Eastern Division - Colts, Redskins, Eagles, Giants, Patriots and Bills; Western Division - Packers, Cowboys, Bears, Chargers, Oilers, and Raiders. American Conference, Eastern Division - Browns, Lions, Steelers, Jets, Atlanta Crackers and New Orleans Pelicans; Western Division - Cardinals, Vikings, Rams, 49ers, Chiefs and Broncos. The story explains, in part: "This is rumor season in professional football - each spring is - and the chart (of teams, in previous paragraphs) is just one monstrum horrendum resulting from a few of those occasions during the year when the NFL and AFL owners have been seen together in bars, restaurants, clubs, and - you might be justified in suspecting - psychiatrists' anterooms. But, far out or not, this particular plan exists in more than one pro executive's mind, and no one connected with the sport is willing to bet against something happening and happening soon."...PUBLIC CLOSER: "Everybody knows that pro football is going to achiever that peace someday. Bonuses to rookie players cannot keep on going up. And the general public continues to move closer to the day, emotionally, when it will either get a true title game between the two leagues or drag NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle through the streets. The most logical thing to expect, certainly within two years and perhaps as early as next December, is a reorganization along these lines: A common draft, a playoff game, one commissioner and two league presidents, both leagues keeping their identity and current opponents, except that the AFL would expand to 10 clubs, taking in Atlanta and New Orleans or Philadelphia." One of the bugs, of course, is the antitrust bill. Both leagues need assurance from Capitol Hill that they can hold a Common Draft without violating same. It is interesting to kick around the clubs. And how about two separate leagues with North, South, East and West Divisions. North and South would be in the National League and East and West in the American League. Each league would have its own championship game, and the winners then would play off for the grand crown. Try this setup for size: National League: North Division - Packers, Lions, Bears, Vikings, Giants, Chiefs; South Division - Colts, Redskins, Crackers, Oilers, Cowboys, Pelicans. American League: East Division - Patriots, Jets, Eagles, Steelers, Bills, Browns; West Division - Cardinals, Broncos, Rams, Chargers, 49ers, Raiders. This would be truly territorial, except in the case of the one New York team in the North, but this would be a must because it wouldn't be feasible to have two clubs from the same city in the same division. Under this setup, each team could play home and home in its division for 10 games and then play three or six games with teams in the other division. To be sure, it's interesting. But don't hold your breath.
CAFFEY, BREEN SIGN
MAY 31 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Linebackers Lee Roy Caffey and Gene Breen have signed their Packers contracts for the 1965 season, it was announced today by Coach Vince Lombardi. Caffey came to Green Bay along with the Eagles' first draft choice for center Jim Ringo and fullback Earl Gros. The 250-pound Caffey moved into a starting berth midway during the season. Returning for his third pro season, Caffey intercepted one pass and returned it for 44 yards. Breen saw little action as a rookie last year, though he was a member of all the special teams. A lightweight in '64, Breen expects to carry 235 pounds this season. With the trade of Dan Currie to the Rams, Ray Nitschke remains as the lone linebacking holdover from the championship era. Caffey and Dave Robinson will flank Nitschke, with Breen in reserve.
HEART ATTACK KILLS PACKER FOUNDER
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Earl Louis (Curly) Lambeau, 67, founder of the Packers and head coach for 31 years, died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sturgeon Bay. Considered in excellent health, Lambeau suffered an apparent heart attack shortly after cutting a lawn with a power mower. Detail, features on Lambeau's career and pictures are in tonight's Sports Section. Lambeau founded the Packers in 1919, entered them in the NFL in 1921, and guided them to six world championships. He resigned after the 1949 season and then coaches the Chicago Cardinals in 1950-51, the Washington Redskins in 1952-53, and the College All Stars in 1954-55-56. Lambeau served as general manager and vice president of the Packers during his fabulous career. He is credited with pioneering the forward pass in pro football and in the early days threw an unheard-of 45 passes in a single games.
CURLY LAMBEAU, PACKER FOUNDER, DIES
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Curly Lambeau is dead. The founder of the Packers. The Big Belgian. The incurable optimist. Died while talking with Herb Reynolds on the front lawn of the Francis Van Duyse residence in Sturgeon Bay. He died of a heart attack at 7:30 Tuesday evening. He was 67. In his usual genial mood, Lambeau stopped to visit the Van Duyses and, kidding Van Duyse about needing a little exercise, cut part of the lawn with a power mower. Francis took the mower and Curly went to talk with Reynolds, who had stopped by. "I told him he was working up quite a sweat and he wiped his brow with his handkerchief. Then he said, 'I feel kind of sick," and fell over on the grass," Reynolds said. An immediate call was made for a doctor, an ambulance and a priest, but "I knew he was dead as I held him in my arms," Van Duyse said. Lambeau had just bought a new boat and had planned to take it up to his home in Fish Creek Wednesday. Curly had been in excellent health. He returned from his winter home in Palm Springs, Calif., in mid-April to be present for Hall of Fame ceremonies at the Elks Club April 26. Dick Weisgerber, former Packers fullback and a long-time friend of Lambeau during his 12-year residence in Door County, said, "I saw him just before he went down to the Van Duyses and he was dancing around and feeling fine. In fact, he just had his annual physical last week."...'AN ACTIVE MAN': "This was the he would have wanted to go. He was such an active man, and if he had to go through a long illness, it would have been terrible," Weisgerber said. Lambeau spent most of his time golfing, though he wasn't out on the course Tuesday. He practices his golf every day at his home and played several times a week. Curly always seemed to have "strong" health - especially during his hectic coaching days, although there are some who thought he suffered a heart attack 17 years ago. It was a Saturday morning before the Bear game in 1948, when the team took in its final workout at old City Stadium. Curly had the offensive team on the goal line practicing plays when he noticed that the rest of the players, sitting on the bench midfield, were noisy and cutting up. Lambeau raced to the bench, a good 50 yards, and blistered the offending players. His face grew red as he stormed off the field and never showed up again until Sunday morning. Some felt he had taken ill, but others figured that this was his way of keying up the team. The out-gunned Packers lost to the Bears that Sunday 17-0, but they displayed a real mean streak. Lambeau was head coach of the Packers for 31 years. His teams compiled 212 victories, 109 losses and 24 ties in league competition - a record that ranked second only to the team's traditional rivals, the Bears. Curly's teams won six world championships, including the famed "triple" of 1929-30-31. They followed with crowns in 1936, 1939 and 1944. They won the Western Division crown in 1938,
but lost to the Giants in the championship game, and tied the Bears for the 1941 Division title, but lost a special playoff to the Bears. Lambeau coached the Cardinals, Redskins and College All Stars after resigning as Packer coach early in 1950. He mentored the Cards in 1950-51, the Redskins in 1952-53, and the All Stars in 1954, 1955 and 1956. Though '56 was his final coaching year, Lambeau remained as an ardent devotee of pro football until his death. His team, of course, was the Packers, and he never missed a game here or in Milwaukee. Always the optimist, Curly was certain the Packers would win. "Of course, they'll win," he'd say, and he was especially proud of the Packers in their winning years under Vince Lombardi. When a tough game approached, he'd say, "Lombardi will figure something out. Don't worry." Lambeau's feat of starting and keeping a "small town" in pro football was officially recognized three years ago when he was named a charter member of the National Pro Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He also was named to the Wisconsin Hall of Fame. Born Earl Louis Lambeau on April 9, 1898, the son of Marcel and Mary Lambeau, Curly got his start playing football as an eighth grader at Whitney grade school. There were two highlights in his first year at the sport. His Whitney team beat the East High freshmen 18 to 0 and he broke his ankle - the only serious injury he suffered in his career. Curly was the first of the real football heroes at East High - one of a few to win four letters. He enrolled at Notre Dame in 1918 and played first string fullback with the immortal George Gipp under Knute Rockne as a freshman. Lambeau developed tonsil trouble during the holidays after the football season and returned to Green Bay. His doctor told him the tonsils would have to come out, but he'd have to wait until the infection cleared up. "I stayed around home for quite a while, waiting for the infection to clear up, but by this time I had missed too much school to go back," Curly said...OFFERED A JOB: About this time, the Indian Packing Co. offered Lambeau a job at $250 a month, and, the sum being considerable, he decided to go to work. Lambeau got the football bug and, with George W. Calhoun, then sports editor of the Press-Gazette, decided to ask the packing firm to sponsor a football team. The company agreed in the fall of 1919 and Lambeau, who had helped coach East High in his last two years, captained and coached the packing company team with some help from Joe Carey, former St. Norbert College star. Calhoun started calling the team the "Packers" in the Press-Gazette and from then on the team mushroomed. Lambeau took over the coaching, himself, the following year and played quarterback. The team played independent football in 1919-20, winning 19, losing 3 and tying 1. Curly obtained a franchise in the new NFL in 1921 but the league, then called the American Professional Football Assn., forfeited the franchise after the season because of poor attendance. Lambeau talked other businessmen into backing the team and in 1922 Don Murphy sold his auto for $250 so Curly could sell the league on restoring the franchise. The league okayed the move and the Packers were on their way..."INTRODUCED" FORWARD PASS: Financial troubles continued to plague Lambeau and his team, but in 1923 his Packers obtained the backing of the community when A.B. Turnbull, general manager of the Press-Gazette, organized businessmen in support of the team and formed what is now known as Green Bay Packers, Inc. Lambeau did the rest on the field - especially with his "introduction" of the forward pass to pro football. In an era when rushing with the football was in vogue, Lambeau threw pass after pass and is generally acknowledged as the pioneer of the pass in pro football. In one game back in the 1920s, Lambeau threw 45 passes - unheard of then, and completed 37. From this beginning, Lambeau developed a colorful passing attack headlined by such passers as Arnie Herber and Cecil Isbell, and the greatest receiver of them all, Don Hutson...BUSINESSMEN TO RESCUE: A fierce competitor and a fiery coach, who demanded rigid training, Lambeau based his football philosophy on pure old "spirit." The result was that the Packers became known as "the pro team with the college spirit." Many of his players went 60 minutes and, as some of them often said, "we had to. He wouldn't let us out of there unless we had a broken leg." Lambeau faced his first real trouble after the glory of the triple championship - in the early 1930s when the corporation was sued for $5,000 and the team suffered one losing season. The club went into receivership, but Green Bay businessmen came to the rescue, raising $15,000 in new capital. About this time Lambeau signed a slim pass receiving end from Alabama by the name of Don Hutson, and a new era was born. With Hutson receiving Herber's passes, Lambeau charged the Packers back into championships in 1946, 1938 and 1939. The team remained a fierce contender, running into the great Bear powerhouses of the early 1940s, until after the war. His last championship was in 1944, but he tied the greatest Bear team of all time in 1941, only to lose in a playoff...NEW CRISIS IN 1946: Lambeau faced his next crisis in 1946 when the All-American Conference was organized. He changed the team's attack by putting the quarterback back under the center, obtaining Indian Jack Jacobs in a trade with Washington for the 1947 season as his first T-quarterback since Red Dunn. The 1947 team went through a heart-breaking season, losing four games by nine points in posting a 6-5-1 record. The loss of players to the AAC, due to wild bidding, put the Bays in a bad way financially and 1948 and 1948 also were difficult days on the field. Though his contract was renewed for two years at a stormy meeting of the board of directors Nov. 30, 1949, Lambeau resigned to become head coach of the Cardinals Feb. 1, 1950. He was succeeded by Gene Ronzani as the club was revitalized with a $100,000 stock drive. Curly served the Packers as head coach, general manager and vice president.
PACKERS, LEAGUE SUFFER GREAT LOSS
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Tributes to Curly Lambeau poured in today. Packer President Dominic Olejniczak said "the Packers and the NFL have suffered a great loss. The City of Green Bay and the State of Wisconsin will have to be eternally grateful to Curly because, in my opinion, we would not have professional football were it not for his untiring efforts and personal sacrifices. No one man has made a greater contribution to the city, to the state or to the league than Curly has made." NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle expressed sorrow at Lambeau's death, calling him "one of the true pioneers and certainly a great part of what the NFL is today is directly traceable to him. His loss cannot be measured not can his contributions. The game of pro football will certainly miss him." Don Hutson, Lambeau's greatest player and a long-time friend, was "too broken up" to comment immediately. "Don and Curly were very close," Mrs. Hutson said, adding: "This has hit him pretty hard." Tony Canadeo, Lambeau's lone hope for rushing yardage during the losing years, said, "What he's done for Green Bay borders on the miraculous. He brought a small town into the big leagues. I know when anyone thinks of Green Bay they also think of Curly. He was a master at getting the best out of the individual ball player." Among other tributes from former players: Charley Brock, all-time Packer center and coach under Curly the last two years - "Maybe the fellows didn't always like him because he was a driver for condition, but we knew he had a job to do and we put out for him." Arnie Herber, Lambeau's first great passer - "Either you wanted to do it or not. It was up to you. There was no whip cracking by Curly." Cecil Isbell, who succeeded Herber as Packer passer - "He was always fair to all the boys. He was a good man to play for." Buckets Goldenberg, Lambeau's former all-pro guard from Wisconsin - "His death comes as a great shock to me. I had just seen him last week. Certainly present day coaches, owners and players all owe Mr. Lambeau a great debt of gratitude." Ted Fritsch, Lambeau's fullback from 1942 to 1949 and now Premontre High football coach - "I remember the first years under him. I was always made at him because he was always on my back about being overweight. In derstood his demands later and it helped me in my coaching."
CURLY LAMBEAU HAD FLAIR FOR THE DRAMATIC - EVEN IN DEATH
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - You knew, somehow, that he wouldn't go quietly. A man of vast energy, invincible confidence and bland, mesmeric charm, Earl Louis (Curly) Lambeau had, above all things, a flair for the dramatic - even in death. It was in keeping with his style - and Curly always had style, even as a struggling, young haberdashery salesman in the early and hectic '20s - to make a spectacular exit. Always a man of action, the indestructible Belgian - or so he seemed - was on the move almost to the minute he left this mortal soil, although propelling a lawn mower may have been a little out of character for the Packer founder, an inveterate golfer and fisherman in his sunset years. But it was, regardless of incidentals, typical Lambeau. Even past 60, when the temptation is strong to dwell in the past, Curly never was one to look back. In 1962, on the eve of his induction into the Wisconsin Hall of Fame, he summed up his progressive philosophy with characteristic vigor. "Some people say, 'Doesn't it make you feel bad to see your records broken?' And it doesn't - not in the slightest. I get a kick out of it. I want the Packers to go unbeaten (they were at that point). Records are made to be broken. I'm not one to live in the past - if records are being broken, it means we're going some place." He felt the same way about the game he loved so well. "Football is a better game today than when we won three championships in '29, '30 and '31," he said in his last in-depth interview, conducted just before he was feted, along with five other Packer Hall of Famers, at the Elks sports dinner April 26. "It's a better game largely because of free substitution. It's more specialized and there are more good players and the players are bigger. It's faster, too, because the fellows are fresher because they play only one way and they give you better football." Although he had bowed out as a pro football giant before the advent of television, Lambeau gave due credit to the electronic phenomenon for its role in the sport's development. "TV has given it a tremendous lift, too," Lambeau declared. "The game had to be successful - it was a natural, but TV to a lot more people interested. It made more fans. Here was something pretty good - you just had to have more people to see it." His penchant for progress came to light early. Curly, who coached East High and the Packers simultaneously from 1919 (the Packers' baptismal year) through 1921, recalled one of his first ventures with considerable relish. "We beat West 43-6 in 1920 with passing - Jim Crowley (later to become one of Notre Dame's legendary Four Horsemen) was a great passer. I remember the West fans didn't like it. They said, 'Run the ball, that's not football.' With the Packers, we thought nothing of passing from behind the goal line those days - when it was unheard of. But we weren't foolish about it. If there was any chance of interception, we'd throw it out of bounds (another Lambeau 'first' still in vogue). By passing, I think we forced 'em out of that 7-man line," he pointed out. 'I don't recall just when it was - I think it was in the early '30s - they started going to the 6-man line. In fact, we were one of the first. Then it was 5-man, and now it's four." Living by the pass, Lambeau was convinced, was the catalyst in the Packers' rise to national prominence. "I don't think we ever would have gotten into the NFL without passing. We took advantage of the defense, and it paid off. And, of course, it gave us a reputation." It also was, he freely admitted, a ruling passion. "I always loved to pass," Curly confessed. "I used to practice passing in the spring. The ball was harder to thrown then - it was bigger around. They changed the ball in the early '30's, which made it easier to throw, but at the same time out went the dropkick. And in went the placekick. The new ball was better for passing and punting. Our offense those days was 75 percent passing. Other teams passed in desperation - we threw on first down," he pointed out, adding, "I'd rather pass - I figured it was the easiest way to pick up yards. Fritz Gavin (center of the charter Packer teams) told me not so long ago that he remembers on game I threw 45 passes (that would be an imposing figure today) and completed 37."...MATTER OF DISCRETION: Throwing the ball also was a matter of discretion on occasion, he also recalled. "I remember one game at Stambaugh in '19 we ran three plays and had three broken bones - Jim Coffeen, Al Petcka and somebody else. I never ran the ball the rest of the day," he chuckled. "I had to run for my life after I threw the ball. Those miners were tough. Wow." Ever one to set trends, the one-time Knute Rockne pupil (he played freshman football at Notre Dame in 1918) was the first pro football coach to install a daily practice schedule. That was in 1922. A '22 teammate, quarterback Charley Mathys, remembers, "It got into the papers all over the country. When I was with Hammond (Ind.) the year before, we'd just practice on Saturday and get a few signals. Maybe we wouldn't even practice until just before the game on Sunday." Although he maneuvered the Packers to six world championships, it was a personally engineered pro football breakthrough that he called his greatest moment. "It probably will shock you," he once said, "but winning the 1940 All-Star game gave me my biggest thrill. That was the time a lot of sports experts couldn't see the pro game. They would point out that, with all that offense, the pros never had scored more than one touchdowns in the previous six games. In that '40 game, we scored45 points (still an All-Star series record) and they had a great team - fellows like Ken Washington and Amby Schindler. When we won it, and the way we won it, that was my greatest thrill. I'll never forget, the All-Stars went right down and scored. Then, on first down, they threw Isbell (Cecil) for a big loss. Now it was second down and 17 or 18 - and it didn't look good. The next play it was a touchdown - to Hutson (Don). The reason it stands out in memory is because it meant so much to pro football. It sold a lot of people - a lot of college
people - on the pro game. And it made it easier for us to attack the top college players." Though committed to progress, and thus the future, the Packer pioneer was not without a modicum of prudence and caution. In that final interview, he warned against transferring all of Milwaukee's Packer "home" games to the City Stadium. "We're having good times at present, but you never know when it will change. I think it's asking too much of the Green Bay people," he insisted. "You would have to put the season ticket price up there pretty high, for one thing. And the Packers are a state team - let's keep it that way. I think it would be a big mistake." Though he no longer had any official connection with the team he founded and forged into a national institution, Lambeau was a familiar - and eternally confident - figure in the press box at all Packer home games, both here and in Milwaukee. Whenever the Packers trailed at halftime, and there were such occasions even during the championship year of '61 and '62, Curly would flash a broad smile and declare, "Don't worry about it. The Packers are going to win." It was his trademark to the end. Quizzed about his golf game just prior to that April Hall of Fame fete, Curly responded, "Oh, I chase it around - I manage to play in the 80s." Chucking, he couldn't resist a parting quip, "Pretty good for a young kid."
FLAG AT CANTON HALL OF FAME SHRINE FLOWN AT HALF MAST
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The NFL flag in front of the National Pro Football Hall of Fame building in Canton, O., was flown at half mast today in tribute to Curly Lambeau. Lambeau was among the charter members elected to the Hall of Fame three years ago. Dick McCann, director of the Hall of Fame shine, said that a floral wreath will be placed in front of his plaque in the main hall. "Mr. Lambeau is the first of the charter members to die," McCann said, adding: "We'll have services here at the same hour they are held in Green Bay Saturday."
COUNCIL TOLD OF LAMBEAU DEATH; PREPARES TRIBUTE
JUN 2 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - News of the death of E.L. Lambeau Tuesday night was announced at the end of a session of his hometown City Council. Mayor Donald Tilleman, who had been handed a note from the Council Chamber press table during the session, made the announcement to aldermen and about 20 other persons. "This is a sad note to end our Council session. I know the Council will take appropriate action to express the city's feelings," the mayor said. The Council instructed City Attorney Clarence Nier to prepare a "proper tribute" to be introduced at the June 15 session.
THANK THE LIKES OF CURLY - HALAS
JUN 2 (Chicago) - There's a limit to everything. Life ends. Curly Lambeau is gone. It's a world of turns. Curly gave me some of my greatest battles when he had the Green Bay Packers. He did a tremendous job. I doubt if the league would exist today without the likes of Lambeau. We started the league in 1920 when we sat on the running board of a car in a Canton auto agency. Lambeau came into the league a year later. It was not only a tough chore to field a team at that time, but it was tough going to keep a team going. Lambeau did the job. In fact, he did it too well. He did it too well that he kept beating the Bears. You know, that was the greatest thing that could have happened to us. He kept beating us until he started such a rivalry that I couldn't hope would end. Lambeau's death was a terrible shock. He was one of the builders of the NFL. Not only did he help by always fielding a team, but he was able to get financing to help others. And don't forget he had some great teams at Green Bay throughout the 20s and into the 30s. I saw him at the league meeting and he looked fine. I'm older than Curly was. And I want to say right now that I don't intend to quit. Football is my life. Age doesn't really mean anything. I helped create a great game and Lambeau was part of it. People ask me what made pro football? I'll tell you. It was bringing Red Grange into the game. Then there was Bronko Nagurski and Jack Manders. They all helped. But Lambeau had his offerings. Remember Don Hutson? Arnie Herber threw to Hutson and then the Packers came up with Cecil Isbell. Oh, yes. Lambeau forced me to make changes. In fact, he did such a great job with the Packers that the Chicago Bears had to come up with something new. That's when we went to the T-formation. It resulted in a 73-0 championship victory over Washington. What was great about it? Nobody would believe it, but everybody copied the T-formation. This was pro football's biggest boost. Then the war came and with it a lag. But we knew we had a great game so we worked from there. Only a dozen years ago - mind you - we had to pay television to have our games sent to Louisville and Minneapolis. I don't have to tell anyone what television is paying to put our games on the air these days...LEAVE SOMETHING: Sure, Curly is gone. Others will go. Me, too, I guess. But we'll leave you all something. A great game. Don't ruin it. I can go on and on. I can talk about great players I've had and great coaches in the league. But it doesn't make much difference. Curly Lambeau did his job. I'm doing mine. Others are doing theirs. It's a great game and it'll get better. Let's thank the likes of Curly Lambeau.
HALAS HEADS PALLBEARER LIST FOR LAMBEAU FUNERAL
JUN 3 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - George Halas, owner of the Chicago Bears and his arch coaching enemy over a 30-year span, will head a long list of honorary pallbearers for the funeral of Packer founder E.L. (Curly) Lambeau here Saturday, it was announced today. Halas, in New York to attend a meeting of the NFL, said he would fly into Green Bay Friday night for the services, to be held at the Schauer & Schumacher Funeral Home at 10 o'clock Saturday morning. The body will lie in state after 2 p.m. today. Lambeau, who founded the Packers in 1919 and coached them for 31 years, collapsed and died of a heart attack while mowing the lawn of a friend, Francis Van Duyse, at Sturgeon Bay Tuesday night. Jim Kensil, NFL publicity director, announced from New York that E.M. (Bud) Erickson, assistant general manager of the Detroit Lions, Wally Lemm, coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Bert Bell, Jr., of the Baltimore Colts will represent their clubs. "Those are the only ones confirmed at the moment," said Kensil, adding that he expected other representatives will be determined by Friday. He said "it is doubtful if anyone from the league office will be able to attend because of the meeting, which will not end until late Friday. And, of course, there always is a number of things that much be done here in the wake of a meeting." The list of honorary pallbearers was incomplete at noon today, but Don Lambeau, sone of the Packer pioneer, indicated it will include primarily "friends of dad's and those who supported the Packers over the years, fellows like Ed Schuster, John Rose, Carl Mraz and Snick Gross," in addition to representatives of the NFL and member clubs. Five former players and a sportswriter were named as active pallbearers - Don Hutson, Charles (Buckets) Goldenberg, Dick Weisgerber, Charlie Brock and Johnny Blood and George Strickler, assistant sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, who served as publicity director of the Packers under Lambeau in 1947-48-49...Packer Coach Vince Lombardi, attending a meeting of the NFL in New York this week, said Wednesday afternoon, "Curly Lambeau's death is a loss not only to Green Bay and the State of Wisconsin but also to all professional football. He will be remembered always by those who played with and for him."...Charley Brock, center and linebacker under Lambeau, was noted for his ability to steal the ball from opposing ball carriers. Brock recalled that "Curly would tell me on the sidelines to 'get in there and get the ball - even if you have to steal it.' It worked once right after he told against the Cardinals in Chicago."...Green and gold (the Packers' colors) flowers were placed in front of the Curly Lambeau niche at the Hall of Fame building in Canton, O., Wednesday. In addition the spotlight on the bust of Curly and his picture was dimmed to a soft blue, and a mourning drape was placed over the drape. The flowers were placed there by Tom Powers, son of former Packers Sam Powers. Tom manages a golf club near Canton...A real firebrand in his coaching days, Lambeau ruffled a few feathers along the way but Dick McCann, director of the Hall of Fame, recalled today that Lambeau (at the recent Hall of Fame dinner at the Elks Club) was on "wonderful terms with former players like Cal Hubbard and Clarke Hinkle, who hadn't seen him in years. He told me that he often regretted the incident with George Marshall." Curly and George, owner of the Redskins, who were coached by Lambeau in 1952-52, almost came to blows after they parted in 1953.
PRO GRID EXPANSION RACE ON; ROZELLE, FOSS OUTLINE PLANS
JUN 4 (New York) - Now the pro football expansion race is on. Commissioner Pete Rozelle announced he has recommended the NFL add two teams for a total of 16 by 1967. Informed of the announcement by the Associated Press, Commissioner Joe Foss of the AFL said the AFL might do it sooner, perhaps putting two new teams on the field by 1966. Then they stated ticking off potential expansion targets. Between the two of them, they covered most of the major cities in the United States and Canada, including some in the rival league. But there's one that wasn't mentioned. "How about Lewiston, Maine?" Rozelle was asked. "No, not Lewiston," he said at a Thursday night press conference, and named 12 "major cities which have expressed an interest in an NFL franchise." They are Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis, Phoenix, Seattle and Portland. Of the first two, Rozelle said he "would have great concern about disrupting the Canadian Football League. We would not do anything detrimental to the CFL." When it was pointed out that Boston and Houston already had teams in the rival AFL, Rozelle said: "I have not given extensive thought to that. I have no feeling about those cities in particular." But Foss has some particular feelings. "There's plenty of room for both of us," said the commissioner of the five-year-old, eight-team league. "There are any number of cities that can support pro football and any number that can support two teams." Then he ticked off his list: Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, Portland, Louisville, Memphis, Seattle, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. The AFL probably will expand into Philadelphia and Atlanta next week with the Philadelphia franchise going to a group headed by former West Point coach Earl (Red) Blaik and Joseph McCrane, general manager of Garden State Park. It was learned that Rozelle's step was taken after efforts failed to a common draft by the two leagues. The AFL expansion committee meets next week, and the necessary approval of six of the eight owners for expansion is expected. McCrane, son-in-law of Eugene Mori, operating head of Garden State and Hialeah racetracks, played under Col. Blaik at West Point, which led to their association in the AFL venture. Blaik, it was learned, would be general manager of the new Philadelphia franchise, and Vince Lombardi, current coach of the Green Bay Packers in the NFL and a former Blaik pupil at Army, will be offered the coaching job. At present, only New York has a team in each league and a two-team trial in Dallas didn't work out, with the AFL team moving to Kansas City. Both leagues are now armed with millions of dollars in television money and are looking for new markets. In fact, when Rozelle presented his recommendations to the NFL club owners, they directed him to hire a private market research organization to investigate the potential of prospective new league cities. When he has that information, he will present a recommendation to the league meeting in February. "I expect to have the name of one, or perhaps both cities, to present to the meeting," he said. He added, however, that no details have been worked out, including the method for stocking any new teams. He did say that expansion could bring realignment of the present conference structure, possibly two conferences with two four-team divisions each. He said he felt the recommendation would pass. It requires the vote of 12 of 14 league directors.
MOORE SIGNS PACKER PACT
JUN 4 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Tom Moore, a valued contributor to the Packers' vaunted ground game since 1960, is the latest addition to Coach Vince Lombardi's official '65 roster. Moore, the Bays' No. 1 choice in the 1960 NFL draft, returned his signed contract to the Pack's Highland Avenue headquarters today. The fleet Vanderbilt University alumnus has amassed 1,910 yards, a 4.1 average, in 464 carries to date. He also has scored 20 touchdowns rushing, caught 64 passes, 5 of them for TDs, thrown 13 times and completed 8, including 4 for touchdowns. Moore, who had his best year in 1963 when he rushed 132 times for 658 yards and a 5.0 average while pinch hitting for the suspended Paul Hornung, led the league in kickoff returns as a rookie in 1960, finished seventh in 1961 and fifth last season.
PACKERS WOULD PLAY IN 'MIDWEST' UNDER NEW NFL PROGRAM
JUN 5 (New York) - The Packers would play in the "Midwest Division" of the Western Conference of the NFL in 1967 under a speculative plan devised by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Rozelle, following the expansion announcement here Thursday, said today that under present plans Houston and Atlanta would be added to create a 16-team league. The league would be split into two conferences, the Eastern and Western. Each conference then would split into four four-team divisions - the Midwest with the Packers, Lions, Bears and Steelers; the Western with the Rams, 49ers, Vikings and Cardinals; the Eastern with the Browns, Giants, Eagles and Redskins; and the Southern with the Cowboys, Colts, Atlanta and Houston. The Eastern and Southern divisions would be in the Eastern Conference and the Midwest and Western divisions would be in the Western Conference. The divisional leaders would play off for the conference championships and the conference titles than would play for the league championships, Rozelle said. Thus, there would be three playoff games...LEAGUE TUSSLE: The old NFL and the brash young AFL are now engaged in a tidy little tussle that many produce no losers - just winners. Armed with millions and millions of dollars in television money, and immense public interest, both the 14-team NFL and eight-team AFL have announced plans to expand and share the wealth. If there are any potential losers, they are only the many cities that have made bids for franchises and won't get them. Rozelle has recommended his league add two teams by 1967. Houston is almost certain to be one of them. Atlanta, Boston, Miami and New Orleans are likely contenders for the other spot. Houston and Boston currently have teams in the AFL, but that doesn't seem to faze Rozelle. "I have not given extensive thought to that," he said. "I have no feelings about those cities in particular." AFL Commissioner Joe Foss, when informed of the NFL move, said he'd though about it much longer and might expand sooner, perhaps putting two new teams on the field in 1966. Atlanta is almost certain to be one of them. The other prime contenders are Philadelphia, Miami and New Orleans. Chicago is also a strong possibility. The NFL is firmly entrenched in Philadelphia and Chicago, but Foss isn't concerned. "We are ready to meet them head on in any buds for attractive franchises," he said. "They have a 40-year head start on us but we're strong and healthy and we can hold our own." The AFL has an expansion meeting scheduled in New Jersey Monday and Tuesday. The league is expected to announce its two expansion cities at that time, beating the NFL to the
punch by a year. "To say it will be Philadelphia and Atlanta is guesswork," Foss said. "They are two fine cities and we'd like to have them, but we have 50 or more applications." Atlanta has been pressing for an AFL franchise for some time and is apparently a bit miffed with the NFL. This dates back to the time the city was passed over in favor of St. Louis when the Cardinal franchise was shifted to Chicago. Multimillion dollar offers have been made - and refused - to shift existing AFL franchises in Denver and San Diego to Atlanta. The southern city also has a new $18 million stadium to offer surefire attendance and a television audience throughout the South. There is, however, a possibility that both Philadelphia and Chicago will be passed over by the AFL this time in favor of future expansion in 1968. "It is our hope to add two teams for 1955 and two more in the next couple of years, probably by 1968," Foss said. "We are looking for the big cities, those that can take two teams but where only one team now exists." He named Philadelphia and Chicago, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cleveland and Detroit...NFL IN HOUSTON: Houston appears headed for an NFL franchise because of recent maneuvering concerning use of the famed domed stadium. The AFL Houston Oilers announced Friday they have signed a five-year contract to play their games in Rice Stadium, leaving the domed stadium wide open for football. Boston, the hub of New England, is the biggest metropolitan are untapped by the NFL. It may have been significant that Rozelle said he had been instructed by the NFL club owners to hire an independent market research organization to investigate the potential of prospective cities and "my recommendations will be guided by the findings of the research organization." Miami and New Orleans both have excellent stadiums and professed interest but may be lacking by comparison in the matter of "market," all-important in this day of television. Both Rozelle and Foss predicted they would gain approval for their expansion plans. The AFL requires the vote of six of eight league directors, the NFL the approval of 12 of 14.
'IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM, I WOULDN'T BE HERE'
JUN 5 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - When former Packer players look down at the dead Curly Lambeau, they are most likely to remark, "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here." Most of the Packer players viewing the Packers' founder at the Schauer and Schumacher Funeral Home never would be in Green Bay if Lambeau hadn't been successful in keeping the Packers alive. Because other than a few like Arnie Herber and Wayland Becker the athletes played here, liked the town and settled here. It was different for the Rev. Mark Schommer, the Xavier Cathedral assistant who led the Rosary at the funeral home Friday night. Or was it? Father Schommer tried out for the Packers in 1954, which was Liz Blackbourn's first year as head coach. He was a star tackle out of Stevens Point State. The young priest recalled that he stayed through the training season and was one of the last linemen cut. Father Schommer shook his head, "I suppose if I had made it I might not have been a priest today." It was obvious that Father Schommer was now happy that he had been cut. After a service sting, Father Schommer entered the seminary and was ordained a year ago...Hugh Devore, former Packer assistant who co-coached the Packers with Scooter McLean in 1953, is representing Notre Dame at the funeral. The former Irish star is now an assistant at Notre Dame...Dan Rooney, son of Steeler owner Art Rooney, arrived Friday night from New York where he had attended a meeting of the NFL. "We've been talking about expansion, you know, and it's refreshing to come here and see a town like Green Bay in our league. With all the big cities seeking franchises, Green Bay really stands by itself," Dan said...Johnny Blood showed up Friday night. He had been on the West Coast and efforts to locate him failed. "I heard about it when I arrived home (New Richmond) Thursday," he said. There were seven active pallbearers - Don Hutson, Charles (Buckets) Goldenberg, Dick Weisgerber, Charlie Brock, Blood and George Strickler...A Requiem mass will be said for Lambeau at the Cathedral at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning...Hutson, who joined the Packers 30 years ago and became Lambeau's greatest star, remained as Curly's closest friend since Lambeau left the Packers after the 1949 season. They were always together at Fish Creek where they both had summer homes and at Palm Springs, Calif., where they wintered...A bear for exercise, Lambeau had worked on his dock in front of his summer home the morning of the night he died in Sturgeon Bay, friends said. He wanted it ready for Wednesday, when he had planned to bring his new boat up from Sturgeon Bay...Final services for Lambeau were held at the funeral home at 10 o'clock this morning with Msgr. John Giehl officiating. Burial was in Allouez cemetery.
PHILADELPHIA GROUP DENIES RFK, LOMBARDI CONNECTIONS
JUN 5 (New York) - Sen. Robert Kennedy of New York will be a major stockholder in an organization seeking an AFL franchise for Philadelphia, a reliable source told the Associated Press Friday night. Joseph McCrane, general manager of Garden State Park and head of the syndicate seeking the franchise, immediately denied the report. "There is no ruth to it," McCrane said. Kennedy was not immediately available for comment. In face of those denials, the source, however, indicated the Democratic senator from New York, brother of the late President, will be a major stockholder. Others are McCrane and Col. Red Blaik, former football coach at West Point and now a New York businessman. The source also said that Vince Lombardi, coach of the NFL Green Bay Packers, has been contacted and offered a position as coach and general manager of the proposed Philadelphia AFL entry. McCrane also denied that report.
MAY GOD LEAVE CURLY WITH WINNING SCORE - MSGR. GEHL
JUN 6 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - "And may God leave him with a winning score." Thus Msgr. John Giehl, standing before Curly Lambeau's flag-draped casket, closed his eulogy to a large crowd at the Schauer and Schumacher funeral home Saturday morning. The long-time pastor of Xavier Cathedral, a Packer fan and booster, himself, for years, said "the final gun has sounded for Curly Lambeau. The Lord will total up the final score, and may God leave him with a winning score." Father Giehl said he felt it was "fitting and proper" to speak of the Packers' founder "on this occasion" after conducting Catholic rites with his assistant, the Rev. Mark Schommer, who tried out with the Packers in 1954. Father Giehl expressed sympathy to Lambeau's family on behalf of the Cathedral parish but added that "not only does the family sustain a loss, but the entire City of Green Bay and the State of Wisconsin suffers a loss. I have traveled over much of this country and because of this man everyone knows of Green Bay. I'm sure that if our industry spent millions of dollars to advertise Green Bay they could not appreciate the benefits that Curly Lambeau has provided Green Bay." The Cathedral pastor paralleled Lambeau with Father Allouez and General Langlade for shaping the history of Green Bay and then suggested that "something fitting should be done in Curly Lambeau's memory. I do think that out stadium or arena should be called by his name. This would be proper." Father Giehl cited the "value of football to Green Bay. Our falls are always beautiful and there is nothing more enjoyable and more innocent than the addition of our Packer football." Noting that George Halas, owner-coach of the Bears, the Packers' fiercest rival, was present, Father Giehl said, "I know that something has gone out of your heart. The games are played by men with great ability and each plays to his very limit. But when the games are finished, we return to respect and love each other. We are all a Christian people. I ask that you remember Curly Lambeau in your prayers. You have come here to honor Curly Lambeau, but you are honoring yourself." An honor guard from the Sullivan-Wallen Legion post conducted rites at the funeral home and at the cemetery. Halas was among the honorary pallbearers, which also included two former Packer head coaches, Gene Ronzani (1950-53) and Lisle Blackbourn (1954-58); representatives of several NFL clubs; and Dominic Olejniczak, president of the Packers, and Phil Bengtson, Packer assistant coach. A light rain was falling as the casket was carried from the funeral home by former Packers Don Hutson, Charles (Buckets) Goldenberg, Dick Weisgerber, Charlie Brock and Johnny Blood and George Strickler, assistant sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, who served under Lambeau as assistant general manager and publicity director. Taps were sounded by the Legion guard at the cemetery and the flag that draped the coffin was presented to Curly's son, Don. Halas, who joined with Lambeau in getting the NFL started back in 1921 and then "enjoyed" a strong rivalry for 31 years, was accompanied by an assistant coach, Phil Handler, and one of his player greats, George Musso. Halas and Lambeau were true rivals down through the years, but, as George put it Saturday, "we became real close in the last 10 years." They played against each other and, of course, opened many a wound. This rivalry carried on when they became coaching opponents and thus developed the Packer-Bear series as the sport's longest and traditional rivalry. A requiem mass will be said for Lambeau at 8 o'clock morning in the Cathedral. A mass was said for him at Sacred Heart church on the Notre Dame campus Saturday morning.
NFL, AFL ALMOST SET FOR MERGER
JUN 6 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The National and American Football Leagues were almost set to merge when their expansion battle broke out last week. But money finished the talks. "The talks had been going on for three months," Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., owner of the Buffalo Bills, told the Buffalo Evening News. The NFL and AFL were ready to begin inter-league play (on an exhibition basis) this season, have a common draft of college players in the fall and play a championship game in 1966. "What finished the merger talks was money," Wilson said, adding: "We were to pay the National League indemnity. We thought we could get the indemnity through increased television revenues for inter-league play. But NBC (which will telecast AFL games this season) wouldn't guarantee the extra money. We would have had to dig down ourselves for the indemnity." Discussions were reportedly going on among two AFL owners, who were not identified, and Carroll Rosenbloom, owner of the NFL Colts. Wilson now predicts a financial war will develop between the leagues. "The pro teams will just become vehicles for getting money to the college players. The money route will be from the sponsor, to the pro team, to the college boy. I think most of the teams - even the New York Giants and all the big ones - now will go into the red." NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, asked to comment on Wilson's story, said "there have been recurring rumors of informal talks, but I believe our expansion plans speak for themselves." AFL Commissioner Joe Foss said he had been aware that various owners have talked back and forth. And he predicted teams in both leagues "will have their difficulties ironed out eventually. There are plenty of customers, plenty of talent, there are three networks that get in on the bidding and the sponsors in both leagues are enthusiastic." He said, however, "the word merger is the wrong word - it's just out, period. I would like to see a similar setup to baseball." Regardless, the AFL is expected to get in the first punch in the pro football expansion war Monday or Tuesday, likely unveiling a piggy-back expansion
JETER, WRIGHT INK PACK PACTS
JUN 7 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Jet-like Bob Jeter, a "new" candidate for defensive employment, and king-sized Steve Wright, a sophomore offensive tackle, have signed their 1965 Packer contracts, GM-Coach Vince Lombardi announced today. Jeter, who will be starting his third Packer season, will be shifted from flanker to defense this season to take advantage of his speed and quickness, Lombard indicated earlier. The Packer's second draft choice in 1960, the University of Iowa product decided to try his hand in Canada. After two years in the CFL, he joined the Packers just before the start of the '62 season, which he was required to sit out under NFL rules. He became a full-time Packer in 1963. Wright, tallest player on the squad in 1964 at 6-6, was the Packers' fifth draft choice out of Alabama last year. He saw little playing time as an offensive tackle, but considerable action on the platoons.
EXPANSION EXPECTED AS AFL MEETS
JUN 7 (Oceanside, NJ) - "Pro football is like air travel," said Joe Foss. "There are still a lot of people who haven't experienced it." Foss, commissioner of the AFL, drew the analogy as the AFL began a two-day meeting that was expected to result in a two-stage expansion plan that will again give pro football's ever-changing face another going over. With two, and possibly four teams, to be named by the AFL and the rival NFL looking toward to expansion in the 1967 season, it was expected that new areas would be seeing pro football for the first time while some cities got their initial look at both leagues...SETS STAGE: Foss set the stage for AFL expansion when he said last week," It is our hope to add two teams for 1966 and two more in the next couple of years, probably by 1968. We are looking for the big cities, those that can take two teams but where only one team now exists." Speculation revolved around three cities without pro football franchises - Atlanta, New Orleans and Miami - and five cities where the NFL has the sole entries - Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Detroit. The front-runners among the educated guessers were Atlanta and Philadelphia, with Chicago close behind. If the eight-team AFL names four cities and the 14-team NFL eventually names two more additions, there will be 28 pro football teams by 1968 where only 12 existed just six years ago when the NFL was the lone major league. Then the pro football map started changing. The American League was formed in 1960 with franchises in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Buffalo, Boston and Oakland, while the NFL expanded to take in Dallas, and named Minnesota for a 1961 franchise. In 1960, the NFL gave St. Louis pro football by shifting the Cardinals franchise from Chicago, and the AFL brought pro football to San Diego by moving the Los Angeles franchise. The last shift was made in 1963 when the AFL's Dallas entry moved to Kansas City.
ATLANTA, PHILADELPHIA NEW AFL MEMBERS? LOOP ADDS 2
JUN 8 (Oceanport, NJ) - Atlanta and Philadelphia seemed headed toward franchises in the AFL today while Commissioner Joe Foss predicted the AFL was headed toward a rendezvous with the rival NFL. The AFL sifted though close to 60 applications from groups in 20 cities in the United States and Canada in an exploratory session Monday, voted unanimously to expand to a 10-team league for the 1966 season and was expected to tap two cities for the new franchises sometime today. An informal poll of the eight owners indicated Atlanta and Philadelphia were running ahead of the field, with Chicago and Milwaukee right behind and Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans, Miami and Los Angeles not to be counted out. Sonny Werblin, owner of the New York Jets, said he was in favor of any city with a large market but singled out Atlanta "because we need southeastern exposure" and Philadelphia because "it's one of the best sporting towns in the country." Houston owner Bud Adams also listed Philadelphia among his leading candidates while pointing out that he had been a proponent of warm weather cities such as New Orleans, Atlanta and Miami. "But since it looks like the NFL is going to expand into my town," said Adams, "I think we ought to expand in theirs." He had reference to the NFL's announcement last week that it was studying a plan to expand for the 1967 season, mentioning Houston among the cities that would be considered. It is expected that a decision would be reached without difficulty today, but only half of Foss' two-part recommendations will be acted upon at this time. Foss said the owners were fully behind his recommendation for taking in two teams for the 1966 season but pointed out they had not yet tangled with the idea of possibly taking in two more cities for the 1968 season. Questioned about the chances of Atlanta and Philadelphia, Foss admitted that, "They have been among the cities prominently discussed." Foss, meanwhile, maintained that the 5-year-old AFL and rival NFL "will be getting together for at least a playoff game by 1967." "I maintain," he said, "that if pro football wants to upgrade the sport, it will adopt a setup similar to baseball with one commissioner and two separate leagues, maintaining their own identities." Foss said that despite the fact the AFL might move into some more cities with NFL franchises, he did not think the two leagues would have to do any juggling of teams to put together such a system. But he emphasized that at no time should this be termed a merger. "I don't by any stretch of the imagination consider merger," he said. "That would mean the two leagues would be one. I think the fans would rather see it on a basis as in baseball." "Besides," he added with a smile, "I think we would get along better with Congress and the Justice Department that way."
LEANS TO NFL
JUN 8 (Atlanta) - There may be a little confusion in the pro football world over which league will locate in Atlanta, but there's no doubt about the situation in the eyes of this city's Stadium Authority. It's just simply a matter of Atlanta opening its doors to whichever league will locate here first, be it the NFL or the AFL. The AFL voted Monday to expand to 10 teams for the 1966 season and Atlanta was expected to pick up one of those franchises. The AFL was to announce its two new cities today...ROZELLE IN ATLANTA: But Atlanta may be in and out of the AFL in record time because NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle was to meet with Mayor Ivan Allen and members of the Stadium Authority today, presumably to tell the city where it stands in the eyes of the NFL. Members of the Stadium Authority prefer a National League team and would accept it over an NFL franchise if Rozelle and his league would guarantee a team in Atlanta in 1966. However, if Rozelle can come up with nothing concrete, Atlanta apparently belongs to the AFL...TO ASSURE FRANCHISE?: Rozelle accepted the invitation to visit Atlanta right on the heels of the announcement from the AFL meeting that the junior circuit had voted expansion. Jesse Outlar, sports editor of The Atlanta Constitution, said NFL owners took an unofficial vote in New York last Friday and voted 12-2 to expand to Atlanta in 1966. "It is expected Rozelle will assure Atlanta of an NFL franchise by 1966," The Constitution said...WANT THE BEST: Arthur Montgomery, chairman of the Stadium Authority, said last week, "I do feel sure the NFL is leaning our way. But we're going to listen to both NFL and AFL propositions. I've said all along, though, that Atlanta wants the best, and the NFL, I think everyone will agree, is the best. But should the NFL wait until 1967 to expand - and although I can't speak for the entire Authority - I pretty well know we would accept the AFL for '66." Atlanta's new $18 million stadium, which will become the home of the Milwaukee Braves in baseball next year, will seat 57,000 for football.
BEER TOWN BUBBLES
JUN 8 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - I've got this friend in Milwaukee, see. He's pretty much of a sports nut and he gets around with a lot of sports people. In his conversations, he picks up some real interesting little thing to talk about over some suds. Well, the last time I talked to him, we somehow didn't even have the suds handy but he started throwing out some of the items he has collected from around Beer Town, maybe just to see if I would catch them. Now, I'm not sure all this stuff he was tossing around is the straight dope, a little on the curve ball side or strictly screwball. I do know from past experience that my friend is often pretty close to right. But he has taken the count, too. Anyway, how about a few of these items? Remember, they're his, not mine. The AFL will be in Milwaukee within two years. A group from that city has already plunked down well over $1 million in cash for the franchise. The group is headed by a former Packer. The Packers, still hoping to head off the AFL, are making a pitch of their own for a stadium tie-up in Milwaukee and will play at least two exhibitions there next year. Among the informal talks between the AFL and NFL that Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson has referred to, was one involving Vince Lombardi during his recent vacation. The two leagues were ready to merge, but the NFL insisted on dropping Oakland and San Diego completely and the AFL refused to do so. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozell e is still playing ostrich in the sand, at least publicly, because there is a group of NFL owners preferring Joe Foss for commissioner in case a merger is worked out. All of which is fun to at least talk about. What part is fact and what part is speculation remains to be seen. On, and one more thing my friend mentioned. Marquette is going to get back into football, but on a small college basis.
AFL ATLANTA BID, ROZELLE RIDE SPUR OPEN EXPANSION WAR
JUN 9 (Oceanport, NJ) - The AFL's decision to tap Atlanta for a 1966 franchise, combined with the late night ride of Pete Rozelle, has pushed the two professional leagues off the brink and over the precipice into a no-holds-barred expansion war. While the AFL, in Oceanport, N.J., was awarding a franchise to Atlanta Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Rozelle was in the Southern city, waving the NFL flag while stating, "Atlanta is a prime prospect for NFL expansion. We could expand with no trouble in 1966. We have discussed this." Then, suddenly, the emphasis shifted to the Cox Broadcasting Co., which had been awarded the AFL's Atlanta franchise for $7.5 million - the largest price ever paid for a pro football team. The awarding of the franchise, however, rests with the broadcasting company getting a suitable playing field. That threw the ball to the Atlanta Stadum Authority, which has a new $25 million stadium for the use of the incoming Milwaukee Braves and apparently only one pro football team. The authority, which met with both the Cox group and Rozelle, said it would wait until July 1 before making any announcement, but that the stadium would be rented "effective for the 1966 season, in either football league." The key word appeared to be either - which seemed to preclude both. Back to the Cox group, which issued a statement saying that their offer "also contained a time limit which would expire well in advance of the July 1 deadline. Therefore, they have taken the entire matter up for reconsideration. We are studying this matter. There has been no withdrawal." A lateral to Foss, who said the matter of the stadium was an issue to be resolved between the stadium authority and the Cox group. But the commissioner did admit that the AFL franchise had been awarded contingent upon the Cox group having a suitable stadium. That, at present, they do not have. Earlier, Foss had been asking where the Atlanta team would play and answered unhesitatingly: "They will play in the new stadium. Cox gave us reasonable assurance they could get the stadium. If they couldn't, we would have to cross that bridge when we get there." Rozelle, however, seemed to be forcing them to the bridge rapidly. Last week, he recommended that the NFL expand from 14 teams to 16 teams for the 1967 season. But Monday night, possibly apprehensive about the AFL moving into the television-rich Atlanta territory, Rozelle hopped a plane to Atlanta to plant the NFL flag. And the stadium which had seemed available to the AFL, was up for grabs. The stadium authority, after meeting with Rozelle and the Cox group, left the decision hanging by issuing this statement: "It is not up to us to choose among responsible owners holding franchises for 1966. A committee has been appointed to negotiate with any other applicants. July 1 is the deadline." And so it stands. The AFL, meanwhile, had established the $7.5 million price on the Atlanta franchise and the 32 players which the team would be able to pick from the eight existing franchises...$7.1 MILLION: The price topped what Dan Reeves paid for the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL when he bought the club in 1962. At that time, the value of the club was placed at $7.1 million. The announcement of Atlanta's selection was not unexpected, but there was considerable surprise expressed at the AFL's inability to reach a decision on a 10th team for 1966. Foss said he was "not disappointed. There were several applicants still involved from other cities to be considered for the 10th city, and we decided to move on it systematically and orderly." Foss then listed Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles and Anaheim, Calif., Detroit, Cleveland and Milwaukee as still in the running. He said the expansion committee would meet later this summer to reach a final decision. The stocking plan is liberal with the existing teams able to freeze only 28 players, theoretically its first-string offensive and defensive units plus one additional player. The new teams will each wind up with four players from each of the eight clubs. They also will split the top four choices in the upcoming draft.
MILWAUKEE READY FOR AFL TEAM
JUN 9 (Milwaukee) - Local interests seeking an AFL franchise for Milwaukee hadn't expected go get one for at least three or four years, but would be ready if one was available for 1966. William Anderson, County Stadium manager, said Tuesday after Milwaukee was mentioned as an AFL site candidate that he had talked with the local interests, and said they felt expansion would come "in two parts - one in 1966 and a second expansion in 1968 or 1969." Although no insurmountable problems were foreseen if a franchise were obtained earlier, the biggest one seemed to involve use of the stadium, which is pledged to the Green Bay Packers of the NFL through 1968. "It's an ironclad contract," Anderson said. "But it would allow an AFL team to come in - with permission of the Packers." The AFL Tuesday granted a franchise to Atlanta, effective with the start of the 1966 season, but a hitch developed in negotiations to give the league a 10th franchise in Philadelphia, leaving the way open for Milwaukee and Chicago interests, among others. Also, whether Atlanta would be represented or not was still a question. It was known that Atlanta Stadium officials preferred a franchise in the NFL and Mayor Ivan Allen of that southern city met with Pete Rozelle, the NFL commissioner, Tuesday. A source here said the meeting was to discuss the transfer of an existing NFL team, possibly Pittsburgh, to Atlanta. Officials of the Atlanta Stadium authority postponed until July 1 a decision on the renting of the stadium, presumably to give the NFL a chance to come in. The franchise was granted to the Cox Broadcasting Corporation, which will setup the network to handle the Braves' broadcasts and telecasts when the baseball team moves to Atlanta. There was a report that Braves' officials might be asked to come in on the ownership of the football team, and Braves' board Chairman William C. Bartholomay said the syndicate "would be receptive" to such a move. The AFL had a proviso in the granting of the franchise to Atlanta, which requires that the rental of the new stadium be made by a certain date..."well in advance" of July 1 - or stand the prospect of having the franchise withdrawn. That would open things for the AFL to make a two-pronged invasion of the upper Midwest, an area which thus far does not have a team in the league. Most reports have Milwaukee and Chicago as the two new franchise cities. Art Allyn, owner of the Chicago White Sox, is the Chicagoan interested and it has been reported that he would like to have Milwaukee represented also because of the natural rivalry that would be created. Marvin L. Fishman has acted as the spokesman of the Milwaukee AFL group, which also includes former Notre Dame Coach Terry Brennan. "This is wonderful news that we are even being considered," Fishman said. "It's good to know that our efforts have been fruitful."...FIGURED ATLANTA, CHICAGO: Fishman had tabbed Atlanta and Chicago as the teams he felt most likely to get the franchises, but he admitted it was just a guess. "I think this would be a great thing for Milwaukee, especially since we are losing the Braves," Brennan said. Some sources said there would be "not too much" trouble getting the Packers to agree to letting the AFL team play in County Stadium. "I've felt all along that Milwaukee can support another pro football team besides the Packers," Fishman said. He said it would be foolish, as yet, to say anything about where the games would be played. The AFL team reportedly would play on Friday and normally Saturday nights, so as not to conflict with the Packers, who play on Sundays. One possibility for a stadium would be at Marquette University. The stadium presently seats about 20,000 in permanent seats and could be enlarged almost double, though use of bleachers. The Packers had played some games in Marquette Stadium before County Stadium was constructed.
DAVE ROBINSON, CRUTCHER SIGN
JUN 9 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers' linebacking corps, recently reduced by the trade of Dan Currie to the Los Angeles Rams, today was officially augmented by the signing of Dave Robinson and Tommy Crutcher, GM-Coach Vince Lombardi announced. Robinson, a former All-American end at Penn State, reported that he has recovered from surgery for a knee injury suffered midway through the 1964 season. The Packers' first draft choice in 1963 and a two-year veteran, he is expected to succeed the departed Currie at left linebacker. Crutcher, a third round draft choice last year after he starred at Texas Christian, played on special units and gained experience as linebacker and at fullback as a rookie.
SENATE RESOLUTION CITES LAMBEAU'S VISION, ENERGY
JUN 9 (Madison) - The Wisconsin Senate passed a resolution today honoring the late E.L. (Curly) Lambeau, the founder of the Green Bay Packers. Lambeau died June 1 at the age of 67. The legislative tribute was sent to his family. "This Legislature and the citizens of Wisconsin," it said, "are proud and grateful to Curly Lambeau for his vision, sagacity and energy in organizing and building the great Green Bay Packers and negotiating and maintaining its membership in the NFL."
DAVIS SWEETENS PARKER AT 1.000-YD. FETE
JUN 9 (Menasha-Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Willie Davis did his best to sweeten up a highly respected Packer opponent. And what's this? Jimmy Brown and Jim Taylor in the same Packer backfield? This represents the "fact" and "fancy" gleaned from the second annual banquet of the National 1,000-Yard Foundation at the Sabre Lanes here Tuesday night. Jim Parker, offensive guard for the Colts, was given the outstanding blocker award and making the presentation was the Packers' star defensive end, Mr. Davis. Brown was formally enshrined as a member of the 11-man, 1,000-yard club since he couldn't be present for the opening enshrinement ceremonies a year ago. All of the other 1,000 yarders, except Steve Van Buren, were present - Beattie Feathers, Tony Canadeo, Joe Perry, Rick Casares, J.D. Smith, John David Crow, John Henry Johnson, Dick Bass and Taylor. Former Packer Dan Currie, who was traded to the Rams recently, "sat in" for Van Buren. Davis told the audience of 150 Foundation members, plus representatives of the press, radio and television, that he welcomed the opportunity to "sweeten up Parker a little bit because it might help when we play the Colts next season." "Seriously," Willie confided, "this is the high point of my life - recognizing a man I respect so much. He certainly is one of the greatest blockers who ever played in the league." Parker, a perennial all-pro who has received "all" accolades as a star at Ohio State and later with the Colts, thanked the Foundation and then noted that "this is the first time in history I've ever been honored as an offensive lineman." The burly Colt, labeled the "policeman" of the NFL by Toastmaster Lloyd Larson, later spoke highly of his chief Packer rival, Henry Jordan, who plays across from Jim every time the Packers and Colts collide. "He's the guy I have on my mind every time I play against Green Bay. I outweigh him by about 20 pounds, but he can really handle his 245 pounds. And don't think that just because he's not as heavy as I am that he can't lay the wood to you. He'll hit as hard as any of them, but his biggest asset is his speed. You never know what he's going to do. I try to fool him - by maybe starting one way and then going the other, but you don't fool him." Brown, who has rushed for over 10,000 yards and averaged a fantastic 5.2 yards every time he carried the ball, stood arrow straight in a spotlight as Bob Lloyd read his record while officially unveiling his plaque. Sitting two seats away in the row of 1,000 yarders was Taylor, the Packers' powerful bulldozer and Brown's chief rival. Taylor is the crunching fullback type; Brown the powerful breakaway halfback type...RECALLS '57 DRAFT: We couldn't help by hark back to '57 when the Packers had two shots at Brown in the player draft. Winning the bonus and owning the first choice, Paul Hornung and Ron Kramer were chosen on the first two picks and nobody can argue with those two stars. A few picks later, Brown went to the Browns. But Taylor, who was drafted the following year, and Brown in the same backfield? "You'd have to outlaw that combination," Hall of Fame Director Dick McCann quipped later. Brown was asked about this possibility. He hemmed and agreed that "it would be something," recognizing Taylor's ability. The Browns' terror quickly added that "you never know how things turn out," explaining that "your combination of Taylor and Hornung worked exceptionally well for the Packers, and it set a trend for the big back offense. This is why Paul Brown drafted Ernie Davis two years ago. He wanted two big backs - like you had up here." Unfortunately, Davis and Brown never paired up in the same backfield. Davis died shortly after training started of a blood disease. "That was the worst thing that ever happened to me," Brown said, "because I knew him so well. We were personal friends." Given a special introduction was Jerry Kramer, the Packers' great offensive guard who is just six days removed from surgery. Jerry and Parker usually share top guard honors in the league. Incidentally, the Packers' Forrest Gregg ranked second in the voting by press, radio and TV people for the outstanding blocker award. Wally Lemm, coach of the Cardinals, was the principal speaker and his address featured answers to 'the questions most asked me by football fans." One was the oft-asked, "How do you compare the modern football player with the player of 30 years ago?" "Beattie Feathers, here," he explained, "gained his 1,000 yards against massed defenses while most of the others got their 1,000 yards against pursuit defenses. While football changes over the years, the football players don't. Don Hutson, for instance, would be a great player now. Athletes are athletes, and you can't compare the greats of two eras. The best you can do is recognize the stars as they come - for their abilities." Answering the question, 'why are some teams better than others since each team seems to have equal material?', Lemm said, "The major difference is the players' attitude toward the game. Mental attitude is the difference between winning and losing. Jim Parker is seated up here tonight because he always has an excellent mental attitude." A plaque designating the 11 ball carriers as members of the 1,000-yard club was given McCann, who said it will be placed in the Hall of Fame building in Canton, Ohio. McCann, publicity director of the Redskins during their losing years, laughed in his remarks, "I saw each of the 1,000-yarders at his best, since all of them played against the Redskins." The Packer contingent was headed by President Dominic Olejniczak. Others on deck were Assistant Coaches Phil Bengtson, Norb Hecker, Red Cochran and Ray Wietecha; business manager Verne Lewellen; ticket director Merrill Knowlton; publicity director Tom Miller; and players Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Jess Whittenton and Fuzzy Thurston.
LABOR COUNCIL URGES 'LAMBEAU FIELD' NAME
JUN 10 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - A change in the name of City Stadium to "Lambeau Stadium" or "Lambeau Field" has been urged by the Greater Green Bay Labor Council in a resolution unanimously adopted at the council's June meeting Tuesday night. The resolution points out that the late Earl Louis (Curly) Lambeau, Packer found who died June 1, "has contributed more to the recognition of Green Bay, both nationally and internationally, than any other native or adopted son." It also notes that the Green Bay Packers were primarily his creation, and that the Packers' success "was largely due to his efforts and fighting spirit." A copy of the resolution has been sent to President Clarence Nier of the Green Bay Stadium Commission, Council President Clayton Smits said, "The resolution: Whereas, Earl (Curly) Lambeau has contributed more to the recognition of Green Bay, nationally and even internationally, than any other native or adopted son of our city, and Whereas, the Green Bay Packer Football Club was primarily his creation, and its growth and fame in earlier years largely due to his efforts and fighting spirit, and Whereas, the name 'Lambeau' symbolizes the finest in professional football, Be it resolved, that the name of Green Bay City Stadium can be changed to "Lambeau Field' in honor of Curly Lambeau. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be delivered to the mayor and City Council of the City of Green Bay. Adopted unanimously this 8th day of June, 1965. Greater Green Bay Labor Council, Clayton Smits, President."
BRATKOWSKI BACK IN PACK FOLD
JUN 11 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Veteran Edmund (Zeke) Bratkowski, who succeeded John Roach as Bart Starr's understudy at quarterback in 1964, is returning for a second season. Bratkowski, acquired from the Los Angeles Rams late in the 1963 season after Starr sustained a broken hand in a game at St. Louis, signed his '65 contract Thursday, GM-Coach Vince Lombardi announced today. "The Brat," a former University of Georgia star who began his pro career with the Chicago Bears, has completed 22 of 47 passes for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns since joining the Packers.
MIKE AND PEN CLUB ENCOURAGES CHANGE TO LAMBEAU STADIUM
JUN 12 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Mike and Pen Sports Club of Green Bay has gone on record to encourage the changing of the name of City Stadium to Lambeau Stadium in honor of the late E.L. (Curly) Lambeau. The association of Green Bay sportswriters and sportscasters pointed out that "without the stamina of this man, building and coaching a football team, Green Bay would be just another location in the state of Wisconsin." In a letter to the Stadium Commission, the club, through Don Binkowski, secretary-treasurer, wrote, "As a club interested in the promotion and betterment of sports, may we ask you to give thought to changing the name of City Stadium to Lambeau Stadium in honor of the founder of the Green Bay Packers. We are certain the name of Lambeau Stadium would add color and prestige to the home of the Green Bay Packers."
SOO RIPE
JUN 12 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The word from several Eastern writers Friday was that Atlanta would not become the new darling of the AFL. It was reported in several places that the NFL would move into that newest den of Southern sports hospitality in 1966 and would be welcomed with open pocketbooks in preference to the AFL. It was reported that the NFL voted 12-2 for the 1966 move. There were many reasons for all this by the writers, including the NFL being backed by Coca Cola (is that a dirty word in Green Bay?), which exerts fantastic influence on Atlanta in general. Now if the NFL does land the attractive Atlanta territory, it would be like scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the AFL. But the final gun won't have sounded. A score of that sort could have serious repercussions around Our Town because it would put Milwaukee in an even better position for landing an AFL team. And it's in pretty good position right now. Sure, the Packers have County Stadium tied up for several more years, but if an AFL franchise was given to the city, could the Packers really exercise that contract? For a public relations standpoint, the Packers would be taking an awfully big chance. Of course, letting an AFL team into Milwaukee without a fight would be taking a chance, too. Let's face it, no matter what we say about supporting our team all by ourselves up here, another pro team that close to home is bound to hurt in the matter of interest, prestige and attendance. And Milwaukee will be sooo ripe for an AFL team after the Braves leave. The city has been dealt a blow by the Braves and will be hungry to re-establish itself as a major league city.
ROZELLE MUSTERING SUPPORT IN BID FOR ATLANTA TEAM
JUN 15 (New York) - Pete Rozelle is marshaling his NFL forces for the mighty battle of Atlanta against the AFL. Chance are the NFL's adroit commissioner will muster the support he needs from the league's top echelon. And chances are his masterly finessing for the prized Dixie territory will pay off in victory. Rozelle, who stepped in at the 11th hour to foil a possible uncontested grab of Atlanta by the AFL, has about two weeks to get the necessary backing from his 14 team owners to award a franchise to the Southern stronghold. Twelve yes votes will swing it, and the trend definitely is yes. An Associated Press survey showed today that seven NFL clubs are on record as favoring the move into Atlanta in 1966. They are the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers...PACKERS NOT AVAILABLE: Owner of four other clubs - the New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins - were not ready to commit themselves. And bosses of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers were not available for comment. There were no hints of a dissenting voice in the poll. Should Rozelle be given the go-ahead, the next step would be to award a franchise - most likely to a syndicate headed by Lindsey Hopkins, an affluent Atlantan, and including Texas oilman John Mecom, Jr. and Tony Hulman, who runs the Indianapolis Speedway. Then would come the vital development - choosing a pro football tenant for Atlanta's imposing new $18 million stadium. The AFL gave a franchise to the Cox Broadcasting Corp. of Atlanta last week, apparently under the impression the stadium was set. But after a pitch by Rozelle, the stadium authority announced it would not name a pro football tenant before July 1. That gave Rozelle the time he needs to make a crash survey of the prospects, report to his owners, and take a vote. Insiders feel the vote for expansion into Atlanta - and that, given the choice, Atlanta will go for the NFL...VISIT ATLANTA: At least two NFL executives, Jerry Wolman, owner of the Eagles, and Don Kellett, vice president of the Colts, have visited Atlanta since the spirited maneuvering of the last week. Both reported their clubs in the yes column. Tex Schramm of the Cowboys said, "We feel strongly that Atlanta should be taken in for 1966. I have found an overwhelming sentiment in the league to move into Atlanta." Art Modell, who owns the champion Browns, voiced similar feelings and General Manager Edwin Anderson of the Lions said, "We have an open mind, but we feel that if the league can place a franchise in Atlanta it should do so." A spokesman for the Steelers said his club had "voted for it." Bill Bidwill of the Cardinals, a club still undecided, did say that expansion "could make for a better league." Wellington Mara of the Giants, also a wait-and-see man, said that what he has heard of the situation "sounds very good."
KRAMER MAY NEVER PLAY, VINCE SAYS
JUN 15 (Spokane, WA) - Coach Vince Lombardi of the NFL's Green Bay Packers said Monday he doubts that guard Jerry Kramer will play next season, although "the doctors say that he will, and Kramer tells me he will." Lombardi, in Spokane for the Washington State High School Football Coaches Association football clinic, said Kramer, from Sandpoint, Idaho, must undergo another operation at the Mayo Clinic. "Kramer's had so much surgery recently that it weakened his stomach muscles and he developed a hernia. Now they have to operated for the hernia," Lombardi told Inland Empire sportswriters and broadcasters. The last operation was required to remove a splinter of wood that has been driven thru his midsection several years earlier in a cattle-handling accident. When Kramer still was in high school, an accidental shotgun blast took part of his forearm muscle, and he received a facture in a skiing accident but recovered from both. "Will he play for us next season," said Lombardi. "Well, I doubt it..." The Packers' training camp opens July 21.
KRAMER HOPES TO PROVE VINCE WRONG
JUN 16 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Jerry Kramer would like to prove that Packer Coach Vince Lombardi is dead wrong. And Lombardi, of course, would be happy to be wrong in this case. Vince, speaking before a Spokane, Wash., coaches clinic Monday, said, "The doctors say he (Kramer) will play and Kramer tells me he will. But I doubt it." Jerry, who will undergo the last of a series of operations - this for a hernia Monday, rejected the possibility his stomach wall would be weakened by the latest operations and pointed out that "the doctors told me it would be as strong or stronger than ever because of scar tissue." At the 1,000-yard banquet in Menasha last week, at which Kramer was given a large ovation, Kramer said, "I not only will be ready for the league season, I may get out there for those two-a-days," referring to the tough twice-a-day practices early in the training season...Latest to sign a Packer pact is rookie halfback Bill Symons, the sixth draft choice from the University of Colorado, Lombardi announced. Symons, who has been timed at 9.8 in the 100-yard dash, will be tested as a cornerback. He's a six-footer and packs 200 pounds. Symons was Colorado's leading pass catcher last year, nailing 27 for 267 yards. He rushed 24 times for 97 yards and brought back 11 kickoffs for 335 yards and one touchdown.
COUNCIL HONORS CURLY LAMBEAU
JUN 16 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The City Council passed a resolution-tribute to the late E.L. (Curly) Lambeau, founder of the Packers, at its Tuesday night meeting. And the resolution cited Lambeau's own feelings on changing the name of City Stadium to Lambeau Stadium. The resolution follows: "Earl Louis Lambeau, known to literally millions as 'Curly' Lambeau, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 1965. As founder and coach of the Green Bay Packers, and a guiding light in the NFL, he earned the accolades of sports fans throughout the world in his lifetime. In death, he has become an integral part of Green Bay's history. Upon the death of Curly Lambeau, reams of copy poured out from sportswriters' desks throughout the nation. He was described as being fiery of spirit, flamboyant, dramatic, a relentless driver, and an incurable optimist. However, there was another side to his nature which he did not often expose to the public. He was also a man of deep humility. This humility is best illustrated by the following incident. A request had been made of the Green Bay Stadium Commission to name the new stadium Lambeau Stadium. When contacted by members of the Commission, Curly's comment was: 'Boys, I am glad that you didn't take away any action on naming the new stadium after me. I never played here, had no part in building it, and it is my opinion that the new stadium belongs to the people who built it, the citizens of Green Bay.' The foregoing is indicative of the fact that he not only was the heart of Green Bay, but his heart was in Green Bay. As a tribute on behalf of the City of Green Bay to a truly All-American, let the Clerk be instructed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting so that posterity will be informed of our thoughts about an outstanding citizen."
PACKERS SIGN BADGER TACKLE
JUN 21 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Wisconsin tackle Roger Jacobazzi has signed a 1965 contract with the Packers, it was announced today by Coach Vince Lombardi. Jacobazzi, also a member of the Badger wrestling team, is the 11th and last of the draftees to sign. Eight others are juniors and have college eligibility left; six were lost to the AFL; and Steve Clark, the 17th choice, is playing baseball. Lombardi also announced the signing of two free agents - guard Ken Burke of Bowling Green and quarterback Tom Hespos of C.W. Post College on Long Island.
SONG COMPOSER BACKS LAMBEAU
JUN 21 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Eric Karll, of Milwaukee, composer of the song, "Go, You Packers, Go," today added his opinion to the belief that City Stadium should be named in honor of the late E.L. Lambeau. Karll endorsed the proposal in a letter to Mayor Donald Tilleman. He questioned why there is a delay in making the name change. "Curly Lambeau and the Green Bay Packers have really put your city on the map, and he should be given this honor," the letter said.
AFL EYES MIDWEST TEAM, SURRENDER OF ATLANTA TO NFL
JUN 21 (Milwaukee) - The AFL is focusing its expansion sights on the Midwest and will probably surrender Atlanta to its rival, AFL commissioner Joe Foss has indicated. Foss said Saturday night he expected the NFL would vote today to expand in 1966 to Atlanta, where the AFL has already granted a new franchise to Cox Broadcasting Co. "If they do, our franchise will go someplace else," he said. "Atlanta certainly isn't a two-team town," the AFL commissioner added. "Los Angeles is, with 8 million people there, New York is, and Chicago is. There aren't many others." The Atlanta Stadium Authority balked at an immediate decision on leasing its $18 million stadium after the AFL franchise was issued. White Sox owner Arthur Allyn has been avidly seeking an AFL team for Chicago, and Foss' comment indicated he might get one. "Our need for a team in the Midwest is urgent," he said, citing regional televising of AFL games. "The network is as anxious to get a city in the Midwest as we are ourselves." Foss said, "Milwaukee is an open town, and it's a good one." Although the city is under consideration, the Green Bay Packers of the NFL has an exclusive lease on Milwaukee County Stadium through 1968.
NFL EXPECTED TO ADD ATLANTA TODAY
JUN 21 (New York) - Pro football's rival leagues set up their expansion campaigns today with the American's surrender to the National in the Battle for Atlanta expected to trigger a shift in the fighting fronts. NFL club owners meet here and are almost certain to make Atlanta the 15th city in their lucrative operation, starting with the 1966 season. At the same time, AFL officials, admittedly with little hope of realizing their dream of putting a team in the Dixie stronghold, will have a session that could result in the invasion of two NFL cities - Philadelphia and Chicago. Ostensibly, the AFL expansion committee is meeting here to screen applicants for a Philadelphia franchise, but Commissioner Joe Foss has said other expansion matters could develop. Several groups are reported in the running for the Philadelphia AFL entry, and there is word of a millionaire backer angling for an AFL franchise in Chicago. The AFL blueprint is to expand from eight teams to 10 in 1966. With Atlanta and its new $18 million stadium a dim chance, the five-year-old league now turns to other centers of population. There now is only one two-league city, New York, and one two-league area, with the NFL in San Francisco and the AFL in Oakland. The AFL originally shared Los Angeles and Dallas with the NFL but vacated those cities for San Diego and Kansas City. The younger league apparently had the rich Atlanta prize picked off two weeks ago when it awarded the Cox Broadcasting Corp., a franchise for the city, with Cox paying a record $7.5 million for 32 players. But the deal backfired immediately due to some swift maneuvering by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. On the same day the AFL announced Atlanta in the fold, Rozelle met with the city's stadium authority and told its members the more powerful and prestigious NFL might put a team in Atlanta - adding that he needed time to survey the situation and brief the owners. The authority then said it would not hold off deciding on a pro football tenant until July 1. It is known the sentiment in Atlanta has been for an NFL team. Foss indicated he had thrown in the towel on Atlanta Saturday night when he said: "Cox Broadcasting said they could deliver rights on the stadium in 48 hours, and they got a franchise. Now the NFL is going to go in, probably. And if they do, our franchise will go someplace else." At the same time, Rozelle indicated the 12 votes needed from NFL owners for expansion to Atlanta would be forthcoming, and expressed hopes of a 14-0 sweep. If Atlanta gets into the NFL for 1966, the 45-year-old league undoubtedly will add another club in 1967. An AFL charter member, Houston, with its glittering Astrodome as an attraction, is a good bet to be the 16th NFL city.
ADD ATLANTA TO NFL FOR '66
JUN 22 (New York) - Atlanta will become the 15th team in the expanded NFL in 1966 with a group headed by insurance man Rankin Smith Jr., of Atlanta as the likely owner. Commissioner Pete Rozelle will screen the four or five applicants with the understanding that a lease on the new $18 million stadium is a must. Although the rival AFL also voted a 1966 franchise to the Cox Broadcasting Corp. of Atlanta on June 8, the nine-man Stadium Authority reported is overwhelmingly in favor of the NFL. Arthur Montgomery, chairman of the board, has set a July 1 deadline for a decision on the lease. "We feel there is a very, very strong sentiment in Atlanta and the state of Georgia for an NFL franchise," said Rozelle after announcing the award of the franchise Monday by a unanimous vote...FOSS CONGRATULATES: Joe Foss, AFL Commissioner who was in New York for a meeting with his league's expansion committee, commented: "All I can say is congratulations to the NFL," and added that the problem of getting the AFL into Atlanta rested with the Cox group. Atlanta kicked up up its heels and celebrated when sports fans heard the NFL news. "We're in the big leagues now," they shouted at the stadium where 38,402 watched the Milwaukee Braves (Atlanta Braves in 1966) play an exhibition baseball game with Minnesota. The legal counsel for the Stadium Authority, Robert Richardson, said the group "would meet promptly on the matter, but I can't say exactly when." Rozelle said he would screen the applicants before selecting one and then would ask the club owners for approval of his choice in a telephone vote. "I feel they will accept my recommendation," said Rozelle who will begin negotiating immediately. In answer to questions, Rozelle identified three of the groups. He said Smith headed one group, Lindsey Hopkins, Jr., headed another and William Reynolds of Richmond headed a third...SINGLE CONTROL: "The league is not interested in large groups," said Rozelle. "It is interested in one individual with at least 51 percent of the stock." Although Rozelle would not indicate any preference after preliminary screening, it was learned that the group headed by Smith, an Atlanta man, has the edge at the moment. No firm price for a franchise was announced. This is the first step in major expansion by the NFL which will have 16 teams in 1967, divided into two conferences, each split into two divisions. The Atlanta team will operate as a swing team and will play each of the 14 other teams once in 1966. As a result, the season will run 15 weeks and each team will have a one-week bye. Atlanta will count in the Eastern Conference standings in '66. The team will have the first draft pick next December and will have one extra draft selection in each of the first five rounds...SIGN VETERANS: Stocking with veteran players will be set up at the February meeting. "I consider this move very important," said Rozelle. "Not because of the television riches of the South but because it is the first step to 16 teams, two divisions and extra playoff games that should produce more television revenue. Yes, the Atlanta club will share equally in the next television contract." The current contract with CBS for $14.1 million per year expires after the 1965 season. Rozelle said there had been no talk of a possible site of the 16th franchise in 1967. "We think it is better to stock our new clubs in stages," he said. "We will consider all the material turned up by a market research bureau that is surveying the various cities." The last expansion by the NFL was the addition of Dallas in 1960 and the activation of a Minnesota Vikings' franchise in 1961.
DALE, LONG, MCDOWELL SIGN
JUN 23 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Three more veterans have signed Packer contracts for the 1965 season, Coach Vince Lombardi announced today. They are pass receiving ends Carroll Dale and Bob Long and guard John McDowell. Dale, starting his sixth season, was obtained from the Rams in a trade for linebacker Dan Currie. Long and McDowell saw limited action as rookies in 1964. Long actually played only his second year of football last year. A former basketball star at Wichita University, Long didn't try football until he was a senior.
ATLANTA MAKING DECISION ON PRO GRID PICK TODAY?
JUN 23 (Atlanta) - Today may be the decision day for Atlanta, the only city ever allowed to choose between the NFL and AFL. The NFL has called a news conference for late today at which the older league is expected to announce its choice to own a franchise in the virgin professional football territory. Although the announcement of the news conference gave no specific reason for its being called, the announcement promised discussion of a subject of "special interest to the people of Atlanta." Should the NFL announce its ownership choice for Atlanta today, the territorial struggle between the two leagues could be ended rapidly. Arthur Montgomery, head of the Stadium Authority, which will rent Atlanta's new $18 million stadium to the most suitable tenant, said Tuesday the nine-member group is willing to meet with anyone and discuss terms on short notice. "We're available at any time," Montgomery said. Four persons are known to have applied for the NFL's Atlanta franchise, but Commissioner Pete Rozelle told Montgomery in a telephone conversation Tuesday, others are seeking the franchise. He did not say how many have presented applications. The four persons known to be seeking the franchise are Lindsey Hopkins, a wealthy Atlanta sportsman; Atlanta insurance executive Rankin M. Smith; William Reynolds of Richmond, Va., who has Atlanta business interests, and Atlanta businessman Jim Clay, who has spent years seeking a professional franchise for the city. Members of the Stadium Authority have individually expressed their preference for the NFL, but Montgomery said the group would give 'every consideration" to the AFL proposal. The AFL franchise was awarded earlier this month to the Cox Broadcasting Corps., which paid $7.5 million for the franchise. Cox officials were not available for comment. However, there were indications the AFL plans to continue fighting. Assistant AFL Commissioner Milt Woodard said in New York Tuesday, "We feel the Cox group is the most formidable bidder for a franchise in Atlanta." The Stadium Authority has set a July 1 deadline to decide between the two leagues. Yet many observers feel the decision will be made more quickly, perhaps within 24 hours of the time the NFL announces its franchise owner.
AFL TO BALTIMORE?
JUN 23 (Baltimore) - R. Bruce Livie, who helped organize the Baltimore Colts, says he believes this city can support another professional football team, and he wants to own it. Livie, chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission, announced Tuesday he has formed a five-man syndicate to bid on a Baltimore franchise in the AFL. The sportsman and auto dealer years ago sold his interest in the Colts of the NFL. "Baltimoreans love pro football, and I am certain this city can support two teams," he said. "I have contacted Sonny Werblin, a member of the AFL expansion committee, and told him I was interested in bringing a team to Baltimore." Although the Colts and Joseph King, executive secretary of the City Park Board, said the Colts have exclusive rights to Baltimore Memorial Stadium for professional football through 1972. Livie said he's not so sure. "I don't think they have," he said. "I have he City Solicitor looking it up for me. He will give me an answer Thursday." Livie indicated he would try to obtain permission to use the University of Maryland Stadium at College Park, about 30 miles from Baltimore, if the Baltimore Stadium is not available.
STADIUM PHILLY KEY
JUN 23 (Philadelphia) - The AFL will have a Philadelphia team next year if the city guarantees the club will be able to play in the proposed new $25 million stadium, scheduled to be completed by 1967. The AFL's expansion committee met with prospective owners of a Philadelphia franchise Tuesday, and also with city officials. Lamar Hunt, chairman of the committee and owner of the Kanas City Chiefs, said, "The AFL has definitely decided they want to come into Philadelphia - and will come into Philadelphia, if they can receive assurances that the team can play in the new stadium." The Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, now playing in the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field, have demanded an exclusive lease in the new stadium. Eagles owners say they were promised exclusive rights in a "gentlemen's agreement" by city officials. But Mayor James H.J. Tate, though agreeing to give exclusive rights to the baseball Philadelphia Phillies of the National League, has refused to grant the same rights to the Eagles. Hunt said an AFL team could pay a rental equal to that which Eagles' owner Jerry Wolman has agreed to - providing he gets exclusive rights. Earlier this month, the AFL granted a franchise to an Atlanta, Ga., group for $7.5 million, but found out later it didn't have a firm commitment to use the new stadium there.
BUILDER SEEKS AFL STADIUM IN MILWAUKEE
JUN 25 (Milwaukee) - A building contractor is offering to buy Marquette Stadium or construct his own in order to obtain an AFL franchise. Francis J. Schroedel of suburban Whitefish Bay made his bid Thursday in letters by his attorney to Milwaukee County officials and Father William F. Kelley, S.J., president of Marquette University. Schroedel said, however, the Marquette Stadium might be too small, and he was considering several sites to build a new stadium. He said he had received no reply from Marquette on his proposal to negotiate a purchase price for its facilities. AFL Commissioner Joe Foss said the league had 61 other franchise requests. The AFL plans to add two more teams next year. Among the requests, he said, was one from Marvin L. Fishman, a Glendale realtor, for a Milwaukee team, but Foss said Fishman was "talking about a club in 1968." The Milwaukee County Stadium is leased exclusively by Green Bay of the rival NFL. County Board Chairman Eugene Grobschmidt said of Schroedel's search for a site, "I would do nothing to hurt the Packers." "Mr. Schroedel is financially responsible, having a net worth of $20 million," his attorney, Lawrence G. Wickert, said in the letters seeking a stadium. Under the Packers' agreement with the county, no professional football games can be played in the stadium without the Packers' consent. The contract runs through 1968.
PRESS-GAZETTE HAS BACKED PACKERS SINCE CAL AND CURLY MET AT CORNER
JUN 27 (Green Bay Press-Gazette-Art Daley) - You could say that the Packers were actually born in the Press-Gazette. And not be out of bounds. Back in the spring of 1919, Curly Lambeau and George W. Calhoun met on a street corner a few blocks from the old Press-Gazette building and talked about organizing a football team. Calhoun, then sports editor of the Press-Gazette, had known Curly well since he "covered" the young athlete through four years of football at East High. And followed Curly's progress closely during his one season (the fall of '18) at Notre Dame. Lambeau and Calhoun got together many times after they made their decision - most times in Cal's office. From then to the present, the Press-Gazette not only has chronicled but boosted the Packers through good years and bad...ASSIST BY TURNBULL: The Press-Gazette became a factor in keeping the Packers alive through its publisher, the late A.B. Turnbull. Lambeau and Calhoun were sitting in the P-G sports department one Sunday morning in the fall of '23. They had just about made up their minds to call of the afternoon game because of a heavy downpour. It was virtually certain that few people would come out and the team thus would be plunged into heavy debt. Mr. Turnbull came down to work a bit that morning and listened to the plight of young Lambeau and Calhoun. A.B. advised them to play the game at all costs and promised then and there to get Green Bay business behind the team. This resulted in the incorporation of the club and the election of Mr. Turnbull as the first president of Green Bay Packers, Inc...GREEN BAY'S OWN: It as chiefly a town team in those days, but the Press-Gazette treated the Packers as "our team." And thus the Press-Gazette still carries on. As the Packers rocked through great years and lean years, Mr. Turnbull maintained that position: "We in Green Bay are privileged to have a national team like this in our city and for this reason we (the Press-Gazette) must always do everything possible to keep them here." This philosophy was clearly expressed in the late 1940s when the Packers almost lost their franchise in the financial war with the old All-America Conference. And to back up the thousands of words (always optimistic) that were printed in the Press-Gazette sports section, the Green Bay Newspaper Co. bought the limit of stock ($5,000 worth) offered in the Packers' life-saving financial drive in the winter of 1949-50...NAMED BY CALHOUN: Calhoun actually named the team "the Packers" in his early reports of player meetings, getting the nickname from the Indian Packing Co., which supplied the first uniforms. Cal continued to cover the Packers until the early 1930s, when Art Bystrom took over for a season. The late John M. Walter, who later became manager of Press-Gazette radio station WJPG, because sports editor in `934 and covered the team until he went into service in 1940, with Dick Flatley doing the sidelights. Ray Pagel, now farm and regional editor of the Press-Gazette, handled the coverage in 1940 and 1941. I started covering the team in 1942 and continued part of 1943 before going into service. Dave Yuenger, now the Press-Gazette managing editor, covered the team in 1943-44-45. Then, back from the war, I became sports editor in 1946 and took over coverage of the team, with Lee Remmel handling the color...THE LOMBARDI ERA: Remmel and I will start out 20th consecutive season next fall. Joining us on home games has been Len Wagner, newest member of the Press-Gazette sports department. Coverage of the Packers has changed considerably down through the years and actually has been stepped up in the last 10, especially during the winning era of Vince Lombardi. With the advent of television, Packer fans can most times "see" the entire 14-game schedule. This results in a bigger demand for more complete stories on the Packers' road games. One of the highlights of coverage is picture presentation of the game. Two photographers are assigned to each home game (here and
Green Bay Press-Gazette - January 27th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - January 28th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - January 30th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - February 8th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - February 14th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - February 21st 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - February 22nd 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - March 14th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - March 25th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - March 26th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - April 4th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - April 9th 1965
Grave of Lester "Buddy" Gatewood - Forest Park Cemetery (Houston) (Source: Findagrave.com)
Green Bay Press-Gazette - April 27th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - April 27th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - May 12th 1965
Grave of Curly Lambeau - Allouez Catholic Cemetery And Chapel Mausoleum, Green Bay (Source: Findagrave.com)
Green Bay Press-Gazette - June 3rd 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - June 4th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - June 8th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - June 16th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - June 9th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - June 9th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - June 27th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - July 4th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - July 9th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - July 20th 1965
Lombardi, ever the motivator, hung this sign in the Packers' locker room. (Credit: Packerville, USA)
The 1965 Pro Football Almanac (CREDIT: Packerville, USA for more content and larger pictures)
Packers RB Paul Hornung was the subject of another book just two years after the last one. This version, a somewhat hard-to-find book titled Football and the Single Man, was published in 1965. While the previous Hornung book was aimed at the wholesome youth market, this one teases with the angle of his swinging lifestyle and being a ladies’ man. It also deals with his suspension for the entire 1963 season due to his gambling activities. (CREDIT: Packerville, USA)
This nifty little book — How to Pass, Kick, Run, Block — was brought to the youth of America by the North American Phillips Corporation, or more specifically, Norelco®. This great instructional guide provided kids with passing advice from Packers’ QB Bart Starr, kicking advice from Cleveland’s Lou Groza, punting tips by the Lions’ Yale Lary, and general info on other positions. Also included is background info on the NFL, rules of the game, the language of football, popular formations and plays, and the 1965 league schedules. It is a quite interesting read, if you can find a copy. (CREDIT: Packerville, USA)
in Milwaukee), on working from the press box and the other from the sidelines. On occasional games, a third photographer will be used. The Press-Gazette has a reputation for printing more pro football news than any other paper in the country. And this just won't be disputed.
PACKERS WILL GO TO CAMP WITH 25 ROOKIES JULY 21
JUN 27 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers will go to camp - in less than a month - with 25 rookies. Give or take a last-minute dropout or addition. Coach Vince Lombardi will start drills Wednesday, July 21 for the rookies and the veterans will open Sunday, July 25. The roster of first-year men is composed of nine halfbacks, six tackles, three ends, three quarterbacks, two guards, one fullback and one center-linebacker. Elven of the newcomers were selected in the draft conducted last December, 11 were free agents, and three were futures selected in the 1963 draft. Of the 25 players chosen in the past draft, 11 were signed; five were lost to the AFL; eight are futures and can't be signed until after the 1965 college season; and one, kicker Steve Clark of Oregon State, went into baseball. The "bulk" of the rookie reportees is concentrated at the tackle position. The half-dozen tackles pack a total of 1,530 pounds and average out to 256. There are two 270-pounders - Charlie Harris of Tennessee A & I, a free agent; and Rich Marshall of Austin College, the 10th draft choice. The others are Dick Herzing, 250, Drake, seventh choice future; Roger Jacobazzi, 250, Wisconsin, another seventh pick; Rick Koeper, 245, Oregon State, sixth choice; and Ernie Smith, 245, Main, free agent. There will be plenty of pitching and brain practice, what with the addition of three quarterbacks who will join with veterans Bart Starr, Zeke Bratkowski and Dennis Claridge. The rookies are James Van Gordon of Eau Claire State; Tom Hespos of Post College; and Wally Mahle of Syracuse. Van Gordon and Hespos are free agents and Mahle is the fourth draft choice. Mahle likely will spend little time at quarterback because he has a fine reputation as a defensive back. The Syracuse star stands 6-3 and packs 195 pounds. The top draft choice signed is Allen Brown, the 230-
pound tight end from Mississippi. With the departure of Ron Kramer, Brown moves in behind Marv Fleming, who figures to step into Kramer's boots. Heaviest of the running backs is Allen Jacobs, a 218-pounder from Utah, who was selected as a future in 1963. Jacobs is a power runner, who is likened to the destructive Jim Taylor. Another highly-regarded rusher is Junior Coffey, the 210-pound running back from Washington. He was a seventh round pick...BRIEFS: Carl Prange of the H.C. Prange Co., was traveling in Europe when he learned of the death of Packer founder Curly Lambeau and he first read about it on the front page of the Paris edition of the New York Times...The Packers have the second highest no-shutout streak going in the NFL. Green Bay was last shut out in 1958 (that 56-0 game in Baltimore) and now has a sting of 86 straight "scoring" games going. The record is a lofty 185 held by the Browns, who started their non-shutout string after being shut out by the Giants, 6-0, in 1950...Jerry Kramer is presently recovering from his final operation (hernia, Monday) and a few days later was up walking around in front of St. Vincent Hospital. Jerry says he hopes to work out lightly in two weeks and be ready for full contact in six weeks.
STADIUM TAKES ON NEW LOOK - A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
JUL 4 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - City Stadium has taken on a "new look." And it's a sight to behold. The south end is no longer open. It's closed in and awaiting the installation of seats. The additions to the north on the east and west sides are completed. And it's truly a giant horseshoe. The Stadium will hold 50,837 - which represents a gain of nearly 19,000 since the edifice was built with a capacity of 32,150 in 1957. We got an optical illusion - or some such thing - when we looked at the new south end from the north end in the dusk of an evening last week. It looks as if the new south end seats are closer to the field than those on the east and west sides. They loom so high (actually no higher than the side seats) that they give the impression of hanging over the end zone. "Well, they are close," contractor Howard Hougard said, adding: "Closer to the end zone than the other seats." Howard, who with his father, George M., and his brother, Bob, represent the construction firm doing the work, said that "everything is on schedule and all major items are out of the way." He explained that all the precast concrete units, on which the seats are places, have been installed. These units, incidentally, are from 20 to 24 feet long and weigh approximately 4,000 pounds. Nearly 2,000 of them have been installed. The giant scoreboard has been installed directly in the center of the new south end section and Howard noted that "it's 100 feet from the ground to the top of the scoreboard. That'll really stand out." The smaller scoreboard, accommodating fans in the south sections, has been placed at the edge of the northeast stands. Other work at the stadium includes an addition on the rear of the Administration Building; a tunnel for the team personnel leading from this new addition to the field at a point just east of the north runway; and, of course, plenty of additional toilets to accommodate the larger capacity. The new stadium's first "test" will be the Bishop's Charities game between the Packers and Giants Saturday night, Au. 14. And the Bishop's crew hopes to fill 'er up...Max McGee is "coming to play." That's the word from the Manitowoc restaurant man, who handles left end for the Pack. McGee is pushing that elusive retirement age (he will turn 33 on July 16), but the clever pass catcher put it this way: "I'll go along as long as I'm physically able to play. I still want to play and that's what counts as far as I'm concerned." The Taxi developed a groin pull midway in the 1964 season and had trouble with it the rest of the campaign, although he never missed a game. Since Ron Kramer's departure leaves a big hole at tight end, Maxie was asked if he might fatten up a bit and try that position. "No. sir. I can handle the pass catching part of it but I don't like the idea of blocking out those big tackles," McGee laughed. A new name, Carroll Dale (who was obtained from the Rams for Dan Currie), was dropped into the conversation and McGee allowed that "he's a good one and I imagine they'll find a place for him." With the addition of Dale, Coach Vince Lombardi and his pass catching coaching, Tom Fears, now have three glue-fingered experts to handle the two "outside" receiving jobs - McGee, Dale, and Boyd Dowler, who led the club in catching last year. The problem is at tight end, what with the loss of Kramer. Marv Fleming, who becomes a three-year man in '65, figures to step in, but he'll likely have strong competition from Allen Brown, a real prize from Mississippi.
LAMBEAU'S ESTATE GOES TO FAMILY
JUL 6 (Sturgeon Bay) - The will of the late E.L. (Curly) Lambeau, founder and coach of the Green Bay Packers for 30 years, was to be admitted to probate in Door County Court here today. According to the will, filed in Judge Edward G. Minor's court, Lambeau bequeathed his stock in the Larsen Co., Green Bay, to his son, Donald, and the remainder of the estate, share and share alike, to his son, Donald; his grandchildren, Barbara, Mary, Jeffery, John and Stephen Lambeau; his brother, Oliver; and his sister, Mrs. Beatrice Evrard. All live in Green Bay. There was no indication in the will of the amount of the estate. Lambeau maintained a residence at Fish Creek.
TV CREW TO TAPE GREEN BAY SHOW
JUL 6 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Robert "The Music Man" Preston, accompanied by an ABC network camera crew, will arrive in Green Bay Wednesday to begin taping of a sequence to be included in an hour long television show this fall. Preston and Vince Lombardi, Packer coach and general manager, will be taped in the Packer locker room Thursday and Friday. Members of the Packer team also will be present. The Green Bay segment will be included in a program dealing with various Wisconsin areas. The show is one of six programs scheduled by ABC this fall dealing with various parts of the country. Green Bay was selected because of the Packers and its selection as an All-American city.
COUNCIL BACKS LAMBEAU MUSEUM FOR MEMORIAL
JUL 7 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - A seven-member citizen committee was named by the City Council Tuesday night to make recommendations on a proposed museum-type building at City Stadium dedicated to the late E.L. (Curly) Lambeau. The Council action asked that the committee members be David Yuenger, Press-Gazette managing editor; Ben Laird, WDUZ president; Haydn Evans, WBAY general manager; Charles Brock, Andy Uram, Arnie Herber, and a Packer representative named by its executive committee. The memorial building was proposed by the Stadium Commission in a report of a meeting earlier Tuesday in which it acted on requests that the stadium be renamed in Lambeau's honor. Only one opposing Council vote was recorded to the commission's idea...RENAMING IS TRITE: "The commission is of the opinion that just renaming an existing facility would be a trite way of memorializing the first coach of the Green Bay Packers. The City of Green Bay has achieved international fame in the sports world because of its prominence in national football. Therefore, any memorial accomplished for the late Mr. Lambeau should not be 'bush league' but strictly big time. Your commission would like to hope for the ultimate and see an Earl L. (Curly) Lambeau Memorial Building erected at the stadium," the report said...$100,000 BUILDING: City Attorney Clarence Nier, commission president, said at the afternoon meeting that he was thinking of a $100,000 building. He told the Council that "a substantial contribution" already is promised and that "it never was the intent of the commission to ask the Council for a single dollar." Ald. Rhynie Dantinne was the only Council member to record his opposition to the commission plan on the voice vote, though Ald. Donald MacDonald got into a heated exchange with Nier. Dantinne said the stadium should be renamed for Lambeau, and the way to do it was vote down the report. MacDonald called the commission report "another smoke screen" and criticized a commission resolution memorializing Lambeau last month as based on 'some obscure comment he made." The resolution said Lambeau once told the commission he did not want to stadium named for him because he never coached there. "At no time was a smoke screen ever thrown up. That resolution gave more credence to Mr. Lambeau than the Council action after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It pointed out a quality that the public was not aware of - humility," Nier said. Ald. Richard Zoll, an ex-Packer, who has submitted a request to rename the stadium for Lambeau, said he was withdrawing his request to give the memorial building idea a chance to work. At the afternoon session, commission members said they have wanted an exhibit for summer tourists at the stadium for a long time and that the memorial building would fill the need...NOTHING PORTRAYS HISTORY: "They enjoy looking at the stadium and the turf, but we have nothing to portray the history and founding of the Packers," Nier said. Ald. Earl Katers said the memorial building idea "would be something like the Kennedy Library" and that "just to name something after a man who died doesn't accomplish anything." He said it was important, from the standpoint of national publicity, to retain the identity between the people of Green Bay and the stadium. Ronald MacDonald said the renaming of the stadium could still be considered if the memorial building fails. "This would be something better," he said of the building plan. Ald. Eddie Bodart said there was no doubt a referendum would establish that the voted wanted Lambeau honored either through "a living memorial" the building would provide. He said he came to the meeting favoring renaming the stadium but was convinced the other plan was better. Nier said the drive for funds for a building would establish how serious those saying they wanted to honor Lambeau were. "If we haven't been able to do something worthwhile, then we haven't been too sincere about the proposition," he said.
OLLIE MATSON, SCARPATI SIGN
JUL 7 (Philadelphia) - Ollie Matson, veteran halfback of the Philadelphia Eagles who in 12 years in the NFL has gained 11,991 yards, has signed his 1965 contract. The club also announced receipt of a signed pact from Joe Scarpati, a defensive halfback, who tried out with the Green Bay Packers last year.
BROWNS' GAIN RETIRES FROM PRO FOOTBALL
JUL 10 (Cleveland) - Bob Gain, 12-year veteran tackle of the Cleveland Browns, is retiring from football as an active player, Browns' owner Art Modell said Friday. Gain signed with Cleveland in 1952 after spending a year in the Canadian League. He had been a first-round draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 1952.
DETROIT HAS NOT CONTACTED PACKERS ABOUT RON KRAMER, SAYS LOMBARDI
JUL 11 (Milwaukee) - Coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers of the NFL says blocking end Ron Kramer is a free agent and wants to play in Detroit, but no one from Detroit has contacted Lombardi about it. Kramer played out his option last season to become a free agent. His family lives in Detroit and he has indicated a desire to play there, Lombardi said. "He is a free agent; he can play with anybody he likes," said Lombardi, "although in our league constitution and bylaws it says if he plays with anybody in the National League, they have to give me a player of his equal. But nobody from Detroit has approached me about him."...TAPES PROGRAM: Lombardi was in Milwaukee to tape a television program. The Packer coach said he may have been wrong when he said recently that he didn't think offensive guard Jerry Kramer would be able to play again. Kramer missed nearly all of last season due to an abdominal ailment and has undergone surgery several times. "I doubt if he will be ready at the start of the season, but I think he'll be playing football for the Green Bay Packers before the year is over." Lombardi was asked to comment on reports that the Packers might be asked to share Milwaukee County Stadium with an AFL club. The Packers play three league games in Milwaukee each season plus the annual Midwest Shrine benefit exhibition game. "We have an exclusive contract there," said Lombardi, "and we're not going to surrender our rights. I think Milwaukee is a one team city." Lombardi added he thought a merger of the NFL and AFL "might happen someday," but said he was not in favor of a common draft at this time.
'SIXTH OFFICIAL' TOP SWITCH IN RULES FOR '65 NFL SEASON
JUL 11 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - For all of our 20-odd years on the Packer beat, we don't recall writing anything in particular about the rules of football. We just took it for granted that all good Packer Backers were really experts on the rules of pro football. So why bother? But just for kicks let's look at a condensed version of the rule book. And we promise you this won't be a long harangue. In fact, we have a few stories to break up the whereases and the wherefores and the whatnots. Seriously, the biggest switch in this new NFL season is the installation of what Supervisor of Officials Mark Duncan calls the "sixth official." This extra pair of eyes (that's what Vince Lombardi calls the sixth official) will work on the line of scrimmage on the opposite side of the head linesman. He will be chiefly a timekeeper. Official Six will take over the back judge's responsibility for in-motion infractions and will cover the back in motion. He will be of great help on the flat pass behind the line of scrimmage, ruling whether it is a forward or lateral pass. He will responsible for the option back and will take special note to see if the quarterback passes from behind or beyond the line of scrimmage. Probably of greater importance, the new official enables the back judge to move 10 or 12 yards farther downfield, thus permitting better coverage on interference, Duncan explained...STORY TIMEOUT: With all of the surgery he's had during the offseason, Jerry Kramer has a tummy that looks like a road map. That noted retired Packerland still-active humorist, Mr. Gary Knafelc, told Jerry the other day that "when you walk out of the shower this season, go up to the rookies and say, 'whatever you do stay off the kickoff team.'" Though his weight is down some 20 pounds, Jerry expects to report with the veterans for the opening of training camp in two weeks. Jerry has been playing golf almost every day since his last operation three weeks ago...RULES RETURN: Did you know that the coaches of the two opposing teams can flip the coin before the game? In Duncan's Digest under the heading "Coin Toss," there is this sentence: "In case of inclement weather, toss may be made between the two coaches." The toss will take place 30 minutes before the scheduled game time in center of field between the two captains. The toss will be called by the visiting team captain. The coaches would do the tossing if, for instance, there was a heavy downpour, a blizzard, or some other thing, the idea being to keep the combatants dry and warm, etc. The toss no longer is simulated three minutes before the game. The captains merely go to the center of the field with the official and the official indicates to the crowd and TV audience which team is to kickoff and the goal the receivers will defend...STORY TIMEOUT: Vince Lombardi will be interviewed by Jerry Liska, midwest sports editor for the AP; Gene Hintz, sports editor for the UPI in Wisconsin; and Terry Bledsoe of the Milwaukee Journal, on Mike Walden's weekly Sports Spotlight show, which will be on Channel 2 at 8 o'clock Monday night...RULES RETURN: Duncan's Digest has an unusual line under the heading "Timing Changes During the Last Two Minutes of Each Half" and it reads: "During the last two minutes, a team cannot buy a fourth time out for a penalty." This manner of expression is merely to emphasize the point and has nothing to do with sales on the field. The rule adds: "A fourth time out during the last two minutes will only be allowed for an injured player, who must be immediately designated and removed. No penalty. Fifth downs or more are allowed only under the same condition but are penalized 5 yards. Time in with referee's signals in both cases. Clock shall start with the referee's whistle upon removal of the injured player from the field and the ball cannot be put in play until 10 seconds have expired. Game can end before snap if less than 10 seconds remain...STORY TIMEOUT: Hank Jordan, just back from a vacation in his native Virginia, says he's "looking forward to the season but not training camp." Like all veterans, Henry finds the getting-ready part of the season pure murder...RULES RETURN: You have seen a back make like he's got the ball and ram into the line while the real ball carrier scoots elsewhere. Duncan's Digest says the "carrier" without the ball can't be tackled unless he's crossing the line of scrimmage between the offensive ends of a normal tight offensive line. "You have to be careful on this type of tackle on an end-around play," Jordan explained. This could go on for columns and columns, but as a windup let's point out the difference between encroachment and offsides. Encroachment: Defensive lineman moving across the neutral zone and making contact with an opponent prior to the ball being snapped. Whistle kills play. No snap allowed. Offsides: A player offsides when any part of his person is beyond the line of scrimmage or free-kick line when the ball is put into play. (Does not include offensive center when he is snapping the ball) Any questions? Just dial 435-4411 and ask for "Sports."
NO PRESSURE TO PLAY MORE GAMES IN GREEN BAY - VINCE
JUL 13 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Despite an increase in the City Stadium seating capacity to 50,837, which is over 3,000 more than Milwaukee County Stadium, there has been no pressure for playing more games in Green Bay, Packer General Manager-Coach Vince Lombardi declared on a state network television program Monday night. "We will continue to play the same number of games in Milwaukee and will even add an extra preseason game there next year," Lombardi continued. An additional preseason game is scheduled for Green Bay this year (against St. Louis Sept. 11) and Lombardi added that he hopes the game can alternate between Green Bay and Milwaukee. On other subjects, Lombardi said: "We will win it," meaning the NFL championship. "What we need most is defensive help despite having led the league there last year." "We will have the biggest crop of rookies, in both size and number, we have ever had." "Bill Curry (rookie from Georgia Tech) will be tried at both offensive center and linebacker. It looks like he could help us. At least four or five other clubs would like to have him; they've been calling me." "Yes, Philadelphia (proposed team for AFL) did approach and ask if I had any interest and I said that I did not at that time." "I have never been approached regarding our exclusive rights to County Stadium (concerning the reports of an AFL Milwaukee team)." "Right now, Ken Bowman is our center. He played rather well the last five or six games and has gotten bigger this summer." "Paul Hornung is our placekicker. Don Chandler is a fine punter, a great punter. I have not heard from Jerry Norton. There's some question about him retiring." "Televising two games every Sunday won't be too much football, but the repeats every night of the week might be."
WHITTENTON 'KICKS AROUND' RETIRING
JUL 15 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - "We're still kicking it around," Packer defensive back Jesse Whittenton said today in regard to reports that he is retiring from football and buying a golf course in Texas. About retiring, the veteran NFL star said, "Sure I'm thinking about it. Everybody's always thinking about it."
FOUR OF PACKER 'OLD GUARD' COULD BE MISSING WHEN BAYS LAUNCH 1965 SEASON
JUL 18 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Ron Kramer is gone. Jerry Norton has decided to retire. Jess Whittenton is considering retirement. And Dan Currie has been traded. Thus, as many as four members of the old "guard" could be missing when Packer Coach Vince Lombardi opens 1965 practice Thursday morning. Rookie will gather with veteran ends, backs and centers for physicals at St. Norbert College Wednesday night and open drills the next day. Veteran linemen will report Saturday night and full scale practice will open Monday July 26 following Picture Day July 25. The departure of three familiar faces - and possibly four if Jess decides to quit - will result in some interesting changes and battles for starting duty. Lombardi received full value, and then some, in the Currie trade with the Rams, which produced Carroll Dale, a fleet pass catching flanker. The loss of Kramer means that Marv Fleming, a three-year veteran with strong hands, is at the head of the class at tight end. Fleming has done well in brief flings at replacing Ron and actually helped win two important games with his receiving - against the Colts in Baltimore two years ago and the Rams in Los Angeles last December. Kramer, who played out his option last year, has remained strangely quiet. He couldn't be reached again Saturday at his home in Royal Oak, Mich. Lombardi wants a player of "equal ability" in return for Kramer, who expressed a desire to play in Detroit. It doesn't seem likely that Kramer, who just turned 30 last June 24, will sit idle this season. The Packers' first draft choice in '57, Ron is approaching his ninth season. Norton, 34, said Saturday from his home in Dallas that he did not plan to report, explaining "it's time to give it up." The veteran punter and defensive back, coming into his 12th season after previous services with the Cardinals, Eagles and Cowboys, said he has a "good start" as regional sales manager with the Spaulding Outdoor Lighting Co., in Dallas. Asked about specialist Don Chandler, who was obtained in a trade with the Giants, Norton said "he's an excellent punter and he has good power on his kicking (field goals and extra points). But like most punters who do both, he has a little hook." The departure of Norton, who was the Pack's seventh defensive back last year, cuts the veteran defensive backfield down to five - Willie Wood, Hank Gremminger, Herb Adderley, Tom Brown and Doug Hart - if Whittenton retires. The fleet and hard-nosed (remember his rough blocking?) Bob Jeter has been shifted to defense, and he undoubtedly will be a top contender for Whittenton's position, along with incumbent Hart. Always noted for strong linebacking, the Packers have a real youth corps at that spot, other than spirited Ray Nitschke, who is starting his eighth season in pro football. With him are third-year man Lee Roy Caffey and a pair of two-year youngsters, Dave Robinson and Tommy Crutcher. There's a real hot prospect among the rookies at linebacker. That Bill Curry, a 6-2, 220-pound center and linebacker from Georgia Tech. Curry, selected on the 20th round as a future in '63, has a good college season in '64 and was a real standout in the recent All-American game. Another top rookie prospect is Allen Brown, a 230-pound pass catcher, who will jump into the tight end battle. He was the Packers' third choice in the last draft. Lombardi, starting his seventh season, says "this is the biggest camp we will have since I've been in Green Bay."...ONLY FOUR UNDER 200: Only four of the rookies weigh less than 200 pounds - quarterback Jim Van Gorden of Eau Claire State, 190; halfback-quarterback Wally Mahle of Syracuse, 196; halfback Tellis Ellis of Jackson State, 180; and halfback LeRoy McAllister of Sam Houston, 195. Charlie Harris, a tackle from Tennessee A and I, and Rick Marshall, Austin College tackle, are the heaviest of the newcomers at 270 each. Harris is a free agent and Marshall was chosen on the 10th round of the drafts. One Badger besides Van Gorden will be out to make the team. He is Roger Jacobazzi, a 250-pound tackle from the University of Wisconsin, a seventh round choice. The Badgers already have a veteran with the club - the first since Jim Temp. He is center Ken Bowman, who can now be called "big Ken Bowman." A little light for center last year at 225, Ken has upped his weight to over 240 and he expects to keep it.
WHITTENTON RETIRES; ENTERS GOLF BUSINESS
JUL 19 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - It's official. Jess Whittenton, reported to be considering a career in golf, announced his retirement from pro football today. The Packers' veteran defensive back said he has become a partner in the purchase of the Horizon County Club in El Paso, Tex., with his cousin, Don Whittington. Whittenton said he had been considering the offer from his cousin for some time, explaining "it was not a hasty decision. Don took over the course last year and has been trying to get me down there ever since." Whittenton has been bothered by leg injuries the last couple of years and "that helped me reach my decision to quit." Jess, a three-handicapper at Oneida Golf and Riding Club, is one of the top golfers in pro football. Last year he was runner-up to the 49ers' John Brodie in the NFL Players Assn. tournament in Florida. Whittenton will give golf lessons in addition to being in charge of the course and supper club. Jess, former Texas Western star, played with the Rams in 1956-57 and then was traded to the Bears. Green Bay picked him up after the first game in 1958 after illness floored him during the Bears' training camp. He won a starting berth with the Pack and won all-pro honors in 1960-61. He played in the Pro Bowl five times. Whittenton is the second defensive back to announce his retirement. Jerry Norton, also a punting specialist, said at his home in Dallas Saturday that "it's time for me to call it quits." Norton has played 12 years with four different clubs.
TALENT CHANGEOVER SHOULD END PACK DROPOFF, LOMBARDI
JUL 20 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers could be on the way up. Coach Vince Lombardi touched on the business of losing cycles after a championship reign at a press conference during the Packers' big golf and dinner for Wisconsin press, radio and television people at Oneida Golf and Riding Club Monday. "I hope our dropoff has gone as far as it can go," Lombardi explained in answer to a question, adding: "It's an established fact in the NFL that the draft (the winners drafting last, the lower clubs drafting higher) will equalize the talent and hurt the winning teams. The answer is a changeover in talent, and I think we have accomplished this by adding eight new players last season and there could be as many this year." Five new faces were added in 1962, keeping the average around six. Oddly enough, the Packers' dropoff in the last two years hasn't been serious from a won-lost standpoint since they posted 11-2-1 in 1963 and 8-5-1 in 1964 after winning three straight Western Division titles, plus two world crowns. Lombardi, touching on '65, said, "We don't have the best rookie talent since I have been in Green Bay but we were fortunate in that we drafted some good futures a year ago. They may take up the slack." Tops among the futures are Bill Curry, an outstanding linebacker and center, and Allen Jacobs, a hefty and strong running back. Lombardi touched on a number of other subjects, among them: Dave Hanner - "Dave is trying to make it for his 14th season, but if he does not play he will coach. At any rate, Dave will be with us this year." Jess Whittenton Retirement - "As of now, Doug Hart is our right halfback in Whittenton's spot. Somebody will have to beat him out." Bob Jeter - "He's one of our fastest men and has been shifted from offense to defense. He's too good to sit on the bench." Paul Hornung and Don Chandler - "Chandler will do the punting this fall and will take over placekicking only if Hornung fails to do the job." Marv Fleming and Ron Kramer - "Fleming is a fine blocker- better than the man he's succeeding. I don't anticipate hearing from Kramer, but if he goes to another club we will receive a player of equal ability." The All Star Game - "I've changed my opinion of the All Star game. I'd like to play in it next year." AFL in Milwaukee - "They (an AFL franchise) cannot play in County Stadium where we have a contract until 1968." Common Draft with AFL - "A common draft would be foolish. You don't draft anything to help your competition. I would rather compete financially for the talent." Team to Beat - "I'd say Baltimore, as defending champion, is the team to beat. I'll say again that a 10-4 record probably would be needed to win. I've said that before but the winner usually winds up with only two or three losses." Linebackers - "Dave Robinson had an operation on his knee, and he should be in good shape as linebacker. I feel that this is our strongest position." More than 150 writers and telecasters, as well as special guests, were treated to a steak dinner after golf. Prizes were awarded to a dozen golf winners under the Calloway system. Medalist for the day, and this was scratch, was Fred Gage, the Madison radio commentator, who fired a 35-38-73 despite 5s on Par 3 Nos. 11 and 13 holes.
FINE KRAMER AFTER CHASE AT 95 M.P.H.
JUL 20 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Packer guard Jerry Kramer, who led city police on a 95-mile an hour chase through the Southwest side early today, was fined $100 and costs after pleading guilty in Municipal Court this morning to reckless driving and disorderly conduct. Kramer, 29, who lives at 1621 Careful Drive, was arrested at 2:50 a.m., following a chase that began at Dousman Street and N. Chestnut Avenue. Police said Kramer's car ran through a stop sign and headed west on Dousman. Police spotted Kramer and, using siren and red light, tried to stop the car. In the words of the arresting officer, "We were doing 95 miles per hour at Norwood Street, and he was pulling away from us." The chase led out Dousman Street to Military Avenue, where police said Kramer ran another stop sign and turned left to Shawano Avenue. Police lost him there, but another car spotted him a short time later and stopped him a short time later at Military Avenue and Ninth Street. Taken to the police station to post bond, Kramer became abusive and tore up a check for his bond, police said. He was then charged with disorderly conduct and taken to the county jail, where he spent the rest of the night.
WILL PLAY 1 OR 2 MORE YEARS: PAUL
JUL 20 (Brothertown-Green Bay Press-Gazette) - "We're pretty optimistic about it. We feel we've got as good a ball club as anyone else." But Paul Hornung corrected himself: "We've still got the best team in football." And there was a noticeable tone of pride as he changed the adjective from the comparative to superlative. The Packer back had just attended a short football clinic and autograph session Monday for about 200 youths from throughout the country at the Chicago White Sox boy's camp here. Hornung has every intention of making the team this year in the same spectacular manner he did in the early years of the Lombardi regime - as the regular left halfback and full-time placekicker. But the player who holds the all-time NFL single-season scoring record does not intend to stop performing duties he considers his. "I may have trained a little too hard before the 1964 season started," was one of his answers to the problems that plagued him last year, which included 28 field goal misses in 35 attempts. Coach Vince Lombardi had him working out in mid-April after his suspension was lifted by Rozelle and it's possible that he reached a peak long before the NFL season got underway. Hornung looks for another fine performance from the offensive line, which last year stood out even minus all-pro guards Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston. "It'd sure help if Jerry would be ready, though," he said. Long noted as one of the finest blocking backs in football, Hornung said he likes this sometimes thankless chore, "you've got to like it if you're going to do it well," he admitted. The 1956 graduate of Notre Dame and Heisman trophy winner said he plans to play one or two more years in pro ball, depending on '"the type of year we have." Like all athletes, he would rather finish on a high note, which means with another championship for Green Bay. Hornung runs his own promotion business in the offseason, promoting closed-circuit television on programs and other sports events. After the present year, however, he would like to spend some time overseas entertaining U.S. troops. "I was going to Viet Nam this summer for the state department," he said, "but when they had that embassy bombing it was called off." He still would like to make the trip, "if it's all right," as far as the Viet Cong situation is concerned...MISSED HIS VOCATION: Hornung, who feels he may have missed his vocation, was on his way Monday to play in a golf jamboree sponsored by the Packers at Oneida Golf and Riding Club in Green Bay. As an outsider looking in at the golf world, he admitted, "That's the life. If I'd only started playing it as a boy." At Oneida last week, he carded a 12-over-par 48 on the front nine, then came in with a one-under 35 on the back. Anyone who knows anything about Oneida golf will agree with Hornung's conclusion that it's "pretty ridiculous" to shoot 12-over for nine and then finish as he did. But, like any other golfer, he was quick to look forward to the next round by second guessing a missed five-foot putt on the short 11th hole. "I should have had a 34," he lamented.
PACKERS LAUNCH 'OPERATION' 65 TONIGHT; 73 SET
JUL 21 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - The Packers open the 1965 season with physical examinations for about two-thirds of a 70-man contingent at St. Norbert College this evening. After dinner, Coach Vince Lombardi will officially greet the 1965 group, which will include all rookies and veteran backs, ends and centers. These men will start two a day drills at the Packer practice field at 10 o'clock Thursday morning. The afternoon sessions will start at 3 o'clock. Veteran linemen, other than the centers, will report Sunday night. And the entire squad will be together for the first time Monday morning. Sunday is Picture Day and no practices will be held. Lombardi announced a roster of 73 players today - the largest in the club's history, and about 35 of them are rookies. Four veterans will be missing from the 1964 team - Dan Currie, who was traded to the Rams; Jess Whittenton and Jerry Norton, retired; and Ron Kramer, who has played out his option and is presently hoping to be traded to another club. Three rookies are missing since they are in the College All Star camp - Bill Curry, center and linebacker; Allen Brown, offensive end; and Junior Coffey, offensive back. Two players are reporting from other pro clubs - Don Chandler, the punting and kicking specialist who was obtained from the Giants in a trade for a draft choice; and Carroll Dale, the swift flanker who was acquired from the Rams in the Currie trade. The Packers have a little more than two weeks to get ready for their opening non-league game, the Bishop's Charities battle against the Giants in City Stadium Saturday night, Aug. 14. Ed Gagnon, chairman of the Charities game, announced today that The Boys of '76 Drum and Bugle Corps from American Legion Post 76 at Racine will provide the halftime entertainment. Gagnon also revealed that "very few tickets remain for the game." A crowd of 50,387 is expected, which would mark the fourth straight sellout in the five-year charity series.
Green Bay Press-Gazette - May 9th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - May 30th 1965
Green Bay Press-Gazette - June 6th 1965
Appleton Post-Crescent - July 8th 1965
1965 Green Bay Packers Training Camp
28 PACKER ROOKIES, PLUS CHANDLER, REPORT
JUL 22 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Twenty-eight rookies checked in for the Packers' 1965 baptismal at their St. Norbert College training quarters Wednesday night - officially. There was at least one other, however, a balding veteran of nine NFL autumns no less, who voluntarily lumped himself with the newcomers and confessed to sharing their traditional trepidation. Said B.V. was Don Chandler, the muscular kicking specialist acquired from the New York Giants over the winter, who pronounced himself "a little nervous - being a rookie again." Although a somewhat surprising declaration, considering his highly educated toe has sabotaged a variety of NFL opponents with great regularity over the past decade, he left no doubt of his sincerity. Despite his imposing pedigree (which includes one league punting title and a pair of seconds), the University of Florida alumnus is leaving nothing to chance. Though he ordinarily doesn't put toe to ball until he arrives in training camp, Chandler confided he has been kicking daily "for the last six weeks, I just want to be ready." the amiable Oklahoman was one of 56 athletes to sign in at St. Norbert's Frank J. Sensenbrenner Hall yesterday. Twelve more, including 10 veterans and rookies John Housel (Wofford end) and Ken Burke (Bowling Green guard), who were delayed by missing plane connections, are schedule to report Saturday night. Three other freshmen, end Allen Brown of Mississippi, center Bill Curry of Georgia Tech and halfback Junior Coffey of Washington, are toiling with the College All-Stars at Evanston, Ill., and will not check in until Aug. 7. Coach Vince Lombardi, who hurried in from the Jack Nicklaus
1965 Philadelphia card set - Philadelphia misspelled Adderley's name "Adderly" in all four of its sets from 1964 to 1967.
exhibition at Oneida to greet the 56 hopefuls and preside at a squad meeting, launched the customary two-a-day practice regimen this morning. It will continue (at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) until further notice. Chandler, employed as both punter and placekicker by the Giants but, it was noted, Paul Hornung has been tabbed to continue kicking the Packers' field goals and extra points. "I found that out the other day," Don reported with a wry grin. "Whatever they want is fine with me. I'm here for whatever they want to do with me."...SEE WHAT HAPPENS: How had he fared in his pre-camp efforts? "I was punting well," Chadler replied. "I was hitting 'em good. Placekicking is hard to tell about when you're practicing alone - you don't have a center or a regular holder." The father of three, he is taking nothing for granted. Don informed with a smile, "No, the family isn't here. I'm here alone - just to see what happens." The forthright Tulsan is, he declared, "tickled to death to be in Green Bay. I played for Vince in New York three years."...As always, opening night physical examinations revealed some awesomely substantial citizens. In fact, there appeared to be a few over the customary quota. Seven of the 28 yearlings scaled more than 260 pounds, with tackle Rich Marshall of Stephen F. Austin, a 10th draft choice, weighing in at a startling 295. Tom Johnson (Oklahoma State) registered 278, Charlie Harris (Tennesse A and I) 277, Al Zenko (Kent State) 272, Eli Strand (Iowa State) 265, Rich Koeper (Oregon State) 264 and Dick Herzing (Drake) 263. All except Strand, a guard, are tackles. Steve Wright, the 6-6 sophomore from Alabama, also scaled 260, a solid 10 pounds over his 1964 playing figure, which the Packer staff viewed with some satisfaction. Ken Bowman, hampered at center last season because he couldn't get above 230, also was a welcome sight to the brain trust at 248. Linebacker Gene Breen, in contrast, was listed at 222-weight - pounds lighter than a year ago. "I've been teaching elementary physical education in Pittsburgh and I think I got more exercise than the kids did," he explained with a smile. "But I enjoyed it. I also did some construction work after school let out and was down to 206 when I got here two weeks ago. I'm back up to 222 and I don't think I'll have too much trouble getting back up to 250. They've suggested weightlifting and I've been doing some of it - and it's helped a lot." Packer patriarch Dave Hanner, reporting for his 14th season, confided, "I'm 262 - about six or seven pounds over my playing weight." That modest amount, it was suggested, could be lost in a couple of days. "That's what I'm afraid of," Hanner grinned...PACKER PATTER: One of yesterday's arrivals, UCLA's Steve Clark, was unexpected. The kicking specialist, signed to a bonus baseball contract last spring by the Boston Red Sox, apparently had decided to forsake football. Explaining his change of heart, he said, "I'm 23 years old and they sent me to Waterloo, Iowa, which is in Class D, instead of to Winston-Salem, which is Class A. I thought I was too old to start out in Class D. They also didn't come through with some other things they promised me, and, of course, I wasn't doing too well either."...Dr. James W. Nellen, Packer team physician, conducted the physical examinations, with the assistance of Drs. E.S. Brusky, George McGuire, William Schibly, Robert Schmidt, Harry Hoegemeier and Tom Murphy. Trainer Carl W. (Bud) Jorgensen, beginning his 42nd Packer season, and Aide Dominic Gentile also lent a hand...Interior linemen are not due to report until Saturday night, but three of them, Lloyd Voss, Wright and Hanner, were among the early birds.
MOORE, CLARK, CAFFEY BOOST KICKOFF HOPES
JUL 23 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Feast or famine? It could be "feast," in one cat4egory at least, for Vince Lombardi, who has hungered throughout his seven-year Packer reign for a lead-footed kickoff specialist - one who would not permit the enemy to launch drives from near midfield with painful regularity. He now may have not just one, but three to choose from, at least B.C. (before cuts). Lombardi, who in desperation turned to untried Lee Roy Caffey last October, found two other logical contenders for the 1965 assignment in Thursday afternoon's wilting workout, which capped an exhausting first day for 62 hopefuls, including 30 rookies, who perspired profusely in 92-degree heat. And one of them, "little" (5-11 and 175) Larry Moore of Central Michigan, warmed the coaches' collective heart (if that were possible) by booming kickoffs five yards deep in the end zone with delightful consistency. Steve Clark, another rookie from UCLA, also reached the goal line with regularity and although his talents already had been established, Caffey again impressed by booming two or three beyond the end line. Expressing satisfaction with Moore's efforts, kicking coach Norb Hecker observed, "He was getting off what you would call an almost perfect kick - long, high and beautiful. He looks like a well-coordinated athlete. He reminds me a lot of Billy Butler - in both his looks and his moves," Hecker added. "When I tried him out at cornerback, he showed he has good hands and react well. He looks like a good little football player." Moore, surprising enough, was somewhat apologetic about his performance. "I'm a little tired today," he explained with a wan smile as the grueling afternoon session ended. "If you don't' come o camp in top football shape, it's rough. I'm in good general shape, but I was up at summer school until recently and there was nobody to work out with. You have to have somebody pushing to get into top shape." Larry, who played with the Grand Rapids Blazers of the United Football League in 1964, missed only one extra point in 14 games last season - and it was blocked. He also kicked eight field goals, in addition to doing all the punting (he averaged an impressive 44.8 on 54 kicks) and functioning as a full-time cornerman. Signed as a free agent by Packer personnel director Pat Peppler, Moore confessed to a modicum of concern about his weight. "I'd like to be at least 180," he said, "but I don't know whether I'll be able to make it." How did he explain his distance shots, particularly on kickoffs? "I think a lot of it's in the timing - and the leg snap," the youthful native of Linden, Mich., (pop. 1,200) confided. A special education teacher in the offseason, he works with retarded children. "I did student teaching last year," he revealed, "and I enjoyed it very much."...The Packers suffered a brief scare near the close of the afternoon drill when veteran tackle-center Bob Skoronski left the field complaining of "a pain in my chest." He shortly walked to the dressing room under his own power, however, and precautionary examination by Dr. Eugene Brusky subsequently disclosed it to be only a slight case of heat exhaustion. "He just had a little cramp," Dr. Brusky explained. Skoronski and his 61 colleagues shed more than 500 pounds during the course of the day, with rookie tackle Rick Marshall of Stephen F. Austin emerging as the champion weight loser. He weighed in at 285 before the morning workout, scaled 272 following the afternoon drill. Elijah Pitts was close behind, plunging from 220 to 208...PACKER PATTER: Only five veterans are now missing. Although interior linemen are not due to report until 6 o'clock Saturday evening, Ron Kostelnik and Fuzzy Thurston appeared for Thursday morning's drill, although they did not officially check in. Lionel Aldridge and Dan (Charlie Tuna) Grimm also put in an appearance in the afternoon, although neither donned a uniform. Still to report are end Willie Davis, guards Forrest Gregg and Jerry Kramer and tackles Norm Masters and John McDowell...As the sultry afternoon wore on, one bedraggled principal plaintively queried, "Is there no mercy in this world?" Humorist Max McGee took another tack, however, tongue-in-cheek announcing, "It gets easier every year."...Hecker was the season's first casualty - he split the seat of his coaching shorts midway through the morning session and had to dig out another pair for the p.m. workout.
HAPPY TO BE WITH WINNER, DALE SHRUGS OFF BLISTERING DRILLS; LOWERY JOINS PACK
JUL 24 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Even the most patient of Packers couldn't resist grousing ever so slightly Friday - with one notable exception. Struggling through a second straight day of blistering 90-plus degree temperatures and suffocating humidity, more than a few of the 63 tiring toilers kept a close and wistful eye on the time throughout the final hour of the afternoon session. There was no complaint, however, from sinewy Carroll Dale, the jet-like flanker acquired from the Los Angeles Rams over the winter in exchange for Dan Currie. He, it develops, is just delighted to be with a winner. "It's tough enough," the soft-spoken Bristol, Tenn., resident conceded, "but it's comparable to what I went through in the Ram camp last year. I guess they had a kind of war on playing out there." Continuing his comparison, he noted, "You don't have the smog here, but you have the balances the other out. The drills are different here than there, but they've both of a type to condition you." All of which brought him to his principal point, "It's worth it," Dale quietly confided. "It's part of winning - and I'm willing to do anything to win. I'm tired of losing, that's for sure." He added, "I was a little surprised to find most of the guys are great guys. Not," Carroll hastily amended, "that most of of the guys in Los Angeles aren't. But I thought the guys here might be a little cocky, having been on top so long, but that isn't true at all." Any concern about collaborating with a new passer? "Not at all," was the unhesitating reply. "I've been in the league long enough (this is his sixth season) to know that if a receiver can get open, the passer will get the ball to him. And I'm sure Bart (Starr) will. And, of course, I played a year or so with Zeke (Bratkowski) with the Rams." So serious is the VPI alumnus about a new start that he wants no part of his old number, 81. "I guess somebody else has it anyway," Carroll observed with a faint smile, "but I wouldn't want it regardless - I don't want anything to remind me of the past. I hope I can get 84, which is the number I had in college." End Coach Tom Fears, who unreservedly recommended the Packers deal for him, is one of Dale's most ardent advocates. "I had him his first two years with the Rams, and he's one of the finest flankers I've ever seen come up," Tom declared. Noting the 6-1, 195-pound speedball "never reached his potential with the Rams," Fears declared, "Carroll has great speed - not good speed, great speed. He's among the faster flankers. He also has pretty good hands and very good moves. And he is a good blocker and carries out his assignments when he is not involved in a play as the intended receiver. He is a very fine flanker - a great acquisition for us. He hasn't reached his potential yet - but he can still do it." Croaks of joy erupted from 64 parches throats as Coach Vince Lombardi barked, "We've had a good workout so we'll only do three sprints (climax to every practice)," just before the close of Friday afternoon's wringer. The cheers shortly turned to groans, however, when Lombardi boomed, "We're not running - we'll have to add some here." Fortunately for them, the weary warriors were able to coax a final burst from throbbing muscles and the Packer headmaster relented. Those final touches were preceded by drills on live blocking techniques, live pass blocking, form tackling and running plays vs. air dummies. The linemen also took their customary quota at lunches at the 2 and 7-man sleds, while the offensive backs churned their way through that affectionate little device known as "the blaster."...The Packers released one player and welcomed two others during the course of the day. Leroy McAlister, 5-11, 175-pound flanker from Sam Houston (Tex.) State, was placed on waivers only hours before C.D. Lowery, a free agent defensive back from the University of Utah, reported. Lowery had been with the San Diego Chargers of the AFL. Veteran defensive end Lionel Aldridge also checked in for the morning drill. Three more veterans, Jerry Kramer, Willie Davis and Henry Jordan, reported this morning, leaving only Forrest Gregg and Norm Masters among the holdovers to check in by tonight's deadline...PACKER PATTER: Allen Jacobs, rookie fullback from Utah, sustained a twisted right knee in the waning minutes of the afternoon workout. "I was up in the air and one of the coaches said something to me," Jacobs ruefully explained. "I forgot I was up in the air, landing on my knee and twisted it."...Rick Marshall, mountainous freshman tackle from Stephen F. Austin, also acquired a gash in the right forearm when he struck it on the left corner of a reaction machine in the morning, but no stitches were required...Lombardi praised Carroll Dale's maneuvers during a pass pattern drill, once enthusing "Great move, great move." The Packer major-domo also was delighted with the kickoff "debut" of Don Chandler, who orbited a series of KOs, the ball consistently soaring far beyond the end zone. Chandler, incidentally, also made his bow at center - for the pass pattern drill. "How do you like the new job, boy?" Lombardi quipped to the 10-year veteran. It was hardly a novelty to the rock-like Oklahoman, he later revealed. "I've been doing it forever," he smiled. "I did it for years with the Giants."...An interested observer at yesterday afternoon's session was Wally Cruice, veteran Packer game scout...The annual "Picture Day," which is expected to lure photographers from around the state, will be held Sunday, starting at 9 a.m.
'65 YEARBOOK FEATURES LEGENDS' PROFILE
JUL 25 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - There are two ways for the faithful to collect information on their favorite grid contingent. One is to clip, record and videotape all that is written, spoken and seen about the Packers. This could be expensive and time consuming. The other is to purchase a copy of the 1965 Green Bay Packer Yearbook. It costs only about the price of three packs of smokes - and is guaranteed not to give off a cancer scare. The book, edited and produced by P-G men Arthur Daley and Jack Yuenger, features a cover photo of Vince Lombardi and the late Curly Lambeau. Lambeau is also featured in an inside page epistle by Lee Remmel, who has covered the Pack for 18 years. He traces the Lambeau legend from his days at West High School up through national glory, disappointment and disenfranchisement. Remmel also catalogues the careers of Packer coaches - zeroing in on the job of the assistant coach. His recollection of the less-professional-but-perhaps-more-colorful mentors of old will bring back memories. One piece is sure to make the annals of medical history more interesting, describing as it does the excavations and logging operations performed on one Jerry Kramer. The Kramer syndrome - a seeming relish of personal disaster - is detailed. Daley takes a look at the upcoming season and points to Packer outh and experience - a balance that could well bring another championship to the city on the Bay. Other stories are devoted to top rookie back Allan Brown, one of Mississippi's largest natural phenomena, the bone-jarring Packer intra-squad game, expansion of City Stadium and Packer participation in five straight postseason workouts. Profiles are provided on ponderous Willie Davis, the thinking man's wrecking squad; the Hornung-Taylor-Moore crowd scene and an analysis of what a pro quarterback will generally do on a third and two. (The conclusion, he may run or pass - depending on the situation.) The shiny-paper volume also contains the all-time Packer records, which should keep peace in your favorite watering spot, Packer statistics from last season and a look at league teams and their coaches. The book also features a variety of photos showing season highlights. Chief among these are a picture of the Stadium scoreboard indicating a fourth and 51 for the Detroit Lions and another shot of five Packers gleefully soiling the turf with Jimmy Brown. The book has only two noticeable shortcomings - the fact that it is, of necessity, produced prior to the training camp season and does not have totally up-to-date information. The second, and more serious flaw, is a poem on coaching by Edgar Guest.
JERRY PASSES FIRST BIG TEST
JUL 25 (Green Bay Press-Gazette) - Medical marvel Jerry Kramer, an incredibly resilient citizen, passed his first test with surprising ease Saturday. Although withheld from contact work by Coach Vince Lombardi, the walking incision took part in most of the rigorous calisthenics - including those tortuous pushups - and all of the sprints in both the Packers' morning and afternoon sessions without apparent distress. Kramer, who has been in and out of surgery since last September and
had been advised by some doctors he would never play again, settled back on a chair in front of his locker following the afternoon pressure cooker and reported with satisfaction, "I'm not hurting at all." "I suppose," he added wryly, "I'll be miserable tomorrow, though. I haven't had any activity for about 10 months now. Actually, the calisthenics didn't bother my stomach at all - it was just my legs and my wind. I've got a pretty bad cold - sinus and bronchitis. That was the worst part of it." Advised by Lombardi to "take it easy for awhile," Jerry confided, "I asked the coach if there was any sense in my wearing pads this afternoon and he said, 'Not hardly.' I'd like to get into some of that activity, but I guess I'll have to wait a while." Casting an eye to the future, the perennial all-pro declared without reservation, "I certainly think I'll be physically ready by the time the league season opens (Sept. 19), but how much missing this early contact will hurt me is hard to tell. You've got to play a little bit - that's the only thing I'm worried about. If you don't get any contact, you're bound to be rusty."...The first major head-knocking interlude of the embryo training season added considerably spice to the Pack's P.M. program. Obviously, pleased with the zest displayed in the 25-minute "nutcracker," a bone-jarring 1-on-1 with ball carrier format, Lombardi declared, "Good hitting." Freshmen Jim Chandler (Benedict College) and Jim Thibert (Toledo U.) sported painful mementos to document his point. Chandler, a high-stepping halfback, and Thibert, a bruising 240-pound tight end, both collected bloody noses in the process. Thibert, an impressively hewn veteran of United Football League competition, gingerly fingered his aching proboscis and humorously confessed, "They put a couple of wrinkles in it for me." He expressed satisfaction with the drill, however, asserting, "It's a good one. I'll take that," he grinned, "over that running any time." It wasn't, a subsequent event was to prove, Chandler's day. Not long after his nose rearranged, he acquired a pulled muscle in his left thigh running out a pass pattern. Tom Johnson, 260-pound rookie tackle from Oklahoma State, also was a casualty on the final "play" of the afternoon when he twisted his right ankle. Although he chastised a few of his shock troops for improper or lackadaisical execution, Lombardi's strained baritone (he had "lost" his voice 15 minutes earlier) rasped kudos throughout the explosive "nutcracker" session. Rookies Rich Koeper (Oregon State), Eli Strand (Iowa State), Charlie Harris (Tennessee A and I), Thibert and Bob Long, the stringbean (6-3 and 190) sophomore flanker from Wichita, among others, elicited pra