Highlighted Year: Fred Cone, 1955

Fullback/Placekicker, Green Bay Packers

Age: 29

5^th season in pro football & with Packers

College: Clemson

Height: 5’11” Weight: 200

Prelude:

Cone got a late start into college due to Army service during World War II. As the starting fullback, he led Clemson in rushing with 703 yards in 1948 and followed up with 845 yards in ’49. He was chosen by the Packers in the third round of the 1951 NFL draft. He handled kickoffs in college and took over placekicking duty with Green Bay. He connected on 5 of 7 field goal attempts as a rookie in 1951 and was 29 of 35 on PATs to go along with one rushing TD to end up with a total of50 points. As a rusher Cone gained 190 yards on 56 attempts (3.4 avg.) and he added another 315 yards on 28 pass receptions.He remained strictly a backup fullback  and gained 276 rushing yards in 1952 and 301 in ’53.As a kicker he was successful on just one attempt in 1952 while booting 32 PATs and in1953 hit on 5 of 16 field goal tries and added 27 extra points. His rushing total dropped to 18 yards on 15 carries in 1954 and he made good on 9 of 16 field goals as well as 27 extra points.

1955 Season Summary

Appeared in all 12 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 16 [1]

Most field goals, game – 3 vs. LA Rams 10/16

Field goal attempts – 24 [1, tied with Les Richter & Bert Rechichar]

Field goal percentage – 66.7 [2]

PATs – 30 [4, tied with Les Richter]

PAT attempts – 30 [6, tied with Gordie Soltau]

Longest field goal – 47 yards vs. Baltimore 10/8

Rushing

Attempts – 12

Yards – 25

Average gain – 2.1

TDs – 0

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 1        

Yards – 7

TDs – 0

Scoring

Field Goals – 16

PATs – 30

Points – 78 [4]

Packers went 6-6 to finish third in the NFL Western Conference.

Aftermath:

Cone spent one more year with the Packers in 1957 and connected on12 of 17 field goal attempts and all 26 of his PATs.He also rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Cone became a high school coach before signing with the expansion Dallas Cowboys in 1960.He kicked 6 field goals out of 13 attempts in his single season with Dallas as well as 21 PATs and was let go the following preseason. For his career with the Packers Cone ran for 1156 yards on 347 attempts (3.3 avg.) and caught 75 passes for another 852 yards. He made good on 53 of 89 field goal attempts and added 221 extra points which, along with 16 TDs, gave him a total of 455 points.  Cone was a 1974 inductee into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and also was inducted into the Clemson and South Carolina Athletic Halls of Fame.

--

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

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

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

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

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

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

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

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1978: Vikings Tie Packers in NFC Central Showdown

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers were in a battle for control in the NFC Central as they faced off on November 26, 1978.

The Vikings, coached by Bud Grant, had been the dominant team in the division and had a string of five consecutive first place finishes on the line. 38-year-old QB Fran Tarkenton (pictured above) was still a formidable competitor, even if he lacked arm strength, and there were capable wide receivers in Ahmad Rashad and Sammy White. FB Chuck Foreman was showing signs of wear while HB Rickey Young was proving to be a productive receiver out of the backfield. The once-formidable defense was slipping as aging became a factor. Following a slow 3-4 start, they had reeled off four straight wins and were at 7-5 coming into Green Bay, a team they had already beaten at home.

Green Bay had gotten off to a fast start under Head Coach Bart Starr, reaching 7-2 before losing three straight contests to also be 7-5. Second-year QB David Whitehurst had taken over for the injured Lynn Dickey with promising results, HB Terdell Middleton was a surprisingly effective ground gainer, and rookie WR James Lofton added a deep threat to the attack. The defense was especially effective at rushing opposing passers.

There were 51,737 fans in attendance at Lambeau Field, where snow surrounded the playing field. The home team immediately ran into trouble on its first play from scrimmage when Terdell Middleton fumbled and Minnesota DE Jim Marshall recovered at the Green Bay 9. The Vikings didn’t reach the end zone, picking up seven yards in three plays, but took the early 3-0 lead on a 19-yard Rick Danmeier field goal.

From the beginning, defensive ends Mike Butler and Ezra Johnson consistently put pressure on Minnesota’s Fran Tarkenton, thus keeping the visitors in check, although Green Bay was also unable to move the ball effectively. Late in the second quarter, and following an interception by LB John Anderson, the Packers finally put together a long drive of 70 yards in 12 plays. David Whitehurst had key completions to FB Barty Smith for 12 yards, Middleton for 16, and James Lofton for 24 yards to the Minnesota three. Middleton (pictured at left) crashed over from a yard out for a touchdown and Marcol added the extra point to give Green Bay a 7-3 halftime lead.

The Vikings got a break in the third quarter when Middleton again fumbled in Green Bay territory, but they failed to capitalize when Danmeier missed a 32-yard field goal attempt. Late in the period, CB Mike McCoy of the Packers recovered a fumble by Rickey Young at the Green Bay 49. Whitehurst passed to TE Rich McGeorge for 20 yards and to Middleton for 11 as the Packers drove 49 yards in 10 plays. But on the first play of the fourth quarter, Middleton lost a yard in a third down situation at the Minnesota one and the Packers settled for a 19-yard Marcol field goal that nevertheless extended the lead to 10-3.

Another Packer fumble, this time by Barty Smith, gave the Vikings the ball at the Green Bay 25 with 5:27 left in regulation, but they were unable to move and Tarkenton’s fourth down pass into the end zone fell incomplete. With two minutes remaining in regulation, the Vikings had one more shot and put together a 57-yard drive in 11 plays, all passes. They converted a fourth-and-three play at the Green Bay 29 when Tarkenton connected with Young along the sideline for six yards and, facing fourth-and-six at the 19, Tarkenton found Sammy White for 14 yards. With ten seconds left on the clock, Tarkenton threw to Ahmad Rashad, who made a leaping catch for a five-yard touchdown and Danmeier’s point after tied the score.

Following the ensuing kickoff, the Packers had one last desperate shot in regulation and came through with the longest pass play of the game as Whitehurst connected with WR Aundra Thompson for 50 yards, but he was brought down at the Minnesota six and time expired.

Both teams had opportunities to win in overtime. At one point, facing third-and-short at midfield, Barty Smith was stopped and the Packers punted. The Vikings advanced from their 21 to the Green Bay four in seven plays, helped along by Tarkenton completions to Rashad for 18 yards, TE Bob Tucker for 14, and Young for 25, but Danmeier failed on a 21-yard field goal. With time running out in the extra period, Green Bay DT Dave Roller recovered a fumble at the Minnesota 43. But with 17 seconds left on the clock, Marcol came on to attempt a 40-yard field goal that missed well to the left. The final verdict was a 10-10 tie.

The Packers led in total yards (318 to 293) and also had the edge in first downs (16 to 15). The sloppy contest featured eight turnovers, with five by the Vikings and three for Green Bay. Missed field goals hurt both clubs, with Rick Danmeier missing two of three and Chester Marcol booting one and failing on another at the end. Green Bay’s David Beverly had a poor punting game, averaging just 30.5 yards on 10 kicks while Greg Coleman of the Vikings was far more effective, averaging 44.0 yards on six punts, and that affected the battle for field position.

Fran Tarkenton, who passed for only 35 yards in the first three quarters, completed 20 of 37 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown, but also gave up four interceptions. Chuck Foreman was held to 52 yards on 24 carries and caught five passes for 35 yards. Rickey Young (pictured at right) contributed a team-leading 6 pass receptions for 63 yards as well as 35 yards on 14 rushing attempts. Ahmad Rashad ended up catching four passes for 38 yards and a TD.

For the Packers, David Whitehurst was successful on 11 of 23 throws for 175 yards with no TDs or interceptions. Terdell Middleton ran the ball 39 times for 110 yards and a touchdown and also had 20 yards on two pass receptions. Barty Smith had three catches for 28 yards along with his 39 yards on 12 carries and Rich McGeorge also caught three passes, for 35 yards. With his long reception at the end of regulation, Aundra Franklin led the team’s receivers with 68 yards on two catches. James Lofton managed just one reception for 24 yards.

“This was a darn fine effort on the part of our football team,” said Coach Starr of the Packers. “I’m proud of them. They played their hearts out and it’s a shame we didn’t win.”

“I thought we should have won,” said Fran Tarkenton. “But the tie doesn’t hurt us a bit.”

The tie left the clubs with identical 7-5-1 records but gave Minnesota the advantage in tiebreakers due to the better head-to-head record (1-0-1). It proved to be decisive as the teams remained even the rest of the way, winning the next week and then losing the final two games. At 8-7-1, the Vikings were Central Division champs while Green Bay was in second and out of the playoff picture. Minnesota lost to the Rams in the Divisional playoff round.

In his last season, Fran Tarkenton achieved career highs in pass attempts (572), completions (345), yards (3468), and on the downside, interceptions (32) which all also topped the NFL.  Rickey Young led the league with 88 pass receptions, for 704 yards and five TDs, while also rushing for 417 yards and another touchdown.

1968: Sayers Runs for 205 Yards & Bears Defeat Packers on Free Kick

The Green Bay Packers had won three straight NFL Championships but were struggling at 3-3-1 as they hosted their biggest rivals, the Chicago Bears, on November 3, 1968. Vince Lombardi had stepped down as head coach in favor of long-time defensive assistant Phil Bengtson, and age and injuries were catching up to the once-great club. To be sure, QB Bart Starr was still formidable at age 34, if also more prone to injury, and flanker Carroll Dale a dependable receiver. The defense remained tough and contained familiar names like MLB Ray Nitschke, CB Herb Adderley, and FS Willie Wood. But there were holes inadequately filled and the lack of a dependable placekicker to succeed the retired Don Chandler was one of them.

The Bears had a new head coach as well in Jim Dooley, with George Halas having finally retired from sideline duty (he remained the owner). They had gotten off to a poor start but were winners of their last two games and had a 3-4 record coming into Green Bay. Young and mobile QB Virgil Carter was performing well since taking over the starting role initially vacated by the injured Jack Concannon, but the key to the offense was outstanding HB Gale Sayers (pictured above).

There were 50,861 fans in attendance at Lambeau Field. In the first quarter, the Packers had the first shot as Bart Starr threw to HB Donny Anderson, who gained 26 yards before being tripped up by SS Richie Petitbon. But they came up empty when, four plays later, Errol Mann missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. Green Bay missed another opportunity midway through the second quarter as Mann again failed on a field goal attempt, this time from 29 yards.

The Bears were not getting near scoring territory until, late in the second quarter, Gale Sayers broke away as he ran wide to the right and then cut against the grain for a 63-yard carry to the Green Bay 17. That set up a 10-yard Mac Percival field goal for the first points of the game and gave the Bears a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Sayers returned the second half kickoff 46 yards to give Chicago favorable starting field position at the Green Bay 44. Eleven plays later, Virgil Carter bootlegged the last two yards for a touchdown, taking advantage of the defense keying on Sayers. Percival added the extra point and the visitors were ahead by 10-0.

Down by ten points, the Packers put together an 81-yard drive in seven plays, culminating in Starr throwing long to Carroll Dale, who beat FS Roosevelt Taylor for a 50-yard TD. Chuck Mercein, normally a fullback but relieving the injured and ineffective Errol Mann, added the point after and the score was narrowed to 10-7. The Packers got a break when Chicago next had to punt and Jon Kilgore’s shanked 17-yard kick gave them the ball at their 41. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Mercein tied the score with a 19-yard field goal.

On the ensuing kickoff, WR Dick Gordon muffed the ball and had to scramble into the end zone to recover it. But while two officials initially signaled a safety, the play was ruled a touchback and the Bears started out at the 20. The Packers regained possession when CB Bob Jeter intercepted a Carter pass at midfield, but on the series that followed Anderson fumbled when hit by LB Dick Butkus and LB Jim Purnell recovered at the Chicago 42.

The Bears had the next opportunity when a 21-yard Sayers run moved them into scoring territory, but LB Lee Roy Caffey blocked Percival’s field goal attempt from 29 yards. Green Bay received a further break when, on the next possession by the Bears, Sayers fumbled at the Chicago 39 and Herb Adderley recovered and returned it to the 14. Anderson ran the ball three times and Mercein tried for a field goal from the 22, but it missed wide.

There was an exchange of punts before a Donny Anderson kick into the wind from deep in his own territory traveled only 28 yards. WR Cecil Turner of the Bears called a free catch at the Green Bay 43 and, with 26 seconds left on the clock, Chicago chose to attempt a rare free kick from the point of the catch. Percival came through with a 43-yard field goal and the Bears won by a final score of 13-10.

Chicago had the edge in total yards (328 to 242) and first downs (18 to 12). While completing only five passes, the Bears gained 291 yards on the ground. However, they also turned the ball over three times, to one by Green Bay, and were flagged for 10 penalties as opposed to two called on the Packers. Green Bay was also hurt by a combined three missed field goals in four attempts by Errol Mann and Chuck Mercein.

Gale Sayers had a big performance, rushing for 205 yards on 24 carries, with 118 on 10 attempts in the first half alone, although he also fumbled three times. Virgil Carter completed 5 of 14 passes for 51 yards and gave up two interceptions, but ran the ball 11 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. HB Brian Piccolo, who gained a modest seven yards on five rushing attempts, was Chicago’s leading pass receiver with a mere two catches for 19 yards.

For the Packers, Bart Starr was successful on 10 of 18 throws for 154 yards and a TD with no interceptions. HB Elijah Pitts ran for 43 yards on 10 attempts in addition to catching four passes for 33 yards. Carroll Dale gained a team-leading 74 yards on three pass receptions that included a touchdown.

“He’s fantastic,” said Green Bay’s Coach Bengtson of Gale Sayers. “I’ve seen him have good days, but this has to be the best.”

Sayers extended his NFL rushing total to 824 yards with his career-high performance against the Packers, but disaster struck the following week against the 49ers when he went down with a season-ending knee injury. The Bears faltered but remained in the Central Division race until suffering a one-point loss to Green Bay in the season finale that left them in second place with a 7-7 record. That was still better than the Packers, who suffered their first losing season in ten years, ending up at 6-7-1.

Highlighted Year: Irv Comp, 1944

Tailback/Defensive Back, Green Bay Packers

Age: 25

2^nd season in pro football & with Packers

College: St. Benedict’s (now Benedictine)

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 214

Prelude:

Comp was a fine all-around athlete who lettered in four sports at little St. Benedict’s College and was chosen by the Packers in the third round of the 1943 NFL draft. With the void left at tailback due to the retirement of Cecil Isbell, Comp split time with Tony Canadeo and proved to be a capable passer, completing 46 of 92 attempts for 662 yards and seven touchdowns while giving up four interceptions. He also ran for 182 yards and three TDs and was impressive in the defensive backfield, intercepting a club-record 10 passes, one of which he returned for a score.

1944 Season Summary

Appeared in all 10 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 177 [1]

Completions – 80 [3]

Yards – 1159 [1]

Completion percentage – 45.2 [4]

Yards per attempt – 6.5 [6]

TD passes – 12 [2, tied with Frank Sinkwich]

Most TD passes, game – 2 vs. Chi. Bears 9/24, vs. Chi. Cards 10/8, at Cleveland 11/12, at Chi. Cards 11/26

Interceptions – 21 [1, tied with John Grigas]

Passer rating – 50.0 [6]

Rushing

Attempts – 52

Yards – 134

Yards per attempt – 2.6

TDs – 2 [19, tied with ten others]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 2

Yards – 16

Yards per catch – 8.0

TDs – 1

Interceptions

Interceptions – 6 [3, tied with Ted Fritsch & Ernie Steele]

Return yards – 54 [13, tied with Ted Williams]

TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 2

Yards – 35

Average per return – 17.5

TDs – 0

Longest return – 18 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 2

Yards – 32

Average per return – 16.0

TDs – 0

Longest return – 18 yards

Scoring

TDs – 3         

Points – 18

Postseason: 1 G (NFL Championship at NY Giants)

Pass attempts – 10

Pass completions – 3

Passing yardage – 73

TD passes – 1

Interceptions – 3

Rushing attempts – 10

Rushing yards – 21

Average gain rushing – 2.1

Rushing TDs – 0

Punt returns – 4

Punt return yards – 55

Average per return – 13.8

Punt return TDs – 0

Packers went 8-2 to finish first in the NFL Western Division. Won NFL Championship over New York Giants (14-7).

Aftermath:

Comp followed up in 1945 by passing for 865 yards and 7 touchdowns with 11 interceptions for the 6-4 Packers, but with star end Don Hutson’s retirement, his performance dropped off significantly in ‘46. He spent three more seasons with Green Bay, through 1949, and was largely fazed out of the offense as it transitioned to the T-formation. Comp did continue to play well on defense, however, and accounted for 14 of his 34 career interceptions from 1947 to ’49. Overall on offense, he passed for 3354 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 519 yards and seven TDs. Adding in two pass receiving touchdowns and two more returning interceptions, he scored a total of 11 TDs.

--

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

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

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

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

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

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

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

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1963: Bears Shut Down Packers to Win Season-Opening Game

The Chicago Bears faced a formidable task as they took on their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a season-opening game on September 15, 1963. The Packers were coming off of two consecutive NFL Championships, going a combined 24-4 during the regular season in so doing, and had beaten Chicago in five straight contests. The defending champs were two-touchdown favorites to keep the streak going at home.

Head Coach Vince Lombardi was commencing his fifth year with Green Bay and the club was as formidable on both sides of the ball as their record would imply. QB Bart Starr was highly efficient and FB Jim Taylor had unseated Cleveland’s Jim Brown as the rushing leader in ’62 while also scoring a record 19 touchdowns. The receivers were good and the line excellent. If there was a major concern, it was over the loss of HB/PK Paul Hornung for the year due to a gambling suspension. Likewise on defense, the Packers had five returning players who had received at least some first-team All-NFL recognition and Lombardi felt secure enough to trade two aging veterans, DE Bill Quinlan and CB Johnny Symank, during the offseason.

The Bears, under the direction of 68-year-old owner and Head Coach George Halas, were coming off of a 9-5 record and looked to be a potential challenger in the Western Conference. QB Bill Wade (pictured above) was an able passer, there were good receivers in flanker Johnny Morris and TE Mike Ditka, and a fair stable of running backs. However, the defense, under the guidance of assistant coach George Allen, was especially impressive and contained stalwarts in DE Doug Atkins, MLB Bill George, and safeties Roosevelt Taylor and Richie Petitbon. 

There were 42,327 fans in attendance at Green Bay’s City Stadium. The Packers had to punt following the game’s first series and the Bears nearly provided some excitement when Johnny Morris returned the kick 44 yards to the Green Bay 38, but it was all for naught when Chicago was flagged for clipping. Now starting from their 13, the visitors made one first down before having to punt in return.

Jim Taylor ran for eight yards but LB Larry Morris managed to force a fumble and SS Richie Petitbon recovered at the Green Bay 33. Carries by HB Ronnie Bull and FB Rick Casares picked up 11 yards before the defense was able to halt the advance. Bob Jencks came on to kick a 32-yard field goal and Chicago had a 3-0 lead.

CB Herb Adderley nearly broke the ensuing kickoff return but was tripped up by FB Joe Marconi. Taylor and HB Tom Moore ran for a total of 17 yards and Bart Starr completed passes to TE Ron Kramer and Moore to get to the Chicago 34. The drive halted there and Jerry Kramer tied the score with a 41-yard field goal.

The teams exchanged punts as the game entered the second quarter. The Bears then mounted a drive that covered 66 yards in 14 plays that included Wade running for 10 yards and passing to Bull for 22 to the Green Bay four. However, on second down Wade fumbled when hit hard by DT Dave Hanner and DT Henry Jordan recovered to end the threat. Each team came up with an interception before the first half ended as CB Jesse Whittenton picked off a Wade pass and Petitbon grabbed one for the Bears, and the score remained tied at the intermission.

Following a short series by the Bears to start the third quarter, Green Bay commenced a drive in which Taylor gained 15 yards on two carries and Starr threw to Moore for 18 to the Chicago 47. But following two short running plays, Starr’s pass intended for flanker Boyd Dowler bounced off the receiver’s hands and was intercepted by FS Roosevelt Taylor.

The Bears proceeded to put together a 68-yard drive in 10 plays. Wade completed passes to Bull for 21 yards and Marconi for 16 to the Green Bay 18 and, two plays later, he connected with split end Bo Farrington to the two. From there, Marconi (pictured at left) ran off-tackle for a touchdown and Jencks converted to put Chicago ahead by seven with less than four minutes remaining in the period.

Following an exchange of punts, the Packers began to move the ball again early in the fourth quarter. Starr made throws to Ron Kramer for 11 yards and split end Max McGee for 10 to reach the Chicago 36, but the drive halted there and, facing fourth-and-one, they punted.

The Bears were able to hold onto the ball with the help of a roughing-the-kicker penalty and the clock was down to 6:59 when Green Bay finally regained possession. CB Dave Whitsell intercepted a Starr throw and Chicago advanced into scoring position, but a Jencks field goal try was wide with 1:56 remaining to play. However, any lingering hopes for the Packers ended when Bill George picked off a short pass by Starr and Chicago pulled off the upset by a final score of 10-3.

Chicago’s domination was total as the Bears led in total yards (231 to 150) and first downs (15 to 9) and ran 59 plays to Green Bay’s 43. The point total was the lowest for the Packers since 1959, Lombardi’s first season, and they turned the ball over five times, to two by Chicago.

Bill Wade kept the passes short and completed an efficient 18 of 24 for 129 yards while giving up one interception. He also ran the ball 8 times for 26 yards, placing just behind Rick Casares, who gained 27 yards on five carries, as Chicago’s leading rusher. In addition to gaining 23 yards on 12 rushing attempts, Ronnie Bull (pictured below) led the team by pulling in 6 catches for 48 yards.

For the Packers, Bart Starr had an uncharacteristically rough outing as he succeeded on 11 of 22 throws for 83 yards and was intercepted four times. Jim Taylor was held to 53 yards on 12 carries and Tom Moore, who ran 9 times for 24 yards, gained 32 yards on a team-leading four pass receptions. Ron Kramer picked up 35 yards on his three catches. Jerry Norton, the team’s new punter obtained from the Cowboys, boomed five punts for a 48.6-yard average.

“We had nothing going,” summed up Vince Lombardi in defeat. “We couldn’t even get our hands on the ball. We were lucky to get away 10-3.”

The first week battle set up a tight race between the Bears and Packers that lasted the entire season. Chicago swept the series between the clubs and that was the difference as the Bears finished first in the Western Conference at 11-1-2 and Green Bay in second with an 11-2-1 record. The Bears came away with the NFL Championship, their first since 1946, by defeating the New York Giants.  

Chicago’s defense remained stifling and led the league in ten categories, including fewest points allowed (144) and fewest total yards (3176) which included both the lowest rushing (1442) and passing (1734) yards allowed. Fittingly, five members of the defensive unit were consensus first-team All-NFL selections, including Doug Atkins, Bill George, OLB Joe Fortunato, Roosevelt Taylor, and Richie Petitbon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlighted Year: Nick Collins, 2008

Safety, Green Bay Packers

Age: 25

4^th season in pro football & with Packers

College: Bethune-Cookman

Height: 5’11” Weight: 200

Prelude:

Collins started at both safety positions in college and was an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection in 2004 when he intercepted 6 passes and was credited with 54 tackles. He was chosen by the Packers in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft and, with the departure of Darren Sharper due to contract issues, Collins moved directly into the starting lineup at free safety. With good speed and work ethic, he grew into the role and was credited with 84 tackles and two forced fumbles along with one interception. Collins picked off three passes in 2006, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and his play continued to improve.

2008 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 7 [2, tied with Michael Griffin, Troy Polamalu & Charles Woodson; 1^st in NFC]

Most interceptions, game – 1 on seven occasions

Int. return yards – 295 [1]

Most int. return yards, game – 62 (on 1 int.) vs. Indianapolis 10/19

Int. TDs – 3 [1]

Sacks – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 1

Tackles – 60

Assists – 12

Scoring

TDs – 3

Points – 18

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

Pro Bowl

Packers went 6-10 to finish third in the NFC North while tying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the conference lead in interceptions (22).

Aftermath:

Collins followed up his outstanding 2008 season by gaining second-team All-NFL honors from the Associated Press as well as selection to the Pro Bowl in each of the next two years while intercepting a total of 10 passes. He also scored a TD on an interception return in the Super Bowl XLV win over Pittsburgh following the 2010 season. However, a serious neck injury suffered in the second week of 2011 not only ended his season but cut short his career. Overall, he started 95 games, all with the Packers, and intercepted 21 passes that he returned for 507 yards and four touchdowns. He was a three-time AP second-team All-NFL selection and was chosen for as many Pro Bowls.

--

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

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

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

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

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

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

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

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Tony Canadeo, 1943

Tailback/Defensive Back, Green Bay Packers

Age: 24

3^rd season in pro football & with Packers

College: Gonzaga

Height: 5’11” Weight: 195

Prelude:

“The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga” was an All-West Coast and Little All-American selection in college for his play at halfback. He was chosen by the Packers in the seventh round of the 1941 NFL draft and backed up Cecil Isbell at tailback. His statistical totals were thus modest during his first two seasons as he rushed for a total of 409 yards, caught 10 passes for 66 yards, passed for 364 yards and five touchdowns, and returned 10 kickoffs for a 24.7-yard average and 11 punts for an average of 9.3 yards, and scored six TDs. Canadeo made up for lack of ideal size and speed with determination, savvy, and versatility. With the departure of Isbell, he saw more action in 1943 in combination with rookie Irv Comp.  

1943 Season Summary

Appeared in all 10 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 94 [6]

Yards – 489 [5]

Yards per attempt – 5.2 [3]

TDs – 3 [6, tied with seven others]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 3

Yards – 31

Yards per catch – 10.3

TDs – 2

Passing

Attempts – 129 [3]

Completions – 56 [3]

Yards – 875 [3]

Completion percentage – 43.4 [4]

Yards per attempt – 6.8 [3]

TD passes – 9 [3, tied with Roy Zimmerman]

Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. Detroit 10/10

Interceptions – 12 [5, tied with Sid Luckman]

Passer rating – 51.0 [3]

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 10 [6]

Yards – 242 [5]

Average per return – 24.2 [3]

TDs – 0

Longest return – 43 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 8 [12, tied with Lou Brock]

Yards – 93 [12]

Average per return – 11.6

TDs – 0

Longest return – 22 yards

Interceptions

Interceptions – 2 [20, tied with eighteen others]

Return yards – 15

TDs – 0

Punting

Punts – 3

Yards – 102

Average – 34.0

Punts blocked – 0

Longest punt – 39 yards

Scoring

TDs – 5 [10, tied with Tony Bova, Hamp Pool & George Wilson]       

Points – 30 [14, tied with Tony Bova, Hamp Pool & George Wilson]

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, INS, NY Daily News

2^nd team All-NFL: UPI, Pro Football Illustrated, Chicago Herald-American

Packers went 7-2-1 to finish second in the NFL Western Division.

Aftermath:

Canadeo was with the Packers for three games in 1944 before leaving for World War II military duty. Upon his return to the team in ’46, he was utilized more as a halfback. He led Green Bay in rushing for four straight seasons, receiving second-team All-NFL honors from UPI and Pro Football Illustrated in 1948 and first-team recognition from UPI and INS in ’49, a year in which he ran for 1052 yards, becoming the third player in NFL history to cross the thousand-yard rushing threshold and the first to do so without leading the league. Canadeo’s ground-gaining totals dropped off thereafter as HB Billy Grimes took over more of the rushing duties, but he averaged 25.7 yards on a career-high 16 kickoff returns in 1950 and set another high in ’51 with 22 pass receptions for 226 yards. His career, spent entirely with the Packers, finally ended after the 1952 season. Overall, he rushed for a then-team record 4197 yards on 1025 carries (4.1 avg.) with 26 TDs, caught 69 passes for 579 yards and five scores, passed for 1642 yards and 16 touchdowns, returned 46 punts for an 11.2-yard average and averaged 23.1 yards on 75 kickoff returns, and intercepted 9 passes on defense. He scored a total of 31 touchdowns. Canadeo remained active with the Packers following his retirement, as a broadcaster and also a member of the team’s board of directors. The club retired his #3 and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1974.

--

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

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

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

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

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

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

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

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: LeRoy Butler, 1993

Safety, Green Bay Packers

Age: 25

4^th season in pro football & with Packers

College: Florida State

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

Butler overcame a childhood foot condition that had him in a wheelchair and wearing leg braces until he was eight. He first gained notoriety in college for his role in the 1988 “puntrooskie” trick play against Clemson in which he ran 76 yards out of punt formation to set up a game-winning field goal. As a senior, he moved from free safety to cornerback upon the departure of Deion Sanders and intercepted seven passes. Butler was a multiple first-team All-American and was chosen by the Packers in the second round of the 1990 NFL draft. After a rookie year as a nickel back who displayed aggressiveness if not always successful in coverage, Butler moved into the starting lineup at cornerback in ’91 and was shifted to strong safety in 1992, accounting for 74 tackles and an interception.

1993 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 6 [7, tied with six others]

Most interceptions, game – 1 on six occasions

Int. return yards – 131 [4]

Most int. return yards, game – 39 (on 1 int.) at San Diego 12/12

Int. TDs – 0

Sacks – 1

Fumble recoveries – 1

Fumble recovery TDs – 1

Forced fumbles – 2

Tackles – 90

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Postseason: 2 G

Interceptions – 1

Sacks – 1

Fumble recoveries – 1

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

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

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

Pro Bowl

Packers went 9-7 to finish third in the NFC Central and qualified for the postseason as a Wild Card while ranking second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed (4482). Won NFC Wild Card playoff over Detroit Lions (28-24). Lost NFC Divisional playoff to Dallas Cowboys (27-17).  

Aftermath:

Butler was weakened by a bout with pneumonia in 1994 but remained a solid performer and leader in the defensive backfield. He returned to being a consensus first-team All-NFL selection for three straight years from 1996 to ’98, as well as gaining Pro Bowl recognition. He had a 90-yard interception return and accumulated a career-high 6.5 sacks in ’96 and the Packers won NFC titles in 1996 and ’97, winning the Super Bowl following the ’96 season. Butler played until 2001 and, in a twelve-year career played entirely with Green Bay, intercepted 38 passes, registered 20.5 sacks, and accounted for over 700 tackles. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl choice four times. Butler also originated the “Lambeau Leap” touchdown celebration.

--

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

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

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

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

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

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

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

**NFC/AFC since 1970

2009: Roethlisberger Throws for 503 Yards as Steelers Edge Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were defending NFL Champions but in danger of missing the postseason as they hosted the Green Bay Packers on December 20, 2009. Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s team got off to a 6-2 start but had lost its last five contests, including a miserable 13-6 game at Cleveland the previous week, and was now at 6-7 and nearly out of playoff contention.  With QB Ben Roethlisberger (pictured above) and wide receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, the passing game was productive but the defense was severely weakened by the loss of SS Troy Polamalu and DE Aaron Smith to injuries.

Green Bay was coached by Mike McCarthy and in contention for the NFC North crown with a 9-4 record. The offense was potent thanks to the passing of QB Aaron Rodgers and the running of RB Ryan Grant. The defense was especially strong at linebacker, where talented rookie Clay Matthews joined a unit that already included Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk, while CB Charles Woodson was the key player in the backfield.   

There were 57,452 fans in attendance on a cold late afternoon at Heinz Field. The Packers had the ball first and punted. Pittsburgh set the tone for the game on the next play when Ben Roethlisberger threw deep to WR Mike Wallace for a 60-yard touchdown. Jeff Reed added the extra point to give the Steelers the early 7-0 advantage.

The teams exchanged punts before the Packers came through with a big play. Facing third-and-five at their own 17, Aaron Rodgers went long for WR Greg Jennings and the result was an 83-yard TD. Mason Crosby tied the score with the point after.

The Steelers responded with a nine-play series that covered 72 yards. Roethlisberger completed a pass to Hines Ward for nine yards in a third-and-six situation and a toss to TE Heath Miller for 14 yards was followed by a pass interference penalty on the defense that gained another 17 to the Green Bay 25. Five plays later, RB Rashard Mendenhall ran for a two-yard touchdown, Reed converted, and the home team was back in front by 14-7.

Following two short possessions that resulted in punts, the Packers were on the move as Rodgers threw to WR Donald Driver for a 49-yard gain to the Pittsburgh 24 on the last play of the opening period. However, after reaching the 16, Green Bay had to try for a field goal and Crosby missed from 34 yards.

The teams returned to trading punts before the Packers advanced 52 yards in eight plays. Rodgers completed five of six passes, two of them to Jennings, and then kept the ball himself on a 14-yard run for a TD (pictured below). Crosby knotted the score once more with the extra point.

The Steelers came back with a six-play, 80-yard drive. Roethlisberger completed passes to Miller for 27 yards and Santonio Holmes for 33 and finished the series off with a 10-yard touchdown throw to RB Mewelde Moore. Reed converted and Pittsburgh was ahead by 21-14, which remained the score at the half.

The Steelers had the ball first in the third quarter and Roethlisberger connected with Mendenhall for a 25-yard gain, but the drive stalled at the Green Bay 46 and they punted. The Packers had to punt in turn and Pittsburgh put together another scoring drive. Roethlisberger completed passes to Mendenhall, again for 25 yards, and to Ward for 17 while RB Willie Parker reeled off a pair of nine-yard runs. After getting to the Green Bay 21, Rodgers was sacked for an eight-yard loss by LB Brad Jones and, while a throw to Moore gained 10 yards the Steelers had to settle for a 37-yard Reed field goal that gave them a ten-point lead.

The Packers responded with a long drive of 69 yards in 13 plays that stretched into the fourth quarter. Rodgers completed a pass to Driver for 19 yards in a third-and-16 situation, one of seven completions along the way. The last was to TE Jermichael Finley for 11 yards and a TD. Crosby added the point after and the Pittsburgh lead was cut to 24-21.

Following a 36-yard kickoff return by WR Stefan Logan, Roethlisberger threw to Ward for 29 yards to the Green Bay 34. Another Roethlisberger completion, this time to Miller, gained 12 yards to convert third-and-six but a two-yard run by Parker was followed by two incomplete passes and Reed booted a 34-yard field goal to make it a 27-21 game.

The Packers needed just four plays to advance 62 yards in response. Two throws by Rodgers to Finley totaled 11 yards before a completion to Nelson gained 27. Ryan Grant ran 24 yards for a touchdown and, with Crosby kicking the extra point, the visitors were ahead at 28-27.

On the next series, and facing second-and-18, Roethlisberger passed deep to Ward for a 54-yard gain to the Green Bay 23. The drive stalled but Reed kicked a 43-yard field goal that put the Steelers back in front by 30-28.

Pittsburgh gambled by attempting an onside kick that failed and the Packers took advantage as Rodgers threw to Nelson for nine yards and Finley for 10. Rodgers connected with WR James Jones for a 24-yard TD and then completed a pass to RB Brandon Jackson for a two-point conversion. With 2:12 left on the clock, Green Bay held a 36-30 lead.

The Steelers took possession following the ensuing kickoff at their 14. A defensive holding penalty added five yards, but Roethlisberger was sacked by LB Brady Poppinga for a four-yard loss. A throw to Miller gained seven yards but the next pass was incomplete and Pittsburgh was facing fourth-and-seven at its own 22 with the time remaining down to 1:14. Roethlisberger went deep for Holmes to pick up 32 yards and keep the drive alive. Holding on the offense backed the Steelers up 10 yards but then an interception was negated by an illegal contact call on the Packers. Two more incomplete passes and a false start had the Steelers facing third-and-15 but Roethlisberger connected with Miller for 20 yards to the Green Bay 36. A sack was nullified by defensive holding and Roethlisberger threw to Miller again, this time for 15 yards. Pittsburgh called its last timeout and Roethlisberger had two passes fall incomplete before, on the game’s last play, he found Mike Wallace in the corner of the end zone, who just managed to keep his feet inbounds for a 19-yard touchdown (pictured below). Reed added the all-important extra point and the Steelers won in dramatic fashion by a final score of 37-36.

The teams combined for 973 yards, with Pittsburgh gaining the most (537 to 436) and also leading in first downs (28 to 18) and time of possession (35:22 to 24:38). Neither team gained much on the ground, with the Steelers holding an edge of 65 yards to 60. The Packers recorded five sacks, to one by Pittsburgh, and the Steelers were also penalized 10 times, at a cost of 84 yards, to seven flags for 53 yards thrown on Green Bay. There were no turnovers by either club.

Ben Roethlisberger completed 29 of 46 passes for 503 yards, a new franchise record, with three touchdowns. Hines Ward and Heath Miller had seven catches apiece, for 126 and 118 yards, respectively. Mike Wallace had just two pass receptions, for 79 yards, but both scored TDs, including the game-decider. Rashard Mendenhall contributed 6 catches for 73 yards to go along with a team-leading 38 rushing yards on 11 attempts that included a score.

For the Packers, Aaron Rodgers was successful on 26 of 48 throws for 383 yards and three TDs and also added a scoring carry among his three runs for 22 yards. Jermichael Finley caught 9 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown and Greg Jennings gained 118 yards on his five receptions that included a long TD. Ryan Grant ran for 37 yards and a score on 8 carries.

“The guys were coming back to the huddle worn out, linemen, receivers, everybody,” said Ben Roethlisberger regarding the intensity of the winning drive. “We didn’t quit. Everybody believed we could do it.”

“You lose on a last-second play, with a spectacular throw and catch, it’s tough,” said Green Bay LB Clay Matthews. “Hindsight’s always 20-20 but we knew what we were getting ourselves into. It was a dogfight.”

The win was the first of three straight for the Steelers to close out the season, but the resulting 9-7 record placed third in the AFC North and they just missed the playoffs. The loss cost the Packers the NFC North title, clinched by the Vikings as a result, but they also won their remaining two games and their second-place 11-5 tally got them into the postseason as a Wild Card. Green Bay lost a wild 51-45 contest to Arizona in the first playoff round.

Ben Roethlisberger threw for 4328 yards and 26 touchdowns, ranking second in the AFC with a 100.5 passer rating. He exceeded the 503 yards against the Packers in a 2014 contest in which he passed for 522 yards vs. Indianapolis, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to twice throw for over 500 yards in a game.