Great nostalgia here, back when the pro set was two running backs. The fullback is almost lost to history, as the game is all about flashy QBs who can run now and wide receivers whose main talent is showing off after a TD. All these FBs were really tough SOBs, too. Anyone else remember Jim Taylor of the Lombardi era Packers? Maybe the toughest. Memories...
One I would mention is Robert Newhouse. Most Fullbacks in that time are about 6-1 0r 6-2 and ranging from 220-235 LBS. Newhouse was 5-10 209 LBS. That's the size of most HB's. A worry about the Cowboys run-game was created when Calvin Hill left the team. Newhouse took up that slack. In 1975 he led Dallas with 930 rush yards on 203 carries and 1205 total yards. He was short bit very stocky. He was a talented receiver. Especially on Coach Landry's legendary screens. Robert was also a decent blocker for his size.
@@buicklincoln Coach Landry loved option plays. He called them gadget plays. In SB XII Roger hurt his hand late in the game. So Tom called for Newhouse to throw a pass. TD to Golden Richards sealed the game. Still my favorite Super Bowl to this day.
@@michaelhaines5346 I believe that might be accurate. I remember after a Rams game back in the 70's I stayed by the gate where the players would exit to either go to their bus (Visiting team players) or their cars (Home team players) and I was surprised that they weren't as tall as I expected.
Excellent video. I have always felt that the single most under rated position in pro football is the fullback. One who blocks for the running back, one who is the last line of protection for the QB, and one who may slip off the backfield and be a capable receiver. This type of versatility is what makes him a very vital weapon for any winning team. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for mentioning the characteristics that comprise a fine Fullback. A lot of teams would utilize that position in goal line and short yardage situations, too, in terms of running the ball. Thanks again!
Mark, another great video and thank you for including Roland Harper. He is truly one of the underrated fullback’s obviously being outshined by Payton. I was so mad when Harper didn’t get to a 1000 yards. He so deserved the achievement. Harper’s success is another reminder on why Payton might be the greatest all around back of all time since Payton unselfishly blocked for Harper. Thanks for the memories.
Couldn't agree more - Harper was very solid. I thought quite a but as to whom I wanted to feature first and he was the man! Thank you for your comments.
You're not the only one who was pissed Harper didnt surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 1977, and honestly, if the Bears had made a conscious decision to feed him the ball enough in Week 14 finale @ NYG, it's very possible Harper wouldve reached it even though in 1977, Giants run defense was a top 12-13 unit and front 7 were so stacked as to prevent Payton from being them that it carried over to limiting Harper's YPC. But reportedly, after the game though Payton was glad he'd helped Bears reach the post-season for the first time since 1963, he was very upset at Jack Pardee and co. for not giving Harper enough carries in the game to get 1,000 yards. Although understandable, I think Pardee's perspective and emphasis on trying to win a tied OT game that clinches a playoff berth is far more important then one player's individual statistical platitudes. I mean, Bears came very close to tying that game in a freezing snowstorm in NY and missing the postseason if not for Bob Thomas making a game-winning FG at the end of OT. And Bob Thomas wasnt the most accurate, sure-fire PK back then.
Thank you for your comments. The Bears were trying to get Payton to 2,000 yards for the season. Going into the game he needed 195 rushing yards, but he only got 47 in the last game of the season that you have referenced.
Good going Mark. I love the way you highlight so many players that were unsung. If you think about it they make up the bulk of this league more than the quote unquote superstars.
Bill Brown is prominantly featured in my other video entitled "These 1960s & 1970s NFL Fullbacks Are So Underrated". Jim Otis is featured in this video.
The two best underappreciated 1970's fullbacks are Mark VanEeghan of the Raiders and Mike Pruitt of the Browns. Both put up huge stat numbers but very little highlight reel footage. VanEeghan led the Raiders 5 years in rushing, led the AFC once and won 2 Super Bowls during that time. Pruitt put up stat numbers that were 85% of Earl Campbell's in the same division during the same years while doing true fullback blocking duties as well but gets no love.
@ the fantastic “Do it, Pruitt” backfield was the great FB Mike Pruitt and the incredibly talented HB/Kick Returner Greg Pruitt and believe it or not, they weren’t related. Classic thunder and lightning combo
I appreciate that! Thank you. That footage of Braxton running toward the cameraman in slow motion running over one Defensive Back then plowing over a second one before falling to ground really epitomizes how the game used to be played.
Jim Braxton went to my high school in Connelllsville,Pa . It is also the home of John Lujack Heisman trophy winner, John Woodruff Olympic gold medalist, and Bob Bailor major league baseball player. Not bad for a small city.
Love the Eagles, and was a Dolphin fan as a kid..............much love for Leroy Harris! One of the best blocking backs ever played for the late 1970s-early 1980s Lions...............a guy by the name of Horace King. He didn't get too many touches, though, he wasn't a great runner (but was a pretty decent receiver). But man, could he throw a block. I remember on 'NFL Today' or one of those old pre-game shows someone asked Billy Sims who Detroit's best lineman was, and he said "Horace King".
My first memory of Leroy Harris was watching him rush for almost 150 yards on a Monday Night Football game during his rookie year of '77. I was really impressed with his rugged running style. Thanks for giving props to blocking backs! Without their effective blocking, the superstar backs weren't able to do their thing.
Great video. There were so many unsung FB's in the 70's. Art Malone and Earnest Jackson and Wendell Hayes (who played forever and ran for 100 yards against Miami in the longest game) come to mind. I like that you weren't going for perfection here. Not all fullbacks excel in blocking, running and receiving; doesn't mean their play isn't still valuable.
As surprising as Hayes rushing for an even 100 yards was Otis Taylor being held to only 12 receiving yards. I remember watching that game on tv like it was yesterday. Thank you for your comments.
I'm biased of course but No 20 for the Steelers Rocky Bleier only 5'11 210. Severely injured in Vietnam, told by Doctors he would never play again. Franco does not have the career he had at all without Rocky. Talk about underrated Rocky literally defined the word. As always just the best football channel out there period.
Thank you for providing your comments. The fortitude and desire demonstrated by Bleier was utterly amazing. It's doubtful that any other team would have kept him around at all after what happened to him! Thanks again!
Love it that Franco and Rocky each rushed for a Thousand Yards in The SAME SEASON. Rocky Blier should be Celebrated in all Cities like Jackie Robinson or Roberto Clemente
The Don Nottingham run at 5:08. I remember how much a '70s helmet hurt hitting the hard Indiana ground in high school. I can't imaging how much it would have hurt to hit that hard '70s astroturf! I can't imagine how much your head would be rattled hitting the back it like that. Today's players certainly wouldn't bounce up after an impact like that.
Wow, I went back to watch that run. He sure did bang his head hard. That's why a lot of players from that era have those CTE issues. Some of them (Maybe most) would just stay in the game if they felt they could. Nottingham banging his head like that could be considered a light concussion.
71 To 73 When I was in High School and Played Football 🏈 We had the Helmets that had like a Gel inside and you used a hand air Pump to get a tighter Fit . They were Great Compared to the ones in Junior High School.
I'm watching this thinking I remember him & him & him.... You had to be as tough as woodpecker lips to play fullback in the '70s. Did Pete Johnson remind anyone of the Bus, Jerome Bettis (or the other way around)? Did you notice the Red Miller sighting @ around 4:50? He was going (typical) apoplectic with Mike Curtis as an amused Jonny U looked on. For my money Jim Bertelsen was tough as anybody. He definitely has a fullbacks visage, a face only his mama could love. By the way Mark good-good background music as always & a couple new ones sprinkled in. Thanks for your work, I enjoy your vids AND beats hell out of politics! You're appreciated brother. ~bradd~
Great comparison of The Bus and Pete Johnson - they had similar builds. Thanks for bringing up Red Miller. I dud not recognize him even though I thought "Who is this guy? I should know him!" Yeah, I had a lot of new music in this one. It's challenging to find what I think is appropriate music for my videos.
Correct. First, they have to play for 7 years which isn't easy, then those years all have to be with the same team in consecutive years, then they need to lead the team in rushing. It's incredibly difficult.
Yes, Roger Staubach also had some nice things to say about Walt. He was as tough as they came and would play despite being bandaged almost like a mummy.
Was Cullen Bryant considered a fullback? Lawrence Gaines of the Lions was a tough fullback in short yardage situations, but played only a few years so hard to really call him underrated. I think you got most of them based on the criteria set forth. Than you for the entertaining video, Mark!
Pro football reference dot com reflects Cullen Bryant's position as being Fullback during his most productive years. He weighed 235 pounds, too, so I considered him a Fullback. I also cobsidered Lawrence and Clark Gaines (unrelated), but decided to hold them over for another potential video. Thanks, Evan!
@@markgardner9460 I would agree with him being considered a FB. I was surprised the Rams didn’t try him at TE just to get the ball in his hands more often. They had a loaded backfield and Cullen was kind of a Swiss Army knife. Look forward to the next video.
The music and footage take me back to watching NFL highlights in the 70's This was also when the NFL let them be men and play the game. Now they play flag football compared to back then. They have taken most of the really physical play out of the game and throw too many flags.
In the 70's FBs pretty much shared carries with the HB, and were sometimes the teams featured runner, like Pete Johnson and Larry Csonka, but it wasn't long before they were mostly just blocking backs, and then teams started eliminating the position all together. It's too bad, but today's style of play is pretty different than what it was in the 70's.
Harper was a excellent blocker for Sweetness, and although he wasn't a fullback Sweetness was the epitome of a football player Running obviously! Receiving, blocking and he passed for 331 yards and 8 TD!
I got home late and couldn't really unpack the video like I wanted to but you named a bunch of players, obviously a lot of research went into this! Nice!
So many incredible fullbacks. Buffalo always liked them big - Gilchrist, Wayne Patrick, Braxton... Pete Johnson was the, "Ironhead," of his day, but with impressive speed. Falcons' Malone, at only 205 pounds, played a roughhouse style - put his body out there like Larry Brown - very physical player.
Norm Bulaich I would have thought he had more than one pro Bowl appearance!. Unfortunately he running style led to many concussions one of his Eagle teammates gave him the nickname of " Paper Head!"
As a young kid, I loved Larry Czonka and Franco Harris (especially Franco) who were both listed as Fullbacks . Franco spent his Penn State career blocking for Lydell Mitchell I believe so he was not beaten up when he got to NFL. Like every NY kid, regretfully Idolized OJ. Yikes
Pete Johnson was a load 76 rushing TD at the time he retired 6th all time! And he's still 24th! Impressive! Don Nottingham trucked Willie Buchanan at 5:28!
Hi Marc - I don’t have any fullback jerseys, but I do have John Brockington’s Packer jersey… He wasn’t a fullback… By the way, do you remember Wayne Patrick from the early 1970s bills?
These big north/south fullbacks would physically wear down a defense - like the Dolphins with 11 straight runs culminating in the end zone. You don’t see that too often anymore, with the pass so dominant now. I remember when some teams would kill you with ball control on the ground. Washington, Miami, Buffalo in the 70’s come to mind.
Denis, your statements make me wonder if/when a team will be gutsy enough to implement an offense predicated on rushing in order to control the ball, keep their defense off the field, and chew up valuable time. They say that history always repeats itself, but I wonder if all of the advantages to a pass-first (and second and third) mentality are too enticing to make the switch.
@ I see it in high school football a lot, where a team can run-dominate a game and physically out man the other team. But doubtful to see it in the pros or college now, no matter how good the RBs are. They use so many short passes now, it’s almost a run. Even the long “bomb” is becoming rare.
Larry Keller from U. Houston Linebacker 6ft. 3 or4 inches 230 pounds played for Chargers n Jets from 74 to 79. He was Defensive Captain for Jets in his last year. He established several defensive records in his day. He retired n works in the oil business where he is an executive.😮
While viewing power and elegant runners is awesome and entertaining, what isn't seen and appreciated often are the linemen of the offense. Their work is hidden in the turmoil and grime of the scrum. When viewed in slow motion and isolated, the quickness of pulling up the line to lead a runner inside the defensive end or slamming an outside linebacker or cornerback is astounding to see. Likewise a devastating trap block blowing a hole large enough for a Mack truck to rumble through is amazing. Pass blocking is very underrated. But no team is going to be in a game with a poor left tackle and guard. The QB has to trust they won't be slammed in the back when dropping back to pass from the pocket. Seeing a presentation of some of the outstanding linemen and quicksilver centers cutting out a middle linebacker and the outstanding offensive lines of NFL history would make a grand viewing presentation. Just saying.
Thank you for your comments! About 4 weeks ago I produced "The 1970's NFL Top 10 Most Underrated Offensive Libemen". It's located in the "Special Features" section of my playlist, so feel free to check it out.
How about “The Frig” Perry? I do not remember anyone stopping him in those short yardage or goal line situations? For sure not an every down guy but damn you could not stop him.
Hey Mark! My first video of yours since last year (I watch baseball videos half the year). This video allows me to indulge in my favorite "swear word" from 5th grade...Boobie. I used to love to taunt my sisters with his football card. Good times. I sure was a little dickhead. 😂
"The Horse" didn't play in the '70's and Hill only played in the first year of the decade, but the Colts had a nice long run of highly effective fullbacks, regardless. Thank you for bringing them up.
Wondering if Tom Matte for the Colts, was a Fullback to make this Video? That guy had to fill in at QB.....like Tom Tupa, a Punter for the Patriots.....and they both did the Job!
I checked pro football reference dot com and for most of the years they listed him as a Half Back with the others years as a Running Back, so I did not include him. He sure looked like a Full Back to me though.
@markgardner9460 thanx Man....still love that Era NFL ...and I was just a little kid. My parents wouldn't let me play Football......but I got Hockey skates prior to Miracle on Ice.....and played Division ll Hockey in College....I stayed around and appreciated how to be tough and tough😉
Back then hockey was just as rough as football. I remember watching the Flyers "Broad Street Bullies" in the mid-'70's. Lots of skirmishes and fights with very rough play.
I think you are forgetting that many fullbacks were their team's leading rusher in those days: Marv Hubbard, mark Van Eeghen, Larry Czonka and Franco Harris were all considered fullbacks.
I wonder how many concussions that these old timers sustained. I bet it's mind-boggling. Running with their head down at near full speed at times - it had to sound like a car crash upon conract.
The problem with this video is these guys were not underrated. They were feared players who fans,coaches,and player knew all about them,and and game planed for them.
He played in 3 consecutive Pro Bowls and 3 consecutive AFC Championship Games, therefore I do not consider him to be underrated. He was in the media spotlight for an extended period of time.
Pete Johnson and his Ohio State backfield partner Archie Griffin landed in Cincinnati together as well. Pete Johnson adapted to the NFL better than Archie Griffin, and he was a load to bring down...
I miss this style of football hard nosed, power football imposing your strength on the other team and the players acted like professionals , when they scored the players just gave the ball to the referee, not jumping around like assholes .
Pro Football Reference dot com indicates that he played Fullback in '70, '73 and '76. The rest of the years that spanned from 1968 through 1977 were as a Running Back.
I don't consider him to be underrated. He played for a perennial playoff team and ran for 1,100 yards in a season and I think that he received enough publicity and media spotlight to where I did not consider him to be underrated.
Yeah, they like to have plenty of Wide Receivers out there instead of a Fullback. I would think with as little padding as the players wear today that a big bruising Fullback like Pete Johnson would take the starch right out of 'em.
When a QB runs it eliminates 2 possible fumbles. At the handoff & the tackle that's avoided by the Butt-slide. Gutless coaches like John Harbaugh hear 2 less chances for a fumble & need a cigarette.
Yeah that happened - everybody and their brother were taking shots at the dude cuz he didn't go down easily. My best memories of him was when he was in the same backfield at Ohio State with Archie Griffin.
It's a bit unfortunate that as his career progressed, his weight problems became more of an issue and it gradually began affecting his production level by the early 80's. He was certainly a powerful, bruising force although Archie Griffin career didnt take off like many had envisioned. Pete Johnson's prime from the late 70's-early 80's sort of mirrored Bengals of the same time: some very talented, skilled teams that due to bad luck being a good team stuck in an ultra-tough AFC Central and tendency to lose important key late-season games prevented them from achieving further success. I also believe late owner Paul Brown let his ego get in the way by promoting Bill "Tiger" Johnson as his successor then his talented yet shaky OC Bill Walsh because he thought Walsh couldn't handle the varied emotional shifts that go along with being an NFL HC. Bill Johnson was a good position assistant, but he was hardly going to be a long-term successful NFL HC, and Brown's pettiness and antagonism towards Walsh continued where reportedly, Walsh was a heads-on favorite to become Packers HC, then Brown phoned the Packers FO and dissuaded them from interviewing and hiring him, saying he was too emotionally shaky. As far as Johnson, if Bengals had won SB XVI, I do believe his career as well as other Bengals' greats on those teams wouldve been positively impacted and guys like Ken Anderson and Isaac Curtis would be in Canton right now where they belong.
Great stuff! Griffin logged a lot of carries in college and I think that the Bengals were aware that he wasn't going to be an every down back in the NFL, but rather a complimentary one. I think they overreached when they drafted him 24th overall, but he was an Ohio native, so I guess it's understandable.
@davidroberts7282 Well said take brother. Do you see similarities to today's Bengals? I just watched them on TNF and in my opinion coached themselves OUT of a win that was right there to take. Ball control "hogs of the pigskin", instead throwing go routes on 3rd & 4th down short yardage was a WTF moment for me.
Great nostalgia here, back when the pro set was two running backs. The fullback is almost lost to history, as the game is all about flashy QBs who can run now and wide receivers whose main talent is showing off after a TD. All these FBs were really tough SOBs, too. Anyone else remember Jim Taylor of the Lombardi era Packers? Maybe the toughest. Memories...
One I would mention is Robert Newhouse. Most Fullbacks in that time are about 6-1 0r 6-2 and ranging from 220-235 LBS. Newhouse was 5-10 209 LBS. That's the size of most HB's. A worry about the Cowboys run-game was created when Calvin Hill left the team. Newhouse took up that slack. In 1975 he led Dallas with 930 rush yards on 203 carries and 1205 total yards. He was short bit very stocky. He was a talented receiver. Especially on Coach Landry's legendary screens. Robert was also a decent blocker for his size.
Yes, sir. I have him pegged for a future related video. His thighs were nearly as large as some players' waists.
Also threw a touchdown pass in their SuperBowl win over Denver.
@@buicklincoln Coach Landry loved option plays. He called them gadget plays. In SB XII Roger hurt his hand late in the game. So Tom called for Newhouse to throw a pass. TD to Golden Richards sealed the game. Still my favorite Super Bowl to this day.
@@jstube36 I saw him as teen I bet he was closer to 5'8
@@michaelhaines5346 I believe that might be accurate. I remember after a Rams game back in the 70's I stayed by the gate where the players would exit to either go to their bus (Visiting team players) or their cars (Home team players) and I was surprised that they weren't as tall as I expected.
Excellent video.
I have always felt that the single most under rated position in pro football is the fullback. One who blocks for the running back, one who is the last line of protection for the QB, and one who may slip off the backfield and be a capable receiver. This type of versatility is what makes him a very vital weapon for any winning team.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for mentioning the characteristics that comprise a fine Fullback. A lot of teams would utilize that position in goal line and short yardage situations, too, in terms of running the ball. Thanks again!
my favorite position on the offense. and sometimes they carry (oh mentioned by mark already)
Damn I'm getting old😂😂 I remember all these guys
ditto
Don't forget Scott Laidlaw of the Dallas Cowboys and Walt Garrison of the Cowboys. A Rodeo Cowboy & off the the field Real Cowboy. Tough son of a Gun
Mark thanks for mentioning Jim Braxton , he was a work horse for OJ and the Bills .
Mark, another great video and thank you for including Roland Harper. He is truly one of the underrated fullback’s obviously being outshined by Payton. I was so mad when Harper didn’t get to a 1000 yards. He so deserved the achievement. Harper’s success is another reminder on why Payton might be the greatest all around back of all time since Payton unselfishly blocked for Harper. Thanks for the memories.
Couldn't agree more - Harper was very solid. I thought quite a but as to whom I wanted to feature first and he was the man! Thank you for your comments.
You're not the only one who was pissed Harper didnt surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 1977, and honestly, if the Bears had made a conscious decision to feed him the ball enough in Week 14 finale @ NYG, it's very possible Harper wouldve reached it even though in 1977, Giants run defense was a top 12-13 unit and front 7 were so stacked as to prevent Payton from being them that it carried over to limiting Harper's YPC.
But reportedly, after the game though Payton was glad he'd helped Bears reach the post-season for the first time since 1963, he was very upset at Jack Pardee and co. for not giving Harper enough carries in the game to get 1,000 yards. Although understandable, I think Pardee's perspective and emphasis on trying to win a tied OT game that clinches a playoff berth is far more important then one player's individual statistical platitudes. I mean, Bears came very close to tying that game in a freezing snowstorm in NY and missing the postseason if not for Bob Thomas making a game-winning FG at the end of OT. And Bob Thomas wasnt the most accurate, sure-fire PK back then.
Thank you for your comments. The Bears were trying to get Payton to 2,000 yards for the season. Going into the game he needed 195 rushing yards, but he only got 47 in the last game of the season that you have referenced.
@davidroberts7822 wrong season. Harper rushed for 992 in 78. Last game of the year was against Washington.
@@markgardner9460 Mark, Harper ran for 992 in 78 not 77
Good going Mark. I love the way you highlight so many players that were unsung. If you think about it they make up the bulk of this league more than the quote unquote superstars.
Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video and appreciate your comments.
I liked Jim Kiick and Larry Csonka of the 72 or 73 Dolphins. Mercury Morris. They blocked well out of the backfield.
Csonk was the best pure fullback.
Don’t forget Steve Owen’s of the Lions and Bill Brown of the Vikings along with Jim Otis of the Cardinals
Bill Brown is prominantly featured in my other video entitled "These 1960s & 1970s NFL Fullbacks Are So Underrated". Jim Otis is featured in this video.
I also wanted to mention number 36 for the Lions, Steve Owens. Owens became the Lion's first 1,000 years rusher.
correction YARDS
Was Owens a fullback or running back?
"Mark" ...you have become" quite adept"...at the "retro grade" compilation" presentations"... always learning "something"!!🔥🔥
That's great to hear! I'm glad that you continue to enjoy the videos.
The two best underappreciated 1970's fullbacks are Mark VanEeghan of the Raiders and Mike Pruitt of the Browns. Both put up huge stat numbers but very little highlight reel footage. VanEeghan led the Raiders 5 years in rushing, led the AFC once and won 2 Super Bowls during that time. Pruitt put up stat numbers that were 85% of Earl Campbell's in the same division during the same years while doing true fullback blocking duties as well but gets no love.
Both of those guys were all-pros or pro bowlers.
Didn’t Pruitt block for his brother? Can you imagine if they had a brotherly fight before a game and Mike “missed “ a few blocks as get back?? Hahaha
@ the fantastic “Do it, Pruitt” backfield was the great FB Mike Pruitt and the incredibly talented HB/Kick Returner Greg Pruitt and believe it or not, they weren’t related. Classic thunder and lightning combo
@@americanaforever6725 I had to check on John Cappelletti (22), tho. No relation to Gino of the old Boston Patriots. Same spelling to last name.
Great video! It brought many of my childhood football cards to life!
Glad you enjoyed it! Those football cards helped me through a lot of so-so days as a kid.
This is another good one Mark, covering the unsung heroes who, like linemen, help make the stars into STARS!
Thank you! You're right, without good blocking there are no stars. Emmitt Smith with the Cardinals comes to mind.
Great job Mark. Love how your videos really make the physicality of the NFL back then stand out!
I appreciate that! Thank you. That footage of Braxton running toward the cameraman in slow motion running over one Defensive Back then plowing over a second one before falling to ground really epitomizes how the game used to be played.
This music is superb
Thank you - I'm glad to hear that!
Music reminds me of a 1970s cop show. Great job.
Great footage Mark! These blocking backs are definitely underrated from the 70’s. Sad to hear that knee injuries shortened some careers. Thanks again!
Thank you! Yes, badly injured knees back then nearly always spelled the end for a Running Back.
I really appreciate your work on highlighting lesser known guts. I was born in 1967, so Most of the Legends were what I learned about....
Thank you - I really appreciate that!
Excellent, EXCELLENT football history lesson, my man!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Good video, showcasing an often overlooked, however, important position. I enjoyed it, well done.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Love these old videos. I watch everyone
That's great- I love to hear that. Thank you!
Jim Braxton went to my high school in Connelllsville,Pa . It is also the home of John Lujack Heisman trophy winner, John Woodruff Olympic gold medalist, and Bob Bailor major league baseball player. Not bad for a small city.
I just looked up the population: 6,700 as of 2023. That's a very impressive list
Love the Eagles, and was a Dolphin fan as a kid..............much love for Leroy Harris!
One of the best blocking backs ever played for the late 1970s-early 1980s Lions...............a guy by the name of Horace King.
He didn't get too many touches, though, he wasn't a great runner (but was a pretty decent receiver). But man, could he throw a block. I remember on 'NFL Today' or one of those old pre-game shows someone asked Billy Sims who Detroit's best lineman was, and he said "Horace King".
My first memory of Leroy Harris was watching him rush for almost 150 yards on a Monday Night Football game during his rookie year of '77. I was really impressed with his rugged running style.
Thanks for giving props to blocking backs! Without their effective blocking, the superstar backs weren't able to do their thing.
Great video. There were so many unsung FB's in the 70's. Art Malone and Earnest Jackson and Wendell Hayes (who played forever and ran for 100 yards against Miami in the longest game) come to mind. I like that you weren't going for perfection here. Not all fullbacks excel in blocking, running and receiving; doesn't mean their play isn't still valuable.
As surprising as Hayes rushing for an even 100 yards was Otis Taylor being held to only 12 receiving yards. I remember watching that game on tv like it was yesterday. Thank you for your comments.
This looks excellent! I'm working until 7 but I guarantee I will check it out 😊
Hope you enjoy it!
@markgardner9460 I have no doubt!
No doubt Steve!
Patriots' Sam Cunningham was a pretty tough player. Very talented smart runner . Hit the. Line like a train.
Wham Bam Cunningham,...
Remember all these guys! Great. Players when football was real!
You said it!
I'm biased of course but No 20 for the Steelers Rocky Bleier only 5'11 210. Severely injured in Vietnam, told by Doctors he would never play again. Franco does not have the career he had at all without Rocky. Talk about underrated Rocky literally defined the word. As always just the best football channel out there period.
Thank you for providing your comments. The fortitude and desire demonstrated by Bleier was utterly amazing. It's doubtful that any other team would have kept him around at all after what happened to him! Thanks again!
Love it that Franco and Rocky each rushed for a Thousand Yards in The SAME SEASON. Rocky Blier should be Celebrated in all Cities like Jackie Robinson or Roberto Clemente
@@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238 I tip my hat to Rocky B.! Absolutely remarkable his comeback from those injuries!
and a big tip of the hat to cigar smoking Art Rooney, Sr who never gave up on him and kept him on the team for those early years.
@@markgardner9460 Yes Rooney could have given up on him,but to his credit,he didn't!
If I were picking a fullback for my team it'd be Larry Csonka. I also have mad respect for Robert Newhouse and Marv Hubbard.
IMHO back when football was football.
Wilbur Jackson played fullback for Delvin Williams in SF. He was very underrated.
Indeed he was. I have both players featured in one of my videos that's located in the Special Features section of my playlist.
The Don Nottingham run at 5:08. I remember how much a '70s helmet hurt hitting the hard Indiana ground in high school. I can't imaging how much it would have hurt to hit that hard '70s astroturf! I can't imagine how much your head would be rattled hitting the back it like that. Today's players certainly wouldn't bounce up after an impact like that.
There wasn't much protection to those early to mid-'70's helmets. It was a joke, really. Thank you for your comments.
Wow, I went back to watch that run. He sure did bang his head hard. That's why a lot of players from that era have those CTE issues. Some of them (Maybe most) would just stay in the game if they felt they could. Nottingham banging his head like that could be considered a light concussion.
Teammates and coaches would just say "Shake it off. You'll be OK. Get back out there!" That was the "way of the day"
71 To 73 When I was in High School and Played Football 🏈 We had the Helmets that had like a Gel inside and you used a hand air Pump to get a tighter Fit . They were Great Compared to the ones in Junior High School.
Great video
Thanks!
Great video!
Thank you, John! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
I'm watching this thinking I remember him & him & him.... You had to be as tough as woodpecker lips to play fullback in the '70s. Did Pete Johnson remind anyone of the Bus, Jerome Bettis (or the other way around)? Did you notice the Red Miller sighting @ around 4:50? He was going (typical) apoplectic with Mike Curtis as an amused Jonny U looked on. For my money Jim Bertelsen was tough as anybody. He definitely has a fullbacks visage, a face only his mama could love. By the way Mark good-good background music as always & a couple new ones sprinkled in. Thanks for your work, I enjoy your vids AND beats hell out of politics! You're appreciated brother. ~bradd~
Great comparison of The Bus and Pete Johnson - they had similar builds. Thanks for bringing up Red Miller. I dud not recognize him even though I thought "Who is this guy? I should know him!"
Yeah, I had a lot of new music in this one. It's challenging to find what I think is appropriate music for my videos.
@@markgardner9460 Excellent new music Mark!
Thanks! I try to mix in some new stuff, but it's very difficult to find suitable music......at least what I consider to be suitable.
@@markgardner9460 Your music selections are very good....good work all around brother.
Thank you, Jammin'!
Great stuff!
Thanks!
The Bengal fans would say "Peeeete" when he carried the ball. 😊
Not too many RB's leading their team in rushing for 7 consecutive years anymore today.
@@markgardner9460Think how tough that is.....
Correct. First, they have to play for 7 years which isn't easy, then those years all have to be with the same team in consecutive years, then they need to lead the team in rushing. It's incredibly difficult.
The guys you focus on in these video are great but I also love scanning all the uniforms for names I'd all but forgotten.
I always try to keep my eyes peeled for Butkus flying across the screen or some others that I haven't seen in a long time.
Loved pete Johnson. He couldn't score in superbowl at goal line. But great player
Yeah, he was stuffed by the 49ers!
@@markgardner9460 That was an amazing goal-line stand. I was very surprised the 49ers were able to stop him.
By Linebacker Dan Bunz if I recall
Very good work!
Thank you - I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
I don't know how you do it, but your vids are absolutely excellent
And, you know our buddy ol' Walt Garrison was a 70s FB. Remember what Meredith said about him! 👍
Yes, Roger Staubach also had some nice things to say about Walt. He was as tough as they came and would play despite being bandaged almost like a mummy.
Was Cullen Bryant considered a fullback? Lawrence Gaines of the Lions was a tough fullback in short yardage situations, but played only a few years so hard to really call him underrated. I think you got most of them based on the criteria set forth. Than you for the entertaining video, Mark!
Pro football reference dot com reflects Cullen Bryant's position as being Fullback during his most productive years. He weighed 235 pounds, too, so I considered him a Fullback. I also cobsidered Lawrence and Clark Gaines (unrelated), but decided to hold them over for another potential video. Thanks, Evan!
@@markgardner9460 I would agree with him being considered a FB. I was surprised the Rams didn’t try him at TE just to get the ball in his hands more often. They had a loaded backfield and Cullen was kind of a Swiss Army knife. Look forward to the next video.
Bryant was super fast, despite weighing 235 pounds. He was extremely strong, too, as he benched 450 pounds.
Great love it
The music and footage take me back to watching NFL highlights in the 70's
This was also when the NFL let them be men and play the game. Now they play flag football compared to back then. They have taken most of the really physical play out of the game and throw too many flags.
I agree. The games are far too long, too.
In the 70's FBs pretty much shared carries with the HB, and were sometimes the teams featured runner, like Pete Johnson and Larry Csonka, but it wasn't long before they were mostly just blocking backs, and then teams started eliminating the position all together. It's too bad, but today's style of play is pretty different than what it was in the 70's.
You nailed it 100%!
Sam “bam” Cunningham was another with only just over 7000 total yards rushing/receiving he sure opened some pretty big holes for mini Mac
Harper was a excellent blocker for Sweetness, and although he wasn't a fullback Sweetness was the epitome of a football player Running obviously! Receiving, blocking and he passed for 331 yards and 8 TD!
8 TD passes! That's only 1 less than Jim McMahan passed for in 12 starts for your Vikings in '93!
@markgardner9460 That is in his career obviously but that's a scary thought! Jimmy Mac was a fierce competitor but his career stats weren't awesome!
I got home late and couldn't really unpack the video like I wanted to but you named a bunch of players, obviously a lot of research went into this! Nice!
So many incredible fullbacks. Buffalo always liked them big - Gilchrist, Wayne Patrick, Braxton...
Pete Johnson was the, "Ironhead," of his day, but with impressive speed.
Falcons' Malone, at only 205 pounds, played a roughhouse style - put his body out there like Larry Brown - very physical player.
Wayne Patrick: nice call - hadn't come across him in a long time.
Norm Bulaich I would have thought he had more than one pro Bowl appearance!. Unfortunately he running style led to many concussions one of his Eagle teammates gave him the nickname of " Paper Head!"
Harraway and Brown were a great combination!
Kind of surprised that Jim Otis only had 19 career rushing TDs!
The Rams; Cappileitti, Bryant Bertleson,McCutcheon among others they knew how to pick running backs!
Maurice Carthon of the New York Giants blocking for little Joe Morris…great blocker.
Yes, he was was an excellent blocker from '85-'92 with the Giants.
As a young kid, I loved Larry Czonka and Franco Harris (especially Franco) who were both listed as Fullbacks . Franco spent his Penn State career blocking for Lydell Mitchell I believe so he was not beaten up when he got to NFL. Like every NY kid, regretfully Idolized OJ. Yikes
thanks, i dug it.
Glad to hear it!
They allowed so many late hits back then. Its a wonder anyone had a lengthy career.
Pete Johnson was a load 76 rushing TD at the time he retired 6th all time! And he's still 24th! Impressive! Don Nottingham trucked Willie Buchanan at 5:28!
Out of all of these Fullbacks, Boobie, Pete and Nottingham are the ones that I would fear the most to tackle.
@@markgardner9460 Pete for sure!
Art Malone is about the only one I have never heard of.
Growing up in ATL saw a lot of Malone and he was a stud
Yes!
Hi Marc - I don’t have any fullback jerseys, but I do have John Brockington’s Packer jersey… He wasn’t a fullback… By the way, do you remember Wayne Patrick from the early 1970s bills?
White or green?
John Brockington was my favorite running back on the Packers in the 70’s .
Admired how he ran with his knees high like he was doing a rope drill .
@@RWildekrav66not much finesse but great x 3 years until he got hurt
First running back to for a 1000 yards the first 3 years in the NFL.
These big north/south fullbacks would physically wear down a defense - like the Dolphins with 11 straight runs culminating in the end zone. You don’t see that too often anymore, with the pass so dominant now. I remember when some teams would kill you with ball control on the ground. Washington, Miami, Buffalo in the 70’s come to mind.
Denis, your statements make me wonder if/when a team will be gutsy enough to implement an offense predicated on rushing in order to control the ball, keep their defense off the field, and chew up valuable time. They say that history always repeats itself, but I wonder if all of the advantages to a pass-first (and second and third) mentality are too enticing to make the switch.
@ I see it in high school football a lot, where a team can run-dominate a game and physically out man the other team. But doubtful to see it in the pros or college now, no matter how good the RBs are. They use so many short passes now, it’s almost a run. Even the long “bomb” is becoming rare.
You're right about it all, Denis. Pastorini used to air out the bomb probably 6X per game in the early '70's.
Larry Keller from U. Houston Linebacker 6ft. 3 or4 inches 230 pounds played for Chargers n Jets from 74 to 79. He was Defensive Captain for Jets in his last year. He established several defensive records in his day. He retired n works in the oil business where he is an executive.😮
I see that he had one rush for 25 yards in '77. I wonder if that occurred on a fake punt? Thanks.
What's that ol'folk song...'Where have All the Fullbacks Gone?'
I can hear David Lee Roth singing Van Halen's version now.
And the half backs.
R.I.P. Boobie Clark...🙏🏽
While viewing power and elegant runners is awesome and entertaining, what isn't seen and appreciated often are the linemen of the offense.
Their work is hidden in the turmoil and grime of the scrum. When viewed in slow motion and isolated, the quickness of pulling up the line to lead a runner inside the defensive end or slamming an outside linebacker or cornerback is astounding to see. Likewise a devastating trap block blowing a hole large enough for a Mack truck to rumble through is amazing. Pass blocking is very underrated. But no team is going to be in a game with a poor left tackle and guard. The QB has to trust they won't be slammed in the back when dropping back to pass from the pocket.
Seeing a presentation of some of the outstanding linemen and quicksilver centers cutting out a middle linebacker and the outstanding offensive lines of NFL history would make a grand viewing presentation. Just saying.
Thank you for your comments! About 4 weeks ago I produced "The 1970's NFL Top 10 Most Underrated Offensive Libemen". It's located in the "Special Features" section of my playlist, so feel free to check it out.
One of my favorites was also out of Ohio State the late great John Brockington
He's one of my favorites, too. I dedicated an entire video to him awhile back.
As a huge Packers fan mine too. How about MacArthur Lane
Roland Harper went to the same high school as I did. Same as the current Speaker of the House. Captain Shreve in Shreveport, LA.
When Avellini started at QB, the Bears had an all-rookie backfield in 1975.
I forgot to mention Walt Garrison as a fullback you could depend on to get you a few.
Yes, that's true. I'm holding him over for another follow-up video. Thanks!
@markgardner9460 lots of good ones. You have your work cut out for you.
Jim Otis, tough as nails.
As his career progressed, he became noticeably bigger physically. He was really a big load to bring down.
How about “The Frig” Perry? I do not remember anyone stopping him in those short yardage or goal line situations? For sure not an every down guy but damn you could not stop him.
His rookie year was 1985, so he didn't play in the 1970's and therefore does not qualify for inclusion of this video.
🎉🎉🎉
4:40 It's a rare sight to see Unitas with shaggy hair
Indeed! Normally he sported that crew cut/flat top.
The last true fullback I recall was Lorenzo Neal. It seems that the pass happy NFL made the position "extinct".
Wow - he was terrific...and a genuinely super nice guy, too!
No dancing in the end zone - toss the ball to the ref…
That's right - they'd been there before.
How in the world did these players survived playing in the Astro Turf era of the 70’s and 80’s??? Looks like green concrete!
It was patio turf placed over concrete, basically.
Hey Mark!
My first video of yours since last year (I watch baseball videos half the year). This video allows me to indulge in my favorite "swear word" from 5th grade...Boobie. I used to love to taunt my sisters with his football card. Good times. I sure was a little dickhead. 😂
Hey! There's a lot of catchin' up to do. Boobie...that's funny!
I'm excited to watch all of them, Chief!
Right on! I love to hear that. I'm sure that you'll enjoy 'em!
Braxton blocking for OJ.. looking like a small guard !
In '73, he probably weighed more than Bills teammate, Guard Reggie McKenzie.
Al Bundy was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs straight out of Polk High School……
Is it known whether or not he excelled in rushing, receiving, and/or blocking?
I must admit that I’m a little surprised that Robert Newhouse wasn’t on there
Well, I have made 2 such Fullback videos so far and another one hopefully will be made in the future. Can't fit 'em all onto one video.
Alan Amechi, Jerry Hill, and Norm Bulaich
"The Horse" didn't play in the '70's and Hill only played in the first year of the decade, but the Colts had a nice long run of highly effective fullbacks, regardless. Thank you for bringing them up.
Who was that Ram's QB #12? Joe Willie?
James Harris
Roland Harper was a stud
Excellent blocker AND a hard-nosed runner, for sure.
Wondering if Tom Matte for the Colts, was a Fullback to make this Video? That guy had to fill in at QB.....like Tom Tupa, a Punter for the Patriots.....and they both did the Job!
I checked pro football reference dot com and for most of the years they listed him as a Half Back with the others years as a Running Back, so I did not include him. He sure looked like a Full Back to me though.
@markgardner9460 thanx Man....still love that Era NFL
...and I was just a little kid. My parents wouldn't let me play Football......but I got Hockey skates prior to Miracle on Ice.....and played Division ll Hockey in College....I stayed around and appreciated how to be tough and tough😉
Back then hockey was just as rough as football. I remember watching the Flyers "Broad Street Bullies" in the mid-'70's. Lots of skirmishes and fights with very rough play.
Where are Robert Newhouse and Walt Garrison for Dallas?
They are warming up in the bullpen, so to speak. I am planning to include them in a future related video.
2024 Gen Z: "What's a fullback?"
2024 NFL: "Ask your parents."
2024 Gen Z: "Why aren't there Fullbacks?"
2024 NFL: "We want track meets with as little physical contact as possible!"
I think you are forgetting that many fullbacks were their team's leading rusher in those days: Marv Hubbard, mark Van Eeghen, Larry Czonka and Franco Harris were all considered fullbacks.
I'm aware of that. This video showcases the underrated Fullbacks.
No Rocky? He was the one Rutigliano called a guard in the backfield.
I don't deem him as being underrated, as he received plenty of publicity during his career.
@@markgardner9460 That's fair.
I have featured him prominenty in another video, so I have given him props. I read his autobiography and it's fantastic.
At 5:10 how did Nottingham not suffer a concussion there?
I wonder how many concussions that these old timers sustained. I bet it's mind-boggling. Running with their head down at near full speed at times - it had to sound like a car crash upon conract.
I remember Bulauch
You failed to mention Bill Brown, Minnesota Vikings?
"These 1960s And 1970s Fullbacks Are SO Underrated" is located in my Playlist and Brown is prominantly featured therein.
The problem with this video is these guys were not underrated. They were feared players who fans,coaches,and player knew all about them,and and game planed for them.
Larry Cszonka is the greatest runner of all time.
Yeah, I love Zonk. He's definitely not underrated, but I have prominently featured in a few of my videos.
How can Marv Hubbard not be on this list?
He played in 3 consecutive Pro Bowls and 3 consecutive AFC Championship Games, therefore I do not consider him to be underrated. He was in the media spotlight for an extended period of time.
Old school guys score… no need to dance and make a spectacle of themselves
Real men
Gotta love it - it's a team sport, so no need to draw attention to oneself.
Uniforms back then were so kool. Today they look like clown suits.
I agree 100%. Those color rush uniforms or whatever they call 'em look like kid pajamas.
Pete Johnson and his Ohio State backfield partner Archie Griffin landed in Cincinnati together as well. Pete Johnson adapted to the NFL better than Archie Griffin, and he was a load to bring down...
...and Archie's brother Ray who also played at Ohio State also played for the Bengals.
@markgardner9460 I remember Ray Griffin, number 44 for the Bengals...
A 3rd brother, Keith, also played in the NFL as a RB for the Redskins from '84-'88
I miss this style of football hard nosed, power football imposing your strength on the other team and the
players acted like professionals , when they scored the players just gave the ball to the referee, not jumping around like assholes .
To me, that is how the game was intended to be played. I prefer the rugged brand of football, too.
No Larry Csonka?
He's a Hall of Famer and not underrated by any stretch, so he was not included.
Was MacArthur Lane considered a running back?
Pro Football Reference dot com indicates that he played Fullback in '70, '73 and '76. The rest of the years that spanned from 1968 through 1977 were as a Running Back.
For all Walter and Roland's success, those 70s O lines didn't have one pro bowler.. Man they were boring to watch.
Their QB's were very poor in the '70's. I released a couple of videos that are related to that.
How on Earth could you leave out Marv Hubbard from the Raiders?????
I don't consider him to be underrated. He played for a perennial playoff team and ran for 1,100 yards in a season and I think that he received enough publicity and media spotlight to where I did not consider him to be underrated.
At about 2 minutes, Braxton slams jack lambert
Walter Payton was 'underrated?'
No. Footage was shown to highlight Harper's blocking effectiveness.
The modern NFL doesn't really use fullbacks anymore.
Yeah, they like to have plenty of Wide Receivers out there instead of a Fullback. I would think with as little padding as the players wear today that a big bruising Fullback like Pete Johnson would take the starch right out of 'em.
@@loreauvillephil ☹️
When a QB runs it eliminates 2 possible fumbles. At the handoff & the tackle that's avoided by the Butt-slide. Gutless coaches like John Harbaugh hear 2 less chances for a fumble & need a cigarette.
Norm Bulaich fumble a lot.
He fumbled 30 times in 814 carries. That's once every 27 carries.
My memories of Pete Johnson is the times you'd see his helmet flying in the air after getting hit in the pile lol
Yeah that happened - everybody and their brother were taking shots at the dude cuz he didn't go down easily. My best memories of him was when he was in the same backfield at Ohio State with Archie Griffin.
@@markgardner9460what a college backfield that was....
It's a bit unfortunate that as his career progressed, his weight problems became more of an issue and it gradually began affecting his production level by the early 80's. He was certainly a powerful, bruising force although Archie Griffin career didnt take off like many had envisioned. Pete Johnson's prime from the late 70's-early 80's sort of mirrored Bengals of the same time: some very talented, skilled teams that due to bad luck being a good team stuck in an ultra-tough AFC Central and tendency to lose important key late-season games prevented them from achieving further success.
I also believe late owner Paul Brown let his ego get in the way by promoting Bill "Tiger" Johnson as his successor then his talented yet shaky OC Bill Walsh because he thought Walsh couldn't handle the varied emotional shifts that go along with being an NFL HC. Bill Johnson was a good position assistant, but he was hardly going to be a long-term successful NFL HC, and Brown's pettiness and antagonism towards Walsh continued where reportedly, Walsh was a heads-on favorite to become Packers HC, then Brown phoned the Packers FO and dissuaded them from interviewing and hiring him, saying he was too emotionally shaky.
As far as Johnson, if Bengals had won SB XVI, I do believe his career as well as other Bengals' greats on those teams wouldve been positively impacted and guys like Ken Anderson and Isaac Curtis would be in Canton right now where they belong.
Great stuff! Griffin logged a lot of carries in college and I think that the Bengals were aware that he wasn't going to be an every down back in the NFL, but rather a complimentary one. I think they overreached when they drafted him 24th overall, but he was an Ohio native, so I guess it's understandable.
@davidroberts7282 Well said take brother. Do you see similarities to today's Bengals? I just watched them on TNF and in my opinion coached themselves OUT of a win that was right there to take. Ball control "hogs of the pigskin", instead throwing go routes on 3rd & 4th down short yardage was a WTF moment for me.
Walter not a full back.
That's right. The footage that he's in was shown strictly to feature Roland Harper's blocking prowess.
@@markgardner9460oops meant to say Walter was a fullback for a little bit at Jackson State!!!!