This 1960's NFL Division Was Crazy!

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
  • What did the 1968 Cardinals, Saints, Browns and Steelers have in common to be put together in the same division? Check out this awesome video that contains crystal clear game footage to find out!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 282

  • @kingofallmediums2123
    @kingofallmediums2123 5 днів тому +16

    Not just a great video, but a spontaneous act of generosity! 😊😊😊😊😊

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +3

      As Frank Burns once said, "It's nice to be nice to the nice!"

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +1

      @@kingofallmediums2123 😎❤️

  • @dr.migilitoloveless2385
    @dr.migilitoloveless2385 5 днів тому +31

    The NFL was still better in 1968 than it is today.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      That's for sure!

    • @dtplusthepoints3409
      @dtplusthepoints3409 5 днів тому +2

      Not even close

    • @robertsprouse9282
      @robertsprouse9282 5 днів тому +1

      Not athletically in ‘68 but, fundamentally in football polish and execution, absolutely!= better in ‘68..certainly even with a four-team NFL expansion in the Sixties, and the sprouting up of ten AFL teams in that league’s first nine seasons, DEPTH was still much better back then=
      No darn salary cap cuts, fewer teams for watering down talent.
      I will say that major increases in Black American players over the last fifty seasons have immensely improved the athleticism part of the play, but have only equaled the polish part, although playing experience-wise for both blacks and integration era whites it’s found to be much more green on the benches of teams in the NFL today and, white or black that has reduced polish such as that which is found on the playing execution fundamentals side, today.

    • @2095yourstruly
      @2095yourstruly 5 днів тому

      Absolutely Dr. loveless! Could Not agree more. Not even watchable today. That's why there's great outlets like this one to give plenty of enjoyable viewing.

    • @hfield07
      @hfield07 4 дні тому +1

      @@dr.migilitoloveless2385 nah it's just you once we're young and like everyone before and since you have a bias towards things you liked as a kid

  • @willkrist21
    @willkrist21 3 дні тому +1

    Great concept. Love the history of the divisions, and the deep(er) dive into the individual teams. 👍

  • @evanmeier3570
    @evanmeier3570 3 дні тому +4

    RIP Howard Twilley.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  3 дні тому +2

      Out of the University of Tulsa. Howard Cosell loved him!

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +12

    I'd almost forgotten how good Roy Jefferson was with the Steelers!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +3

      His moves and strength on that punt return were impressive.

  • @2095yourstruly
    @2095yourstruly 5 днів тому +4

    Impeccable job Mark! Thank you! The Browns and Steelers were the only geographical paring in that Century division. If you look at Shiners career, he just didn't get a break and the chance to develop his skills. He had a good arm and delivery.

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому

      @@2095yourstruly thanks I’m going to google him, this seemed to happen quite often

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +1

      @@2095yourstruly wow he’s still alive 82 years old ! Did quarterbacks come from anywhere but Pennsylvania in the 50s - 60s ? 😎

    • @2095yourstruly
      @2095yourstruly 5 днів тому +1

      Growing up in Pittsburgh, everybody wanted to be QB, and on the line to hit.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      Shiner had the misfortune of playing behind Jurgensen, Frank Ryan, Tarkenton and Plunkett. The Steelers drafted Bradshaw and his 2 year starting run had ended.

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 4 дні тому

      @ 😎 poor guy kind of unfair I feel for players like that , thanks !

  • @Roterhals
    @Roterhals День тому +2

    I saved Mark’s last two videos so I can watch them now instead of the Super Bowl. Real football minus the ridiculous commercials, goofball celebrity worship, and unwatchable halftime nonsense…..thanks Mark!!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  День тому +1

      Awesome! I'm with ya on all that.

    • @2095yourstruly
      @2095yourstruly День тому +1

      You are not alone. What the NFL has become is an absolute abomination to the game and bears no resemblance to the great action, analysis, spirit and footage provided here.

  • @berth8539
    @berth8539 5 днів тому +5

    Truly superb job of covering this in depth! Thank you

  • @stevemccutcheon8803
    @stevemccutcheon8803 5 днів тому +3

    Awesome episode dude. Luv the old saints footage. Really killer stuff.i enjoy these episodes and look forward to many more.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      I've still got quite a few topics to broach, so hopefully I'll be able to kick those out. I'm glad that you like the channel!

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +4

    Loved the "Benchwarmer Bob" interception! He was quite the character for the Vikes and Giants!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      I remember his tv commercials in the '70's. TCF? I stood next to him at Huberts next to Metrodome in the early '90's and he was a mountain of a man.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      ...and Seahawks, although maybe not so much of a character then.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 Great story!

    • @jamesmelcher9355
      @jamesmelcher9355 5 днів тому +1

      @@markgardner9460I think they were for TCF (short for Twin City Federal). Benchwarmer Bob Lurtsema! TCF was the original naming sponsor for the new outdoor stadium the U of M built-they were bought by Huntington Bank and now that’s name. The Vikings played a few years there after the Metrodome was torn down but USBank Stadium wasn’t ready yet.

  • @davidfiddleman2312
    @davidfiddleman2312 5 днів тому +2

    What fun! As I was 3 at the time I have some memories, but not of football, great time capsule! 😊

  • @blakkat4126
    @blakkat4126 5 днів тому +4

    I knew Sonny Jurgenson was good but I never realized just how good he was until I reviewed his stats. This guy was a bear. Kilmer was another one...tough as they come. Wore the one bar helmet, basically ran for his life when he played for New Orleans.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      To me, Jurgensen is the best pure passer of all-time and I've always admired Kilmer's determination, grit and toughness. Both of those guys played a long time.

  • @stevesanderson524
    @stevesanderson524 5 днів тому +3

    Great video as usual. I had an old annual from one of these years as a kid. Memory starts in 69 and Chiefs Vikings in Super Bowl 4

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Thank you! For some reason I recall parts of Super Bowl III, but not Super Bowl IV.

    • @stevesanderson524
      @stevesanderson524 5 днів тому +1

      @@markgardner9460 Joe Namath! Super Bowl 4 was never close Tied the series then the merger- Colts were an NFL moved to AfC and won 5 and Cowboys 6 so 4-2.. -

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      That is the reason, I'm sure, along with Curt Gowdy being the play by play announcer. Super Bowl IV had Jack Buck who always seemed to induce sleep for me.

    • @stevesanderson524
      @stevesanderson524 5 днів тому +1

      @@markgardner9460 Great point now that you mention it. We were blessed with Dandy Don Gifford and Howard. Bar too high. Summerall and Brookshire as well

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      I agree 100%

  • @dennisud
    @dennisud 3 дні тому +1

    I was a tyke back then. Most forget this transition between the NFL/AFL and the NFC/AFC! Thanks!
    I had forgotten Paul Warfield was with the Browns before his stint with the Dolphins.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  3 дні тому

      That's right. The league should do a better job of sharing their history with their fans, I think.

  • @michaelhemphill8575
    @michaelhemphill8575 5 днів тому +1

    "As always"Mark"...you leave" no stones unturned"..my "thirst" for "yester-year" football" and " sports" in "general is quenched"!!💥🔥

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Love that! I forgot to add a trinket or two regarding Saints Head Coach Tom Fears and his association with the pass happy Rams of the '50's. Otherwise, I, too, am satisfied.

  • @surfshack2
    @surfshack2 5 днів тому +10

    The 68 season was the year of the AFL and Namath and the Jets. Wow Jim Hart played 19 yrs.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 5 днів тому +3

      He guaranteed a win in the Super Bowl

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +4

      ...and delivered

    • @charlesbabcock1530
      @charlesbabcock1530 4 дні тому +1

      @@surfshack2 Jim Hart was underated. One of the best in that era...

    • @surfshack2
      @surfshack2 4 дні тому

      @ I agree, on the right team he would’ve been a winner, I know he always gave the Eagles trouble.

  • @jg24diecast41
    @jg24diecast41 5 днів тому +1

    Mark, I love all of the old footage, Thank You! Yeah, when I was a teen in the 70's I never could understand why the Saints and Falcons were in the NFC West and then the St. Louis Cardinals were in the NFC East. In 1960 to 1966 the Colts were in the Western and St. Louis was in the Eastern. In 1961 when Minnesota came into the league in the Western, instead of moving the Colts to the Eastern they moved Dallas to the Eastern. A lot of extra travel miles for the Colts.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому

      Good stuff - I hadn't considered the travel aspect for the Colts.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +4

    Very few players can replace a legend but Leroy Kelly sure did a great job!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +3

      He had such a great combination of acceleration, speed, balance and power with some good moves, too.

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +2

      @@stevenzimmerman4057 I was a kid in Denver he was my favorite player I guess he must have had injuries later for awhile he was superb

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      Yeah, like most teams, they wear 'em out due to overuse.

  • @evanmeier3570
    @evanmeier3570 2 дні тому +2

    RIP Dick Jauron.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  2 дні тому +1

      I remember watching a NFL Films episode where he called Chuck Foreman a whirling dervish.

    • @evanmeier3570
      @evanmeier3570 2 дні тому +1

      @@markgardner9460 A Yale man and 2015 College Football HOF inductee.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  2 дні тому +1

      Gary Fencik - another DB who attended Yale

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    Century and Capital divisions! Crazy ! One of my first NFL memories!

  • @fredsmith605
    @fredsmith605 5 днів тому +1

    This was right about when I started getting into nfl football wish I had a time machine.

  • @chrisrose6014
    @chrisrose6014 5 днів тому +2

    Another incredibly excellent piece of work!!

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +3

    That's a incredible stat by Hart 19 rushes 20 yards and 6 TD!

  • @gtrhoppe
    @gtrhoppe 5 днів тому +1

    Just a few years away from the best Division in football history, in my opinion. That would be the AFC Central Division. Houston, Cincinatti, and two of the three new teams to the AFC, Pittsburg and Cleaveland. The best because I was raised in Houston. Great rivalries. Again, Mark great video.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      That was a highly competitive division for sure in the mid to late '70's!

  • @tommythomason6187
    @tommythomason6187 5 днів тому +10

    All those players mainly stayed on the same teams for ages, back then, so there really were some grudge matches.
    I think the Browns really wanted to lay it on the Cowboys and did so in the playoff. Dallas had run up 52 points on them the year before.
    Likewise, I always thought it interesting how the Colts weren't content with a 27-0 win over the Browns. Colts just kept hammering them and got that extra touchdown to finish off the Browns, with the TD being a punctiation mark.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      That last td was scored by Timmy Brown of Eagles fame. It was the only year he played for the Colts. Thanks, Tommy.

    • @madbrowniac7871
      @madbrowniac7871 5 днів тому

      The same Timothy Brown who went on to be part of the Original Cast of both the 1969 "MASH" Movie and the 1972 through 1983 TV Show.🤔🦅🔔🏈👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🏥🚑🎥📺B.W.

  • @jammininthepast
    @jammininthepast 5 днів тому +2

    I remember a few of the stand outs in '68, this was when I caught the NFL virus and have been a fan(atic) since....did you notice the great Andy Russel playing special teams? Jackie Smith, great player unfairly remembered for his drop w/the Cowboys in (was it) SB 13....maybe earlier. I always loved Kilmer, tough, gritty, clutch, he didn't look the part - more like a junior high shop teacher. I noticed several players, including Billy that went on to greatness on other teams. Leroy Kelly one of the greatest unfortunately shadowed by a plethora of '70s backs. Thanks again brother, appreciated.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      Yes, Andy Russell was a stud - has HOF credentials. Also, I agree with you concerning Kelly - it took him an unnecessarily long time to get into the HOF. He had a great combination of running skills that most RB's would love to have just one of.

    • @jammininthepast
      @jammininthepast 4 дні тому +1

      Kelly's game was a combination of twitch, acceleration, moves, powerful angry runner. There are very few backs that have all of these attributes. His ability to not take a big hit (twitchy) was remarkable. I don't like nor can I think of a comp - mix Earnest Byner w/Adrian Peterson. Appreciated.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      I agree, brother. Perhaps Tomlinson is a good comparison, although he was built with a much more sturdy foundation, physically. I find it difficult to provide a comparable RB which is indicatice of his uniquiness - maybe Fred Taylor? Again, Taylor was about 25 pounds heavier than Kelly.

    • @ronmackinnon9374
      @ronmackinnon9374 4 дні тому +1

      Yes, that was Super Bowl XIII when Jackie Smith had the dropped end zone pass with Dallas.

  • @danielbowden6330
    @danielbowden6330 5 днів тому +1

    I love this channel. I wonder how you can keep doing this at such a high-level time after time. Great job...again!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Thank you very much! I enjoy digging up info, stats, stories and hopefully putting some "splash" or "sizzle" to the presentation, too. I'm glad that you continue to watch the videos and provide comments!

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +4

    Love watching Warfield the epitome of grace!

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +1

      @@stevenzimmerman4057 why did Browns trade him to Dolphins ? Hopefully they got something

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      It amazes me that he and Don Maynard (2 very frail-looking Wide Receivers) were able to stay healthy for so long.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +2

      @@DennisHurst-f2q they got a third round pick which turned out to be Mike Phipps which was a absolute steal for the Dolphins!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      QB Mike Phipps is the guy they drafted with the Dolphins 1st round draft pick.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 The Browns got fleeced!

  • @dfk09
    @dfk09 5 днів тому +5

    That was a bad-ass Cardinal logo with the running bird!

  • @onepunch9203
    @onepunch9203 5 днів тому +7

    Woohoo! 🏈
    Don Meredith, Fran Tarkington, Sonny Jurgensen, Billy Kilmer.....
    So many great players!
    Edit: Did I also see Brodie and Unitas? 🥴
    Wow! Great video.
    We're all glad that Chuck Noll saw the potential in Pittsburgh and went on to make it a great football town.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      He sure turned that defense around! Solid coaching combined with astute draft picks is tough to beat.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

      @@onepunch9203 Great era of football!

  • @DennisHurst-f2q
    @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +3

    OMG ! This might be you’re best ever for me , loved hearing about the lower level teams and thier star players , I was a kid in 68 and lived in Denver an AFL city so I only heard of the better teams and their players , this was so great , didn’t Willis Crenshaw later play for Broncos all those yards but fumbles ouch , learning about Dick Hoak , Roy Jefferson I really appreciate your work , the clips , the music , your knowledge, 😎 good place to be , thank you

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Thank you, Dennis! Yes, Crenshaw was a Bronco in '70 when he mainly played as a short yardage/goal line Running Back.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    I love the way your videos bring back memories Mark!

  • @williamgessler1759
    @williamgessler1759 5 днів тому +1

    Remarkably, the Saints in '68 were considered the most successful expansion team in NFL history.
    The SI Vault tells how the 3 teams ( Pitt, Balt, and Cleveland ) were convinced to move to the AFC. Rooney had to convince Modell , and there were other scenarios that were considered besides those 3 who eventually moved.
    One popular one was moving Philly, Atlanta, and Minnesota to the AFC.

  • @robertsprouse9282
    @robertsprouse9282 5 днів тому +4

    The reason the SAINTS and GIANTS alternated= every other season in the three seasons before the NFL/AFL(NFC/AFC) regular season schedule merger was the insistence by the other teams’ owners in the EASTERN CONFERENCE that the NY GIANTS make a road visit at least twice in their cities in the three years before the sked merger.
    If the GIANTS had only stayed in the CAPITOL DIVISION, they would’ve only visited CLEVELAND, PITT, ST. LOUIS and NEW ORLEANS once or twice with two visits not guaranteed.
    The same single-visiting holds true at DALLAS, PHILLY AND WASHINGTON if NYG had only been in the CENTURY DIV.
    The GIANTS had old- days(EASTERN CONFERENCE 1960-66 with ST.LOU. and DALLAS -although, in 1960 the latter was in the West and played STL and the EAST teams like the GIANTS only one time-, and ‘33-66 E. Division/E. and AMERICAN[AMER. CONF=the latter was 1950, ‘51, and 52 only] Conference-slated annual home/road dates with all other Eastern teams and the CHITOWN version of the CARDINALS in the old structured =non-split up/pre-two divisions Eastern Conference along with the STEELERS, too.
    That ‘67-69 GIANTS team was not a powerhouse by any means but they did bring the NYC market’s attention to the new SAINTS ..CLEVE., PITT., and in ‘67=seven years in the modern NFL= ST. LOUIS markets.
    That alternating divisions reasoning is all according to then NFL commish PETE ROZELLE.
    Yep, that is why alternating divisions happened.

  • @chrispaul7849
    @chrispaul7849 5 днів тому +1

    recall 68 like yesterday, I was 13 and we had season ducts on the 45 for the cowboys... damn, those were the days with archie bunker!

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +4

    Billy "whiskey" Kilmer ! I have a lot of respect for him! He had serious guts!

  • @2095yourstruly
    @2095yourstruly 5 днів тому +2

    As an addendum to this video, I recommend the movie Number One with Charleton Heston that came out in 1969, if you can find it. A good flick that many in the NFL at the time said it captured the essence of the game.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      Thanks for the heads up - I'm gonna check it out!

    • @2095yourstruly
      @2095yourstruly День тому

      I do highly recommend it and I think you'll like it. A different movie, incredibly it was largely ignored for a Charleton Heston coming off of Planet of the apes, but it has a captivating style to it and captures the atmosphere of the late 1960s.

  • @stambly-s6v
    @stambly-s6v 4 дні тому +1

    I was at the Cardinals-Saints game in St. Louis in 1968. That day, the Saints had a "quarterback" on the sidelines named Charlton Heston. He wore #1, and some filming was done that afternoon for the movie, titled (surprise, surprise) "Number One."

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      Very cool - thanks for sharing! Another viewer commented that it's a really good movie.

  • @mhlaw229
    @mhlaw229 5 днів тому +2

    Well done again! Thanks buddy

  • @1234herbie
    @1234herbie 4 дні тому +1

    🤣 Thanks Mark…
    Now when I think of Timex, the face of Billy Kilmer comes to mind.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      For some reason, John Cameron-Swayze's voice from those Timex television commercials came to me when I watched those Kilmer hits.

    • @1234herbie
      @1234herbie 3 дні тому +1

      @
      🤣 there is a name from the past 😮👍🏾

  • @evanmeier3570
    @evanmeier3570 5 днів тому +3

    Great logos back then. Terrific footage Mark! Maybe a deep dive into SB III could be added to your suggestion box? A look at the individual matchups. All we hear is about the guarantee. Could have been the biggest upset in football history. Would like to know more.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      I'll add your suggestion to my list, Evan. There are quite a few ideas on it - hopefully I can address that one! Thanks!

  • @rogerwilliams5366
    @rogerwilliams5366 5 днів тому +2

    Awesome treasure. This is vintage “1960’s style” NFL Football

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      Better have yer head on a swivel if you played back then.

  • @bemore1134
    @bemore1134 5 днів тому +2

    Atkins, Rowe, Mike Tilleman---despite struggling for wins, the early Saints had some serious size & talent across the defensive line.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Yes, thank you for bringing that up - those men were huge...6'8", 6'7" and 6'7" respectively.

    • @madbrowniac7871
      @madbrowniac7871 5 днів тому +1

      The Trainer once asked Doug Atkins how he was doing. "My leg feels funny, Doc." They checked on him. All he had was a broken tibia!😂🐻🏈👨‍⚕️💉💊🏥🚑B.W.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      He was cut from another type clothe

  • @octorina
    @octorina 4 дні тому +1

    My Cardinals growing up. Seemed like we would tie Pittsburgh, who were horrible then, and finish a half game behind the Browns, every year!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      My favorite Cornerback is Pat Fischer. His first year with the Redskins was 1968.

  • @larryloveless2967
    @larryloveless2967 4 дні тому +1

    I grew up an STL Football Cardinals fan in the 1960s starting their first year after moving from Chicago in 1960. The Cleveland Browns were their main rival after being in the East conference with them the prior years. The Browns were always a little better. One thing frustrating though was how the Cardinals would be very good one year and poor the next so often in the 1960s. Maybe it was injury related. St. Louis refused to build an all footbal stadium for the Cardinals in 1988 so the owner moved to Arizona thinking they would right away fund a stadium, but ended up playing their first 18 years at Arizona State. Then St. Louis after threats from owner Stan Kroenke to move from a 20 year old Dome stadium came up with yet another stadium to build learning their lesson from the Cardinals only to have Kroenke move the Rams anyway.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      That must have been exciting being a fan of a new team in your area. I know that I was when the Timberwolves came to town, however all of that losing grew old pretty quickly.

    • @larryloveless2967
      @larryloveless2967 4 дні тому +1

      @@markgardner9460 Well, in 1960 I was only 7 years old but the big thrill I most remember is that a local maker of bacon and hot dogs put in to each pack a football card of a player from the new team. If you got a complete set of 16 cards or so you got a free ticket to a game but i came up short. I held on to those cards though for quite awhile. I did attend several games in the 1960s. I know what you mean about losing and the Rams had a five year stretch here where it was among the worst in NFL history.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      At least the NFL draft wasn't rigged like the NBA's. The T-Wolves would always draft one spot behind however many blue chip players were in the draft. It was a big joke.

  • @GeorgeWashingtonX
    @GeorgeWashingtonX 5 днів тому +2

    Cool history, thanks.

  • @robertosborne8694
    @robertosborne8694 5 днів тому +2

    The 6-3 Steelers win over the Eagles was the worst game I personally saw. It was knowN as the “futility bowl” and the O.J. Simpson bowl as both teams were 0-6. I remember the eagles getting an interception at their own 1 then going for it on 4th down at their 10, the Steelers stopping them, then kicking the winning FG. Of course neither teams drafted OJ, but the Steelers got some defensive linemen whose name was Greene I believe in the 69 draft.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому

      45 degrees with 14 mph wind - kinda chilly for late October in Pitt. The Steelers were favored by one point in that game. Thanks for commenting!

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 4 дні тому

      I remember it being called the OJ bowl, how would he have felt if he had to play for those 2 teams

    • @robertosborne8694
      @robertosborne8694 4 дні тому +1

      @@michaelleroy9281 well he could have had rings if the Western PA team had picked him. Wonder what Noll thought about him?. Don’t think there would have been OJ’s Italian army

  • @sailordude2094
    @sailordude2094 4 дні тому +1

    I was trying to figure out who the elf represented, lol. The original division the Jags played in had the Steelers in it. They changed that after the Jags kept beating them, lol.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому

      Brownie the Elf was created in the 1940's in order to poke fun of Paul Brown.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 3 дні тому

      Because of the Houston Texans coming into the league in 2002, the Jaguars became part of the new AFC South and 4 divisions with 4 teams in both the AFC and NFC

  • @kennethcollins6494
    @kennethcollins6494 5 днів тому +2

    Love it as always

  • @ARIZJOE
    @ARIZJOE 5 днів тому +1

    As a Browns fan, I thought the Century Division was an odd name, and I was a pubescent. Things got better after the merger, grouping the close-by Browns-Steelers- Bengals, plus the Oilers. Arthur B. Modell did himself, and the league, a big favor by moving in with the AFL clubs. Now Modell's name lives in infamy with the move to Baltimore. The Cleveland Browns have never been the same.

  • @emilrwolanski
    @emilrwolanski 5 днів тому +1

    Love the music.

  • @docnoc66
    @docnoc66 5 днів тому +3

    Hi Marc, that was the first year. I became interested in football at age 8 and remember it vividly. I actually still have my 1968 Topps football set and I actually expanded to try to collect the OPC Canadian set that was issued that what year as well. Believe it or not the OP set is very very rare and expensive some of the cards running between a minimum of three dollars up to hundreds of dollars, especially the checklist. Over the years, and I’ve been able to acquire half the set at bargain base pricesbecause I go for the lesser condition cards but the Canadian 1960 80 PC said is very challenging.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      The farthest I went back for compketed sets was '69. What an awesome set. I dig the '68 set, too, because I think it has a modern feel to it. It's aged well, unlike those Philadelphia sets, in my opinion.

    • @docnoc66
      @docnoc66 5 днів тому

      @ I saved my Topps 1968-72 Football sets

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Do you have the '72 3rd series? I only had 3 cards, but they were the Namath and Butkus Pro Action cards which were both graded PSA 7. The other card was a 90/10 cut top to bottom Larry Little All-Pro. The back of the '71 cards typically have boatloads of great information - their best year by far, in that regard.

    • @docnoc66
      @docnoc66 5 днів тому

      @ they were short printed so I don’t have them

  • @charlesbabcock1530
    @charlesbabcock1530 4 дні тому +1

    I miss the Big Red...

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +2

      They belong in St Lou, in my opinion.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      Ottis Anderson should be in the Hall of Fame, too.

    • @charlesbabcock1530
      @charlesbabcock1530 4 дні тому

      The government of the fine city of St. Louis dropped the ball imo. Then Kroenke and his buddies Jones and Goodell screwed the fans of St. Louis with the Rams. St. Louis is definitely a football town...

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +2

      It certainly has a large enough population to support a team, along with a large surrounding area to draw upon.

  • @tomdavey8723
    @tomdavey8723 5 днів тому +3

    Absolutely fantastic video. Question: When is the footage with Kilmer wearing a black helmet from?

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +3

      It's actually from the 1969 pre-season. The Owner failed to register the new black helmet design with the NFL, so the league would not license it. The league office pressured the owner to get rid of it

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      ...and the Saints fans didn't like it either, so it was dropped before the start of the regular season.

    • @bemore1134
      @bemore1134 5 днів тому +1

      @@markgardner9460 I was wondering the same thing re the black helmet on Kilmer. That's some impressive research!! Thanks for a terrific look back.

    • @tomdavey8723
      @tomdavey8723 5 днів тому +1

      ​@@markgardner9460 Thanks for the information. I know a lot about helmet design and development and this one got by me. I figured it was a pre-season picture. Did you know the Cleveland Browns actually had a CB helmet logo around the same time but never wore it in a game. The design did make it on to some programs though!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому

      I did not know that! I wonder if there is a clear internet photo of that available. I'll check.

  • @denisceballos9745
    @denisceballos9745 5 днів тому +1

    Cleveland’s Frank Ryan (13) was at the tail end of his career in ‘68, and was replaced by Bill Nelsen (16) at QB. Nelsen had been a decent QB with the lowly Steelers, but he stepped up big time and surprised a lot of folks with the Browns, leading them to the NFL Championship game twice. In the video, Ryan was still holding for place kicks and did start a couple of games.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      Yes, Ryan was depicted throwing a td pass to Warfield in one of the clips. He wrapped up his career with the Redskins in ''69 & 70. Thanks, Denis.

    • @denisceballos9745
      @denisceballos9745 4 дні тому

      @ Yes, I think he played for Lombardi. Solid career for Doctor Frank. Have a great Super Bowl weekend, Mark, et al. Go Eagles 🦅

  • @jstube36
    @jstube36 5 днів тому +5

    1968 would be the last season every team in the NFL played on grass. In fact the AFL Oilers were the only one in all of Pro Football to play on turf . It was a time when the NFL was geographicaly challenged. How Baltimore was placed in the Western Division had to be quite a head scratcher. Then again The Falcons and Saints would be put in the NFC West, and later Tampa Bay would be put first in the AFC West then the NFC Central. The League alternated home field advantage in the playoffs. The Cowboys and Colts had better records than the Browns. yet both played in Cleveland in the post-season. 1968 was also the last year of the two Dons(Perkins and Meredith) in the Dallas backfield. Dandy had his best campaign in his last season. But after 9 seasons of punishment to the body . Both had enough.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      Great stuff! Especially regarding the playing surface reference.

    • @jamesmelcher9355
      @jamesmelcher9355 5 днів тому +1

      My guess about Baltimore being in the West is that it was probably the same logic the NFL had in having the Chicago Cardinals and Chicago Bears in different conferences: make it so fans in a particular area with two teams could see a wider range of teams come play there. They always kept Washington and Baltimore apart-and in the merger it was almost inevitable that they’d put the Colts in the AFC away from Washington. The Cardinals were almost always in the Eastern Conference in Chicago and had rivalries there,so they kept them in the East when they moved to St. Louis

    • @bemore1134
      @bemore1134 5 днів тому +1

      Cards didn't play on turf in '68??

    • @jstube36
      @jstube36 5 днів тому

      @bemore1134 I believe the first NFL team to play on turf was Philadelphia in 1969.

    • @johnbrennan4449
      @johnbrennan4449 5 днів тому +1

      this would have been the geographically correct way to align the divisions from 1967-'9:
      * Baltimore/New York/Philadelphia/Washington.
      * Atlanta/Cleveland/Detroit/Pittsburgh.
      * Chicago/Green Bay/Minnesota/Saint Louis.
      * Dallas/Los Angeles/New Orleans/San Francisco.

  • @matthewbrotman2907
    @matthewbrotman2907 5 днів тому +5

    That season earned the Steelers the fourth pick in the 1969 draft. They took a defensive lineman named Joe Greene. He did OK.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      The Steelers took some heat for that pick...early, because fans had not really heard of him in college. The heat didn't last long.

    • @gregfrank4115
      @gregfrank4115 5 днів тому +1

      ​@@markgardner9460Even Art Rooney asked his sons about Greene "How do we know he's any good?". He was told "Dad, you see the picture of Ernie Stautner on your wall? Someday you'll replace that picture with Joe Greene's".

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому

      That's a classic quote!

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 3 дні тому

      ​@@markgardner9460They were asking Joe who?

  • @Rockhound6165
    @Rockhound6165 4 дні тому +1

    The Cardinals finished 2nd that year even though they beat the Browns twice that season. But because they tied the hapless Steelers the Browns won the division.

  • @stambly-s6v
    @stambly-s6v 5 днів тому +1

    The 9-4-1 Cardinals were unbeaten in Division play, but their four losses (Colts, Cowboys, Rams and 49ers) weren't close. The tie against the Steelers cost St. Louis the Century Division title.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      The lowly Steelers did that - I'll look it up to see where the game was played.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 4 дні тому +1

      ​@@markgardner9460It was in St Louis

  • @thomaslord7995
    @thomaslord7995 5 днів тому +1

    Wow, Erich Barnes got a bad ice cube that day against Dallas.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +6

    As a Vikes fan I started watching football around that time and I googled the Vikes Saints game in 1968 yes Bobby Bryant had the 51 yard interception return but Bo Burris. of the Saints had a 94 yard pick 6 and the Saints got 2 4th quarter FG by Charlie Durkee FG to upset Minnesota 20-17 Burris had 4 picks and that was one of them!( Career) Kapp was a abysmal 9-28 net 51 yards Kilmer 9-17 86 yards Vikings 4 turnover Saints 7! Vikings finished 8-6 first division title Saints 4-9-1 ugly game!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      What a crazy game! Thanks for providing the details, Steven.

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому

      @@stevenzimmerman4057 what a memory ! Can’t believe Vikings win division with 8-6 bet that caused some grumbling from Rams and Cards , 69 Vikings did great until Super Bowl I was totally shocked at Super Bowl iv outcome

    • @rogerwilliams5366
      @rogerwilliams5366 5 днів тому +2

      Wow!!! Kapp & Kilmer played a game against each other as QBs!!! Now THAT’s Classic “Old School” gritty QBs!

    • @mhlaw229
      @mhlaw229 5 днів тому +1

      I figured you'd like that int!

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      ​@@rogerwilliams5366Indeed!

  • @michaelleroy9281
    @michaelleroy9281 4 дні тому +1

    The Saints never did wear those black helmets they were thinking of wearing in 1969

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      They wore them, but only in pre-season games - not during the regular season.

  • @johnm8096
    @johnm8096 5 днів тому +1

    Great seeing action from this time period. I am familiar with some names, not many. I began to follow the league around 71-72. Just curious to hear from yourself and others as to when you attended your first game and who played.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      I was a late bloomer - 23 years old. Vikes and Rams playing at Metrodome - overtime game. Rich Karlis of the Vikes kicked 7 field goals.

    • @johnm8096
      @johnm8096 5 днів тому

      My first was Redskins at Giants in 1975. Game played at Shea Stadium.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      66 degree day on November 9th - awesome weather

  • @delmofritz3964
    @delmofritz3964 4 дні тому +1

    Great footage but what's up with that music? @ 7:15 aounds like a Laurel and Hardy movie.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      It probably played during the Saints footage, so it was intended to relate to the jazz theme of New Orleans.

  • @ronmackinnon9374
    @ronmackinnon9374 5 днів тому +1

    So it was the Saints and the Giants who (for some reason) went back-and-forth between the Century and Capitol divisions. This covers the one season out of three when it was the Saints instead of the Giants in the Century division.

    • @johnbrennan4449
      @johnbrennan4449 5 днів тому +1

      Saints & Giants switching divisions every season made no sense.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 4 дні тому +1

      ​@@johnbrennan4449Just 3 seasons the last ones from the old NFL

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 3 дні тому +1

      The deal was so every Eastern Conference team can play in New York at least once from 1967 through 1969

  • @mikehedrick7223
    @mikehedrick7223 5 днів тому +3

    after the Colts beat the Browns 34-0. the Colts lost to the NY Jets in Superbowl III.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    Dan Abramowitz 5.1 in the 40 yard dash? Wow! Doug Atkins was a freak of nature!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      So, let's say that his nerves were caml - what does he run it in? 4.8? Not exactly burning up the track, but speed isn't everything.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 Obviously because he put up outstanding stats!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      Must've had great moves like Biletnikoff.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 Not to mention great hands!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      He broke Lance Alworth's consecutive game pass reception mark, then Harold Carmichael broke his record.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    Chuck Latourette what a versatile player!

  • @AtSafeDistance
    @AtSafeDistance 5 днів тому +1

    what kind of football team names themselves after a fairy? Nobody, that's who. The time line I am from the Browns were named after Paul Brown, not a fairy.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    Bob Hayes supposedly had bad hands but what a catch at 11:59!

  • @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv
    @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv 4 дні тому +2

    1970s were the best era i miss The American football league Boston Patriots

    • @ronmackinnon9374
      @ronmackinnon9374 4 дні тому

      If its the AFL you miss, then the decade you want is the 1960s.

    • @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv
      @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv 4 дні тому +1

      @ronmackinnon9374 yes I know this I've got a great book called long gone it's the history of the A F L life log patriots fan

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  4 дні тому +1

      In 1970 they were still the Boston Patriots - their last year with that name, as I'm totally sure you are well aware of. I've always thought that Gino Cappelletti should have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, but hardly anyone speaks of him in that regard.

    • @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv
      @AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv 4 дні тому

      @markgardner9460 if it wasn't for him that franchise would have moved I still call them the Boston Patriots to this day I wish they would go back to that name and definitely the throwback uniforms should be worn from here on in

  • @kevinjennings6984
    @kevinjennings6984 5 днів тому +1

    No endless replays/reviews, refs who knew no one came to games to see them toss flag after flag, announcers who called the game without self promotion, no side line reporters, no woke commercials…. Yes, it was a great time for the NFL!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      You nailed it! I can definitely do without sideline reporters. What a waste of salary expenses for the tv networks. Also, these replays take so long that questioning the integrity of the game is inevitable, especially when close to half of the calls appear to be incorrect.

  • @ronmackinnon9374
    @ronmackinnon9374 5 днів тому +1

    Forget the 'butt fumble' -- check out the 'helmet interception' (17:40-17:45).

  • @stevenbauer4799
    @stevenbauer4799 5 днів тому +1

    clowns and steelers were still in the nfl (nfc) so they made sense and i guess because cards were now in st.l nfl considered cards closest to n o with boys not being taken away from their east rivals. Even tho the other new nfc arrival falcons were n o true rival and would have to wait until after merger to be in same division as nfl pre-merger with n o, atl, and miami added looked to go more south for teams. And another newbie cincy couldn't be added to steeler/clown division being in afl until after the merger which saw colts jump conferences too. Yet even after merger divisions still didn't make sense. Why were n o/atl. then car. in nfc west? tb started in afc west and seahawks in nfc west before flipping conferences. And cards as phx.,az played in nfc east until 2002 re-alignment.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 3 дні тому

      The Browns didn't play like " Clowns" in 1968( 10-4) except in the NFL Championship game

  • @bmarus
    @bmarus 5 днів тому +1

    These players actually had Jobs that they had to work during the off season. They were not spoiled brats making millions!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Even the stars had jobs. I released a Don Perkins video before this one and he worked as a civil servant for the state of New Mexico in the off-season.

  • @michaelleroy9281
    @michaelleroy9281 5 днів тому +5

    The Cardinals lost the Century Division because of a tie with the lowly Steelers even though they beat the Browns twice

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      The Cards had good firepower - took it to the Browns

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому +2

      @@michaelleroy9281 ouch that had to hurt , Cards had some good qbs in Charley Johnson and Hart.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Johnson was in the U.S. Army Reserve, but he still played from time to time.

    • @DennisHurst-f2q
      @DennisHurst-f2q 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 oh that definitely messed his career up ! He’s underrated in my humble opinion

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      Yes - excellent leader. Very solid QB.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 2 дні тому +1

    I'm definitely not watching the Stupor Bowl! I despise Philadelphia and I'm sick of the Chiefs!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  2 дні тому +1

      I'm not watching it either - too much sizzle and not enough substance.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 2 дні тому

      @markgardner9460 Totally agree the 60s and into the early 80s was much better!

  • @michaelleroy9281
    @michaelleroy9281 5 днів тому +1

    That means the Browns and Saints played each other twice, both easy wins for the Browns

  • @zcam1969
    @zcam1969 5 днів тому

    did Rocky Blier enlist or was he drafted into the Vietnam War. my older brother enlisted in 68

  • @harryschnepp5907
    @harryschnepp5907 5 днів тому

    Paul Warfield, LeRoy Kelly

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    A couple other big reasons 3:49 😂

  • @eddiekulp1241
    @eddiekulp1241 5 днів тому

    QBs now with those td to int ratios would get them cut

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому

      Probably...but today's QB's who protect their Passer Rating by constantly checking down and ending up punting on 4th down would be cut as well back in the day.

  • @randyacuna5643
    @randyacuna5643 4 дні тому +1

    Some of the placement of teams in the so called , division's during the 1960s made no sense. What's Baltimore doing in the western division? Or playoff placement, when you have the LA Rams one year win 11 games and won the west division travel to Green Bay, who won 8 games that year. The St. Louis cardinals were moved around, so we're the newly formed Saints. It was a mess.

    • @michaelleroy9281
      @michaelleroy9281 3 дні тому

      Baltimore had been in the Western Conference since 1953 because they replaced the Dallas Texans of 1952 who were in the Western Conference, and went out of business

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +3

    Dick Hoak was a good running back playing on a awful team!

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      Plus he coached a long time after his playing days.

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    We have had the discussion before is Jim Hart a HOF player? I say yes barely

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +2

      I agree. He reminds me of Harold Baines in baseball....didn't lead the league very often in statistical categories, but played a long time and put up big career numbers.

    • @evanmeier3570
      @evanmeier3570 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 They were both compilers for sure. I’m more lenient with the football HOF. Stats are such a huge part of baseball. Hart had some really good years and I would put him in, but as Steven said, barely.

  • @TeddyBelcher4kultrawide
    @TeddyBelcher4kultrawide 4 дні тому

    Pitt is east

  • @stevenzimmerman4057
    @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому +1

    Karl Sweetan? UGH

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  5 днів тому +1

      I remember him with the Rams in mop up duty.

    • @stevenzimmerman4057
      @stevenzimmerman4057 5 днів тому

      @@markgardner9460 and Lions

    • @jamesmelcher9355
      @jamesmelcher9355 5 днів тому +1

      I didn’t know he played for the Saints until I saw this. I remember him being with the Lions on his 1968 Topps card (I was 5-first year I had football cards and the first season I remember! ) What I remember about Sweetan and the Rams was that he tried to sell his Rams playbook after he got cut, which was a major no-no.