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1969 Packers: Closing The Decade With Color
The end of the 1960s was a troubled time for America as the country struggled with war, assassinations, and a volatile youth culture. The NFL, however, began to take off, and with the complete merger of the NFL and AFL on the horizon, the future looked bright. Not so for the Green Bay Packers, who enjoyed the most success of any NFL team in the decade. By 1968, the Super Bowl and Championship years were behind them, the players were aging, and the new players were not able to replace the former All-Pros. Phil Bengston had the very difficult...
The Match Game - Leaving Nothing Blank
RetroCards continues its assault on nostalgic collectors with more 1970s TV frivolity: Introducing the all-new, star-studded, big-money Match Game set! This daring and provocative collection of cards focuses on what many believe to be the best game show in television history. The 1970s version of the show is full of colorful characters, orange shag carpeting, and wide ties that will cause that funky theme song to play in your head for the first time in ages. The show was a revamped version of the black and white 60’s version of the show, but this time around, the new Match Game ’73...
1978 Cowboys: Nothing But Net
The Cowboys came very close to repeating as NFL Champions in 1978 but couldn’t overcome the Steelers in Super Bowl XIII. Memories of this edition of America’s team had to last a long time as the Cowboys would not return to the Super Bowl until two decades later. Fortunately, this team was memorable and had some of the most exciting players in the NFL at the time. This attractive NBA design from 1978-79 is the basis for another RetroCards Cowboys set. With a game action shot and closeup head shot, this familiar design was perfect for a football set....
1970 Rams: Almost, But Not Quite
When George Allen arrived as head coach in 1966, the franchise immediately turned around, producing what was their first winning season since 1957. But having double-digit winning seasons from 1967-1969 with no Championships, tempers were boiling over and Allen was fired after 1968 only to be re-hired after an outpour of support from his players. After losing to the Vikings in the 1969 post season and missing the playoffs entirely in 1970, the Rams ownership fired Allen a second time. This was one of the top teams of the era but unfortunately couldn’t get to the Championship. RetroCards honors the...
1959 Packers: The Dynasty Begins
After a 1-10-1 record in 1958, the worst in franchise history, Packer fans were disheartened, the players were dispirited, and the fans enraged. The viability of the franchise surviving became a concern of the NFL. Few expected the unbelievable turnaround that would ensue with the hiring of Vince Lombardi as head coach and general manager in early 1959. Lombardi’s punishing training and expectations of complete dedication resulted in a 7-5 record for 1959. Players began to jell and realize their potential. Future Hall of Famers Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor, Jim Ringo, Forrest Gregg, Ray Nitschke, Hank Jordan, and...
Spotlight on Timmy Brown: Running Back, Singer, Actor
As an actor, Timothy Brown is seldom recognized as a former star football player. Over shadowed by other football players-turned actor like Jim Brown and Fred Williamson, “Timmy” Brown was one of the stars of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1960s. After graduating from Ball State in Indiana in 1959, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. With a glut of fine running backs already on the roster, it is hard to blame Vince Lombardi for letting Timmy Brown get away. But I will blame him anyway. Imagine a “speed back” running behind the famous Packer sweep. No other...
1962 Colts: Aging Gracefully
Having won consecutive Championships in 1958 and 1959, the Baltimore Colts struggled in the following years to mount successful seasons. Despite boasting several NFL stars (John Unitas, Ray Berry, Lenny Moore, Jim Parker) and adding key veterans like Joe Perry and R.C. Owens, and moving key veterans out like Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb and Johnny Sample didn’t translate into more championships. Having dropped to 6-6 in 1960, the Colts made strides in 1961 by going 8-6. But with a limp running game and aging offensive line, the Colts fell back to 7-7, costing head coach Weeb Ewbank his job.This...
Preston Pearson: Original 3rd Down Back
Known as the player who defined the role of “third down back,” Preston Pearson enjoyed a long NFL career, and despite limited but unique physical abilities, he became a crucial team member and adjusted his skills to what the team required. As a student of the game and rigorous trainer, he was able to outsmart – and consequently outplay – several of his defensive opponents. Most known for his time with the Cowboys, he created what amounted to a new position on offense – the third down back – a pass receiver whose role it was to work underneath the...
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