1960s Timeline

Dec. 24, 1961 - George Blanda passed for the only touchdown today and kicked a 46-yard field goal to lead the Houston Oilers to their second consecutive American Football League championship. They defeated the San Diego Chargers 10-3. The 33-year-old quarterback also kicked the Oilers’ extra point. A San Diego crowd of 29,556 saw an intense defensive struggle, with Houston’s linebackers containing the passing of Jack Kemp. San Diego, in turn, intercepted six Houston passes. H

Dec. 22, 1961 - George Blanda, voted the American Football League’s player of the year by The Associated Press, today said this might be his last year as a professional quarterback. “I haven’t signed a contract yet,” Blanda said. “I may not want to play next year because it’s sure nice to go out a winner.” Blanda, 33, is in his twelfth pro year. He spent 10 years with the NFL Chicago Bears, where he was better known as a kicker than a passer. He had retired when Houston lured

Nov. 12, 1961 - The Giants stormed to a 38-21 victory over the Eagles today before a roaring crowd of 62,800 at Yankee Stadium. As a result of the triumph, Coach Allie Sherman’s New Yorkers moved into a tie with Philadelphia’s 1960 NFL champions for first place in the Eastern Conference. Scoring the first two times they had possession of the ball, the Giants built their margin to 24-7 by halftime, scoring twice more in the third period for a 38-7 advantage before they allowed