Billy Gambrell - SE

Billy Gambrell was a split end for the Cardinals and Lions from 1963-68.

Drafted by the Boston Patriots in 1963, he signed with the Cardinals as a free agent. 

 

He played split end for the Cardinals from 1963-67, with most of his starts coming in '64 and '67. For years he played behind Bobby Joe Conrad and Sonny Randle, finally breaking into the starting lineup in 1967, after Randle's trade to the 49ers.

 

In 1968, he was the Lions' starting flanker, starting 11 of his 14 games. That was his final season.

 

 

Teams: Cardinals (1963-67), Lions (1968)

    

Pete Jaquess - DB

Pete Jaquess was a defensive back for the Oilers, Dolphins, and Broncos from 1964-1970.

Although he wasn't drafted until the 20th round in 1964, Pete started every game at left cornerback for the Oilers that season, and made the Pro Bowl. He played in every game in 1965, but only made 4 starts. 

 

Jaquess started 10 games at free safety for the Dolphins in 1966. Midway through the 1967 season he was traded to the Broncos. 

 

He was the Broncos' starting strong safety in 1968, then served in a backup role for his final 2 seasons. 

 

 

Teams: Oilers (1964-65), Dolphins (1966-67), Broncos (1967-70)

   

Seeing Red

The "Red Team" (on the blog sidebar) seems very popular this week!

Jim Lindsey - HB

Jim Lindsey was the Vikings' 2nd-round pick in 1966. He played 7 seasons in the NFL (1966-72), all with the Vikings.

Lindsey played in 84 games over that span, with his only 4 starts coming during his rookie season. He was also a kick returner for most seasons. 

 

After football, Lindsey got into the real estate business. His company owned more than 30,000 apartment units and 40 golf courses.

 

 

Teams: Vikings (1966-72)

   

Jerry Hill - FB

Jerry Hill was the Colts' 3rd-round pick in 1961, and played 9 seasons - all with the Colts.

He only played 1 game in 1961, then missed the entire 1962 season. 

 

From 1963-70 he started a handful of games at fullback each season, except for starting every game in 1965. He led the Colts in rushing that season. 

 

 

Teams: Colts (1961, 63-70)

    

Rudy Kuechenberg - LB

Rudy Kuechenberg was signed as a free agent by the Bears in 1967.

He played every game with Chicago for 3 seasons, finally starting 10 games in his 3rd year. Those were his only career starts. 

 

In 1970 he split time between the Browns and the Packers. In his final season he appeared in 3 games for the Falcons. 

 

His brother Bob played 14 seasons for the Dolphins. 

 

 

Teams: Bears (1967-69), Browns (1970), Packers (1970), Falcons (1971) 

   

Charlie Harper - G

Two months ago we looked at the card for Giants' guard Darrell Dess. Here's their other guard.

Charlie Harper was the Giants' 8th-round pick in 1966. He played 7 seasons in the NFL - all for the Giants. 

 

A backup guard in his rookie season, he played right tackle for the next 2 years, starting 12 games in '67 and 4 games in '68. 

 

Harper switched back to guard for the '69 and '70 seasons, starting 11 games at right guard in 1970. 

 

In 1971 he started every game at right tackle. Harper had played in every game for his first 6 seasons. 

 

In his final season (1972), he only appeared in 1 game, and it was at defensive tackle. 

 

 

Teams: Giants (1966-72)