GRIDLINE's 2014 All-Dead Team
A tribute to the pro football players who have left us this year.
Click on tombstones for details.
View 2013 team
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
SPECIAL TEAMERS & SITUATIONAL PLAYERS
BENCH
January
1. Todd Williams, 35, G, 6-3, 330
The big guy from FSU was drafted by the Titans in 2003 but didn't play with them until 2004 and 2005. The first reported death of 2014 was of unknown causes, but Todd had complained of digestive tract pains for some time before he passed.
Todd fills the open hole at Guard.
2. Don Chuy, 72, G, 6-0, 260
The Clemson Tiger was drafted by the Rams in 1963 and played for them through 1968. In 1969 he ended his career with the Eagles. He protected Roman Gabriel in 1967 as the Rams vied for the NFL championship, losing to the Packers.
Don fills the open hole at Guard.
3. Jim Johnson, 68, DB, 6-1, 195
The Gamecock was drafted by the Bengals and played one season for them in 1969.
Jim fills the open hole at Cornerback.
4. Dennis Wirgowski, 66, DE, 6-5, 260
The big, cantankerous Purdue Boilermaker was drafted by the Patriots in 1970. He played with them, sometimes starting, for 3 season before he played his last year with the Eagles in 1973. "Nuts" played with some of the game's greats (Kapp, Plunkett, Garret, Gabriel, Charmichael) but never played on a winning team.
Dennis fills the open hole at Defensive End.
5. John Kreamcheck, 88, DT, 6-5, 255
The Terrapin was selected by the Bears and played in Chicago for 3 years, from 1953-1955. He was on teams when Blanda and Ed "All-Around" Brown were QB-ing the Bears.
John fills the open hole at Defensive Tackle.
6. Charley Ellzey, 75, C, 6-3, 240
The Southern Miss star was drafted by the Cards and played two years for them in 1960 and 1961 before his career was cut short by injury.
Charley fills the open hole at Center.
February
7. Mike Reed, 39, FB, 6-0, 215
The Washington Husky played one year for the woeful 1998 Eagles. He was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago.
Mike fills the open hole as our Fullback.
8. Dave Strickland, 82, G, 6-0, 220
The Memphis Tiger was an original member of the AFL in 1960, playing one year for the Denver Broncos.
9. Abe Woodson, 79, KR/DB, 6-0, 190
The Illinois player was drafted by the 49rs. He started in 1958 and played for them all the way thru 1964, then he went to the Cardinals for his last two years, 1965 and 1966. He mostly played for mediocre teams but he was a great kick returner. He was a 5-time pro-bowler and was named All-Pro twice. He had 123 punt returns and 193 kickoff returns for a whopping 28.7 yard average. In 1962, he led the league in total kick return yardage and in 1963 he led the league in average kick return yardage. Abe scored 8 TDs throughout his career, and as a DB had 19 INTs.
Abe becomes our return man on Special Teams.
10. Reed Nilsen, 93, C, 6-0, 230
Reed received a Purple Heart at Normandy after attending BYU and returned to play one year on a pretty forgettable Lions team in 1947.
Reed can handle deep snaps for our kickers on Special Teams.
11. Ken Farragut, 85, C, 6-4, 240
The Ole Miss Rebel was drafted by the Eagles and played 4 yearsfor them from 1951-1954. The Eags kept finishing 2nd in the division back then to Otto Graham and the Browns, but Fsrragut did manage to make the Pro Bowl in 1953.
Ken replaces Charles Ellzey as starter at Center, while Charles becomes our Deep Snapper.
12. Jim "Cannonball" Butler, 70, FB, 5-9, 195
The kid from Edward Waters college was drafted by the Steelers and played in Pittsburgh from 1965-1967. He then went to his familiar spot in Atlsnta, where he played with the Falcons from 1968-1971, then he wrapped it up with the Cards in 1972. He spents most of his time in Pittsburgh returning kickoffs, but he started as a tough, hard-nosed FB in Atlanta, where he made the Pro Bowl in 1968. In his career, Cannonball ran 797 times for 2768 yards, caught 89 passes and returned 133 kickoffs. He scored 17 TDs.
Cannonball replaces Mike Reed at FB.
13. Roy Simmons, 57, G, 6-3, 265
Roy was drafted out of Ga. Tech by new York and played 3 years for the Giants, 1979-1981, before he was cut. He played his last year for the Redskins in 1983, going to the Super Bowl with them and losing to the Raiders, 38-9. Roy got caught up in drugs and sex early in the NFL, and was one of the few openly gay players to admit their sexual preference after their career. He died of complications from AIDS after years of turning cheap tricks as a prostitute.
The 4-year player replaces Todd Williams at Guard.
March
14. Joe Abbey, 88, E, 6-1, 200
Joe went to North Texas then hooked up with the Bears in 1948. He only caught a handful of passes from Sid Luckman that season as he backed up HOFer Ken Kavanaugh on a good Chicago team. He spent the next year with the New York Bulldogs (later to become the Yankees) where he caught a few more passes.
Joe fills the open spot as one of our Receivers.
15. Ken Russell, 78, T, 6-3, 250
The big guy was drafted out of Bowling Green in 1957 by the Detroit Lions in 1957. Ken started for them that year as they won the NFL championship, beating Jim Brown and the Cleveland Browns. He played two more seasons until he was traded, then said he had enough.
Ken fills the open spot at Tackle.
16. T. J. Turner, 35, LB, 6-3, 255
The Spartan was drafted in 2001 by the New England Patriots and played that one year for them. He was on the team as a backup and special teams player when the Pats won the Super Bowl over the Rams. T. J. had pancreatic cancer.
T.J. fills one open spot at Linebacker.
17. Bobby Thompson, 74, S, 5-11, 190
The kid from Zona was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played for them for 5 years from 1964 to 1968 for some pretty mediocre teams, then he played in 1969 for the Saints, another mediocre team. Bobby never scored a TD in his 6-year career but he did pick off 10 passes and he had several kick returns.
Bobby fills one open spot at Safety.
18. Eddie Meyer, 77, T, 6-2, 240
The Texas A&M Aggie became an original member of the Buffalo Bills - an original member of the AFL - in 1960, his only year.
Eddie fills the open hole at Tackle.
19. Tommy O'Connell, 83, QB, 5-11, 190
The Golden Domer was drafted by the Chicago Bears and played one season with them in 1953. He disappeared for a couple of years then turned up in Cleveland in the post-Otto Graham era, where he spent two seasons with the Browns in 1956 and 1957. He went into semi-retirement after that, then became an original member of the AFL and the Bills in 1960. He retired for good with Buffalo after the 1961 season. Tommy had his best year in 1957, when he completed more than 57% of his passes between handoffs to rookie RB Jim Brown. The Browns made the championship game that year (they lost to Detroit) amd Tommy made the Pro Bowl. In all, he had 21 Tds and 34 INTs. Tommy rejoins teammate Eddie Meyer of the Bills and John Kreamcheck with the Bears, both of this year's ADT.
Tommy becomes our first starting QB.
20. Hank Lauricella, 83, P, 5-11, 175
The Volunteer and College HOFer hooked up with the woeful Dallas Texans in 1952 in their only year of existance. He punted 58 times for the Texans, but he also ran as a HB 19 times and threw a couple of dozen passes with 4 TDs. Hank even returned a kickoff that year. Laur1cella entered politics after football and became a Louisiana state senator.
Hank becomes our Punter on Special Teams.
21. Wayne Siegert, 85, OL/LB, 6-3, 225
The kid from Illinois played sparingly for the New York Yanks in 1951, the last year before they regrouped as the Dallas Texans.
Wayne fills the open hole at LB.
22. Jack Finlay, 92, G, 6-1, 217
The Bruin hooked up with the Rams in 1947 and played his entire 5-year career there, mostly as a backup, until 1951. The L.A. team lost 14-0 to Philly in the 1949 Championship. In 1950, they lost the championship to Otto Graham and that Browns bunch, then beat them for the title in 1951.
23. Harley Dow, 88, T, 6-2, 220
The kid from San Jose State was drafted by and played for the San Francisco 49rs in 1950. It was the Niner's 1st year in the NFL after being absorbed from the old AAFC.
April
24. Fred Enke, 89, QB, 6-1, 210
The Zona QB was drafted by Detroit in 1948. He started as a rookie, then split time with Frank Tripuka and eventually served as backup to Bobby Lane in 1951. In 1952 he backed up Bobby Thomason with the Eagles. Fred became an original member of the 2nd iteration (the one that took) of the Baltimore Colts, in 1953 and ended his career there in 1954. He threw for 31 TDs and over 4000 yards in his 7-year career.
Fred becomes our new starting QB. Tommy O'Connel becomes our holder for FGs and serves as the backup QB.
25. Chris Banks, 41, G, 6-1, 300
The Jayhawk was drafted by the Broncos in 1996 but didn't join the team until 1998. As a rookie he won the Super Bowl behind John Elway over the Atanta Falcons. He played another year in Denver, then wrapped it up with the Falcons in 2000. The sometimes starter was found dead in his home of unknown causes.
26. Don King, 85, DL, 6-3, 260
The Kentucky boy hooked up with the Browns in 1954 and promptly won the NFL championship wth Otto Graham and that gang. He spent the next year with both the Eagles and the Packers. He disappeared from the NFL but after a few years he became an original member of both the AFL and the Denver Broncos in 1960. Don was teammates with Dave Strickland of this year's ADT.
Don fills an open hole along our defensive line.
27. Earl Morrall, 79, QB, 6-1, 210
The great Earl Morrall passed away Friday, April 25. The All-American from Michigan St. was the 2nd overall pick by 49rs in 1956. His career started off unspectacularly as he backed up Y.A. Tittle in Frisco his only year there. Then he bounced around to the Steelers in 1957 and the 1st part of 1958, going to the Lions for the rest of the year. He stayed with the Lions, mostly as a backup, until 1964, then went to the Giants from 1965-1967. All the while he backed up some great QBs like Fran Tarkenton, and some not so great QBs such as Jim Ninowski. Then the magic began. In 1968 he led the Colts to a 13-1 record when Johnny U. went down. The Colts lost the championship game to the AFL's Joe Namath and the Jets in what many consider to be the most important game in NFL history. That season Earl was named the league MVP. Then it was back to backing up Johnny U., but he showed up big time as he came off the bench to lead the Colts to a 16-13 win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl V. 1971 was his last year in Baltimore, then Don Shula paid what many felt was way too much to claim him off waivers. It turned out to be one the best deals ever when Bob Griese went down with a broken ankle and Earl stepped in to win 9 games and preserve the Dolphins perfect season of 1972. The next year he was on the team that beat the Vikes in Super Bowl VIII. Morrall was the oldest player on the Dolphins team, and the rest of the guys razzed him by placing a rocking chair next to his locker. Good naturedly, Earl used it, as did every member of the Dolphins on occasion. Earl played three more years as a backup until he retired in 1976. Over his long 21-year career, Morrall passed for 20809 yards and 161 TDs. He was teammates with Ken Russell and Bobby Thompson of this year's ADT.
Earl assumes the starting spot at QB, sending Frank Enke to the role of Placekick holder and backup QB.
28. Allen Jacobs, 72, RB, 6-1, 215
The Ute was drafted by the Packers and was on their team, although he didn't play much, when they won the championship in 1965. The next year he saw some real playing time with the Giants, carrying the ball nearly 80 times and scoring 7 TDs on a pretty bad team. It looked like he was onto a good NFL career but he broke his arm after just a few carries in 1967 and was prompted to retire. Allen was teammates with Earl Morrall of this year's ADT.
Allen fills the open hole at RB.
29. Dan Colchico, 78, DE, 6-5, 245
Dan was drafted out of San Jose St. by the 49ers and played there from 1960-1965. After the 49ers he disappeared for awhile due to injuries and popped up in New Orleans to play for the Saints in 1969. He had a workmanlike career playing for some pretty unheralded teams. Dan was teammates with Abe Woodsen and Bobby Thompson of this year's ADT.
Colchico fills the open hole at Defensive End.
30. Frank Budd, 74, WR, 5-10, 190
Frank was drafted out of Villanova in 1962 and played some with the Eagles that year. In 1963 he played with the Redskins. He only had 14 punt returns and caught 10 balls, but the passes were from Sonny Jurgenson and Norm Snead. He did catch a TD pass. Before the NFL Frank held the world Record in the 100 meter dash, and after the NFL he played in the CFL.
Budd fills the open hole at Receiver.
31. Dennit Morris, 78, LB, 6-1, 230
The Oklahoma Sooner was drafted by the 49ers in 1958 and played sparingly on the team that one year. He was out of the NFL for 1959 but reappeared in the AFL as an original member of the Houston Oilers. He started in 1960 and in 1961 as the Oilers won the first two AFL championship games. Dennit was named AFL All-Pro in 1961, his last year.
Morris fills the open hole at Middle Linebacker.
32. Tony Dimidio, 71, T, 6-3, 250
"Biggie" was drafted out of West Chester college by the Chiefs of the old AFL in 1966. He was on the team that year and in 1967. He was in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game (retro-actively known as Super Bowl I) where the Chiefs lost to Green Bay, 35-10.
May
33. Ronnie Caveness, 71, LB, 6-1, 225
The Razorback All-American was drafted by Kansas City in 1965. He played sparingly with the Chiefs that year, then went to the Oilers as a sometimes starter from 1966-1968 before calling it quits. Ronnie had an unspectacular pro career but he still holds the Arkansas record for most tackles in a game and he eventually became a College Hall of Famer.
Ronnie replaces Wayne Siegert in the starting line-up at Linebacker. Wayne becomes a Situational player for the 4 LB sets.
34. Rupert Pate, 96, G, 6-1, 200
The lanky guy was drafted out of Wake Forest by the Chicago Cardinals way back in 1940. He played that one year there, and played 1941 and 1942 with the Eagles. All were pretty bad teams.
35. Jimmy Saxton, 74, HB, 5-11, 175
The Texas Longhorn was drafted by the Dallas Texans in 1962 (soon to become the Kansas City Chiefs}. He only had a few touches and some returns in the one year he played, but it was the year coach Hank Stram's Texans won the AFL Championship.
We'll make Jimmy a Situational Player as our 3rd Down back.
June
36. Chuck Noll, 82, G, 6-1, 220
Many fans know Chuck as the Hall of Fame coach that led the Steelers to 4 championships in the 1970's, but fewer know he was a player on the Cleveland Browns teams of 1953-1959 that played for 4 championships as well. The Dayton kid was a rookie, protecting Otto Graham, when the Browns lost the championship to the Lions in '53, then returned in '54 and beat the Lions to win the championship. Then in 1955, they defeated the Rams to win the championship again. In 1957, Graham had retired, but Chuck protected fellow ADT member Tommy O'Connell and blocked for rookie Jim Brown as they lost another championship game to Detroit. In addition to O'Connell, he was also teammates with this year's ADT member Don King. Chuck holds the distinction of being coached by Paul Brown as a Browns player, and coaching against Brown as the Steelers head coach.
Chuck replaces Roy Simmons as one of our starting Guards.
37. Rodney Thomas, 41, RB, 5-10, 210
The Aggie was drafted by Houston in 1995. He played there until 1997, when the infamous owner Bud Adams (who shot the bird at America on national TV) moved the team. Rodney made the move to Tennessee, the team was renamed the Titans in 1999, and he played with them thru 2000 before playing his last year with the Falcons. Although he played 7 full seasons, his only action as a starter was in his first season when he gained 947 yards. He was replaced in his 2nd year by Eddie George and he became an effective but lightly used 3rd down back for the remainder of his playing days. He gained over 2600 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 TDs in his career. Rodney played in one Super Bowl in 2000, where the Titans lost to the Rams. He was found unresponsive at his childhood home in Texas. No cause of death was given pending an autopsy.
Rodney starts at RB on the ADT making Allen Jacobs a Situational Player as the 3rd down back.
38. Ernie Cheatham, 84, DT, 6-4, 255
The big defensive lineman from Loyola-Marymount was drafted by the Steelers in 1951 but the lifer Marine put his football career on hold while he took some time to collect medals of valor and promotions for a few years before joining the team. He played one season in the NFL in 1954, with the Steelers for the first part and the Colts for the rest, and by the end of the year he was back doing the Marines thing. In the end, he served as a Deputy Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces. Ernie was teammates with Fred Enke of this year's ADT.
39. Bob Mischak, 81, G, 6-0, 240
The star at Army was originally drafted in 1954 but didn't hook up with the Giants until the Army loosed him in 1958. That year, he played in "The Greatest Game Ever Played", the Giants 23-17 Sudden-Death loss to the Colts, where he caught a 27-yard pass when he was inserted at TE. He only played the one season with them, then in 1960 he started an illustrious career as an original member of the AFL and the New York Titans (nee Jets). He made All-Pro there twice. In 1963 he went to the Raiders and finished his 7-season pro career there in 1965 at the ripe old age of 33.
Bob starts at Guard replacing Don Chuy.
40. Bill Frank, 81, T, 6-5, 255
The big guy from Colorado started in the CFL but spent one year, 1964, with the Dallas Cowboys. It was really only a few games. He returned to the CFL for the 1965 season and spent a long and productive career there. Bill is in the Canadian Hall of Fame.
41. Robert Soleau, 73, LB, 6-2, 230
The Terrapin was drafted late by the Steelers in 1964 and played sparingly for them in that one year.
July
42. Wilbur Young, 65,DE, 6-6, 285
Wilbur was drafted out of William Penn college in 1971 by the Chiefs. He had a long career playing there and with the Chargers, and briefly with the Redskins. As a rookie he played on a Chiefs team that made the playoffs, losing to the Dolphins in 2 OTs, the longest game ever played. In 1979 he went to the Chargers and found the playoffs a couple of more times, though he never made it to the big dance. He spent some of the 1981 season with the Redskins, but he finished a long and successful career in San Diego in 1982. Wilbur made All-Pro in 1979.
The big guy starts at Defensive End making Dennis Wirgowski a Situational Player in the defensive line rotation.
43. Sam Venuto, 87, HB, 6-1, 200
The kid from Guilford college played with the Washington Redskins for one season back in 1952. Later, Sam became a legendary coach in New Jersey.
44. Jeff Leiding, 52, LB, 6-3, 235
The Longhorn hooked up with the Colts in 1986. Though he saw limited playing time in his two years there, He did manage to collect 2 safetys. Jeff died of a sudden heart attack.
45. Bob Mcnamara, 82, DB, 6-0, 190
Although he played in Canada for awhile, the Gopher All-American didn't start his NFL career until he was 29, getting on with the Denver Broncos as an original member of the AFL. He played both ways his first year there, returning kicks and getting a couple of dozen touches and scoring 2 TDs, but in his 2 years as a DB with the Broncs he collected 7 INTs. He was teammates with Dave Strickland and Don King of this year's ADT.
Bob fills the open hole at Safety.
46. Ray Dipierro, 87, G, 5-11, 210
The old Buckeye connected with the Packers in 1950. He only played for two years on losing teams in the era when 200 lb guards were possible.
47. Robert Newhouse, 64, FB, 5-10, 210
Robert Newhouse was one of the last of the great fullbacks of the game. The Houston Cougar was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. He had a huge, long career there until he called it quits in 1983. The fireplug was a fearless, punishing runner who caught every pass Roger Staubach tossed to him and who attacked the middle of the field. His thighs were thicker than most men's waists. He was on the field when Roger threw the original "Hail Mary" pass to Drew Pearson, he completed his own halfback pass for a TD in the Super Bowl, and his Cowboys lost years later to Joe Montana and "The Catch". Robert played in 3 Super Bowls, with a win against Denver sandwiched between losses to Pittsburgh. Over his 12-year career, he ran for nearly 5000 yards, caught passes for another 1000, and scored 36 TDs. Newhouse died from complications of a stroke and heart disease.
Robert takes over at FB, with Cannonball Butler now acting as our 3rd Down back.
48. Ed Sprinkle, 90, DE, 6-1, 210
"The Claw" was considered the meanest man in football. After a stint at Navy, Sprinkle hooked up with the Chicago Bears in 1944. He made All-Pro 4 times and was named to the All-Decade team of the Forties. Ed won the championship with Halas' Bears in 1946, beating the Giants behind Sid Luckman and Ken Kavanaugh. Early in his long career he often played both ways at End, catching 7 TDs. With his 2 fumble recoveries for TDs and a Safety he could be considered a scoring machine."The Claw" was teammates with John Kreamcheck, Joe Abbey, and Tommy O'Connell of this year ADT.
"The Claw" becomes a starting DE, moving Dan Colchico down in our defensive line rotation..
49. Ed Kelley, 81, DB, 6-2, 195
After a tour in the Army, the Longhorn hooked up as a reserve with the Dallas Texans (soon to become the Chiefs) in 1961. He was on the team for two years, including the one that won the AFL Championship in 1962. He was teammates with fellow Longhorn Jimmy saxton of the ADT. Kelley was on the Texas sex offenders list when he died.
Kelley fills the open hole at CB.
50. Ocie Austin, 67, DB, 6-3, 200
The Utah St. Aggie was drafted late by the Colts in 1968. He played that year and 1969 with the Colts. then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the next two years. Ocie was on the heavily-favored Colts team that lost to the Jets in the third AFL-NFL Championship game, for which the term 'Super Bowl' was coined. Ocie had 3 INTs in his four years. He was on Colts teams with Earl Morrall.
Ocie starts at CB on the ADT, relegating Ed Kelley to a Nickle back.
August
51. Dave Lloyd, 77, LB, 6-3, 250
The longtime LB was drafted out of Georgia by the Browns in 1959. He played three years there, then did a year with the Lions, and finally joined the Eagles in 1963. He retired in 1970 there after a 12-year playing career. He made the Pro Bowl in Philly in 1969, but he never was on teams that threatened to win a championship trophy. He did play with some of the Greats of the game, including Jim Brown and from this year's ADT, Earl Morrall. He was also teammates with Chuck Noll and Don Clary of the ADT.
Dave becomes a starter at LB, sending T.J.Turner to a role as the 4th LB in our 3-4 sets.
52. Perry Moss, 88, QB, 5-10, 170
The old timer from Illinois was drafted late by a pretty bad Packer team in 1948. He only played a little as Curly Lambeau went through several QBs, having just 4 completions in 17 tries and fumbling a few times. After his try as a player he became an accomplished coach, everywhere, including the NFL the CFL and the USFL and even doing a stint as FSU's AD.
53. Pete Ladygo, 89, G, 6-2, 220
The Terrapin was drafted after the war when he was 27 by the Steelers in 1952. He played that year and 1954 before skipping to the CFL. Pete was one of the few remaining WWII and NFL vets. He played briefly with Ernie Cheatham of this year's ADT.
54. Jesse Castete, 81, DB, 5-11, 180
Jesse was drafted out of McNeese St. by the Bears in 1956. He played and had a couple of picks on the team that eventually went on to lose the championship to the Giants, but he never made it to that game as he was traded to a mediocre Rams team. He played the rest of the 1956 season and in 1957 there before he called it quits.
Jesse starts at CB, making Jim Johnson a Situational player as our nickel back.
55. Dave Daniels, 73, DT, 6-3, 250
The big guy was drafted out of Florida A&M in 1965 but he didn't play until he hooked up with the Raiders in 1966. He was on the team for one season.
September
56. Charley Powell, 82, DE, 6-3, 230
Only one man could say he competed with Y,A. Tittle, competed against Bobby Lane, and fought Cassius Clay. Charley did it while he advanced the Civil Rights movement and ushered in a new football era, and it all started after he became the youngest man ever to play in the NFL (19). Powell played for the 49rs from 1952-1957, took a couple of years off, then joined the Oakland Raiders to become an original member of the AFL. He was in the championship game, a loss to Detroit, in his last NFL season in '57. He became a professional boxer after football and was knocked out by Clay in 1963. He is rumored to have sacked Layne 10 times in his first game. He also played with the great Earl Morrall of this year's ADT.
Charley becomes a Situational player in our defensive line rotation.
57. Donnie Humphrey, 53, DE, 6-3, 280
Donnie was drafted out of Auburn in 1984 by a mediocre Packer team. He played on their D-line until 1986. Humphrey had several health problems including drug addiction and a leg amputation before his death.
58. Goose Gonsoulin, 76, S, 6-3, 210
The lanky safety from Baylor became an original member of the AFL and the Denver Broncos in 1960. He played 7 years there, and played his last year with the 49ers in 1967. Goose never played on a winning team but he was named to the Pro Bowl 5 times. Over his career he had 46 picks, returning 2 for TDs. Goose was teammates with Dave Strickland, Bob McNamara, and Don King of this year's ADT.
Goose starts at Safety, making teammate Bob McNamara a Situational player in the Nickle and Dime sets.
59. Tim Rudnick, 62, DB, 5-10, 185
The Golden Domer was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and played for them as a reserve in 1974.
60. Rob Bironas, 36, K, 6-0, 200
The guy from Ga. Southern walked onto the Tennessee Titans roster in 2005 and kicked for them all the way through the 2013 season. Rob was an extremely accurate kicker, hitting 86% of his FGs, and he was long, too, making over 2/3rds of his attempts beyond 50 yards. Over his 9-year career he made 239 kicks, including his longest of 60 yards. He once kicked 8 FGs in one game, and he made All-Pro in 2007 - the year the Titans made the playoffs. The son-in-law of Terry Bradshaw died when he lost control of his SUV near his home and crashed it into a line of trees. He was a teammate of Todd Williams of the ADT.
Rob starts as Placekicker on the ADT.
61. Scott Ross, 45, LB, 6-1, 235
The Trojan was drafted by the Saints in 1991 and played that one year for them, backing up the vaunted Dome Patrol. He was found dead in a church parking lot in Lafayette, LA. No cause of death was given, but Scott was suffering from dementia and was named in the CTE lawsuit.
62. Les Bruckner, 96, FB, 6-1, 200
The Spartan was a semi-pro player before hooking up with a bad Cards team in 1945. Les only played that one year. and he only had a couple of kick returns on record. He was one of the oldest pros there was at 96.
63. Don Manoukian, 80, G, 5-7, 240
The diminutive, stocky Stanford Cardinal latched onto the Oakland Raiders in 1960, where he became an original member of the AFL. He started that one season for them, then quit to resume his career as a pro wrestler. Don the Bruiser was the ultimate bad guy in wrestling, once telling a Texas crowd, "If there was a back door to the Alamo, there wouldn't have been a Texan killed." Don was teammates with Charley Powell of this year's ADT. What a pair!
64. Jim Boeke, 76, T, 6-5, 260
The big guy from Heidelberg College was drafted by the Rams in 1960. He played there for 4 years, then went to the Cowboys in 1964, where he played another four years before he went to the Saints to end his career in 1968. Jim played in the famous Ice Bowl in the NFL Championship game in 1967, losing to the Pack on Bart Starr's QB sneak on the last play of the game. After football, he became a prolific actor with minor roles in Newhart and Forrest Gump, among several others. He was teammates with Don Chuy and Bill Frank of this year's ADT.
Jim starts at Tackle, replacing Eddie Meyer.
October
65. Elbert Drungo, 71, OL, 6-5, 265
Drungo was drafted out of Tennessee State in 1969 by the Houston Oilers and became a mainstay on their offensive line until 1977. He spent his last year, 1978, with the Bills. He never made the playoffs in his 10 years in the league, although the 10-4 Oilers of 1975 came close.
We'll make Elbert our starting Tackle, replacing Ken Russell.
66. Aki Jones, 32, DL, 6-4, 300
The Fordham star was on Joe Gibbs' Washington Redskins team that made the playoffs in 2005. The young man died in a car accident.
67. Art Best, 61, RB, 6-1, 200
The Golden Domer was drafted by L.A. but ended up with the Bears in 1977 and 1978, then turned up with the Giants in 1980. He only ran the ball a few times and had some kick returns. He was teammates with Roy Simmons of this year's ADT. Art had cancer.
68. Rebel Steiner, 87, DB, 6-0, 185
The Packers drafted Rebel out of Alabama and he started for them in 1950 and 1951. He had a good two years there, collecting 10 INTs and returning 1 for a TD, but his career was cut short when he blew out his knee. Rebel was teammates with Ray Dipierro of this year's ADT.
Rebel starts at CB, making Jesse Castete a Situational Player in our Nickle and Dime sets.
69. Dennis Biodrowski, 74, G, 6-1, 250
The Memphis kid hooked up with the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 and played there through 1967. In 1966 he was with the Chiefs when they won the AFL Championhip game against the Bills, then went on to lose to Green Bay in the first AFL-NFL World Championhip game, later to be known as Super Bowl I. Also on that team was Tony Dimidio of the ADT. Dennis also was teammates with Ronnie Caveness of the ADT.
70. John Bramlett, 73, LB, 6-1, 220
After a two-year stint in Major League Baseball the Memphis kid hooked up with the AFL's Denver Broncos and played for them in 1965 and 1966. He played for the Dolphins in 1967 and 1968, and the Patriots in 1969 and 1970. John capped off his career in 1971 with the Falcons. Although the journeyman played on mediocre teams he made the Pro Bowl in 1966 and 1967. Over his 7-year career he intercepted 10 passes and scored a TD. Once considered the meanest man in football, John became an evangelist later in life. John was teammates with Goose Gonsoulin, Cannonball Butler and Dennis Wirgowski of this year's ADT.
John starts at LB, making Ronnie Caveness a Situational Player in our 4 LB sets.
71. Mo Collins, 38, OL, 6-4, 330
The big Gator was drafted in the 1st round by the Raiders and was a mainstay on their O-line from 1998-2003. His teams were denied the Super Bowl at the turn of the century by Tony Siragusa's slam dunk of Rich Gannon and the infamous Tuck Rule, but they finally made it after the 2002 season, losing to Tampa Bay. Mo had been receiving kidney dialysis treatments.
We'll make Mo a Situational Player as our Deep Snapper.
72. Gordy Soltau, 89, K/E, 6-2, 200
The Golden Gopher was drafted in 1950 by Green Bay but wound up in Frisco. He played from 1950-1958 as both their placekicker and starting End. The All-Pro went to 3 Pro Bowls. Gordy played on the 1957 49er playoff team that featured three future HOF's in Y.A. Tittle, Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry. They lost to Detroit. The versatile player scored 25 TDs on 249 catches and made 70 FGs in his 9-year career. With PATs he scored a whopping, then-record 644 lifetime points. Soltau was teammates with Abe Goodson, Earl Morrall, Dennit Morris, Charlie Powell and Harley Dow of this year's ADT.
Gordy fills the open hole at TE.
73. Don Bracken, 52, P, 6-1, 210
The Wolverine punter got on with the Green Bay Packers in 1985 and played there all the way thru 1990. He wasn't in the NFL again until he joined the Rams, kicking for them in 1992 and 1993. He had 461 punts over his career, averaging nearly 40 yards. He was teammates with Donnie Humphrey of this year ADT. Don died of a serious staph infection.
Don replaces Hank Lauricella as the ADT Punter.
74. Leon McLaughlin, 89, C, 6-2, 230
The Bruin was taken late in the 1951 draft by the Rams and played for them through 1955. He started two championship games in 1951 and 1952, beating Otto Graham's Browns and losing to Detroit. He made the Pro Bowl in 1954 and was on the team in 1955 when they lost the championship against the Browns. Leon was teammates with fellow Bruin and Ram Jack Finlay of this year's ADT.
Leon replaces Ken Farragut at Center, making Ken our Deep Snapper.
75. Andy Natowich, 95, HB, 5-10, 180
The kid from Holy Cross hooked up briefly with the Redskins in 1944 and returned one kickoff for them.
November
76. Orlando Thomas, 42, S, 6-1, 220
The Ragin' Cajun was drafted by the Vikings in 1995. He spent his entire 7-year career there, from 1995-2001. Orlando's teams made the playoffs several times, but never made the Super Bowl. The closest they came was with Randell Cunningham and Randy Moss, losing the NFC Championship on two occasions. Thomas never made the Pro Bowl, but he gathered in 22 INTs and a couple of fumbles, and he scored 4 TDs on returns. The young man died of ALS.
Orlando becomes the starting Safety, making Bobby Thompson a Situational Player as a Nickleback.
77. Don Paul, 89, C-LB, 6-1, 230
The Bruin was drafted by the Rams and playeed there 8 seasons, 1948-1955. His Rams, QB'd by Waterfield and Van Brocklin, lost championhips in 1949 and 1950 to the Eagles and Browns, then won in 1951 over the Browns, lost to the Lions the next year and in 1955 they lost to the Browns again. He made it to three Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro in 1953. Over his career, Don had 11 INTs and a half-dozen fumble recoveries. Don was teammates with fellow Bruin Jack Finlay and Leon McLaughlin of the ADT.
The old timer replaces Dennit Morris at LB, making Dennit a Situational Player in 4 LB sets.
78. Tom Regner, 70, G, 6-1, 235
The Golden Domer was drafted by the Oilers in the first round and played for them from 1967-1972. In his first year the Oilers lost the AFC Championship to the Raiders, but the following years the Oilers had mediocre to bad teams. He was teammates with Ronnie Caveness and Elbert Drungo of this year's ADT.
79. Larry Kelm, 49, LB, 6-4, 240
The lanky Aggie was drafted by the Rams in 1987 and played for them through 1992, then played his last year, 1993, with the 49ers. His Rams lost the NFC Conference Championhip game to the 49ers in 1989, then he lost the championhip with the 49ers to Dallas in 1993. He was teammates with Tom Bracken of this year's ADT. Larry was killed in a hunting accident.
80. Carl Brettschneider, 82, LB, 6-1, 225
The Hawkeye played half of his career as a Cardinal from 1956-1959 and half of his career as a Lion from 1960-1963. The one-time All-Pro never made the playoffs with either team but he did come close with the 1962 Lions, who were 11-3. Carl played with Earl Morrall and Dave Lloyd of this year's ADT.
Carl replaces John Bramlett at LB, making John a Situational Player as the 4th LB.
81. Ledio Fanucchi, 83, T-DT, 6-2, 225
The Fresno St. lineman was drafted by the Cardinals in 1954 and played that one year for them as they went 2-10.
December
82. Jim Swink, 78, HB, 6-1, 185
The TCU running back hooked up with the Dallas Texans (soon to become the Kansas City Chiefs) and became an original member of the AFL in 1960. He returned one kickoff for 36 yards.
83. Charlie Flowers, 77, FB, 6-1, 220
The Ole Miss Rebel was drafted by the Giants in 1959 but ultimately connected with the L.A. Chargers in 1960 to become an original member of the AFL. He made the move with the team to San Diego the next year, then finished his career with the New York Titans (Jets) in 1962. He played in two AFL championship games with the Chargers, losing both to the Oilers. Charlie gained 800 yards rushing and receiving and scored 5 TDs in his 3 year career. He was teammates with Bob Mischak of this year's ADT.
84. Dave Behrman, 73, C, 6-5, 260
The Spartan was drafted 4th overall by the Bills of the old AFL. He made the playoffs with them that year, then he didn't play the next year, then he made the Pro Bowl with Buffalo as they won the AFL Championship in 1965. An injury sidelined him for a season then he popped up with the Broncos, finishing his career there in 1967.
85. Fuzzy Thurston, 80, G, 6-1, 250
Fuzzy was drafted out of Valparaiso by Philly in 1956 but he didn't see his rookie year until 1958 with the Colts. He was on the winning team in the "Greatest Game Ever Played", although he didn't start as he backed up Bob Mischak of this year's ADT. He then embarked on a long career with the Green Bay Packers, from 1959-1967, protecting Bart Starr and leading the famous Green Bay sweep with Jerry Kramer. In that span he played in six championship games, losing to the Eags, beating the Giants twice, beating the Browns, and beating the Chiefs and the Raiders in the first two retroactively-named Super Bowls. He made All-Pro in 1961 and was named to two Pro Bowls. When asked how he kept warm in the famous Ice Bowl he joked, "I drank about ten Vodkas." In addition to Mischak, Fuzzy was teammates with Allen Jacobs at Green Bay of the ADT.
It's hard to imagine anyone could beat out either of these great guards, but we'll start Fuzzy ahead of Bob Mischak, who he backed up in his rookie year.
86. Ed Vereb, 80, HB, 6-0, 190
The Terrapin was a 1st round pick of the Redskins in 1956 but he opted to be a bigshot in the CFL. Ed did come back to play one year for an abysmal Skins team in 1960, but in 1961 he returned to the B.C. Lions to coach.
87. Deral Teteak, 85, LB, 5-10, 210
The Badger was drafted by the Packers in 1952 and played in Green Bay for five years, through 1956. He was on some mediocre at best teams before the Bart Starr era, but he did manage to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Deral was teammates with Don King of this year's ADT.
88. Bob Kelly, 64, DT, 6-2, 270
The kid from New Mexico St. was drafted late by the Oilers in 1961. He played for them through 1964. In Houston, he was a rookie on the team that won the AFC Championship, and lost the championship game the next year. Bob was out of football for a few years, then returned to the AFL and the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. He played his last year with the Bengals in 1968. The big guy was only a sometimes starter and a journeyman, but he had a good career. Bob was teammates with Dennit Morris, Tony Dimidio, and Dennis Biodrowski of this year's ADT.
89. Boyd Brown, 62, TE, 6-4, 220
Denver drafted Boyd out of Alcorn St. in 1974. He played with the Broncos through 1976 but missed their Super Bowl year by one season. He was with the Giants in 1977, his last year. Mostly a blocking TE, Boyd only caught one pass in his 4-year career.
90. Mack Alston, 67, TE, 6-2, 230
The kid from Maryland-Eastern Shore was drafted late in 1970 by the Redskins. He became a backup to Jerry Smith on the "Over the Hill Gang", eventually losing the Super Bowl to the Fins in 1972, his last year there. He was in Houston from 1973-1976 as a sometimes starter, then did his last stint with the Colts, 1977-80, backing up Richard Chester. Throughout the 70's he caught passes from Billy Kilmer, Sonny Jurgenson, Bert Jones, Dan Pastorini and even John Hadl. He finished his long career with 108 catches for 1247 yards and 18 TDs. Mack was teammate with Elbert Drungo of this year's ADT.
The always reliable Alston starts as a genuine Tight End for us. Gordy Soltau becomes a Situational Player as our second TE.
91. Chris Dyko, 48, T, 6-6, 305
The big guy from Washington St. was drafted in 1989 by the Bears and was on the roster that one season. Chris was killed near Key West on his bicycle when an SUV hit him in the bike lane.
Are we forgetting someone? Please use the Contact Us form to alert us if a pro footballer dies.
