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- iHaveNet.com: NFL Football
Pro football once featured a dominant, phenomenal wide receiver ... nicknamed Bambi.
That player, Lance Alworth, would become the first AFL player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Synonymous with excellence, Alworth wore his nickname with pride because it came from defenses that simply couldn't defend him. Like an elusive, nimble deer, his open-field speed and quickness, balance and off-the-charts leaping ability set him apart in the exciting, pass-first AFL.
On Oct. 20, 1963, the AFL Player of the Year had his best game of that season, led the Chargers to a 38-17 win over the Chiefs at Kansas City Municipal Stadium. The second-year player exploded for what would wind up as a career-best 232 receiving yards, on nine catches with two touchdowns.
"Lance Alworth was now the standard by which wide receivers in college were being compared. ... That was the
first time that the standard of talent at any position in football was an AFL player."
-- Al LoCasale, former Chargers scout
Lance Alworth, full name Gordon C. Alworth Jr., is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the National Football League. He was born on August 3, 1940, in Houston, Texas. Alworth is best known for his time with the San Diego Chargers, and he also played briefly for the Dallas Cowboys.
Alworth formed a formidable tandem with Chargers quarterback John Hadl, and is considered by many to be the best wide receiver in all professional football during the 1960s. He is a member of the AFL All-Time Team. He was the first of only a few American Football League stars to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which like other media of the 1960s, showed a distinct bias for the NFL. Sports Illustrated even went so far as to declare Alworth the "Top Pro Receiver" in 1965, at a time when many claimed the AFL had inferior players.
College Career
Alworth played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he was a star on both offense and defense. He was a two-time All-American and a versatile player.
Professional Career
Alworth was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1962 NFL Draft, but he began his professional career in the American Football League (AFL) with the San Diego Chargers, who signed him to a contract worth a then-record $600,000. He played for the Chargers from 1962 to 1970 and the Dallas Cowboys from 1971 to 1972.
AFL Legacy
Lance Alworth's career coincided with the AFL-NFL merger, and he played a significant role in popularizing the AFL. He was known for his speed, agility, and spectacular catches.
Awards and Achievements
Alworth was an 7-time AFL All-Star and a 7-time First-Team All-AFL selection. He led the AFL in receptions and receiving yards multiple times. He was named the AFL Player of the Year in 1968.
Super Bowl Appearance
Alworth played in Super Bowl VI with the Dallas Cowboys but did not win a Super Bowl title during his career.
Hall of Fame
Lance Alworth was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, and he is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Career Stats
Over his career, Alworth caught 542 passes for 10,266 yards and 85 touchdowns. He was the first AFL player to surpass 10,000 receiving yards.
Receptions: 542
Receiving Yards: 10,266
Touchdowns: 85
Yards per Reception: 18.9
Longest Reception: 85 yards
Rushing Attempts: 24
Rushing Yards: 129
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Punt Returns: 29
Punt Return Yards: 309
Kickoff Returns: 10
Kickoff Return Yards: 216
Games Played: 136
Pro Bowl Selections: 7
All-Pro Selections: 7
Stats by Season
1962
Receptions: 36, Receiving Yards: 703, Yards per Reception: 19.5, Longest Reception: 79 yards, Touchdowns: 5
1963
Receptions: 61, Receiving Yards: 1,205, Yards per Reception: 19.8, Longest Reception: 77 yards, Touchdowns: 11
1964
Receptions: 73, Receiving Yards: 1,383, Yards per Reception: 18.9, Longest Reception: 80 yards, Touchdowns: 13
1965
Receptions: 69, Receiving Yards: 1,602, Yards per Reception: 23.2, Longest Reception: 85 yards, Touchdowns: 14
1966
Receptions: 73, Receiving Yards: 1,383, Yards per Reception: 18.9, Longest Reception: 80 yards, Touchdowns: 10
1967
Receptions: 73, Receiving Yards: 1,383, Yards per Reception: 18.9, Longest Reception: 80 yards, Touchdowns: 13
1968
Receptions: 68, Receiving Yards: 1,312, Yards per Reception: 19.3, Longest Reception: 80 yards, Touchdowns: 10
1969
Receptions: 64, Receiving Yards: 1,003, Yards per Reception: 15.7, Longest Reception: 50 yards, Touchdowns: 4
1970
Receptions: 35, Receiving Yards: 608, Yards per Reception: 17.4, Longest Reception: 43 yards, Touchdowns: 4
1971
Receptions: 34, Receiving Yards: 487, Yards per Reception: 14.3, Longest Reception: 30 yards, Touchdowns: 2
1972
Receptions: 15, Receiving Yards: 195, Yards per Reception: 13.0, Longest Reception: 30 yards, Touchdowns: 2
Chargers Legacy
While with the San Diego Chargers, Alworth was a pivotal player in the team's success. He was instrumental in helping the Chargers win the AFL Championship in 1963.
Speed and Agility
Alworth was known for his incredible speed and agility. He had the ability to make acrobatic catches and could break away from defenders with ease. His combination of speed and precise route-running made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Receiving Records
During his career, Alworth held various receiving records, including most receiving yards in a single season and most receptions in a game. His records stood for several years, a testament to his exceptional skills.
Memorable Plays
Alworth was known for numerous memorable plays, but one of the most iconic moments in his career was his diving, fingertip catch during a 1965 game against the Oakland Raiders. The catch is often regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history.
Legacy and Influence
Lance Alworth's impact on the wide receiver position in football was profound. His style of play and ability to stretch the field set a standard for future generations of receivers. Many modern wide receivers cite Alworth as an inspiration and a trailblazer for their own careers.
Number Retired
The San Diego Chargers retired Alworth's jersey number 19 in his honor, and he is often celebrated by the team and its fans as one of their all-time greats.
Lance Alworth's impact on the game of football, especially in the AFL, was significant, and his legacy as one of the all-time great wide receivers continues to be celebrated in the NFL.
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