American Football League Rookie of the Year
In each year of its ten-year existence (1960–1969), numerous sports-news services named their choice for the
1960
In 1960, though drafted by the NFL, Haynes chose to play for the American Football League's Dallas Texans, and led the AFL in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in the league's first year. Haynes helped launch the AFL as the fledgling league's first
1961
)
Despite being double and triple-teamed, Earl Faison was chosen as the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1961. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Faison blew by opposing offensive lineman on his way to smashing American Football League quarterbacks as one of the original "Fearsome Foursome", and was chosen to the
1962
McClinton had 604 Yards on 111 carries for a 5.4 yards per carry average and two touchdowns. He added 333 yards on 29 receptions and was a member of the 1962
1963
An eleventh-round draft choice by the Broncos, Joe had 646 yards on 154 carries for a 4.2 yards per carry average, four rushing touchdowns, and a reception for a touchdown.
1964
Selected in the third round in the NFL draft, Matt Snell was picked in the first round as the first player drafted by the AFL's New York franchise after new owner
1965
Choosing the American Football League's Jets (and $427,000) over the NFL, Namath was 164 of 340 for 2,220 yards and 18 touchdowns in his rookie season for the Jets, and was selected to the 1965
1966
1967
- UPI, TSN)
- Dickie Post, running back, San Diego Chargers (AP)
George Webster created the "roverback" position, as a linebacker with a defensive back's moves and speed. He started as a rookie and had 15 tackles in his first game. The Oilers' defense held opponents under 200 points in 1967, helping them win the East Division title. He averaged more than ten tackles a game and was first-team
AP selected Webster as their defensive Rookie of the Year and selected Dickie Post as AP AFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Post rushed for 663 yards on 161 carries for seven touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 278 yards and returning 15 kicks for 371 yards.[5]
1968
- UPI, TSN)
- Dick Anderson, defensive back Miami Dolphins (Associated Press)
- George Atkinson, safety/return specialist, Oakland Raiders (Associated Press)
Paul Robinson played only one year at the
Associated Press awarded their AP AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year to Anderson and Atkinson, who each served as returners when not playing defense. Anderson intercepted eight passes and returned one for a touchdown.[6] Atkinson returned 32 kicks for 802 yards along with 36 punts for 490 yards for two touchdowns. He also intercepted four passes with one going for a touchdown.[7]
1969
- UPI, TSN, AP)
- Bill Bergey, Oakland Raiders (Associated Press)
The University of Cincinnati's 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback Greg Cook stayed in Cincinnati to play professional football. In his rookie year, he passed for 1,854 yards and 15 touchdowns. Injury prevented him from reaching his potential with the Bengals.
AP awarded their Defensive Rookie of the Year award to Bill Bergey, who recorded two interceptions.[8]
References
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/afl-upi-rookie-of-the-year-award.htm
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-afl-rookie-of-the-year-award.htm
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-afl-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-award.htm
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-afl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-award.htm
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PostDi00/gamelog/1967/
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeDi00/gamelog/1968/
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AtkiBu00/gamelog/1968/
- ^ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BergBi00/gamelog/1969/