Playoff Bowl ('60-thru-'69) discussion

[Mark L Ford]

At one time there was a website that chronicled all ten Playoff Bowl games but I can't seem to find it anymore (MBolding I think). Sad when these resources disappear. I believe CBS televised all of these games, maybe someone can confirm that. In the opening minute or so of the 1966 Eagles highlight film you can hear Joe Kuharich grumbling to his secretary about having to play in the January '67 Playoff Bowl, saying that he didn't have time for "this second place stuff."

On a side note, the NFL used the new Y-shaped/slingshot goal post for the first time in that "67 Eagles vs. Colts Playoff Bowl.

Another bit of Playoff Bowl trivia is that the Steelers introduced their iconic black helmets when they appeared in their 1963 Playoff Bowl loss to the Lions on January 6. They were still wearing yellow helmets with the steel logo up until the end of the 1962 regular season.

[Retro Rider]

Bump... Does anyone know the name of the player selected MVP of the 1962 Playoff Bowl (Lions vs. Eagles)? I am trying to come up with a complete list but can't seem to find information on the January '62 winner. Neither AP or UPI wire service accounts that I have come across mention the selection of an outstanding player.

It does appear that an MVP trophy was awarded, as indicated in a 1965 press photo of Billy Gambrell. Awards were split into offensive and defensive categories in 1969 & 1970. Thanks in advance for any info.

m45677573664_1.jpg (394.75 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Playoff Bowl MVP's:
1/7/61 - Nick Pietrosante FB Lions
1/6/62 -
1/6/63 - Milt Plum QB Lions
1/5/64 - Bart Starr QB Packers
1/3/65 - Billy Gambrell E Cardinals
1/9/66 - Tom Matte QB Colts
1/8/67 - Israel Lang RB Eagles
1/7/68 - Roman Gabriel QB Rams
1/5/69 - Don Meredith QB Cowboys (Off)
- Carl Eller DE Vikings (Def)
1/3/70 - Roman Gabriel QB Rams (Off)
- Deacon Jones DE Rams (Def)

[Brian wolf]

Was it Terry Barr, who caught two TD passes?

The game would affect Jurgensen's career with the Eagles.

[RichardBak]

I did a quick check of Detroit papers. Couldn't find anything. My bet would be either Jim Ninowski or Earl Morrall, each of whom tossed a pair of TD passes. Morrall also had a rushing TD. But it could've been Barr.

[RichardBak]

Retro---I wonder if it might be found in here, maybe in one of the player bios (lots of factoids) or perhaps a separate page about the game. Unfortunately I don't have a copy. I pulled this off eBay---seller wants 20 bucks.

1962 Lions guide.jpg (157.99 KiB) Viewed 66 times

[Retro Rider]

Retro---I wonder if it might be found in here, maybe in one of the player bios (lots of factoids) or perhaps a separate page about the game. Unfortunately I don't have a copy. I pulled this off eBay---seller wants 20 bucks.

I was thinking along the same lines. Oszuscik recently posted a link to NFL media guides in the Street & Smith topic. I was able to look over the '63 Lions guide but couldn't find any information. The '62 guide only featured a picture of the cover. Morrall, Ninowski and Barr would appear to be the leading candidates. The Lions pass rush was a dominant factor in the game, so maybe someone on defense? An old Playoff Bowl program might include an MVP list.

https://archive.org/details/lions-1963