Babe Parilli threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 1964 for the Patriots.
(File/ The Boston Globe)
Top five AFL moments
Babe Parilli threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 1964 for the Patriots.
(File/ The Boston Globe)
1960: The Houston Oilers sign Louisiana State running back Billy Cannon, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner, with owner Bud Adams meeting Cannon in the end zone following the Sugar Bowl to close the deal. The AFL later wins in court over the NFL for Cannon’s rights. That Cannon chose the AFL gave the league credibility.
1960: Curt Gowdy and Paul Christman were hired to broadcast games on ABC, which provided the league immediate clout and a professional presence. Gowdy moved to NBC in 1965 and still called AFL games.
1966: The AFL's success forces the NFL to pit the champions of both leagues into a final title game called the Super Bowl.
1969: Joe Namath guarantees a win for the New York Jets over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, then delivers, marking the first time an AFL team wins the Super Bowl.
1970: The AFL puts itself out of business by joining the NFL, forming a common league with 26 teams - 13 in the American Football Conference and 13 in the National Football Conference.
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