The 5 Best 1970's NFL Playmakers (Running Backs/Quarterbacks)

[@orange8167]

I always admired Bobby Douglass. He was never afraid to run or get hit. Much unlike today's QB's.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, he looked for contact. His was bigger than most Defensive Backs, so they couldn't have been too happy to see him coming their way.

[@manuelmaldonado2387]

Boy i love that 70s thank you for send is to me.

[@markgardner9460]

I'm glad that you liked it!!!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 No NFL era will approach 65-85

[@markgardner9460]

I can dig that

[@AmericasChoice]

Thanks Mark! You have helped a lot of us relive the best days of the NFL, and the best days, period.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you! I appreciate that! Times were a lot simpler back in the early '70's, weren't they? Not that there weren't problems and issues, but it was a simpler time.

[@AmericasChoice]

@@markgardner9460 Exactly. Definitely issues, but it seemed people were able to move on and live life. The women in the 70's were extremely cool, about everything. And were up for anything! I still think about my HS girlfriend, Sally, and that was 50 years ago!

[@markgardner9460]

I didn't have one in HS and that was 40 years ago. (Glad I got over that situation)

[@evanmeier3570]

Denver was kind of a strange team back then. They had some great playmakers in Armstrong, Upchurch, Odoms and Haven Moses. They weren’t able to put it all together until 1977 with that great defense led by Alzado and company. Essex Johnson and Boobie Clark were a formidable duo but both seemed to age rapidly. I immediately knew that Mercury had to make the list. That guy was like greased lightning. What a great look back at these dynamic players of yesteryear. Excellent breakdown and footage Mark!

[@markgardner9460]

Thanks, Evan. The Broncos set the city of Denver on fire in '77 - they were super exciting to watch.

[@joeyvocals1]

My grandparents tell me of Bobby Douglas! They said: he could throw the ball a long way down field and that his receivers had a hard time catching his passes! Another 😎 video! Keep them coming! Also, maybe some more gorgeous cheerleaders! I know they would be in their 70s now, but on these past videos, they look great!😂

[@markgardner9460]

Your grandparents are 100% correct about Douglasses passing. He threw extremely hard, whether it be a long, medium or short pass and his receivers had a heck of a time catching his passes. Thanks, Joey!!

[@davidmitchell6873]

I was still a little young to have seen much of Frenchy Fuqua but being a Steelers fan since around 76 I always considered him a legend right up there with all the other Steelers greats of that era. This is the most footage of him I've ever seen.

[@markgardner9460]

He had a nice combination of power and speed...a miniature version Franco

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Essex was kinda lost in the shuffle but he was a excellent back!

[@markgardner9460]

He had tree stumps for legs.

[@jammininthepast]

Frenchy loved contact like allot of '70s Steelers. Angry runner.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@jammininthepast You're right he didn't shy away from contact!

[@DennisHurst-f2q]

I love your work I agree with your opinion this is great site everyone here cool knowledgeable and share great memories 😎❤️👍

[@markgardner9460]

I'm glad that you enjoy my channel. Thanks for your kind comments!

[@JS-fm9hm]

Watching footage of QB Bobby Douglas is crazy. Losing his helmet and taking on a tackler head first is nuts! (6:00). Definitely a gutsy guy. Every one of these guys were exceptional players.

[@markgardner9460]

He just put his helmetless head into the chest of OLB Fred Carr of the Packers. I think that it's safe to say that we will not see that again in today's NFL.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

​@@markgardner9460I think you're right about that!

[@NigelIncubatorJones]

Great stuff as usual. I didn't realize Otis Armstrong had such an impressive season.

[@markgardner9460]

In the last 4 games of the season, he had 615 rushing yards!

[@AmericasChoice]

@@markgardner9460 Old timers here in Denver still talk about Otis Armstrong AND Floyd Little. My brother had season tickets in the 70's and 80's, when the Broncos were THE Denver sports team. Denver was a lot like Green Bay in those days. Small market with rabid fans, and cold and snow. ha ha. Of course, now it is nothing like Old Denver. I think the old Oakland Raiders were a similar type team and market.

[@markgardner9460]

In '77, Denver sported their 4 Back Attack. It kept the running backs fresh, but nobody put up gaudy numbers either.

[@AmericasChoice]

@@markgardner9460 Yup. Denver went crazy in 1977, totally immersed in the Broncos and their Super Bowl run. Denver was literally a Cow Town in those days. Even the Super Bowl victory years in the 90's Denver did not match the pure energy and excitement of 1977

[@markgardner9460]

I really liked Billy Thompson - he didn't receive ample accolades, in my opinion.

[@dpk72]

Great video. Much appreciated! Great players and teams from a great era of football!

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you - I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@mhlaw229]

Going back a bit further to the late 60s, gotta give the Cowboys Walt Garrison some credit for 3 yards per touch. According to Don Meredith, "if we needed 3 yards, we'd give the ball to Walt and he'd get the 3 yards, if we needed 6 yards, we'd give it to Walt and he'd get 3 yards!"

[@markgardner9460]

Classic! I love it!!!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Nice hustle by Fuqua chasing Bergey even if #66 wasn't fleet of foot!

[@markgardner9460]

It was best to try to tackle him from behind rather than head on, for sure.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 Truer words never spoken!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

On a different , sad note original New York Met , Ed Kranepool passed away at 79...RIP,sir!

[@markgardner9460]

The longest tenured Mets player in history...18 years. He was in the big leagues at age 17!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

As a lifelong Mets fan, Kranepool will always be remembered by myself!

[@jammininthepast]

Great episode. I am blessed to have seen three of the "backs" live. Armstrong the greatest draw play runner ever. Upright, head back herky-jerky. Ball out like a waiter bringing the bread. Frenchy deceptive speed, decent hands, an angry runner. Essex, smooth glider with outstanding vision- always getting to second and third level defenses. Douglas, we were very familiar with, he played in the Big 8 (Big 2 Little 6) w/Colorado (@Kansas). He was a tough Hombre. The Broncs had a modern version of Douglas for a year in Tebow. Could you argue Miami had one of or best RB rooms ever, Morris, Zonk, Kiick? Thanks brother, brings back cherished memories. You're appreciated.

[@markgardner9460]

Watching Armstrong run, what stood out was how his head popped back! That's very unique. He was able to make quick cuts on a dime which left a lot of defenders squeezing ozone. That's so cool that you were able to watch those 3 RB's play live!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

What about 1971? I was living in Nebraska so I remember it well! Nebraska finished #1 Oklahoma #2 and Colorado #3 ( lost to Nebraska and Oklahoma)! the first and only time 3 schools from the same conference ever did that!( Final ranking after the bowl games)

[@jammininthepast]

@@stevenzimmerman4057 Dave Logan, All American Buff. Bill (run that Oklahoma drill again) Mallory, HC. Good season, but weird. I'll take the '91 Buffs. Appreciated

[@Classicrocker6119]

It sure looked like the Eagles took a huge pounding by opposing running backs during the early 1970’s! Perhaps it had something to do with those awful helmets they wore! Thanks Mark for the always awesome footage you come up with!

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, those early '70's Eagles defenses were very prone to giving up big plays on a regular basis. Thank you, Classic Rocker!

[@alanquintus2069]

Always liked watching Bobby Douglas play

[@briggscharleton6139]

Morris and Douglass were the most exciting players to watch in 1972. Unfortunately I was never able to see a Bears game on TV in 1972, but saw many Dolphins game. I thought Bobby was the greatest QB because at age 8 my grading was based on how good one scrambled :D Loved seeing Bobby's highlights on TWIPF

[@williamparker8840]

Mark, remember Frenchy Fuqua being highlighted in a news story, where he wore the new fad of the day? The early seventies Pump Suit, with the high platform shoes. His heels were clear plastic with water and real living Goldfish inside. Not making that up!

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, I sure do remember that. When I first starting publishing videos, I included that in one of my videos. Now if I could just remember which one!

[@Tony-r7v]

The one thing I recall about Frenchy Fuqua were his platform shoes with a goldfish inside.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes! One of my first videos highlighted just that.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

I commented on that before I saw the post sorry about that!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Abe Gibron sighting! A 4 time All Pro guard with the Browns in the 50s but a terrible head coach for Chicago in the 70s! Still was liked by the players and media! He was shockingly quick on his feet for a man his size! And was famous for singing Three Dog Night's "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog" on the sidelines A hilarious clip ! Would up coaching with the Bucs under John McKay!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

You won't find the likes of Bobby Douglas again!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Mercury Morris 4 receptions in 1973? I wasn't aware of that!

[@jstube36]

1975 Chuck Foreman. 353 Touches for 1761 yards and 22 TD's and 5.0 YPT. Fran Tarkenton was one who like to spread the wealth a bit. But with #44 in the lineup the strategy was simple: Give the ball to Foreman. And somebody tell me how Chuck Foreman is not in Canton. This man was the offense of the 70's. Give him his due .

[@markgardner9460]

Foreman and Lydell Mitchell both are very deserving.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@jstube36 I absolutely agree with you 💯

[@jstube36]

@@markgardner9460 In his 1st four seasons Chuck Foreman had a YPT of 5 yards or more. The Vikings went to 3 Super Bowls in three of those seasons. When we look at it like that. We can see the impact Chuck had on a contender. How is that not HOF material? I know this is beating a dead horse. But it has to be questioned.

[@markgardner9460]

I have a hunch that he's going to make it within the next 4-6 years.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

​@@markgardner9460I hope you are correct!

[@Boomhower89]

Mercury morris was just a sheer pleasure to watch play. His speed and moves were a style all his own plus despite being little he never looked to run out of bounds. But you are correct Otis record is amazing. On a lot of subpar teams yet still super productive.

[@markgardner9460]

Recently I read a Sport magazine article that featured Lyle Alzado. Broncos coaches said that prior to 1977, only 2 players were stronger than Alzado...Rubin Carter the Nose Tackle and Otis Armstrong!

[@Boomhower89]

@@markgardner9460 wow. Would not expected that. Figured Tombstone. Some guys are just a freak of nature when it comes to strength

[@markgardner9460]

Tombstone Jackson was shown in Bobby Douglass footage against the Browns. He wore #87 for them, too, but his knees were shot.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Tombstone! Great name and great player!

[@Boomhower89]

@@stevenzimmerman4057 he was a beast of a man on the field they say. Unfortunately like most monsters that dominate opponents went for the knees. A few great ones back in the day survived such as possibly the best d lineman ever Bob Lilly who led a mostly uninjured career. But most suffered knee injuries and back then it was a major surgery and never as strong afterwards. I mean if Butkus and Sayers had had the advantage of micro surgery and they could’ve gotten their speed and agility back. Man the careers that could have been. Not bad with blown knees lol.

[@joev4739]

I figured OJ would be here. His best season was 1975, 6.3 per touch. Great work. These old highlights bring back fond memories.

[@markgardner9460]

O.J.'s 6.3 YPT was 2nd to Delvin Williams' 6.6 YPT. I'm glad that you enjoy the videos!!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Essex Johnson highest YPT in the 70s ? Impressive!

[@markgardner9460]

Granted, he didn't have a lot of touches, but it was enough to qualify.

[@keithsowder4308]

"The Essex Express" he was James Brooks before James Brooks. He could do it all ! don't know what happened to him,his first few seasons he looked every bit a potential HOFer !

[@markgardner9460]

He had a knee injury that resulted in surgery very early during the 1974 season, then had another knee surgery about 18 months later.

[@keithsowder4308]

@@markgardner9460 Ok, he was a beast prior to injury ! If he got to that 3rd level untouched he was gonna score more times than not !

[@markgardner9460]

Only 5'9", but he weighed a little over 200 pounds with most of it in his bulky legs.

[@Moose46316]

I love how when they scored a touchdown there was no massive celebration. They respected the game

[@markgardner9460]

I detest today's choreographed celebrations.

[@Moose46316]

@@markgardner9460 Me to

[@carnakthemagnificent336]

And cheerleaders in the opening - as it should be.

[@Moose46316]

These players respected the game. There was no show boating or ridiculous celebrations.

[@docnoc66]

Hi Marc - very nice video on these running backs from that era - I really liked Bobby Douglas, all the warts and all. I’ll have to wear my John Elway throwback jersey for this one sort of like I think you have a Mecklenburg one from 94.

[@markgardner9460]

Those are great jerseys! Love the color.

[@docnoc66]

@@markgardner9460you have #77 1994 throwback ?

[@markgardner9460]

I sure do

[@MichaelPiz]

When I was about 12, I got to interview Bill Bergey (then with the Eagles) for my school newspaper. He was very nice about it, though I could tell he was less than engaged by some random kid asking obvious questions. 😁

[@markgardner9460]

Great story! How were you able to interview him?

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Just tuned in! Looking forward to seeing the video! Foreman must be in this!

[@markgardner9460]

Foreman only had one year in the top 10 which was '74 when he had a 5.4 YPT - tied for 7th best. The next year, his backfield mate Ed Marinaro also tied for 7th best with a 5.3 YPT.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 That is a incredible statistic! Marinaro had a great year receiving in 75! But tied with Foreman? Mind-blowing!

[@markgardner9460]

Marinaro's average yards per carry was only 3.5 in '75, so his yards per catch really helped out his YPT.

[@Moose46316]

Running backs didn’t run out of bounds and quarter backs didn’t slide.

[@markgardner9460]

That's right - it was a man's game back then.

[@danielbowden6330]

Interesting Steelers logo on the field at 2:04. looks like half is missing.

[@markgardner9460]

I saw that, too. Someone must have stolen the Steelers logo, eh?

[@michaelleroy9281]

1978 Earl Campbell 1, 450 yards, rookie of the year

[@markgardner9460]

He was 18th in the NFL that year with a 4.8 YPT.

[@AmericasChoice]

My Dad and I were happy if we got to watch a Bears game with Bobby Douglass. He was an exciting player, and I swear, it seemed like there were times when he was the fastest player on the field. You kind of wonder if he could have played a different position, Flanker, Wide Out or even Tight End?

[@markgardner9460]

I think that I read somewhere that some team wanted to make him into a Tight End, but he refused.

[@AmericasChoice]

@@markgardner9460 Yeah, he liked getting all the touches a QB gets. I also like his grit. No chinstrap, off comes the helmet, and he STILL lowers his head to punish the tackler. HA HA. I heard a story about him when he was at KU. They played Kansas State, and after the game he backed his big block Vette up to the open front door of State's football Frat, there was a post game party going on, and he gunned it as loud as possible. LOL

[@markgardner9460]

A Vette, eh? I'm sure he saved all the money from those returnable bottles that he collected for all of those years in order to buy that. Pay for Play is the American way!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Kansas University could afford a Vette? I thought maybe for basketball players!

[@surfshack2]

How about Archie Manning? He did a lot of running. 😆 Bobby Douglas cracks me up. He’s a total Jethro. Defenses were probably like Ah sh** that crazy mfr is running again. 🤣

[@markgardner9460]

Yeah, Archie was running for his life back then. Douglass was as big as a lot of fullbacks back then. He could wear a defense down with all of his rugged running.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Greg Landry was a excellent running QB as well he had a 76 yard run which was the record for a QB at the time!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Fuqua looked like he almost lost the football at 1:45 but he recovered and took off on his TD jaunt!

[@2Dixon_mayaz]

Bobby Douglas in todays nfl would give coaches an heart attack lol

[@markgardner9460]

Very true! With effective tackling being a scarcity, a bruiser like Douglass could have run for 1,500 yards in a season.

[@dhoffmaneye]

Great video as usual. Would like to see a stat report on Joe Namath after he won superbowl III. I believe his stats were pretty poor after his superbowl win.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you - I'm glad that you enjoyed it! Joe had a number of serious injuries after that SBIII win that contributed to sub-par stats in most of the seasons that followed.

[@keithsowder4308]

Bobby Douglas was like having a FB playing QB...he was like Tebow only believe it or not I think Tebow could throw the ball better. Otis Armstrong was great and people forget how great Mecury Morris was...he put up those numbers splitting carries with Csonka and Kiick...just think what he could have done as the ONLY feature back !

[@markgardner9460]

Morris only started 10 games in '73. Shula pulled him from play in the last game of the season in order to rest him for the play-offs or else he would have had back to back 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Funny, Shula didn't rest Csonka in week 14.

[@AmericasChoice]

He was something else!

[@keithsowder4308]

@@markgardner9460 Oh yeah, if Morris had been say in Dallas for instance where he wouldn't have had to share carries no telling what his career numbers would have been.

[@carnakthemagnificent336]

Great film, again. So in YPT terms, is a "touch" for a passer a pass thrown and the passer gets credit for the total yards per pass thrown? In these clips, all five men fought as if their jobs depended on each play. Beautiful.

[@markgardner9460]

For QB's, a thrown pass is an attempt and there are statistical categories for yards per attempt and yards per completion. Thanks!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Fuqua had this really funky outlandish outfits hat and all at one time he had 3 inch plastic see-through heels he put assorted fish in the heels!(Goldfish, tropical fish etc!!!) It was a novelty act for awhile but Frenchy tired of the fish dying! What did he expect? 😅

[@markgardner9460]

When yer out on the dance floor, the fish are gonna be splish shplashin'. It had to take a toll on 'em.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 funny 🤣

[@elginjohnson9216]

How n the world can you forget about Bobby Douglas the Best running Q B of All time.

[@markgardner9460]

He's featured in the video.

[@donaldcampbell9219]

Looking good Frenchie. I just wish he had goldfish in the heels of his cleats. Not sure how many people would remember that.

[@markgardner9460]

I put out a video awhile back that featured him and his shoes. Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of the video. The Steelers fleeced the Giants in the trade involving him.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

At one time Fuqua did use goldfish! But he switched to tropical fish , claiming they matched his attire better,!

[@markgardner9460]

I hadn't heard that. Funny stuff!

[@danielfarmer9533]

Douglas couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. Bad damn passing

[@markgardner9460]

Erratic rocket arm

[@drbonesshow1]

Bobby Douglass could throw the ball 90 yards, but never had the chance running for his life thanks to cheapo Halas (who wasted the careers of Butkus and Sayers). Leo Sayer should have written a song called Cheapo Halas.

[@markgardner9460]

Halas wasted a promising Dick Gordon career by not paying him what he was worth, too.

[@drbonesshow1]

@@markgardner9460 Gordon's first 5 years were wasted with the Bears. Then he's 1st team All-Pro then traded a couple years later. Still the Chicago Tribune listed him as No. 55 of the 100 greatest Bears. What does that tell you about Halas?

[@markgardner9460]

#55.....that's a very high ranking for that storied franchise.

[@jbking5713]

Is #5 Steeler Terry Hanratty?

[@markgardner9460]

Yes - he of the ratty mustache.

[@jbking5713]

Did you make this video just for me?

[@markgardner9460]

I made it with your sister, Katie, in mind. I know she's crazy about Otis Armstrong and his thunderous spikes in the end zone.

[@mhlaw229]

The Bears should have gone with a wishbone offense with Douglass, OU style

[@markgardner9460]

On some of those designed plays, it seemed to me that there was a bit of college football motion going on in the backfield. I loved watching college teams who ran the wishbone offense!

[@mhlaw229]

@@markgardner9460 Yeah, my Dad and I used to like watching Oklahoma back in the Barry Switzer era and speculating on how many times in a game they'd fumble . Dad called it the Oklahoma high risk offense. Pretty fun to watch

[@markgardner9460]

For me, it was a challenge to follow the ball. There were some excellent play fakes back then. I'd get a kick out of the cameramen being fooled as to who had the ball.

[@mhlaw229]

@@markgardner9460 Yes, they were pretty slick with that wishbone, but I bet they left it on the ground at least a half dozen times per game!

[@patrickmcglynn5383]

Douglas was one of the worst Bear quarterbacks in a long, deep history of crap QBs.

[@markgardner9460]

It's absolutely amazing how long the string of bad Bears QB's is. Wobder when it'll be snapped?