Was Paul Warfield The Greatest Wide Receiver Through 1977?

[@jimhyland256]

Sixty years after seeing him for the first time, I’m still amazed that no receiver has ever come near looking so smooth

[@jefferyhenderson8577]

Thanks for making this video. It brought back some great memories. I don't think modern football fans realize how great Paul Warfield was. Speed, Hands, Leaping Ability, Elusive, Acrobatic, Precision Routes, Blocking. He was the total package. Thank you!!!!

[@markgardner9460]

Being a Running Back in college at Ohio State, he was able to showcase those skills in the NFL not only on running after the catch, but also on end around plays. Like you said, he was awesome!

[@JohnLancaster-b5x]

Yes. If I had to pick a pre-1977 team I would have Paul Warfield and Charlie Taylor as the receivers.

[@markgardner9460]

2 former RB's - they were terrific running after the catch

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

​@@markgardner9460Excellent point!

[@jammininthepast]

I would concur. With Oaklands Freddie B in the slot and Dave Casper @ TE.

[@kevinmadden1645]

Both were rookies in 1964.

[@1983jblack]

Warfield is hard to beat but I would go with Don Hutson and Lance Alworth just edging out Warfield

[@fr.davidtelemond2426]

Paul Warfield & Lance Alworth are the only receivers I have ever seen that were both fluid and graceful in running there pass routes and receiving the football. It was a real treat watching these great players in there prime.

[@markgardner9460]

They would be placed in the highest echelon of Hall of Famers, if there were such a thing. I love watching long pass plays and those two were as good as it got in that respect.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Both of them were so graceful!

[@howardcosell2022]

Lynn Swann

[@fr.davidtelemond2426]

Your correct but his career wasn't as long as Warfield & Alworth. As a result there wasn't as many people who saw him play as the other two players that were mentioned.

[@josedopwell9645]

I'm a Steelers fan from the early 70s. When healthy, Lynn Swann was an excellent wide receiver who made his share of spectacular, circus catches, including ones made during his Super Bowl MVP performance. Even so, his numbers don't scream Hall of Famer to me. Especially considering how long it took the late Cliff Branch to make the HOF.

[@denisceballos9745]

Warfield (42) was fun to watch - one of my favorite players when I first started watching pro football. He was quite a weapon on the Dolphins, giving them that dual threat in the air as they had that dominant run game. Team player, quiet, no drama, dependable - and he could catch passes over the middle. Jerry Rice was a lot like him.

[@markgardner9460]

He was so thin, but he held up extremely well in an era when receivers were routinely beaten and mauled.

[@denisceballos9745]

@@markgardner9460 In one game vs the Raiders, Warfield caught a pass over the middle and deftly ducked under an attempt at a forearm to the head from DB Skip Thomas (26). If that had connected, it would have knocked him out cold. I’m pretty sure it was in a playoff game played at the Orange Bowl, in a game the Dolphins won. Warfield seemed to anticipate the hit before it happened - a sort of sixth sense.

[@fr.davidtelemond2426]

Jerry Rice as great as he was, was no Paul Warfield. Jerry Rice was a consummate technician in running precision pass routes and receiving. As great as Rice was he was very mechanical in running and catching he didn't jump or elevate too much in catching a pass.

[@markgardner9460]

I'm so glad that you brought up those points because when QB's were under considerable pressure, it was commonplace to throw the ball up for grabs - just get rid of it in order to avoid the sack. Today they can throw the ball away without penalty if the QB simply runs a few feet to outside of the Tackle position and they have receivers to check it down as well. Back in Warfield's day there were a lot of errant passes which also made for some great leaping and diving catches! So, to your point, I'm sure that Warfield made quite a few more difficult catches than Rice.

[@denisceballos9745]

@@markgardner9460 True - I remember a night game where Warfield elevated, like a deer, with Larry Wilson and Jerry Stovall all over him and he came down with the ball right at the goal line for a 38 yard TD. Beautiful play.

[@charlesbland1073]

He always fluid in his motions.

[@kentmckool9736]

Great video! I grew up in Cleveland in the 60's then we moved to south Florida in 1972 so it was a pleasure watching him play for the Browns and Dolphins. Also, that stat of 1 TD reception for every 5 catches is ASTOUNDING!

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you - you got to see the best years of his career - good for you!

[@surfshack2]

Really enjoyed this. I knew of Paul Warfield when he played for the Browns in the late 70’s and that he was a great receiver but I did not know how great. When you watch highlights of him run you could see his incredible athleticism. You are dead on right when you said he honed his skills as a running back in college where he played for the great Woody Hayes , who believed in smash mouth , will against will type of football. And to top it all off he won 3 NFL titles. What an outstanding career.

[@markgardner9460]

He only rushed for a little over 1,000 yards in 3 years at OH St. I think it was his 22 receptions as a senior that sold the pros on the thoughts of converting him to a WR.

[@surfshack2]

@@markgardner9460 I agree, but I’m also thinking that it was Hayes run up the middle ground game that prepared him for success in the pros. Here’s a little trivia for ya….besides Ferguson , who was the other running back who played with Warfield at Ohio State?

[@markgardner9460]

It could be Matt Snell? Maybe he was a little later?

[@surfshack2]

@@markgardner9460 Yep Matt Snell

[@denisceballos9745]

Good one, Mark, I never would have guessed Snell (41), the Jets bruiser in the late sixties. 👍🏼

[@stefonjackson2154]

WOW! Paul Warfield was a top receiver at one point. The best those years. Forgot about Paul. Excellent video!

[@markgardner9460]

Glad you enjoyed it - Thanks, Stefon!

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

2:24 the case for Paul Warfield as #1 period (pre- and post-1977) rests here. Not to mention how many other statistically comparable receivers blocked as well and as consistently as Warfield? Moreover, Warfield retired before the NFL rulebook began its transformative shift to a passing-game-prioritised league. Warfield playing at any point past 1977 especially with teams that were elite aerial circi would have broken the record book for good.

[@markgardner9460]

I enjoyed reading your excellent points. Thank you for providing!

[@kentmckool9736]

Something overlooked about Warfield is that he was an OUTSTANDING blocker! He definitely helped those great Cleveland and Miami running attacks with his blocking in addition to forcing the defense to respect the long pass. Just think about how a wide receiver who is an excellent blocker can turn a 15 yard running play into a 30 yard gain or more:)

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you for bringing up this point. Although slender, he was an effective blocker due in part to his running back experience at Ohio State. There was no legalized holding back then like there is now - you had to block with your forearms (imagine that).

[@jammininthepast]

I always appreciated Warfields game. # 42 classic. Thanks, appreciated.

[@markgardner9460]

He ran a lot more than just fly routes - all-around/well-rounded receiver who put a lot of fear into DB's.

[@evanmeier3570]

Warfield had such great body control. He was always able to shield his body between the ball and defender, great hands too. He and Alworth would get my vote. Don Maynard was pretty good YAC average guy as well. Great footage of PW with the Browns. Never seen some of these clips before. Excellent video and music ! Good job Mark.

[@markgardner9460]

Thanks, Evan. Maynard & Alworth are right near the top, while Charley Taylor and Bob Hayes are a notch below, in my opinion. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@denisceballos9745]

Concur with Alworth (19) and Maynard (13), along with Warfield. They would come down with the ball.

[@henrybrowne7248]

Argh, that's right, I forgot Alworth and Maynard.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

I think he definitely has a case to be the best WR at his retirement and watching the video you remember how fluid and graceful he was! Another stellar video Mark!

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you, Steven. He could take big hits, too!

[@lsw6292]

Was a happy kid whenever I pulled a Paul Warfield card from a pack of topps football...one of the greats for sure 👍

[@markgardner9460]

I was sad when there was no '75 Warfield card...or Csonka or Kiick cards.

[@lsw6292]

@@markgardner9460 bummer...especially for Dolphin fans

[@markgardner9460]

I was mad when there wasn't a '74 Roman Gabriel card, too. I have no idea why that happened.

[@WilliamDeacereto]

Love the old-time videos especially the old Miami Dolphins teams, which was my favorite. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@markgardner9460]

Glad you like them! Thank you!!

[@NigelIncubatorJones]

Excellent stuff. One of my favorite players of all time. He was a critical piece on those Dolphins championship teams, providing the deep threat complement to the ground game.

[@markgardner9460]

He looked so smooth - like he was gliding...and his leaping ability was amazing, too!

[@NigelIncubatorJones]

@@markgardner9460 Several great receivers wore #42 in that era. I wonder why we no longer see that today?

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@NigelIncubatorJones Charlie Taylor and John Gilliam!

[@markgardner9460]

Pats RB "Mini" Mack Herron. I know he wasn't a WR, but I had to mention him.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 Herron was dynamite

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Mercury Morris describes Paul Warfield so well in Warfield’s Top 100 Players of All Time short video.

[@jstube36]

To explain why defenses shifted to the to 2-deep zones to cut off the deep pass. All one had to do was watch the likes of Paul Warfield. But he could beat you in other ways besides just going deep. He was a complete WR.

[@markgardner9460]

Bob Kuechenberg said that Nat Moore could run more routes better than Warfield. While Moore was terrific, I find Bob's assertion difficult to swallow.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

​@@markgardner9460Did Kuchenburg have a axe to grind with Warfield? With all due respect to Nat Moore he wasn't in Warfields class!

[@jstube36]

To understand how dangerous Warfield was. Just ask Tom Landry. Warfield's abilities knocked two excellent Cowboys teams from the playoffs 1968 &1969. So in SB VI the Nemesis was there to knock Dallas out again. Landry made sure his defense did two things that day. Contain the Miami run game(Doomsday held them to jus 80 yards on the ground) and stop Warfiled. Landry made damn sure Warfiled was doubled on practically every play.

[@markgardner9460]

The Flex fixed Miami's vaunted running game for sure

[@henrybrowne7248]

I agree!

[@jefferyhenderson8577]

My favorite player of all-time. Based on his production, if he played in the modern passing era, he'd have 850 receptions, 17,085 yds, and 170 Tds. Those numbers would rival Jerry Rice's, while playing in only 12 full seasons compared to Rice's longer career.

[@markgardner9460]

Warfield was smoooooth. Thanks for your comments!

[@jefferyhenderson8577]

@markgardner9460 Thank you, Mark. You brought back a ton of fond childhood memories with your video. He was my first childhood sports hero. I'm 59 years old now, and I still feel the same joy watching him as I felt as a 7yr old. I finally got to see him play in person when he rejoined the Browns in 76-77. Cleveland played the Bucs in the Big Sombrero, Tampa Stadium. Warfield caught a TD in that game. One of the best sports moments of my lifetime! Thanks again!

[@markgardner9460]

That's cool that you finally were able to see him. I can relate that to the time I finally saw my childhood hero Fran Tarkenton.

[@williamparker8840]

Another great show! You could be right, but #19 from San Diego was the most exciting to watch. Beautiful jersey. He won Championships in both leagues. I think. You would know better than I would. See you next time.

[@markgardner9460]

You are correct! Alworth was on the 1963 AFL champion Chargers and the 1971 Super Bowl champion Cowboys. Thanks!

[@christopherking4932]

Amazing video.

[@markgardner9460]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@Struwwel2]

One of my all time favorite players. Even on a run-oriented team like the early to mid-70s Dolphins, he was indispensable. Just having him on the field forced defenses to change. They HAD to account for him. That opened up the field for Morris, Kiick, and Csonka.

[@markgardner9460]

Good point - he was getting double-covered pretty much every play. He was the supreme weapon - always in scoring position with him.

[@henrybrowne7248]

As I recall . . Most football people I knew back then would've said yes. I'm trying to think of any contenders . . Freddie B maybe. Raymond Berry. But Warfield was sure big in big games.

[@markgardner9460]

Ah, Raymond Berry was another one that I considered, along with Don Maynard and Alworth, of course. Thank you for bringing up Berry.

[@keypusher]

The 1971 AFC championship was the ultimate Paul Warfield game: two catches, a 75-yard TD and a 50-yard catch and run that set up the Dolphins' other offensive TD. Bob Griese had four completions.

[@markgardner9460]

He's what you'd call The Ultimate Weapon. Thank you for providing that info.

[@dolphingoosby7195]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! In my opinion, the greatest wide receiver ever! He was so smooth, graceful, and notice how he is making these catches without wearing sticky gloves. How ironic that you are wearing a Lance Alworth jersey, he was my dad's favorite player, so take a guess what my dad named me? You got it Lance! But Mr. Warfield was my guy. Number 42 happens to be my favorite number. I could go on forever. Anyway, you told me you put out something I would like. You didn't disappoint! I don't know what city you live in, but if you are ever in Los Angeles I would gladly buy you a beer! Once again, THANK YOU!!!!!

[@markgardner9460]

That's awesome, Lance! That's crazy about my Alworth jersey and you being named after him. If I make it to L.A., I will definitely let you know! Thanks!

[@aaropajari7058]

Yes. The greatest ever.

[@aaropajari7058]

People forget that the threat Warfield posed served the Dolphins' run attack. Safeties had to step back to prevent a burn from Warfield, which took some pressure off Csonka and Morris. Defenses needed tostack the line to stop that run but couldnt because of Warfield.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, another viewer made a similar comment, too. Warfield had to have double coverage, so that causes less regard for the running game, as you mentioned. Thanks!

[@JerryFerko]

outstanding .................. again ............. .......

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you - I appreciate that.

[@cherylferguson5460]

I grew up watching Paul Warfield at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren Ohio when I was in grade school. He seemed to always be scoring touchdowns, whether a punt or kickoff return, a rushing TD or pass reception and even interceptions for a touchdown. Per Wikipedia, "he scored 92 points as a junior in 1958, a campaign highlighted by a 6-0 victory over powerhouse Massillon Washington High School. The following season, as a senior he scored 93 points, including all three of his team's touchdowns in the final game of the season. As a basketball player he was noted for his speed, often leading fast breaks. He also ran track and field at Warren G. Harding, and was the Ohio High School Athletic Association Class AA broad jump champion in 1958. During the 1960 season he set a Class AA state record while winning the 180-yard hurdles. Warfield then attended Ohio State University, where he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team under coach Woody Hayes. As he did in high school, he continued to star as both a running back and defensive back. As the secondary ball-carrier behind fullback Bob Ferguson during Ohio State's national championship season in 1961, Warfield carried 77 times for 420 yards and five touchdowns. He was a third-team All-Big Ten Conference selection by the conference's coaches. In 1962 he rushed for 367 yards and two touchdowns, and his 6.4 yards-per-carry average led the Big Ten. As a senior in 1963 he rushed for 260 yards and a touchdown and caught 22 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns. He was voted by the Big Ten's coaches as the first-team halfback on both the 1962 and 1963 All-Big Ten teams. A two-time letterman in track and field at Ohio State, Warfield competed as a broad jumper, hurdler, and sprinter. He excelled as a broad jumper, recording a personal best of 26 feet 2 inches, and was an Olympic prospect before he decided to play professional football." The worst day of my life as a Browns fan was trading him for a draft pick. It broke my heart.

[@markgardner9460]

I can sympathize with you, as trading a superstar for a draft pick and having that draft pick not really pan out is a huge downer.

[@davidalexander8996]

Warfield was certainly under appreciated due to the era and the strategy of his clubs. At the same time, Don Hutson and Raymond Berry deserve honorable mention. After all, they made the 75th Anniversary Team alongside Alworth and Rice, set notable receiving marks, and won multiple NFL titles to boot. If Warfield could have teamed up with Dan Marino and the Marks Brothers, who knows if the Dolphins make a run at a sequel perfect season?

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you for your comments. I considered both Hutson and Berry, but Hutson had a lot of his best year during WWII when the level of competition had diminished greatly and Berry was more of a possession-type receiver, as his 14.7 YPC is reflective. Berry's 68 TD's are quite a bit less than Warfield's as well.

[@TrpleAgnt2011]

Fantastic video.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it.

[@billmalone5050]

I always wondered why there was never a post season AFL All Stars vs NFL All Stars football game after the first four Super Bowsl from the 1966-67 pro football season through the 1969-70 pro football season. I know that each league had their own East vs West All Star game before and after the first four Super Bowls. And after the merger in 1970-71 the AFC -NFC Pro Bowl was played from 1970-71 through 2020-21 or 2021-22. They could have played an AFL vs NFL All Star game after the other all star games. How great it would have been to see the best and greatest players of both leagues play each other !!!!! Trying to imagine all of those pro football legends of both the AFL and the NFL on the field at the same time blows my mind !!!!!.And that was back in the days before players received multi-million dollar guaranteed contracts. Those old all star games meant an extra game paycheck before the off season when players had to get other jobs until time to return to training camps in late July. And the intensity of those past all star games was like that of a playoff game. Those all stars played for professional pride, knowing what an honor it was to be chosen to play in an all star game and being able to play pro football with the best of the best.

[@markgardner9460]

You're right! There were even some paybacks for grudges held. I read where one defender waited 3 years in order to get even with another player. They played all out back then.

[@MichaelPiz]

And now we have flag football in the "Pro Bowl."

[@charlesbland1073]

He conducted himself with class.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

True you never heard about much controversy with Warfield!

[@josedopwell9645]

For his time, Bob Griese was a pretty accurate QB. That montage of passes to Warfield was pretty impressive. The Dolphins used to grind opponents up in the Orange Bowl because the Astroturf held so much heat. A rug over concrete.

[@markgardner9460]

Curt Gowdy said during a game telecast that the artificial turf turned to a shade of blue due to airplane jet fuel emissions landing on it and having a chemical reaction.

[@t4texastom587]

I'm a Tom Landry-era Dallas Cowboys fan, since 1963. Paul Warfield without question was a great receiver. But IMO, Raymond Berry, Don Maynard, Lance Alworth, Steve Largent, and Jerry Rice are the greatest receivers in modern ('50s thru '90s) pro football history.🏈

[@markgardner9460]

I'll throw in Charley Taylor and Bobby Mitchell, too.

[@MichaelPiz]

When I was a kid, I read a book called _The Making of a Rookie,_ about the entrance into the NFL of four newbies: Gale Sayers, Jim Hart, Bubba Smith, and, relative to this video, Paul Warfield. The only Warfield bit I remember was him saying that a coach (or maybe another receiver) told him not to leave his feet to catch passes (unless he had to, of course). Ever notice how nearly every receiver today makes a tiny leap for catches when it's really not necessary? Warfield learned _not_ to do that and you can see it in the footage in this video. Also, I watched that longest game between the Dolphins and the Chiefs, live on TV. 10-year-old me was in awe. My parents let me stay up for the whole game.

[@markgardner9460]

That Chiefs/Dolphins game was amazing. It was the 4th NFL game that I remember watching on tv. #3 was the Cowboys/Vikings game earlier that Christmas day of 1971.

[@MichaelPiz]

@@markgardner9460 I don't remember anything specific from that Cowboys/Vikings game but I know I watched it. I never missed an NFL game in those days if I could help it. Though in my heart of hearts I've always been a Packers fan, there wasn't a single team I explicitly _didn't_ like back then. Eventually, though, I realized it'd be fun to have a team to hate, so I picked the Seahawks. Why? Because from their inception to this day they've had the ugliest uniforms in the league. Without exception they've been either drab and boring like their first one or just plain ridiculous like their neon yellow/green today. And the blue they use now just can't make up its mind what shade it wants to be. I hate indecisive colors. 😉 I figure it's as good a reason as any to hate a team. 😁

[@markgardner9460]

Regarding the Cowboys/Vikings game, QB Cuozzo was the difference. Anybody else at the helm fir the entire game and MN probably wins that game, in my opinion.

[@zcam1969]

great vid Mark i seen him play for the Dolphins . you are on the money Paul could catch a bomb !

[@markgardner9460]

There were a lot of long passes back in the day which helped to make the game very exciting.

[@zcam1969]

@@markgardner9460 YEAH. Staubach's 'Hail Mary'

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Great jersey Mark!

[@markgardner9460]

Thanks, Steven. The Alworth jersey is one of my favorites.

[@steveneff5852]

Warfield was the most criminally underused WR in NFL history. He could have put up Jerry Rice level numbers if he played in a passing era. I would have loved to see him in today’s offense. So buttery smooth.

[@ronsmac]

Even in his era he would have put up better numbers if he hadn’t played for Miami.

[@markgardner9460]

He was very fluid and he'd put up astronomical numbers in today's game.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

7 consecutive years of 20 plus yards per receptionist is mind blowing! He was tied for 5th in career average 20.1 yards per catch 427 receptions 85 TD Alworth also had 85 TD but 542 receptions 18.2 per reception in the top 25 in yards per catch only Maynard beat him with 88 TDs but 633 receptions (18.7).206 more receptions only 3 more TD! The amazing Homer Jones led in yards per reception 22.3 but only 224 receptions and 36 TDs A definite argument can be made for Warfield in my opinion!

[@BillCagney]

@@ronsmac That is very true.... But he did get two rings there though in spite of his numbers suffering because they were a heavy run ball control team.

[@markgardner9460]

Actually, he got three rings. He earned a NFL Title ring in 1964 with the Browns, too.

[@charlesbland1073]

He moved effortlessly.

[@josedopwell9645]

Almost 20% of Paul Warfield's receptions were touchdowns. He played for teams that prioritized the run. Teams with Hall of Fame coaches, running backs and offensive linemen. He made the most of his opportunities in those run-laden environments. He was the lightning to those championship teams' thunder. Easily one of my favorite players. With that being said, I refuse to disregard the great Don Hutson of the Green Bay Packers. Hutson not only excelled as a receiver, he was a fine defensive back at a time of far shorter rosters than today. He is the first and one of only three receivers to retire with most career catches, yards and tochdowns (Steve Largent and Jerry Rice). He was a breakaway--- pardon, THE BREAKAWAY wide receiver of his era. The Babe Ruth of receiving who changed the game.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you for your insightful comments. I reviewed Hutson's receiving career in detail. The one aspect that lessons the genuibeness, if you will, of his statistics is that he compiled four years ('42-'45) of statistics when the NFL's talent level was exceedingly weak due to WWII. He played 11 years, so that is a significant factor to consider. No doubt that he is still in the highest echelon of receivers in NFL history, however.

[@billmalone5050]

Paul Warfield is right up there with the all-time greats of two eras. He played in the same era that Charley Taylor, Fred Bilitnekoff, Otis Taylor, Bob Hayes, Don Maynard, Lance Alworth, Jack Snow, Gary Collins, Gary Danielson, Carol Dale, Both Gene Washingtons, and Lenny Moore all did, Paul Warfield also played in the same era as Drew Pearson, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Cliff Branch, Harold Jackson, Issac Curtis, and Ahmad Rashad as well. Plus Warfield played and played very well back when linebackers and defensive backs could literally get away with murder, if not felony assault and battery on offensive receivers. Can you imagine the damage, the havoc and the chaos that Warfield could have and would have caused if.he had played in 1978 and afterwards ?

[@markgardner9460]

It's cool that you brought up the next generation of top notch Wide Receivers. Warfield would have put up absolutely crazy stats if he had played his entire career post-1977.

[@billywalik6411]

Forgot Harold Jackson! As Casey would say, “You can look it up!”.

[@markgardner9460]

....and Mel Gray

[@elwin38]

What was impressive about Warfield and the 70's receivers(in their primes) was they had to endure the bump and run almost every play. Too bad Paul retired when the NFL started the 5yd rule(illegal contact) in 1978, otherwise he(and Charley Taylor) would have more receiving yards and touchdowns.🏈

[@markgardner9460]

You're right and you bring up a very good point. The receivers back then really earned their catches!

[@jacktheripoff1888]

One HOF receiver who gets lost in the shuffle from roughly this same era is Don Maynard. His stats were not that far off from Lance Alworth. He actually had a couple of thousand-yard receiving years for the Titans / Jets before Namath even got there. You could almost say he was the Steve Largent of the AFL, the surest of hands and a great route-runner. He started his career in the NFL in 1958 so he was a bit older than Warfield, Charlie Taylor, or Alworth, so after the merger of 1970 his career started to wind down.

[@markgardner9460]

I'm glad that you brought up Maynard because he was incredible. He's on my list to feature on a future video. Thank you for your comments.

[@fatherpeace6486]

The Great Paul Warfield 🫡

[@manuelmaldonado2387]

i love the Browns my i am a Big Fan of the Browns i was live in of Ohio.😃😃😃😃🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😀😀😀😀😀

[@markgardner9460]

Tough to beat those '70's Browns uniforms!

[@MichaelPiz]

I wish the league had forever frozen all the team uniforms as of the merger. Well, maybe not the Eagles' white helmets. 😁 These days, you can barely even tell what a team's "usual""uniforms really are, they change colors so often. Dammit, the Browns should be forever in white. Unless they're playing in Dallas. Same goes for the Cowboys except when they're in Cleveland.

[@docnoc66]

Hi mark - wearing my Wilbert Montgomery road white for this one-nice Bambi jersey … lost out on a Denver Gold gamer in an eBay auction

[@markgardner9460]

Hi! I had forgotten what their jerseys looked like, so I checked 'em out on-line. They had a color scheme that was somewhat similar to that of the New Orleans Saints, in my opinion. Do you think that's accurate? How much did the jersey sell for?

[@Boomhower89]

So many greats. He has an argument but so does Bob Hayes, Bambi, Raymond Berry, Don Maynard

[@markgardner9460]

Charley Taylor, too. Bambi may be the guy, although Maynard was a similar type of receiver. If only Hayes could have put up two more terrific years - he could have been the best.

[@davidhickey1830]

Warfield also did pretty well in the postseason.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes he was. At his retirement, he was 2nd all-time in receiving yards to Biletnikoff who had 46 more.

[@GBst1007]

That’s a sharp Lance Alworth Jersey

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you! It's one of my favorite - it's a durable, thick material jersey.

[@mmonurdz9456]

Will you/have you done a career highlights video on The Czonker?

[@markgardner9460]

I hope to get around to that! He's one of my favorites.

[@michaelleroy9281]

What were the Browns thinking when they traded him to the Dolphins? he came just in time for a perfect season

[@markgardner9460]

They had Bill Nelsen at QB and was a Pro Bowl player in 1969 after leading them to a 10 & 4 record and a playoff berth, so it's a mystery to me.

[@denisceballos9745]

Cleveland traded Warfield to Miami for the Dolphins’ pick in the draft in order to pick Purdue QB Mike Phipps (15). High price, but they needed a replacement for Bill Nelsen (16) who was literally on his last legs. I remained p.o. at Art Modell for years after that trade. I finally let it go, but Modell made some head scratcher trades all through the 70’s. 🙄

[@1983jblack]

​@@denisceballos9745Yep, Cleveland bet the farm on Phipps. Nelsen gutted out 2 more years before turning it over to Phipps in 1972, but the likes of "The Riddler" Frank Pitts, Fair Hooker, Clifton McNeil, Homer Jones, and Gloster Richardson never came close to Warfield

[@markgardner9460]

Why was Pitts nicknamed "The Riddler"?

[@denisceballos9745]

@@markgardner9460 He laughed like The Riddler on the old Batman TV show, played by Frank Gorshin. “Riddle me THAT, Batman!”

[@jefferyroy2566]

Before receiving and blocking rules underwent huge changes in 1978, the top four leaders in receiving TDs were Don Hutson (99), Don Maynard (88), Lance Alworth (85) and Paul Warfield (85). One way to assess their production is receiving TDs per reception, and the top 2 are Hutson (4.93) and Warfield (5.02). All receivers listed above are Hall of Famers, but only Maynard (18.7), Alworth (18.9) and Warfield (20.1) averaged over 18 yards or more per reception. Warfield is the only Hall of Fame receiver to average over 20 yards per catch. I have little doubt he could have had more TDs if he had not played on the run-obsessed Dolphins from 1970-1974. In those five seasons, they attempted just 17.4 per game when the the league average was 25.7 per game over that period. Warfield still had 11 TD receptions twice (1971, 1973) but only 11 total in the other three seasons. Consider Hutson's peak seasons came in the war years, with 46 of his 99 TDs recorded during that time (1942-45). There's no definitive number on how many NFL players and staff served in WWII, but they are all in the 600-1,000 range. It must have had an impact on the quality of play, and roster sizes went as low as 28 players in 1943-44 until returning to the usual 33 in 1945-46. I greatly appreciate the ability of Sports Gab to bring insightful topics to its audience. Paul Warfield might be my favorite for too many reasons to list here. Thanks again for all you do.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you for your comments! The players that I most considered in order, but ranked below Warfield were Hutson #4, Maynard #3 and Alworth #2. It seems that you are in my neighborhood in that regard. Thank you for going into detail regarding Hutson's statistics; this can not be understated.

[@jefferyroy2566]

@@markgardner9460 Your three receiver slots above Warfield benefitted from being larger factors in their respective offenses. Particularly Huston, who also scored 193 points as placekicker for the Packers, 18 points on three rushing TDs (plus 2 "Other TDs") and one safety for a total of 825 of the 2,661 points (31%) scored by Green Bay in Huston's 11 seasons. I'll net the body part of my choice none of those great pass catchers recorded as a high percentage of their team's scoring output as did The Alabama Antelope. It was my great fortune to watch Maynard play my hometown Dolphins in 1968 and 1969. "Dandy Don" (not the Meredith variety) was one of the skinniest pro football players I've ever seen up close. That didn't assist nasty George Atkinson and HOF Willie Brown in keeping Maynard from scoring two touchdowns in the 1968 AFL Championship Game. However, my lack of faith in the AFL and its representative kept me from attending Super Bowl III. My dad did have an extra ticket, though I couldn't stand the thought of watching the establishment NFL beat my AFL a third-straight time, this one in person! So my girlfriend's house is where I spent the most consequential game in the history of pro football. Big mistake, except the outcome turned out to be most satisfying.

[@michaelhemphill8575]

"Great" basic"Bio"....of "Paul "Warfield" ....great "field vision...."good speed" ...and "elusive" after the "catch"all-around"professional" ..." earned" the right to be in the "H.O.F."!!

[@markgardner9460]

Thanks, Michael. I'm glad you liked it.

[@Boomhower89]

Possibly the greatest of all time? He played in a very different game than the 80s,90s, and what they do now.

[@markgardner9460]

He scared the daylights out of DB's and coaches. Just one strike and it's 6 points, just like that.

[@Boomhower89]

@@markgardner9460 very smooth him and Bambi both.

[@TJO57]

In 1968 he was with the Browns in the NFL

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

8:22 primarily against future NFL hall of famer Emmett Thomas and an outstanding Kansas City defense.

[@markgardner9460]

Warfield warrented being covered by the opposition's best Cornerback and was double-covered on most occasions. The top receivers don't have it easy.

[@aaropajari7058]

Greatest receiver through 2077.

[@markgardner9460]

I like it! Today's receivers have so many advantages over the guys who played pre-'78. I think special consideration is warranted for those receivers who played with the most pass receiving constrictions.

[@michaelleroy9281]

* 1977

[@michaelleroy9281]

* 1977

[@aaropajari7058]

@@michaelleroy9281 No. I meant 2077. Warfield remains the best there has ever been.

[@aaropajari7058]

@markgardner9460 absolutely. Numbers are not always reflective of individual greatness in team sports.

[@danielbowden6330]

Note the 0 on both sides of the goal line in St. Louis. Was that common?

[@markgardner9460]

I noticed that, too, and I don't think it was common. It's odd.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

It is odd... good catch!

[@mickeylynch8982]

Paul Warfield is the greatest WR for 2 franchises. How many could say that?

[@markgardner9460]

I hadn't thought of that! Nobody else that I can think of.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Warfield was also 6th in MVP voting in 71

[@markgardner9460]

That's a great finish for a WR

[@LanceIngram-cg3ej]

I love this sports show. The 70's soundtrack the hard hits. It really brings back memories. Paul Warfield was a star, the best of that era no doubt.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you very much - I'm glad that you enjoy the channel.

[@Roterhals]

The Dolphins old uniforms were classic…..now they got those cartoonish looking ones including the logo.

[@markgardner9460]

Those old uniforms are top notch! Some things should not be messed with.

[@maxthepupp]

Paul Warfield was what I wanted to be growing up! True!! But slow, white and - ahem - husky didn't help my case.🤷 LOVE Paul - got all his regular issued cards signed. Except one..grrrr...! Guy ran like water😎

[@maxthepupp]

PS - Paul was HOT at that cheap elbow by Adderley. Warfield was cool - all business - but sometimes you gotta let folk know!

[@markgardner9460]

Actually, I think that elbow belonged to #24 Willie Wood, but I definitely hear what you're saying. Warfield wasn't going to take that stuff lying down.

[@markgardner9460]

Did you get the '72 All-Pro card signed?

[@maxthepupp]

Lol , THATS the one I don't have😂 Good call! And good catch on Wood - Herb was ..26?..Thanks for bringijg me square. Great videos! Thank you!

[@markgardner9460]

I had the Larry Little All-Pro card from that 3rd series of 1972, but it was cut off at the bottom (probably why I got it so cheaply). It was the only All-Pro card from '72 that I had. I wonder why Topps didn't make a 1969 card for Warfield. It's upsetting how many player cards they should have made, but didn't.

[@drbonesshow1]

Warfield's value wasn't measured in his modest numbers such as 427 pass receptions for 8,565 yards and 85 touchdowns, but instead in numbers such as 20.1 yards-per-reception, which ranks with the best in NFL history. Compare Jerry Rice 14.8 y/r.

[@markgardner9460]

Rice's td ratio is 7.86 while Warfield's is 5.02. While Warfield's stats may look modest by today's standards, his touchdowns ranked 3rd all-time, yardage ranked 6th all-time and receptions ranked 16th all-time at the time of his retirement.

[@babyblueLEGEND]

Compare different eras is pretty useless. If you want to know how good Paul Warfield was ask those DBs. LOL. Another awesome video. Otis Taylor?

[@markgardner9460]

I considered Otis Taylor - I'm a big fan, but his 57 td's is too low for me to consider him for the top spot. He's one of the strongest WR's who've ever played, however.

[@babyblueLEGEND]

@@markgardner9460 Not the top spot, just a really outstanding player who's not talked about much. I would love to see you put your special touch on a video featuring him.

[@markgardner9460]

I'd like to do that - think I'll add him to my list.

[@dr.awkward9075]

The Nickel defense was not created to stop Paul Warfield. It was created to contain Bob Hayes.

[@lonniebaines1720]

NO DOUBT..........

[@erickthefantabulous1]

He was born in the wrong era Would have probably shattered records if he was A receiver in the eighties with maybe dan marino

[@markgardner9460]

Can you imagine the numbers he would have put up with Marino? Rice-like numbers!

[@billywalik6411]

All done without GLOVES!

[@markgardner9460]

Indeed. I laugh when announcers today say "He's got such strong hands!" Really? Couldn't be the ultra-super tacky gloves that he's wearing, do ya think? Back in your day, Billy, receivers really did have to have "a feel for the ball" and "soft hands". I'm imagining how difficult it would have been to catch a Bobby Douglass rocket in a cold December game at Chicago.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

Warfield was much respected by Cowboy fans doing many groanings. 😅 Very nice man too.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

What about Charley Taylor,Lance Alworth, Otis Taylor?

[@markgardner9460]

Charley: 649 catches, but only 79 td's and a low 14.0 YPC. Otis: only 57 td's. His 17.8 YPC is impressive, however.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

Warfield 7 consecutive years of 20 plus yards per catch is astounding! He was tied for 5th at 20.1 yards per catch 427 receptions 85 TD! Alworth also had 85 TD but 542 receptions(18.2).Don Maynard had 88 TDs (18.7) but 633 receptions over 200 more than Warfield! The great Homer Jones led in yards per catch with 22.3 but only 224 receptions and 36 TDs,so Warfield has a definite case for best WR of his era!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

The Kansas City Miami game of 1971 play off game might have been the best game ever! Warfield as noted played great! Ed Podolak for KC had a still standing playoff record 350 yards !!!85 rushing 110 receiving and 155 return yards! Amazing! But of course the overtime 1958 game Colts and Giants helped to put the NFL on the map with a young Johnny Unitas leading the way for Baltimore!

[@markgardner9460]

I remember watching that game like it was yesterday. Podolak's huge game really stands out, as does the two short field goal attempts that both teams' kickers missed that would have ended the game much sooner. Great memories.

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

@@markgardner9460 Kansas City fair caught a punt at the end of regulation time They could have tried a free kick but it would have been 67 yards I believe and Stram was concerned about it being returned...it would have been interesting to see!

[@stevenzimmerman4057]

I think playing with Miami s run oriented offense may have cost him in people's minds?

[@markgardner9460]

I don't think so because he caught so many td passes. It's too bad that he didn't stick around in Miami - would have had 90+ td's if he would not have left for the WFL in '75.

[@GBst1007]

Answer to title = 100% YES

[@markgardner9460]

Right on - thank you for your take!

[@overcomersmedia465]

Dun Hutson the greatest WR.

[@markgardner9460]

His name crossed my mind, but his best years were from '42 - '46 when a lot of players went to war. So, the talent level decreased considerably and I could not make the assertion that he was the best on account of that.

[@michaelleroy9281]

I've never saw Don Hutson play only on films

[@mikeguttierez4005]

I would choose Bob Hayes to be on an offense with Warfield

[@markgardner9460]

Talk about a couple of field stretchers! They would both deserve to be double-covered and another receiver would have an advantage of being single-covered somewhere.

[@tommosley2844]

For me it's Bobby Mitchell or Charley Taylor.

[@markgardner9460]

They were great, no doubt. Both started their NFL careers as Running Backs with Charley playing 2-3 years at that position and Mitchell playing 4 of his 11 seasons in the backfield. So, they are hybrid players in that regard, in my estimation.

[@tommosley2844]

@@markgardner9460 Growing up in Cleveland, Bobby Mitchell was my favorite player. He and Jim Brown at one time were considered the 4th best backfield in NFL history. When he was traded to Washington I became a Browns/Redskin fan. The fact that he and Taylor started as running backs and then transitioned to receivers to me is a plus. Because of their running back backgrounds, they were better after the catch at picking up more yards.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, that's true. Despite that, Warfield's 20.1 YPC dwarfs that of the 15.3 YPC of Mitchell and the 14.0 of Taylor. Don't get me wrong, I love Mitchell and Taylor, but I think that Warfield was more of a big play player. Growing up in Cleveland, you also were able to watch Gary Collins play. He was terrific and very underrated. He also had a huge day in the 1964 NFL Title Game. Thank you for your comments - much appreciated!

[@tommosley2844]

@@markgardner9460 Yes, Gary Collins was much underrated.

[@Fell214]

How many RB/WR duos were ever better than Brown/Warfield?

[@markgardner9460]

They only played together for the 1964 & 1965 seasons and Warfield only caught 3 passes in 1965. So, their one big year together was 1964. For one year they were as good as any combination ever.

[@Fell214]

@@markgardner9460 How many teams had a HOF RB and WR at the same time? Off the top of my head: Bills (Thomas/Reed/Lofton), Cowboys (Dorsett/Pearson & Smith/Irvin), Steelers (Harris/Swann/Stallworth), Dolphins (Csonka/Warfield), Browns (Brown/Kelly/Warfield), Raiders (Brown/Allen), Redskins (Riggins/Monk), Colts (James/Harrison & Moore/Berry), Rams (Faulk/Bruce). Probably a few others…

[@markgardner9460]

Riggins/Maynard with the Jets

[@philipdickerson1765]

He is the GOAT and how can Lance Alworth be ahead of him. The AFL was considered the inferior league and when the leagues merged where was Alworth his last year in San Diego was not good and he got traded to Dallas where he became more of blocking WR. Remember the rules were changed in 1978 to open up the passing game and that's why Jerry Rice flourished.

[@markgardner9460]

It would be interesting to see what each players stats would have been if they switched teams.

[@ellisblom339]

One of them, but not the best.

[@markgardner9460]

Who's your selection?

[@danielfarmer9533]

Otis Taylor lance alworth

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, they're right there. I can see why fans would select either of those players.

[@davidhickey1830]

Paul Warfield from 64-71 still wasn't as good statistically as Bob Hayes. Still not sure why or how Hayes got in Coach Landry's doghouse later in his career. Hayes though came up short several times in the playoffs. His two games against Green Bay in 1966 and 1967 championships were epic failures. Still, the the man remains the only athlete to have an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring - not bad!

[@markgardner9460]

Perhaps Hayes got into Landry's doghouse due to extra-curricular activities off the field of play. Packers defenders said that they knew whether the Cowboys were going to run or pass in The Ice Bowl Game because on running plays Hayes would put his hands inside his pants in an attempt to get them warmer.

[@timdrhookmccracken]

Over Alworth? Yea, NO! I'm not even sure Warfield was the best receiver on that 60s Browns team.

[@markgardner9460]

Do you think that Gary Collins was superior to Warfield on those '60's Browns teams?

[@timdrhookmccracken]

@@markgardner9460 Let's just say I don't see a lot that separates the two. Punting? :)

[@markgardner9460]

I think they both had similar high water years, but the difference in career numbers is sizeable in Warfield's favor.

[@harryschnepp5907]

We talked about him in a earlier segment

[@harryschnepp5907]

A man with class

[@markgardner9460]

Yes. He's very soft spoken and doesn't seem to draw attention to himself, but rather to the teams' success.

[@manuelmaldonado2387]

70s

[@markgardner9460]

Yes!!!

[@carlo6230]

LANCE ALLWORTH ...FRED BALINTIKOFF....THE BEST..