1967 Philadelphia Doug Buffone

1944-2015

The Chicago sports world lost another great Monday. Although he may not be recognized as a national figure, he was a legendary player in Chicago. Later he became a color commentator and sportscaster on many different television and radio shows over the years. Although he was never selected to the Pro Bowl, he held and continues to hold many Chicago Bear records. Including most sacks in a season with 18 in 1968 and most interceptions by a linebacker.

Buffone played only for the Bears. His NFL career began in 1966 and ran through 1979. As I was trying to choose an appropriate card to make for him, I realized how few cards he had. His "rookie" Topps card was in 1970 and his final card was in 1976, and even then he was skipped over in 1972 and 1973.  In all, the 14-year-pro had only 5 major issue football cards. I may have to right this wrong in the coming days.

More from "Rating The Rookies"

Here are some "Cards That Never Were" from another four-player rookie card on Rating the Rookies. To see more about these players plus the Topps rookie card they shared click here.

Once again, life has gotten in the way of my regular blogging, but I will have more posts soon. Both here and on my other blog, Rating the Rookies.

1963 Fleer Joe Shipley

Another "Card That Never Was" from Rating The Rookies.

In 1959 Topps began issuing "Rookie Stars" cards. A series which (in 20/20 hindsight) was full of players that didn't live up to the hype. Shipley was one of those. His only Major League decision (loss) came in 1963 in a White Sox uniform. Even the back of his 1959 card wasn't exactly an enthusiastic endorsement of his "star" potential. It stated "If Joe can control his wildness and cut the corners, he'll be a fine major leaguer."

To see my grade of his rookie card, check it out on Rating The Rookies.

1963 Fleer Billy Joe

Like the 1963 NFL Rookie of the Year, Paul Flatley, Billy Joe was drafted both by the NFL and AFL, In the 9th round by the Redskins and in the 11th round by the Broncos. In his AFL Rookie of the Year season, Billy Joe rushed for 646 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had another TD receiving along with 90 yards for a total of 736 all-purpose yards. 

In 1965 he was traded to the Bills for Cookie Gilchrist. Billy Joe was selected to play in the AFL All Star Game and helped the Bills win their second consecutive AFL Championship. He played 7 years all in the AFL. In addition to the Broncos and Bills, he played for the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. 

After his playing days he became a successful college football coach. In his 33 years coaching he won 243 games, second only to Grambling's Eddie Robinson among historically black colleges.

1963 Topps Paul Flatley

Paul Flatley was drafted in 1963 by both the Denver Broncos in the AFL and the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. The Northwestern receiver elected to remain in purple. He helped the Viking improve to a 5-8-1 record, their best finish in their 3 year history. He was voted Rookie of the Year in 1963 on the strength of 4 TDs and 867 receiving yards.

Flatley played 8 years in the NFL the first 5 in Minnesota and his final 3 for the Atlanta Falcons. The All-Pro receiver was fairly well represented on cardboard. He had Philadelphia cards from 1967-67 and Topps cards from 1968-70. But he didn't have a card for his rookie season. So here is his 1963 Topps rookie Card That Never Was. In the photo he seems to be contemplating the wisdom of choosing a single-bar facemask.