Skip to content

Gale Sayers R.I.P.

The Browns Board
55 13 884 1
  • @barry said:

    I agree. Sayers was the original Sanders, and more entertaining to watch. In my book he comes in just a shade below J.B. for those too few years. He was that good. RIP

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    @footbalfan1962 said:

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    And that is actually a fallacy. If you knew anything and or would go back and look at it you would see that many black players were top notch during that. Time.

  • @barry said:

    I agree. Sayers was the original Sanders, and more entertaining to watch. In my book he comes in just a shade below J.B. for those too few years. He was that good. RIP

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    @footbalfan1962 said:

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    It definitely is an eyeball test, and how much that person dominated the other players at the time they played. But if you are going to compare players from different eras (which is just a guessing game, imo), I think running backs are probably one of the easier positions to do so. Sayers was 200 lbs and 6 ft. J.B. was 6'2" and 232 lbs. Both those stats would stand up well today as well as their speed. True, the opposition were smaller and slower. You go back as far as the 20s and there is Wilbur 'Pete' Henry, also known as 'Fats'.  He was one oft he NFL's largest and most dominant linemen in the 20s and was 5'11" and 245 lbs.

  • @barry said:

    I agree. Sayers was the original Sanders, and more entertaining to watch. In my book he comes in just a shade below J.B. for those too few years. He was that good. RIP

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    @footbalfan1962 said:

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    That's why you cannot really accurately judge generational players or teams the games change over time.

    Is Unitas better than TBrady ?  Is JBrown the best ever ?          We'll never really know.     😕

  • Few players from the 60's could play in today's game... and almost all who could were skill position players.

    JB tops my list... but if he couldn't, then he could always fall back upon his best sport, Lacrosse.

  • @footbalfan1962 said:

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    It definitely is an eyeball test, and how much that person dominated the other players at the time they played. But if you are going to compare players from different eras (which is just a guessing game, imo), I think running backs are probably one of the easier positions to do so. Sayers was 200 lbs and 6 ft. J.B. was 6'2" and 232 lbs. Both those stats would stand up well today as well as their speed. True, the opposition were smaller and slower. You go back as far as the 20s and there is Wilbur 'Pete' Henry, also known as 'Fats'.  He was one oft he NFL's largest and most dominant linemen in the 20s and was 5'11" and 245 lbs.

    @barry said:

    It definitely is an eyeball test, and how much that person dominated the other players at the time they played. But if you are going to compare players from different eras (which is just a guessing game, imo), I think running backs are probably one of the easier positions to do so. Sayers was 200 lbs and 6 ft. J.B. was 6'2" and 232 lbs. Both those stats would stand up well today as well as their speed. True, the opposition were smaller and slower. You go back as far as the 20s and there is Wilbur 'Pete' Henry, also known as 'Fats'.  He was one oft he NFL's largest and most dominant linemen in the 20s and was 5'11" and 245 lbs.

    I am not of the opinion that the "opposition" back in the 60 was necessarily smaller and slower. 

    Bid Daddy Lipscomb was  6'9  300 pounds....

    Myles Garrett is about the same size as Gino Marchetti....maybe 10 pounds different. 

    DBs are clearly no bigger now than they were then.  

    LBs today are really no bigger.   Joe Schobert  at 6'1"  230  at MLB is 2 inches shorter  and 20 pounds lighter than Dick Butkus.   6'3 250.  MLB Sam Huff was the same 6'1  230 as Schobert. 

    The ONLY players that are bigger?  Offensive linemen....did bulk up over the 60s guys.  And QBs do average an inch or two taller.  That is it. 

  • Few players from the 60's could play in today's game... and almost all who could were skill position players.

    JB tops my list... but if he couldn't, then he could always fall back upon his best sport, Lacrosse.

    @tour2ma said:

    Few players from the 60's could play in today's game... and almost all who could were skill position players.

    JB tops my list... but if he couldn't, then he could always fall back upon his best sport, Lacrosse.

    yea, right. sure.   Dick Butkus at 6'3 250 could never play MLB today. 

    And, let's see....how much taller are  Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson than the QBs of the 60s?  Oh? Not at all you say...those guys are shorter than most 60s QBs.  And 6'9 300 Gene Lipscomb?   How many DEs today are that big? 

    And Bob Hayes who ran a 9.1 100 yard dash....couldn't keep up? 

    And Jim Brown is a dwarf next to Nick Chubb.....or, uh, err, maybe not.   Chubb 5'11 225.  JB  6'2  232.  

    All those guys need to compete today would be the same training/nutrition programs. 

  • @barry said:

    It definitely is an eyeball test, and how much that person dominated the other players at the time they played. But if you are going to compare players from different eras (which is just a guessing game, imo), I think running backs are probably one of the easier positions to do so. Sayers was 200 lbs and 6 ft. J.B. was 6'2" and 232 lbs. Both those stats would stand up well today as well as their speed. True, the opposition were smaller and slower. You go back as far as the 20s and there is Wilbur 'Pete' Henry, also known as 'Fats'.  He was one oft he NFL's largest and most dominant linemen in the 20s and was 5'11" and 245 lbs.

    I am not of the opinion that the "opposition" back in the 60 was necessarily smaller and slower. 

    Bid Daddy Lipscomb was  6'9  300 pounds....

    Myles Garrett is about the same size as Gino Marchetti....maybe 10 pounds different. 

    DBs are clearly no bigger now than they were then.  

    LBs today are really no bigger.   Joe Schobert  at 6'1"  230  at MLB is 2 inches shorter  and 20 pounds lighter than Dick Butkus.   6'3 250.  MLB Sam Huff was the same 6'1  230 as Schobert. 

    The ONLY players that are bigger?  Offensive linemen....did bulk up over the 60s guys.  And QBs do average an inch or two taller.  That is it. 

    @the-gipper said:

    I am not of the opinion that the "opposition" back in the 60 was necessarily smaller and slower. 

    Bid Daddy Lipscomb was  6'9  300 pounds....

    Myles Garrett is about the same size as Gino Marchetti....maybe 10 pounds different. 

    DBs are clearly no bigger now than they were then.  

    LBs today are really no bigger.   Joe Schobert  at 6'1"  230  at MLB is 2 inches shorter  and 20 pounds lighter than Dick Butkus.   6'3 250.  MLB Sam Huff was the same 6'1  230 as Schobert. 

    The ONLY players that are bigger?  Offensive linemen....did bulk up over the 60s guys.  And QBs do average an inch or two taller.  That is it. 

    I remember looking at the roster charts that were in the Browns programs in the mid-60s and seeing if any players were 300 pounds. There were only 1-2 total from both teams so I have come to think that most of the players were smaller than they are today. But I found this roster of the '65 Browns (brings back a lot of memories) and, you are right, except for the linemen and maybe a linebacker or two, the sizes were not much different than they are today. Thanks for the correction. Was really interesting looking over this sheet. Here it is in case you are interested:  https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-CLE/y-1965

  • @the-gipper said:

    I am not of the opinion that the "opposition" back in the 60 was necessarily smaller and slower. 

    Bid Daddy Lipscomb was  6'9  300 pounds....

    Myles Garrett is about the same size as Gino Marchetti....maybe 10 pounds different. 

    DBs are clearly no bigger now than they were then.  

    LBs today are really no bigger.   Joe Schobert  at 6'1"  230  at MLB is 2 inches shorter  and 20 pounds lighter than Dick Butkus.   6'3 250.  MLB Sam Huff was the same 6'1  230 as Schobert. 

    The ONLY players that are bigger?  Offensive linemen....did bulk up over the 60s guys.  And QBs do average an inch or two taller.  That is it. 

    I remember looking at the roster charts that were in the Browns programs in the mid-60s and seeing if any players were 300 pounds. There were only 1-2 total from both teams so I have come to think that most of the players were smaller than they are today. But I found this roster of the '65 Browns (brings back a lot of memories) and, you are right, except for the linemen and maybe a linebacker or two, the sizes were not much different than they are today. Thanks for the correction. Was really interesting looking over this sheet. Here it is in case you are interested:  https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-CLE/y-1965

    @barry said:

    I remember looking at the roster charts that were in the Browns programs in the mid-60s and seeing if any players were 300 pounds. There were only 1-2 total from both teams so I have come to think that most of the players were smaller than they are today. But I found this roster of the '65 Browns (brings back a lot of memories) and, you are right, except for the linemen and maybe a linebacker or two, the sizes were not much different than they are today. Thanks for the correction. Was really interesting looking over this sheet. Here it is in case you are interested:  https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-CLE/y-1965

    Yerp,   latter day OL have bulked up,  and the occasional DL is heavier, but  those Browns had DL of like 265/270 pounds...which is not much difference than today.   And I am not even sure about the LBs.  Jim Houston was 6'3 240.  What are our LBs today? 

  • @barry said:

    I remember looking at the roster charts that were in the Browns programs in the mid-60s and seeing if any players were 300 pounds. There were only 1-2 total from both teams so I have come to think that most of the players were smaller than they are today. But I found this roster of the '65 Browns (brings back a lot of memories) and, you are right, except for the linemen and maybe a linebacker or two, the sizes were not much different than they are today. Thanks for the correction. Was really interesting looking over this sheet. Here it is in case you are interested:  https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-CLE/y-1965

    Yerp,   latter day OL have bulked up,  and the occasional DL is heavier, but  those Browns had DL of like 265/270 pounds...which is not much difference than today.   And I am not even sure about the LBs.  Jim Houston was 6'3 240.  What are our LBs today? 

    @the-gipper said:

    Yerp,   latter day OL have bulked up,  and the occasional DL is heavier, but  those Browns had DL of like 265/270 pounds...which is not much difference than today.   And I am not even sure about the LBs.  Jim Houston was 6'3 240.  What are our LBs today? 

    Houston was good size but I was looking at Costello (who was a good player) who played the middle at 230, Dale Lindsey at 223, and Stan Sczurek at 5'11" and 230. As run-stoppers, which was what their primary responsibilities were in those days, that's a bit light.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Yerp,   latter day OL have bulked up,  and the occasional DL is heavier, but  those Browns had DL of like 265/270 pounds...which is not much difference than today.   And I am not even sure about the LBs.  Jim Houston was 6'3 240.  What are our LBs today? 

    Houston was good size but I was looking at Costello (who was a good player) who played the middle at 230, Dale Lindsey at 223, and Stan Sczurek at 5'11" and 230. As run-stoppers, which was what their primary responsibilities were in those days, that's a bit light.

    @barry said:

    Houston was good size but I was looking at Costello (who was a good player) who played the middle at 230, Dale Lindsey at 223, and Stan Sczurek at 5'11" and 230. As run-stoppers, which was what their primary responsibilities were in those days, that's a bit light.

    Joe Schobert  is 230. Mack Wilson is 6’2. 230

  • Gino ... 244#

    MG... 272#...

    Yup... difference is "maybe 10"... in base maybe 28...

    Wanna maybe bet who is maybe faster?

  • @barry said:

    I agree. Sayers was the original Sanders, and more entertaining to watch. In my book he comes in just a shade below J.B. for those too few years. He was that good. RIP

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    @footbalfan1962 said:

    Problem is, its hard to judge generationally. nothing against Brown or Sayers, they were great, but lets face it..in the 60's you had a bunch of slow white guys chasing you around versus todays game

    My dream backfield would be Barry Sanders and Earl Campbell. They could play in todays game imo.

  • Gino ... 244#

    MG... 272#...

    Yup... difference is "maybe 10"... in base maybe 28...

    Wanna maybe bet who is maybe faster?

    @tour2ma said:

    Gino ... 244#

    MG... 272#...

    Yup... difference is "maybe 10"... in base maybe 28...

    Wanna maybe bet who is maybe faster?

    Again new modern nutrition and conditioning would’ve made up that difference. What is it about that you don’t understand? Just same thing that caused offensive  lineman to balloon up to 310 pounds when they were not nearly that in the 60s. It would be as foolish is saying that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar could not play basketball today. Besides the source I looked at said the Gino Marchetti was 260 pounds.

  • Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    Same applies to basketball, especially with regards to athleticism and speed.

    The 2020 (any NBA team) would obliterate the 1964 Champs Boston Celtics.

    As would the 2020 (any NFL team) give the1964 Champs Browns an ass whipping.

  • Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    Same applies to basketball, especially with regards to athleticism and speed.

    The 2020 (any NBA team) would obliterate the 1964 Champs Boston Celtics.

    As would the 2020 (any NFL team) give the1964 Champs Browns an ass whipping.

    @gorka said:

    Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    Same applies to basketball, especially with regards to athleticism and speed.

    The 2020 (any NBA team) would obliterate the 1964 Champs Boston Celtics.

    As would the 2020 (any NFL team) give the1964 Champs Browns an ass whipping.

    Prove it. 

  • @gorka said:

    Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    Same applies to basketball, especially with regards to athleticism and speed.

    The 2020 (any NBA team) would obliterate the 1964 Champs Boston Celtics.

    As would the 2020 (any NFL team) give the1964 Champs Browns an ass whipping.

    Prove it. 

    @the-gipper said:

    Prove it. 

    Haha...I knew you'd jump on that one.

    I don't have to prove anything. Neither does anyone else on what is a forum meant for opinions.

    Jim Brown in his prime would get blown up by todays linebackers.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Prove it. 

    Haha...I knew you'd jump on that one.

    I don't have to prove anything. Neither does anyone else on what is a forum meant for opinions.

    Jim Brown in his prime would get blown up by todays linebackers.

    @gorka said:

    Haha...I knew you'd jump on that one.

    I don't have to prove anything. Neither does anyone else on what is a forum meant for opinions.

    Jim Brown in his prime would get blown up by todays linebackers.

    If Sam Huff couldn't do it,  who is the same size as the likes of Schobert and Mack Wilson and other LBs of today...what makes you think they could do it any better?  It is not like they are tackling RBs today that are any bigger, faster, stronger now than Jim Brown was. 

    Again....LBs then were the same height/weight as LBs now.   They didn't test speed then that I am aware of.  Strength? Again, no comparable measurements.  (none of today's WRs  are any faster than the likes of Bob Hayes......and as for possession receivers,  Gary Collins was like 6'5"...and could catch anything thrown his direction).

  • Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    Same applies to basketball, especially with regards to athleticism and speed.

    The 2020 (any NBA team) would obliterate the 1964 Champs Boston Celtics.

    As would the 2020 (any NFL team) give the1964 Champs Browns an ass whipping.

    @gorka said:

    Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    ... and they excel at a game that is more complex many times over.

  • @gorka said:

    Not only are todays players bigger faster stronger, the sheer athleticism, talent and skill are far superior in todays player.

    ... and they excel at a game that is more complex many times over.

    @tour2ma said:

    ... and they excel at a game that is more complex many times over.

    So what we need then is an antique era, an old timey era and a modern era.

  • Fossil? 🙂