AFA News and Press Releases

New Issue of The Coffin Corner - Volume 46, Number 2 Available to Members Only to download.

The issue includes the following:

PFRA-ternizing. An announcement of Minneapolis–Saint Paul as the location for the 2025 PFRA Convention, information about a new episode of The Official PFRA Podcast featuring Ernie Accorsi, the former general manager of the Colts, Browns and Eagles, and an update on the delivery date of the 1964 Buffalo Bills Great Teams book to the publisher.

The AFL’s First Marquee Villain by Jim Marino. Ben Davidson was one of the great antagonists of the AFL, especially after he landed with the villainous Raiders. Known for his distinctive mustache, his antics captivated fans and the media, helping to boost the new league's popularity. Despite all the theatrics though, he was a formidable defender and a dominant defensive end in the mid- to late-60s.

Bob Mann, Val Jansante and the Blacklist by Ralph Hickok. A personal recounting of two players blackballed by NFL teams in the Fifties. Mann was a receiver and let go by the Lions after he disagreed with team demands for a pay cut. Traded to and cut by the New York Yanks, he sat out a year, until finally he was signed by Green Bay and became the first known African American player to play for that storied franchise. Jansante, also a receiver, faced increasing fan hostility in Pittsburgh for some unknown reason. He was unable to bear the continued harassment and was waived by the Steelers and also blacklisted - for two days - until he was picked up by the very same Packers.

“Blood” McNally in Buffalo by Joe Marren. A modest proposal to add a 14th member to the exclusive club of Pro Football Hall of Famers who have played in Buffalo—all to avoid unlucky “13.” McNally played one game in Buffalo with the ’41 Tigers of AFL III. Unfortunately, it was at the end of his career and turned out to be a lackluster finish for the great Johnny “Blood,” who would retire in 1941. The Tigers proved to be made of paper and would fold after the season. Okay, maybe not such a good idea after all.

Remembering When: Dick Butkus Wins Game for Bears on Extra Point Conversion by Jeff Curts. A recollection of the linebacking great, who won a game against Washington with an unexpected—and incredible—catch on a broken extra point attempt in the fourth quarter that provided the winning margin in a Chicago victory. Butkus passed away in October of last year.

2023 Player Deaths. A list of the pro football players who died last year, including information on the team(s) and league(s) they played for, the date and location of their death (if known) and their age when they passed away.

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