Comments on: Passionate Coniglio keeps AFL alive http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/ Two Linemen, Dropping Into Coverage Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:02:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Ange Coniglio http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2196 Ange Coniglio Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:19:52 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2196 Stabler was in the NFL, not AFL, but he's a victim of "AFL Hangover". That is, he played for a former AFL team right after the merger, and they were still considered inferior to the "old-line" NFL. I totally agree on Cappelletti, see http://www.conigliofamily.com/Patriots.htm#GINOCAPPELLETTI In my interview bove, I just mentioned a few former AFLers who belong in the Hall of Fame Look at the All-Time AFL team at http://www.conigliofamily.com/AFLAllTimeTeam.htm and see Paul Lowe, Clem Daniels, Fred Arbanas, Jim Tyrer, Ed Budde, Jerry Mays, Gerry Philbin, Houston Antwine, George Webster, Dave Grayson, Johnny Robinson, George Saimes, and Jerrell Wilson: NONE of them in the Hall of Fame, and tell me it's fair. See http://www.remembertheafl.com/AFLTop36.htm for three dozen of the AFL's top stars, NONE of them in the Hall of Fame. THe AFL's records are now officially NFL records: a yard gained in the AFL was the same as one gained in the NFL . . . three feet. A touchdown in the AFL was equal to any scored in the old league . . . six points. Even considering the early AFL which NFL propagandists like to say was far inferior to the NFL, the AFL signed half of the NFL's first round draft choices, and about 75% of the NFL's overall picks. Tex Shramm admitted years later that if the "battle of Dallas" had ever pitted the AFL's Texans versus the NFL's Cowboys, the Texans would have won hands down. It's widely accepted that the AFL's 1963 champion Chargers would have beaten the Bears, the NFL champs that year. AFL teams were 2-2 in World Championship games. The players who beat the Colts and the Jets were not "Common Draftees" that "brought the AFL up to par with the NFL". They were players like Grantham, Mathis and Maynard, who had played for the *Titans*, for crying out loud! And Buck Buchanan, Johnny Robinson, and Ed Budde were long-time AFL players. The AFL was a major Professional Football league that showed it was every bit as good as the NFL. The Hall of Fame selectors should wipe the mist from their eyes and start putting these men in, before all the great AFL players are dead. Stabler was in the NFL, not AFL, but he’s a victim of “AFL Hangover”. That is, he played for a former AFL team right after the merger, and they were still considered inferior to the “old-line” NFL. I totally agree on Cappelletti, see http://www.conigliofamily.com/Patriots.htm#GINOCAPPELLETTI

In my interview bove, I just mentioned a few former AFLers who belong in the Hall of Fame Look at the All-Time AFL team at http://www.conigliofamily.com/AFLAllTimeTeam.htm and see Paul Lowe, Clem Daniels, Fred Arbanas, Jim Tyrer, Ed Budde, Jerry Mays, Gerry Philbin, Houston Antwine, George Webster, Dave Grayson, Johnny Robinson, George Saimes, and Jerrell Wilson: NONE of them in the Hall of Fame, and tell me it’s fair. See http://www.remembertheafl.com/AFLTop36.htm for three dozen of the AFL’s top stars, NONE of them in the Hall of Fame.

THe AFL’s records are now officially NFL records: a yard gained in the AFL was the same as one gained in the NFL . . . three feet. A touchdown in the AFL was equal to any scored in the old league . . . six points. Even considering the early AFL which NFL propagandists like to say was far inferior to the NFL, the AFL signed half of the NFL’s first round draft choices, and about 75% of the NFL’s overall picks. Tex Shramm admitted years later that if the “battle of Dallas” had ever pitted the AFL’s Texans versus the NFL’s Cowboys, the Texans would have won hands down. It’s widely accepted that the AFL’s 1963 champion Chargers would have beaten the Bears, the NFL champs that year.

AFL teams were 2-2 in World Championship games. The players who beat the Colts and the Jets were not “Common Draftees” that “brought the AFL up to par with the NFL”. They were players like Grantham, Mathis and Maynard, who had played for the *Titans*, for crying out loud! And Buck Buchanan, Johnny Robinson, and Ed Budde were long-time AFL players.

The AFL was a major Professional Football league that showed it was every bit as good as the NFL. The Hall of Fame selectors should wipe the mist from their eyes and start putting these men in, before all the great AFL players are dead.

]]> By: Pat Namanny http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2195 Pat Namanny Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:39:47 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2195 I agree that Floyd Little, Abner Haynes, Johnny Robinson and Tom Sestak all deserve to be in the HOF. But what about Gino Cappelletti and Kenny Stabler as well? As you know, Cappelletti led the American Football League in scoring five times and led or tied the NFL in scoring 5 times as well. He had two of the top five scoring seasons in pro football history – 155 points in 1964 and 147 points in 1961 (14-game seasons). And Stabler was the quickest to win 100 games as a starting quarterback, having done so in 150 games. This accomplishment was better than Johnny Unitas previous mark of doing it in 153 games. Since then, only Joe Montana and Tom Brady have reached 100 wins quicker. Stabler is also the only quarterback from the NFL's All-1970's team not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I agree that Floyd Little, Abner Haynes, Johnny Robinson and Tom Sestak all deserve to be in the HOF. But what about Gino Cappelletti and Kenny Stabler as well? As you know, Cappelletti led the American Football League in scoring five times and led or tied the NFL in scoring 5 times as well. He had two of the top five scoring seasons in pro football history – 155 points in 1964 and 147 points in 1961 (14-game seasons). And Stabler was the quickest to win 100 games as a starting quarterback, having done so in 150 games. This accomplishment was better than Johnny Unitas previous mark of doing it in 153 games. Since then, only Joe Montana and Tom Brady have reached 100 wins quicker. Stabler is also the only quarterback from the NFL’s All-1970′s team not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

]]> By: Ange Coniglio http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2069 Ange Coniglio Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:49:18 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2069 I agree with you. Neither Little nor recently inducted Emmitt Thomas deserve the Hall as much as Johnny Robinson, Abner Haynes, or even Tom Sestak. They are examples of the failure of the Hall to keep older selectors who actually remember the AFL. Little and Thomas played large portions of their careers in the NFL, so the 'stigma' of being in the AFL is less, in the minds of selectors. Robinson, Haynes and Sestak were more 'pure' AFL players. As such, they are considered to have made their bones in an inferior league. But the AFL's records are in the NFL record book: a tackle made in the AFL in 1960 counts as much as one made in the NFL; a yard gained in the AFL was three feet, just like it was in the NFL. The great players in the AFL were every bit as good, and in many cases better, than the great players of the 1960s NFL. GIVE THEM THEIR DUE. I agree with you. Neither Little nor recently inducted Emmitt Thomas deserve the Hall as much as Johnny Robinson, Abner Haynes, or even Tom Sestak. They are examples of the failure of the Hall to keep older selectors who actually remember the AFL. Little and Thomas played large portions of their careers in the NFL, so the ‘stigma’ of being in the AFL is less, in the minds of selectors. Robinson, Haynes and Sestak were more ‘pure’ AFL players. As such, they are considered to have made their bones in an inferior league. But the AFL’s records are in the NFL record book: a tackle made in the AFL in 1960 counts as much as one made in the NFL; a yard gained in the AFL was three feet, just like it was in the NFL. The great players in the AFL were every bit as good, and in many cases better, than the great players of the 1960s NFL. GIVE THEM THEIR DUE.

]]> By: Tony P http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2068 Tony P Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:01:22 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2068 Mr Coniglio, It's a treat to hear your opinions. Thank you for responding. Many folks including myself have been very hard on Floyd Little upon hearing his nomination. It's mainly out of frustration because so many other players we feel were better picks and continued to be passed over. That goes for the NFL Seniors too like 10 time nominee Jerry Kramer and 4/9 LB Chris Hanburger. It ridiculous!! Unfortunately my gut tells me the NFL wouldn't likely consider a mass entrance as you suggest. Heck they can't even decide on two at a time. Futhermore I'm thinking Lebeau has a good chance of being turned down since his nomination is based only on his playing ability. Could be another one player at a time year. Lol!! Have to laugh to keep from crying about the whole mess. :) I know Little is in your AFL HOF and worthy but do you really feel like he's on a par with the NFL greats? I wasn't overly impressed when I watched him except for the fact he ran so hard and seemed to take a lot of punishment. I know he meant everything to Denver but I'm not seeing the same sentiment spread in other parts of the country. I'll keep reading chat People in the Denver community seem to speak to his character almost more than his play. Just like the folks in Pittsburgh about LeBeau. /Is it becoming a popularity contest now like with coach Emmitt Thomas in Atlanta?? I just hate that they stuck a Half-Back or are about to that will have some of the lowest stats of all RB's in the Hall and he's from the AFL.. IMO Abner Hayes would of been much better to represent the AFL. I suppose the Committee was afraid the Voters would have Texan/Chief fatigue by now but it is what it is. They probably should elect 4 or 5 more Chiefs to get it right. Oh well this year is done. :) I look forward to any additional comments about Little. I might need to be set straight. Lol!! Mr Coniglio,

It’s a treat to hear your opinions. Thank you for responding. Many folks including myself have been very hard on Floyd Little upon hearing his nomination. It’s mainly out of frustration because so many other players we feel were better picks and continued to be passed over. That goes for the NFL Seniors too like 10 time nominee Jerry Kramer and 4/9 LB Chris Hanburger. It ridiculous!!

Unfortunately my gut tells me the NFL wouldn’t likely consider a mass entrance as you suggest. Heck they can’t even decide on two at a time. Futhermore I’m thinking Lebeau has a good chance of being turned down since his nomination is based only on his playing ability. Could be another one player at a time year. Lol!! Have to laugh to keep from crying about the whole mess. :)

I know Little is in your AFL HOF and worthy but do you really feel like he’s on a par with the NFL greats? I wasn’t overly impressed when I watched him except for the fact he ran so hard and seemed to take a lot of punishment. I know he meant everything to Denver but I’m not seeing the same sentiment spread in other parts of the country. I’ll keep reading chat

People in the Denver community seem to speak to his character almost more than his play. Just like the folks in Pittsburgh about LeBeau. /Is it becoming a popularity contest now like with coach Emmitt Thomas in Atlanta??

I just hate that they stuck a Half-Back or are about to that will have some of the lowest stats of all RB’s in the Hall and he’s from the AFL.. IMO Abner Hayes would of been much better to represent the AFL. I suppose the Committee was afraid the Voters would have Texan/Chief fatigue by now but it is what it is. They probably should elect 4 or 5 more Chiefs to get it right. Oh well this year is done. :) I look forward to any additional comments about Little. I might need to be set straight. Lol!!

]]> By: Ange Coniglio http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2067 Ange Coniglio Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:20:22 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2067 Tony: I'm glad that Little is being considered as a senior. He's in my AFL Hall of Fame (see http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm#FLOYDLITTLE). Unfortunately, at the rate of two 'seniors' per year, most of the other very worthy AFL players in your list will never make it, or will be dead by the time they're inducted. When the Baseball Hall of Fame finally realized the injustice they had wrought on black players, they inducted Negro Leagues players EN MASSE a few years ago. The Pro Football Hall of Fame should take a hard look at the REAL reason players like Robinson, Tyrer, Gonsoulin and Grantham are not enshrined, call a moratorium on the 'two seniors per year' rule, and induct them en masse, before they're all dead. This would have been a good year to do it. Tony: I’m glad that Little is being considered as a senior. He’s in my AFL Hall of Fame (see http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm#FLOYDLITTLE). Unfortunately, at the rate of two ‘seniors’ per year, most of the other very worthy AFL players in your list will never make it, or will be dead by the time they’re inducted. When the Baseball Hall of Fame finally realized the injustice they had wrought on black players, they inducted Negro Leagues players EN MASSE a few years ago. The Pro Football Hall of Fame should take a hard look at the REAL reason players like Robinson, Tyrer, Gonsoulin and Grantham are not enshrined, call a moratorium on the ‘two seniors per year’ rule, and induct them en masse, before they’re all dead. This would have been a good year to do it.

]]> By: Ange Coniglio http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2066 Ange Coniglio Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:09:17 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2066 Tony: Tony:

]]> By: Tony P http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2024 Tony P Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:39:12 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2024 Now I'd ask Mr. Coniglio his opinions on the Senior HOF nominations of Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau? Is any AFL player a good one? Now I’d ask Mr. Coniglio his opinions on the Senior HOF nominations of Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau? Is any AFL player a good one?

]]> By: Tony P http://www.zoneblitz.com/2009/08/24/passionate-coniglio-keeps-afl-alive/#comment-2008 Tony P Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:56:00 +0000 http://www.zoneblitz.com/?p=1047#comment-2008 Wow!! Thanks Andy and Mr. Coniglio for a wonderful interview and insight!!! Total class Andy and Tony. Mr. Coniglio, I'm a nut like many other for knowledge of the AFL. :) I began my football obsession watching the 1971 Miami Dolphins at the age of 8. I'd like to know your thoughts on the meteoric rise of the Miami Dolphins expansion team to powerhouse status in the NFL? There's some debate on Nick Buoniconti's worthiness to be in the HOF. How good was he with the Patriots? He was pretty darn good with the Dolphins. I believe other Miami defenders such as Jake Scott and the NFL's All-Decade Saftey Dick Anderson deserve strong consideration. In additon 5-time Pro Bowler Bill Stanfill gets zero mention. Which if any Dolphin player from the 70's Team belongs in the HOF?? IMO the Voters may be puting too much emphasis on playing for 10 years and fail to recognize that injuries (knee) were harder to overcome in the old days. Finally, what was the greatest AFL team top to bottom of the 60's?? I sent a letter of support to Senior Committee promoting these AFL Players with others help. Unfortunately I missed out on seeing many of the AFL players so I had to go by research only on some which stinks. Great AFL (criteria at least 5 PB’s) QB - John Hadl 1/6/60’s-70’s RB - Floyd Little 1/5/60’s-70’s RG - Walt Sweeney 2/9/60’s-70’s LT - Winston Hill 0/8/60/70’s LT - Jim Tyrer 6/9/60-70’s C/LB – E.J. Holub 2/5/60’s LG - Ed Budde 2/7/60’s-70’s LDE - Jerry Mays 2/7/60’s-70’s RLB - Larry Grantham 5/5/60’s-70’s S - Goose Gonsoulin 2/5/60’s S - Johnny Robinson 6/7/60’s RLB - Larry Grantham 5/5/60’s-70’s Larry wasn’t highly regarded by the NFL Draft coming out of Mississippi. He was undersized at 6?0? 210lbs and ultimately joined the New York Titans of the AFL. It didn’t take long for the league to recognize his ferocious hitting and knack for the ball. In 1960, his rookie season, Larry finished with 5 int’s which is exceptional for a LB. He earned 1st team All-AFL honors his very first year and the next 4 seasons after making him a 5 for 5 on the 1st team All-AFL. He also was invited to the Pro-Bowl in 3 of those years. Than came the down side of Larry’s career (Lol!!) where from 1965-1969 he was selected 2nd Team All-AFL 5 straight years by one publication or another and went to 2 more Pro-Bowls in 1966 and 1969. Just FYI in 1967 he had another 5 int year but failed to make the Pro-Bowl that year. A remarkable feat for any player in any league is that Larry Gratham played at such a high level for 10 straight years. And then in 1969 his excellence was rewarded finally with a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. It was he and his staunch Defense that was responsible for the stunning win over the Baltimore Colts 16-7 in that Super Bowl. Ironically the Colts were the team that had drafted Larry in the 15th Round in 1960 basically taking a pass on his ability to play in the NFL. Larry Grantham played for two more years finishing out his career as a life long New York Titan-Jets player. His 12th and last year still brought recognition as a 2nd tean all-conference player(UPI). We know there were other great LB’s from the AFL named Nick Buoiconti, Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier in the NFL HOF. Two are MLB’s and one a LLB. Surely we have room for an AFL RLB?? :) He sure desrves it in my book for being a truely great player for such a long time. Please consider Mr. Grantham strongly this year for the HOF. Supported by – Bradley Ehringer -New Jersey and A.P.; text by Anthony Parslow – Texas THANK YOU!! Wow!! Thanks Andy and Mr. Coniglio for a wonderful interview and insight!!! Total class Andy and Tony.

Mr. Coniglio, I’m a nut like many other for knowledge of the AFL. :) I began my football obsession watching the 1971 Miami Dolphins at the age of 8.

I’d like to know your thoughts on the meteoric rise of the Miami Dolphins expansion team to powerhouse status in the NFL?

There’s some debate on Nick Buoniconti’s worthiness to be in the HOF. How good was he with the Patriots? He was pretty darn good with the Dolphins.

I believe other Miami defenders such as Jake Scott and the NFL’s All-Decade Saftey Dick Anderson deserve strong consideration. In additon 5-time Pro Bowler Bill Stanfill gets zero mention. Which if any Dolphin player from the 70′s Team belongs in the HOF??

IMO the Voters may be puting too much emphasis on playing for 10 years and fail to recognize that injuries (knee) were harder to overcome in the old days.

Finally, what was the greatest AFL team top to bottom of the 60′s??

I sent a letter of support to Senior Committee promoting these AFL Players with others help. Unfortunately I missed out on seeing many of the AFL players so I had to go by research only on some which stinks.

Great AFL (criteria at least 5 PB’s)

QB – John Hadl 1/6/60’s-70’s
RB – Floyd Little 1/5/60’s-70’s
RG – Walt Sweeney 2/9/60’s-70’s
LT – Winston Hill 0/8/60/70’s
LT – Jim Tyrer 6/9/60-70’s
C/LB – E.J. Holub 2/5/60’s
LG – Ed Budde 2/7/60’s-70’s
LDE – Jerry Mays 2/7/60’s-70’s
RLB – Larry Grantham 5/5/60’s-70’s
S – Goose Gonsoulin 2/5/60’s
S – Johnny Robinson 6/7/60’s
RLB – Larry Grantham 5/5/60’s-70’s

Larry wasn’t highly regarded by the NFL Draft coming out of Mississippi. He was undersized at 6?0? 210lbs and ultimately joined the New York Titans of the AFL. It didn’t take long for the league to recognize his ferocious hitting and knack for the ball.

In 1960, his rookie season, Larry finished with 5 int’s which is exceptional for a LB. He earned 1st team All-AFL honors his very first year and the next 4 seasons after making him a 5 for 5 on the 1st team All-AFL. He also was invited to the Pro-Bowl in 3 of those years.

Than came the down side of Larry’s career (Lol!!) where from 1965-1969 he was selected 2nd Team All-AFL 5 straight years by one publication or another and went to 2 more Pro-Bowls in 1966 and 1969. Just FYI in 1967 he had another 5 int year but failed to make the Pro-Bowl that year.

A remarkable feat for any player in any league is that Larry Gratham played at such a high level for 10 straight years. And then in 1969 his excellence was rewarded finally with a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. It was he and his staunch Defense that was responsible for the stunning win over the Baltimore Colts 16-7 in that Super Bowl. Ironically the Colts were the team that had drafted Larry in the 15th Round in 1960 basically taking a pass on his ability to play in the NFL.

Larry Grantham played for two more years finishing out his career as a life long New York Titan-Jets player. His 12th and last year still brought recognition as a 2nd tean all-conference player(UPI). We know there were other great LB’s from the AFL named Nick Buoiconti, Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier in the NFL HOF. Two are MLB’s and one a LLB. Surely we have room for an AFL RLB?? :) He sure desrves it in my book for being a truely great player for such a long time. Please consider Mr. Grantham strongly this year for the HOF.

Supported by – Bradley Ehringer -New Jersey and A.P.; text by Anthony Parslow – Texas

THANK YOU!!

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