Washington Redskins

Here are the 1968 Redskins. Somehow, I had none of these cards back in 1968 except for Chris Hanburger. (I had no series #2 cards back then, but I also missed 4 of the 5 'Skins in series #1.)

The Redskins finished 3rd (out of 4) in their division in 1967 with a record of 5-6-3. In 1968, they would finish 3rd again, while their record dropped to 5-9.

Sonny Jurgensen broke in with the Eagles in 1957. After riding the bench for the entire 1958-60 seasons (behind the newly-acquired Norm Van Brocklin), Jurgy took over the starting job in 1961, making the Pro Bowl and leading the league in TDs and completions that season. After 2 more years in Philly, he was traded to the Redskins for Norm Snead, and was Washington's starting QB from 1964-70, making the Pro Bowl 4 more times. He finished his career as a backup to Bill Kilmer from 1971-74.

Bobby Mitchell began his career with the Cleveland Browns, and was their starting halfback and kick returner from 1958 to 1961. He moved on to the Redskins in 1962 and became their starting flanker. Bobby led the NL with 72 catches and 1384 receiving yards in 1962. He also led the league with 1436 yards in 1963 and 10 TDs in 1964. After 6 seasons as the starting flanker, he finished his career as a backup in 1968.

Charley Taylor was the Redskins' #1 pick (3rd overall) in the 1964 draft. He had a 13-year career, all as a starter for the Redskins. After playing halfback for his first 2 seasons, he switched to split end (opposite Mitchell) and led the NFL with 72 receptions in 1966 and 70 in 1967. Taylor made the Pro Bowl in his first 4 seasons, and then in 4 consecutive years late in his career. After missing the 1976 season, he finished his career in 1977. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

Jerry Smith was drafted in the 9th round by by the Redskins, and played his entire 13-year career with Washington. [Back in the day, I knew that Mike Ditka and John Mackey were the premier tight ends, but in recent years, I've learned that others like Jerry Smith, Jackie Smith, and Dave Parks were excellent ends as well.] Smith was a starter in all but his rookie season, and his final 2 seasons. In 1968 he played flanker, replacing the veteran Bobby Mitchell. Jerry was a 2-time Pro Bowler.

Pat Richter was the Redskins' 1st-round pick in 1963, and oddly enough was their punter in his first 5 seasons. He was also the starting split end in '63 and '65, but took a seat on the bench, once Taylor switched positions in 1966. Richter was the starting tight end in 1968 (the one season Jerry Smith played flanker). Pat wrapped up his 8-year career (all with the Redskins) in 1968.

Here's offensive tackle Jim Snowden, in a typical receiver's pose. He was drafted in 1964 (as a future?) and was a starting tackle for his entire career (1965-71).

Carl Kammerer was drafted by the 49ers in 1960. After 2 seasons as a linebacker there (1961-62), he joined the Redskins in 1963 as their starting middle linebacker. He was their starting right defensive end in his final 5 seasons (1965-69).

Chris Hanburger played his entire 14-year career (1965-78) with the Redskins. He was their starting right linebacker every season except his rookie year and his next-to-last season. This 9-time Pro Bowler was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Paul Krause was Washington's 2nd-round pick in 1964 and made an immediate impact, leading the NFL with 12 interceptions. After 4 seasons with the Redskins, Krause was traded to the Vikings, where he continued his stellar play, becoming known as "The Interceptor". He played in 4 Super Bowls, made 8 Pro Bowls, and finished his career with 81 interceptions. Krause was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.


Also check out the 1972 Redskins.

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