My least favorite part of writing Tales from the AFL posts is when I pass along the information on a recently-deceased player.  Sadly, four former AFL’ers passed away during my Summer hiatus, and I would be negligent if I did not inform our readers about them.  Three were members of original AFL teams, while the fourth played in the era after an agreement had been made to merge the leagues.

I never met Bob McNamara, but I spoke several times with Goose Gonsoulin, and had met Powell and Staggs on many occasions, and I can say in all honesty that we have lost some great men.  Rest well, gentlemen, and thank you for the joy that you brought us on the gridiron.

autographed 1961 topps bob mcnamara

#196 – Bob McNamara

July 20 – Bob McNamara – Defensive Back/Running Back – Denver Broncos – 1960-1961

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

autographed 1962 fleer charley powell

#77 – Charley Powell

September 1 – Charlie Powell – Defensive Tackle – San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders – 1952-1957, 1960-1961

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

autographed 1961 topps goose gonsoulin

#192 – Goose Gonsoulin

September 8 – Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin – Safety – Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers – 1960-1967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jeff staggsSeptember 16 – Jeff Staggs – Linebacker – San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Cardinals – 1967-1974