A Break, A Wrench And A March Of New Quarterbacks

Todd this article and your earlier interview with John Stofa, that gave voice to what could have been if not for the tragic injury that ended his career age 25, if there is any satisfaction to be found from John’s career ending prematurely, my wish is that John found it shortly after, knowing that on any given Sunday, when physically able he could play with anybody, anywhere, anytime. If all things happen for a reason, then broken bones that end football careers and break hearts happen for a reason as well, and in time eventually heal, but not without a scab that if you pick slows the healing process, prolongs the pain and worsens the scar.

MIA’s travails at QB 1967 caused me to recall the ’68 Bills too had a revolving QB door as the bad news started pre-season with Kemp & deteriorated from there, Flores, Stephenson, Rutkowski and Darragh too all took a spin under center. The difference being the Bills were on their way down while the Dolphins were (baby steps) ascending.

The list of guys who saw their careers diminished, ended early or extinguished almost afore said began due injury on-field or circumstance off, contains some notables every sport, and sad stories abound as fate moves its giant hand.

Despite his success can’t help but wonder what MLB pitcher Sandy Koufax might have done had he not succumbed to injury age 30 – ditto Karl Spooner and Herb Score, Gale Sayers and Bo Jackson NFL, Maurice Stokes NBA, as well boxing and hockey and other sports too.

Back to the AFL, John Stofa and his Dolphins teammate Jack Clancy had their careers ended too soon due injury & loss of effectiveness, Greg Cook of CIN, BUF’s Bobby Burnett, Mack Lee Hill of KC and Bucky Pope of LA too, NFL. Some players overcame unique circumstances, Fred Arbanas and Ed Budde of KC among them, while Bob Kalsu, Bob Laraba, Stone Johnson and Ernie Davis each met a tragic demise, their own particulars.

Will never forget the moment that I, as a young fan, first became aware of the fact players don’t play forever on a team. When one year you memorize a roster and the next you discover what retirement, injury & waivers entails (death too, some cases), the transient nature of heroes become a reality, fans and players measuring careers by the play, game & season(s), if fortunate case the latter.