NFL’s #9 Most Elusive Runner

1966-1968 produced a plethora of little men who made a mark the AFL: names such as Mike Garrett, Noland Smith, Dick Post, Max Anderson and Warren McVea meteors who burned out much too soon.

I recall Garrett saying he thought he could only last 5 years as a pro due the pounding – at a generously listed 5’9 200 (in reality 5’8+ and 185+), played 8 years, 4 1/2 KC the last 3 1/2 SD, managing 1,000 yard seasons both the latter as well the former back when getting that amount meant something.

Smith listed 5’8 163 when drafted 1967, in fact was closer 5’6 1/2 154… small then, miniature today. Listed KR/WR on the roster, he was gone after 4 years, 3 1/2 KC 1 1/2 in SF. For one pre-season 1967, he was & remains the most exciting player I’ve seen my lifetime.

Post listed 5’9 190 according several references… he looked smaller than that to this Chiefs fan (guessing, maybe 5’8 and 185-ish tops?) Quick? Check. Fast? Checkmate. I saw him outrun the Chiefs Willie Mitchell (no slouch ‘Top Cat’ the reputed 9.6 Chiefs CB) in the open field on a 67 yard sweep become sprint where Post essentially made KC’s defense look as if was running in quicksand. Aft the 45-31 SD win in ’67, Chiefs Head Coach Hank Stram said “they were fantastically fast”, nod the Chargers.

Eventually, clothesline tackles, bone-rattling hits and evidence ‘gun-shy’ for some players is suspicion if not apparent, a cumulative trauma taking its toll. Even Christian Okoye & later Larry Johnson modern day wore down & wore out due (over)use and injury (Okoye listed 250-260, Johnson 230-235), KC’s tack ground pound.

Summarizing Post, #22 looked quicker his burst than Alworth, top end I couldn’t say mano y mano – call it a tie 🙂 Do know Dick Post was exciting and scary to watch as an Chiefs fan. Had the Chargers only had more semblance defense latter 1960’s…