As a Chargers fan, I have rarely had the opportunity to put the words, “Super Duper,” and “Buffalo Bills,” together. The Bills blasted my Bolts in the 1964 & 1965 championship games, though admittedly I hadn’t been born yet, so my period of mourning was not extensive. In point of fact, I have only put those two phrases together in one particular manner, but it was for a very appropriate reason.
In the fall of 1965, the Super Duper Food Markets distributed a 10-piece collection of 8.5″ x 11″ photos featuring members of the reigning AFL Champion Buffalo Bills. The prints, which used images taken by Bills team photographer, Robert L. Smith, were given weekly to shoppers of the Super Duper grocery chain throughout western New York.
The photos were unnumbered, and a complete set is composed of the following prints:
- Glenn Bass
- Elbert Dubenion
- Billy Joe
- Jack Kemp
- Daryle Lamonica
- Tom Sestak
- Billy Shaw
- Mike Stratton
- Ernie Warlick
- Team Photo
The photos are not terribly easy for collectors to find now, nearly 50 years after their original distribution. Fans wanting to collect the complete set can expect to pay somewhere in the area of $250 for a set in nice condition.
Super cool ! ! ! I’m referring to both the article and the Elbert Dubenion card. Love that card, man. That’s a great picture.
I remember those photos from Super Duper! I was nine years old and football, particularly the Bills were my life. I collected every one of those photos and waited every week for the next one. They were printed on high grade quality photo paper and each one was proudly displayed on the walls of my bedroom. Thanks for triggering such a precious memory.
It’s hard to believe that the man we call “Golden Wheels” has not been elected to the NFL hall of fame! DuBenion (#44) was a phenomenal player in his time! To this “fan of the man” , there’s a matter of respect missing from the minds of Canton!! For someone who played over fifty years ago, to continue to hold unbroken records for Buffalo, votes should’ve been easy! I’ve spoken my peace! Thank you!
“Go unk”
DuBenion’s greatest fan,
Benjamin DuBenion
He was a great one,
Another great player from the AFL’s early years. Averaged 27 yards per catch for an entire season. Wow!
“Golden Wheels” is still going strong. Spoke with him today and he said “he was living life to the fullest.” Says “being retired from pro ball and scouting, forces him to keep an eye on the NFL closely.” I plan to interview him soon and will share it on this blog!