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I hadn’t planned on posting today, though I am long overdue. But when a bit of AFL runs into me while I am grocery shopping, then maybe that is a sign that I need to sit down and do some writing. I was at my local Sprouts store this morning, when I ran into former San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins defensive back, Dick Westmoreland. I’ve known Dick for many years now, and it was a nice surprise to see him. It just so happened that I had a photo that I’ve been meaning to get to him, so I invited him to stop by my house after he was finished shopping.
Once we sat down and I handed him the photo, a great shot of the 1963 Chargers team in their team sportcoats and ties, memories began bubbling and the stories flowed.
Dick Westmoreland was involved in several important AFL situations. As a rookie with the Chargers in 1963, he earned a starting position at cornerback, and was an integral part of the Chargers lone AFL championship team. Westmoreland finished second to Denver’s Billy Joe for AFL Rookie of the Year honors that year.
After having another successful season in 1964, Westmoreland was selected to play in the AFL All-Star Game to be held in New Orleans. However, once the African-American players began arriving in the Crescent City, they began facing the racism that was so prevalent in the South during that time. They were denied taxi cabs, entry to night clubs, and forced to endure ugly comments nearly everywhere they turned. The African-American players ultimately decided to boycott the game in New Orleans. The AFL leadership supported their decision, and the game was moved to Houston and played a week later.
After three seasons in the Chargers defensive backfield, Westmoreland became an inaugural member of the Miami Dolphins when they selected him in the 1966 AFL Expansion Draft. He and his teammates brought professional football to Florida, and were the precursors to the great Dolphins teams of the 1970s.
Dick Westmoreland played four seasons in Miami, and led the AFL in interceptions with 10 in 1967. He was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings in 1970, but was later released, not having actually played for them.
Westmoreland returned to San Diego after his football career ended, and began a long career with the probation department. In fact, he made a point of telling me that today he was celebrating the two-week anniversary of his retirement.
Thanks for this story about Dick Westmoreland. Growing up a Miami Dolphins fan in South Florida, my earliest memories begin with Shula’s arrival and those early 70s teams. Now that I am able, I’ve been slowly collecting more and more information, game films, cards, etc of those teams, and Dick’s was the first AFL card from the Dolphins I ever collected. In my opinion, Dick’s achievements with Miami are still celebrated today: because after all these seasons and players, Dick still holds the Miami single season interception record of 10 which you describe above. I don’t know if that holds any special significance to him, but it certainly does to this Dolphins fan – seeing his name listed with all the other Dolphin greats has kept another piece of the AFL team alive even today.
Just awesome to read!! I have been a lifelong Dolphins fan because of Dick Westmoreland, so I can appreciate your response Rick. I saw a lithograph of some of the AFL players in an old program with Dick Westmoreland in the Aqua jersey and thought those colors were great. As luck would have it they played the Jets that day on NBC and I have been a fan for the last 47 years! As you point out Rick, Dick is still the All-Time Dolphins leader in interceptions in a single season, with those 10 in 1967, in just 14 games! Thanks for the post Todd and glad to read your comments as well Rick. I have all of his cards and even a 5 x 7 picture taken when he was with SD, along with his 1967 Royal Castle Card. I also have the 1966, 1967, and 1968 Dolphins highlight video which includes him returning a Len Dawson interception to the house! To this day, and always, my favorite Dolphins player. Thanks again!
Great stuff, guys. I’m glad to see you enjoyed this older post. Dick is a great guy, and it was nice to run into him that day.
Today, Sunday, July 12, 2014, I hiked up Cowles Mountain, San Diego, CA. On the way down, I came abreast of an elderly African-American man who was dripping with sweat but was doing a great job of hiking. I said to him that “we old guys can still do it”. I asked how old are you and he said 73 and we high-fived as I am 73 also. We struck us a conversation and continued down the trail when he told me his name: Dick Westmoreland. He continued to tell me about playing for the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers in the ’60’s and I was astounded. He was the most gracious and kindly gentleman that I think I have ever met. He stopped along the trail to make a cross with rocks on the side. When we got to the bottom of the trail, he sat down and I continued on my way to my car to drive home. Had I known who he was and his history with football, I definitely would have sat down with him for a very long talk. He wished me well with “God bless you and your family” and I left him there. I regret that I did not spend some time with him and listen to him talk about his days with the Dolphins and the Chargers. It was ironic that I lived in Miami when he was playing there and now to run into him here in San Diego. If he reads this, I hope he remembers me and that I think of him with the greatest respect and admiration. Best wishes to you Dick and “God bless you and your family”. Max Jennings, La Jolla, CA.