LOOKING BACK
By John Turney
In 1990s Don Daly's and Bob O'Donnell volume
The Pro Football Chronicle reported that Jess Richardson was the last pro football lineman to no wear a facemask. It was reiterated by
Helmet Hut.com:
Hall of Fame flanker
Tommy McDonald was the last position player to go maskless.
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| 1968 in his final season with the Browns |
There have also been some players who were part-time positional players and full-time kickers or punters.
'
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| Lou Michaels wearing Bobby Layne's maskless helmet for kicking. |
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| Garo Yepremian with the Lions |
The last player, in our opinion, was
Toni Fritsch in 1971. I remember photos from the 1972 NFL Publication
Prolog that documented it:
MLB players not wearing masks will soon go the way of these dinosaurs, as well. Another player hit with a 90-mph fastball in the face yesterday. It's foolish.
ReplyDeleteGreat article.
The last player to " play" without a facemask was Wayne Rassmussen, who held for fg's maskless, throughout the 1971 season.
ReplyDeleteFritsch wore the no mask helmet only once on Nov 7 1971. the folliwibg week he had a one bar. After those two games Mike Clark returned to the line-up.