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.
By soon do you mean in the next 50+ years? Because realistically it’s not happening any time before then, if at all.
DeleteThe 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.
When Tony Fritsch Played In The USFL With The Houston Gamblers, He Had Single Bar Facemask That Wasn’t Put On The Helmet Very Tight. That Way He Could Adjust It Down Off His Face When He Kicked.
ReplyDeleteWhen Monday Night Football first aired, the first player to be seen on their intro was the facemaskless Wayne Rasmussen. Talk about new meeting old.
ReplyDelete