By John Turney
In 1964 a newly formed civic club in Wisconsin began to honor all previous and future 1,000-yard rushers, beginning with Beattie Feathers through the 1964 season and then would honor any who surpassed the mark in subsequent years.
The running backs were presented a trophy like this—
More interesting, however, was the individual award presented to the top NFL lineman, called the Outstanding Blocker of the Year award.
It was voted on by writers and radio and television announcers - three per NFL city which was similar to the way UPI structure their panels.
Looking at the results they did a terrific job - ten of the thirteen individual winners are in the Hall of Fame and one of the 1973 winning group--the entire Bills line is in.
The Bills and Bears had all five share the award, the Bills for blocking for O.J. Simpson's 2003-yard 1973 season and the Bears for Walter Payton's 1977 MVP season, which was the final of 14 years the club gave out the award.
Winners received a trophy like this—
The winners—
National 1000-Yard Club
NFL Outstanding Blocker of the Year
- 1964—Jim Parker, Guard, Baltimore
- 1965—Forrest Gregg, Tackle, Green Bay
- 1966—Bob Brown, Tackle, Philadelphia
- 1967—Jerry Kramer, Guard, Green Bay
- 1968—Gene Hickerson, Guard, Cleveland
- 1969—Mick Tingelhoff, C, Minnesota
- 1970—Jim Otto, Center, Oakland
- 1971—Walt Sweeney, Guard, San Diego
- 1972—Larry Little, Guard, Miami
- 1973—Buffalo Bills, Offensive Line
- 1974—Ray Mansfield, Center, Pittsburgh
- 1975—Ron Yary, Tackle, Minnesota
- 1976—Gene Upshaw, Guard, Oakland & Len Hauss, Center, Washington
- 1977—Chicago Bears Offensive Line
Other organizations followed suit. Soon after, the NFLPA began giving out a "best lineman award" as did the PFWA Wisconsin Chapter. Sport magazine had one for a while, sponsored by Seagrams 7.
Later the NFL Alumni joined the crew and there were a couple of short-lived ones along the way.
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