By TJ Troup 
How many coaches like and enjoy being around officials? Yes, that is a loaded question; and would relish any and all of you responding. Receiver catches the ball in play and is tackled, why does the clock stop?
The Saints got the gift of the year, and with those four free seconds, spiked the ball, then scored. Imagine if the game went to overtime, and Washington lost? Sammy Baugh would be turning over in his grave.
As a former longtime coach you might think that I hate all officials, and you would be wrong. Worked a summer football camp with and for Laird Hayes. We got along well, and in conversation we even discussed some of the sideline banter between coaches and officials. Lots of laughter, then we had a beer.
Yesterday was Don Hultz birthday, and this past Sunday is the anniversary of his legendary game for the Vikings. Halfway through the '61 campaign Jim Marshall was moved from left to right defensive end, and Mr. Marshall managed to stay at right defensive end for Minnesota for a few seasons.
Bet you knew that? Marshall was replaced at left end by Jim Leo, and Leo held the position for all of '62. He never played another down of pro football after '62. Replacing him is an undrafted rangy defensive end named Don Hultz, and his rookie season of '63 is one for the ages.
Watching film of him he is learning on the job, and he is adequate shedding blocks and defending off tackle plays, and helping on sweeps.
Hultz is excellent at pressuring the quarterback and even takes them down at times. Those days in the play by play is listed as "times tackling the passer", and we all know the Deacon coined the term "sack". Fortunately, the Minnesota Vikings had a researcher named Scott Grams who compiled individual sacks for their record books so we know learned Hultz had 10-1/2 sacks in 1963.
Though Minnesota is still not considered a strong defense due to lack of talent at some positions, the Vikings hustle and hit for the Dutchman, and knock the ball loose during the season.
Hultz breaks Joe Schmidt's record for most opponent fumble recoveries in a season with NINE! The odds of anyone breaking this record—well, just not gonna happen.
Five times Don Hultz records a sack and recovers an opponent fumble in the same game! Imagine the contract for a defender in this era who breaks or even ties Hultz record?
December the 15th of '63 and the Norsemen defeat the Eagles, as Hultz records 2-1/2 sacks, recovers an opponent fumble, and returns an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. As stated a game for the ages. Hultz reward for his superb season is to be traded to Philadelphia.
He is replaced at left defensive end by a moose! Mr. Carl Eller.
Many times have shared the failures of the Elias Sports Bureau, and their inability to be accurate historically, yet that is not my goal today.
This is a time to celebrate an achievement; Don Hultz your place in history will remain forever.
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