The American Football League Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1996

Jack Kemp had an outstanding career in the AFL. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1965 as he led the Bills to a championship. Kemp was also selected on seven All-Star squads. After his football career ended, Kemp became a U.S. congressman from New York State.

In 1996, Kemp and Republican presidential candidate Robert Dole ran against Democratic incumbents Bill Clinton and Al Gore. The Republicans lost, 379-159 in electoral votes.

Answer: Babe Parilli

Babe Parilli had an excellent AFL career, especially with the Patriots. He threw 132 TD passes during his seven years (1961-67) with Boston. In 1968 and 1969, he ended up with the New York Jets, where he became a backup quarterback to Joe Namath. Parilli also served as New York's holder for placekicker Jim Turner.

He earned a Super Bowl ring in 1969 when the Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts. George Blanda was a quarterback and placekicker with the Oilers and the Raiders. Jacky Lee played quarterback for the Oilers, Broncos and Chiefs. Wayne Hawkins was an offensive lineman for the Raiders. All of these players are members of the AFL total decade club.

Answer: Flores

Tom Flores was a quarterback for the Oakland Raiders from 1960 to 1966, throwing 92 TD passes. After his retirement in 1969, he eventually became the head coach of the Raiders. Flores earned two Super Bowl rings at the helm of the Raiders, capturing Super Bowls XV and XVIII. Jim Hunt was a defensive lineman for the Patriots, Harry Jacobs played linebacker for the Patriots and the Bills, and Ron Mix was an offensive lineman with the Chargers. Hunt, Jacobs, and Mix all completed a decade in the AFL.

Answer: Louisiana State

Billy Cannon, from Mississippi, was a superstar for the LSU Tigers. He helped them win the 1958 NCAA championship and in 1959 won the Heisman Trophy. In 1960, Cannon gave the fledgling AFL instant credibility by signing with the Houston Oilers. Cannon played with the Oilers until 1964, when he joined the Oakland Raiders.

He would finish the decade with the Silver and Black. In his pro career, Cannon scored over 60 touchdowns. Alabama's nickname is the Crimson Tide, Mississippi's teams are known as the Rebels, and Florida's nickname is the Gators.

Answer: 20

Gino Cappelletti, from Minnesota, was one of the most versatile players ever to play pro football. He was a wide receiver, defensive back, kickoff returner and placekicker at various points during his AFL career. He joined the Boston Patriots in 1960 after a stint in the Canadian Football league, and he stayed with the Pats for the entire decade. During his career, number 20 scored 42 TDs and kicked 38 field goals for Boston.

By the way, Barry Sanders of Detroit had fairly good success wearing jersey number 20 from 1989 to 1998.

Answer: Titans

The New York Titans were in the AFL from 1960 to 1962, playing at the Polo Grounds baseball stadium. Their overall record was only 19-23, and the team was in danger of folding until it was purchased by a group of owners, including Sonny Werblin and Leon Hess.

The New York Jets moved to Shea Stadium in 1964. Larry Grantham was an integral part of the franchise's history. This outside linebacker won All-Pro honors five times in his career and earned a Super Bowl ring for his efforts in the 1969 victory over the Colts.

Answer: Maguire

Paul Maguire was perhaps the best punter in the AFL decade. He also played linebacker, getting nine interceptions. Maguire played with the Chargers from 1960 to 1963 and closed out the decade as a member of the Buffalo Bills. After his retirement in 1970, Maguire joined the broadcast booth, doing both professional and college football games. Paul Rochester played all ten seasons in the AFL decade as a defensive lineman with the Texans/Chiefs and the Jets. Jim Otto played with the Oakland Raiders from 1960 to 1974. Paul Krause played in the NFL from 1964 to 1979.

Answer: John Hadl

John Hadl didn't join the AFL until 1962, so he doesn't qualify as a member of the Total Decade Club. He played with the Chargers until 1972 and tossed 244 touchdown passes during his career. Ernie Wright was an offensive lineman with the Chargers and Bengals throughout the AFL decade. Johnny Robinson was an outstanding defensive back for the Texans/Chiefs throughout the decade, and Bill Mathis played running back for the New York franchise from 1960 to 1969.

Answer: Chargers

Paul Lowe started his pro career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1959, but he switched to the AFL's Chargers in 1960. Lowe used his blinding speed and durability to become one of the league's best rushers. He was named to the All-Pro squad for three seasons, and the Sporting News named him as Most Valuable Player in 1965. Lowe wore number 23 with the Chargers.

Answer: New York Giants

Don Maynard is one of the greatest pass receivers in pro football history. He played for the New York Giants of the NFL in 1958 but was released after the season. In 1960, Maynard joined the New York AFL franchise, and the results were magical. Between 1960 and 1969, he caught 546 passes, including 84 touchdown grabs. Maynard combined with Joe Namath to form a potent passing duo. Maynard's number 13 jersey would later be retired by New York.

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.