The 1966 Green Bay Packers by George Bozeka

Author:George Bozeka
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Published: 2016-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

Jim Grabowski.

Lombardi, however, knew that Grabowski was a work in progress. Taylor may have been nearing the end of a legendary career, but the coach sensed he still had enough left in the tank to allow Grabowski time to develop while watching Taylor and the Packers’ other star backfield man, Paul Hornung, from the sidelines. “I think I’ll learn a lot from them,” said Grabowski, adding, “I’ll do my best to break into the starting lineup.”4

But one player who was not about to impart any nuggets of wisdom on the rookie was rugged, cantankerous Jim Taylor. Lombardi knew the contracts Grabowski and Anderson signed were going to cause sore feelings, and according to Lombardi biographer David Maraniss, none were sorer than Taylor’s. “One Packer was furious and determined to get his due: Jim Taylor looked at the salaries Anderson and Grabowski were getting and decided that he would play in Green Bay one last year, finishing his contract, then get some big money of his own.”5

Both Grabowski and Anderson played in their first pro football game against the Packers as members of the 1966 College All-Star team. With Coach Lombardi still smarting from Green Bay losing to the All-Stars in 1963, he drove his defending champions to a 38–0 rout of the Stars in 1966. Grabowski gained 11 yards rushing, while Anderson managed a mere four.

Grabowski didn’t help his case with the rest of the veterans after finally reporting to training camp at St. Norbert College in August. He experienced some confusion in trying to keep all of the new faces straight. “I was introduced to Jerry Kramer and I called him Ron. Then I met Zeke Bratkowski and addressed him as Max. I thought he was Max McGee, just as I mistook Jerry for Ron Kramer. That must have made a good impression on them. A great way to start, wasn’t it?”6

Most, however, such as All-Pro defensive tackle Henry Jordan, were gracious. “Kid,” Jordan told Grabowski, “I don’t care what you make just so long as you help me win. If you help us win, you’ll fit in fine.”7 At the end of the preseason, Colts scout Dick Bielski averred, “Grabowski has really impressed me. He’s going to be a great one. I think he can help the team right now. Anderson is going to be a superstar someday, but I don’t think he can help the club the first year as much as Grabowski can.”8

But Grabowski was of little help that first season as he lugged the leather only three times in the first six games for a grand total of ten yards. He didn’t see his first substantial playing time until Week 7 against Atlanta, gaining 52 yards on seven carries in mop-up duty as the Packers destroyed the expansion Falcons, 56–3. He wouldn’t see a significant snap count again for another month, but made the most of his opportunity when the Packers visited the Vikings on November 27. Grabowski picked up 61 yards on seven carries (an 8.

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