Don Maynard passes away at age 86 (1 Viewer)

[Yogibear]

I have some sad news for longtime AFL fans.  One of the greatest wide receivers in the history of pro football, Hall of Famer Don Maynard, has just passed away at the age of 86.  He had 633 career receptions.  He had 11,834 yards receiving for his career.  He had 88 touchdown receptions.  He had an average of 18.7 yards per catch for his career.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987.  If anyone has any memories that they'd like to share of Don Maynard, please feel free.

 

[zamboni]

Crushing news for us Jets fans in particular. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Almost 19 YPR with a TD every 7 receptions? Beastly.

#RIP 

 

[BobbyLayne]

First player to sign with the AFL NY Jets (née Titans)

One of 20 players to play all 10 AFL seasons, one of 7 to play all ten with one club

First WR over 10K

TBH I have no memory of him other than “oh yeah, Namath’s guy, #13”

 

[JohnnyU]

Great, great, great WR.  I was fortunate enough to see him play.  He and Lance Alworth are my two favorite WRs not on the Colts.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Well before my time but seems like a guy we should know more about

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

There was a study that had him as the most dominate player at any sport and of any era. He’s the babe Ruth of WRs. Absolute stud. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lance Alworth

Bambi!

Now that was a memorable player, just unguardable. First ballot HoFer and the first AFLer to make the hall (or more precisely, the first guy who spent most of his career in the AFL.)

He was on the all-time AFL team - he and Maynard were the first team WRs.

Sorry, I know it’s in poor taste as this is to honor the Jets legend. But here’s an interesting thought exercise.

Objectively, Maynard complied better career stats. Longer career, played 50 more games, so he is higher on the all time lists. Alworth didn’t do much his rookie year and tailed off the last four. The middle 7 seasons he was dominant. Basically, Maynard has more grey ink (ten seasons being a top ten WR), Bambi had a brilliant 6-7 years, more black ink. What’s more impressive? A decade of consistency or six years of brilliance? I guess most would say the former. 

Alworth was number 38 on the all-time Top 100 Greatest Players. Maynard didn’t make it. Subjectively, I’m not sure they were that far apart.

 

[BobbyLayne]

There was a study that had him as the most dominate player at any sport and of any era. He’s the babe Ruth of WRs. Absolute stud. 

I am dubious. 

Pretty sure you mean Don Hutson. Relative to his peers, more dominant than Jerry Rice.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I am dubious. 

Pretty sure you mean Don Hutson. Relative to his peers, more dominant than Jerry Rice.

Oh crap, I did. Brain fart - got em confused. Thanks!