Big Hitter's Giant Trivia: 07/12/07

[bighitterdalama]

The Date: December 03, 1967
The Place: Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
The Game: New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns

The Situation: Fresh off a 44-7 trouncing of the Philadelphia Eagles, the 6-5 Giants visit Cleveland to face the 7-4 Browns in a game that will determine the who will be the NFL's Century Division Champions. 

The Scenario: As the result of abysmal offensive play, the Giants end the first half down17-0. The Giants take the opening kick of the second half and, led by Fran Tarkenton, drive crisply down the field to cut the deficit to 17-7. After a stout defensive stop, the Giants regain the ball. With the game's momentum now clearly swung towards the Giants, Tarkenton leads the Giants masterfully down the field towards another score. Deep in Brown territory, Tarketon calls for a square out pattern to Giant end Aaron Thomas. Suddenly, a Brown linebacker jumps the route, intercepts the pass, and rumbles 79 yards for a touchdown. 24-7, Browns. The Giants add one more score, but end the game at the short end of a 24-14 final.

The Question: Who was the Brown linebacker who made this crucial interception/TD runback?

Extra Credit: What was this player's uniform number, curious for a linebacker?

Extra Credit: What was this player's college alma mater?

Big Hitter



 

[Webster29]

Bighitter----I'll take a shot---Jim Houston  Number 82 from Ohio State

[kartanoman]

Good job, Webster!

Peace!

[bighitterdalama]

The answer, of course, is Jim Houston. Nice job, Big Red!

Selected in the 1st round of the 1960 draft (#8 overall), Houston, an Ohio State alum, played all thirteen of his NFL seasons with the Browns. Houston played in four Pro Bowls ('64, '65, '69, '70). An examination of his career statistics indicates that the long interception return against the Giants was no fluke. In the five seasons between 1964-1968, Houston intercepted twelve passes for 253 return yards and three touchdowns. The 21.1 yards/return is an astounding statistic given that he was a 6'2", 239 lbs. linebacker.

In baseball, Houston's career would make him a "D" (or perhaps "C") level candidate fpr the Hall of Fame. In the NFL, he has no chance. Still, he had a fine pro career.





http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HOUSTJIM01


Big Hitter