Cards From the Best RBs of the Decade
Loading ...Runners rumbled through the 1960s, possibly the most prolific decade for gridiron rushers in football history. The ’60s also showcased legends still remembered reverently, most notably the unstoppable Jim Brown—one of the rare players in football history across all positions to be named one of the greatest in two decades (with Jerry Rice being the only other player).
We look at these astonishing players and their best cards to collect from vintage Topps Football sets, among some of the most sought-after and important cards today. While you’re here – vote on the top RB of the decade – did we get it right?
The Top RBs of the 1960s
1968 Topps Football #75 Gale Sayers
Player info
• 1965 league scoring leader
• two-time league rushing leader (1966, 1969)
Set info
• 219 card set
• first set printed after the merger
What they said
• “Trying to tackle Gale Sayers is like trying to catch a candy wrapper in a windstorm.” – steve sabol
1969 Topps Football #1 Leroy Kelly
Player info
• three-time league rushing td leader (1966, 1967, 1968)
• two-time league rushing leader (1967, 1968)
set info
• 263 card set
• released in two series, ten card backs from the second series can be combined into a fran tarkenton puzzle
What they said
• “I told (Browns coach) Blanton (Collier) he wouldn’t miss me, I said that we had a great runner to replace me.” – jim brown
1962 Topps Football #41 Don Perkins
Player info
• 1961 rookie of the year
• three-time all-pro
Set info
• 176 card set with horizontal card fronts and vertical card backs
What they said
•”The guy was a remarkable runner, a great pass blocker, and one of the best players in our history.” – coach tom landry
1963 Topps Football #87 Jim Taylor
Player info
• 1962 league MVP
• four-time league champion
set info
• 170 card set with one full team photo per team (and 76 cards short printed)
What they said
• “Jim Brown will give you that leg and then take it away from you. Jim Taylor will give it to you and then ram it through your chest!” – Coach Vince Lombardi
1963 Topps Football #14 Jim Brown
Player info
• holds the league record for the most seasons leading the league in all-purpose yards: 5
• it is said that brown was never tackled for a loss
set info
• 170 card set
• 1963 Topps football features the final topps football jim brown card issued in his playing career
What they said
• “Jim Brown wasn’t a player; he was a Force.” – sports columnist Jim murray
