Cards From the Best WRs of the Decade
In the 1950s, wide receivers frequently played on both sides of the ball and had defenses that could use their physicality to disrupt plays and shut down the pass. Aside from a few standout players, the big-time wide receiver (known then as “ends”) was few and far between, but in the 1960s, the position blossomed and sprinted toward the big play superstars and prolific pass catchers we know today. Some, like Art Powell, are still on the cusp of being inducted into the Hall of Fame and narrowly missed the vote in 2024.
Below, we celebrate these game-changers, look back into the archives, and list the most excellent wide receivers of the ’60s and their cards that are absolutely worth seeking out today.
The Top WRs of the 1960s
1962 Topps Football #71 Boyd Dowler
Player info
• 1959 rookie of the year
• five-time league champion
Set info
• 176 card set
• it is said that nearly 40% of the set is short-printed
What they said
• “Boyd was always there and always capable in big games,” Kramer said. “He was almost invisible. Like the two touchdowns that he had in the “Ice Bowl” game… He was always in his position and where he supposed to be. He was also available too. He also rarely dropped a pass. If the ball was near him, he almost always caught it.” Green Bay OL Jerry Kramer
1969 Topps Football #114 Bobby Mitchell
Player info
• two-time league receiving yards leader
• the second player in history to have a 99-yard receiving touchdown
set info
• 264 card set
• set includes the four-in-one insert set and four-in-one singles insert set
What they said
• He was exceptional because you just had to get the ball in his hands, and he was capable of going all the way. He and Charley Taylor gave me two good wideouts, and even if [defenses] tried to take one of them away from you, they weren’t going to keep the other one down.” – Quarterback Sonny Jurgenson
1968 Topps Football #71 Art Powell
Player info
• two-time league reception Yards leader
• two-time league receiving TD leader
Set info
• 219 card set
• checklist card printed in four color variations
card back
• “He was feared. If he played with these current hands-off rules. Oh my gosh, Powell would dominate. He was not someone you trifled with on or off the field. Did I say he was feared?” – All-Pro cornerback Fred “Hammer” Williamson
1966 Topps Football #95 Don Maynard
Player info
• led the league with 14 touchdowns in 1965
• led the league with 1,434 yards in 1967 (14-game season)
set info
• 132 card set featuring the “funny rings” insert
What they said
• “He would be a star now just as he was back then. He was just an outstanding ballplayer. And he had a great attitude. He never once talked trash. That guy is going to continue to be in the top 50 players of all time. I don’t care how long the league goes. He was that good.” – Booker Edgerson, who played eight seasons at cornerback for the Buffalo Bills
1964 Topps Football #155 Lance Alworth
Player info
• Holds the league record as the Fastest player to 8,000 career receiving yards: 83 games
• Holds the league record for the Most touchdown receptions of 70-plus yards in a career: 12
set info
• 176 card set
• packs included “pennant stickers” as inserts
card back
• “I’ll tell you a guy who is overlooked is Billy Howton. He was extremely professional in his pass routes. He knew what he was doing to maneuver and fake to get open. He would be effective going inside, going outside, and going deep. He was an extremely dangerous receiver and had great technique.” – receiver Raymond Berry
