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class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Preseason" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Preseason"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">3</span> <span>Preseason</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Preseason-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Regular_season" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Regular_season"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4</span> <span>Regular season</span> </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Regular_season-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> <span class="vector-icon mw-ui-icon-wikimedia-expand"></span> <span>Toggle Regular season subsection</span> </button> <ul id="toc-Regular_season-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Overview" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Overview"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.1</span> <span>Overview</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Overview-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Schedule" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Schedule"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.2</span> <span>Schedule</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Schedule-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Game_summaries" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Game_summaries"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3</span> <span>Game summaries</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Game_summaries-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Week_1:_at_Dallas_Texans" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_1:_at_Dallas_Texans"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.1</span> <span>Week 1: at Dallas Texans</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_1:_at_Dallas_Texans-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_2:_vs._Oakland_Raiders" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_2:_vs._Oakland_Raiders"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.2</span> <span>Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_2:_vs._Oakland_Raiders-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_3:_vs._Houston_Oilers" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_3:_vs._Houston_Oilers"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.3</span> <span>Week 3: vs. Houston Oilers</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_3:_vs._Houston_Oilers-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_4:_at_Buffalo_Bills" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_4:_at_Buffalo_Bills"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.4</span> <span>Week 4: at Buffalo Bills</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_4:_at_Buffalo_Bills-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_5:_at_Boston_Patriots" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_5:_at_Boston_Patriots"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.5</span> <span>Week 5: at Boston Patriots</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_5:_at_Boston_Patriots-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_6:_at_New_York_Titans" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_6:_at_New_York_Titans"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.6</span> <span>Week 6: at New York Titans</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_6:_at_New_York_Titans-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_7:_at_Oakland_Raiders" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_7:_at_Oakland_Raiders"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.7</span> <span>Week 7: at Oakland Raiders</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_7:_at_Oakland_Raiders-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_8:_vs._Denver_Broncos" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_8:_vs._Denver_Broncos"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.8</span> <span>Week 8: vs. Denver Broncos</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_8:_vs._Denver_Broncos-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_9:_vs._New_York_Titans" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_9:_vs._New_York_Titans"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.9</span> <span>Week 9: vs. New York Titans</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_9:_vs._New_York_Titans-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_10:_at_Denver_Broncos" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_10:_at_Denver_Broncos"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.10</span> <span>Week 10: at Denver Broncos</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_10:_at_Denver_Broncos-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_11:_vs._Dallas_Texans" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_11:_vs._Dallas_Texans"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.11</span> <span>Week 11: vs. Dallas Texans</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_11:_vs._Dallas_Texans-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_13:_at_Houston_Oilers" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_13:_at_Houston_Oilers"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.12</span> <span>Week 13: at Houston Oilers</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_13:_at_Houston_Oilers-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_14:_vs._Buffalo_Bills" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_14:_vs._Buffalo_Bills"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.13</span> <span>Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_14:_vs._Buffalo_Bills-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Week_15:_vs._Boston_Patriots" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Week_15:_vs._Boston_Patriots"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">4.3.14</span> <span>Week 15: vs. Boston Patriots</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Week_15:_vs._Boston_Patriots-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Standings" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Standings"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">5</span> <span>Standings</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Standings-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Playoffs" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Playoffs"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">6</span> <span>Playoffs</span> </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Playoffs-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> <span class="vector-icon mw-ui-icon-wikimedia-expand"></span> <span>Toggle Playoffs subsection</span> </button> <ul id="toc-Playoffs-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Game_summary" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Game_summary"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">6.1</span> <span>Game summary</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Game_summary-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-AFL_championship_game:_vs._Houston_Oilers" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-3"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#AFL_championship_game:_vs._Houston_Oilers"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">6.1.1</span> <span>AFL championship game: vs. Houston Oilers</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-AFL_championship_game:_vs._Houston_Oilers-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Awards" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Awards"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">7</span> <span>Awards</span> </div> </a> <button aria-controls="toc-Awards-sublist" class="cdx-button cdx-button--weight-quiet cdx-button--icon-only vector-toc-toggle"> <span class="vector-icon mw-ui-icon-wikimedia-expand"></span> <span>Toggle Awards subsection</span> </button> <ul id="toc-Awards-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> <li id="toc-Internal" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Internal"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">7.1</span> <span>Internal</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Internal-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-External" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-2"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#External"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">7.2</span> <span>External</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-External-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-Notes" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#Notes"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">8</span> <span>Notes</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-Notes-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-References" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#References"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">9</span> <span>References</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-References-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> <li id="toc-External_links" class="vector-toc-list-item vector-toc-level-1"> <a class="vector-toc-link" href="#External_links"> <div class="vector-toc-text"> <span class="vector-toc-numb">10</span> <span>External links</span> </div> </a> <ul id="toc-External_links-sublist" class="vector-toc-list"> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="mw-content-container"> <main id="content" class="mw-body"> <header class="mw-body-header vector-page-titlebar"> <nav aria-label="Contents" class="vector-toc-landmark"> <div id="vector-page-titlebar-toc" class="vector-dropdown vector-page-titlebar-toc vector-button-flush-left" > <input type="checkbox" id="vector-page-titlebar-toc-checkbox" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" data-event-name="ui.dropdown-vector-page-titlebar-toc" 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background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;; line-height: 1.5em;">1961 <span class="fn org">San Diego Chargers</span> season</th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Owner</th><td class="infobox-data fn"><a href="/wiki/Barron_Hilton" title="Barron Hilton">Barron Hilton</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">General manager</th><td class="infobox-data fn">Sid Gillman</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Head coach</th><td class="infobox-data fn"><a href="/wiki/Sid_Gillman" title="Sid Gillman">Sid Gillman</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Home field</th><td class="infobox-data label"><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" class="infobox-header note" style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;">Results</th></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Record</th><td class="infobox-data">12–2</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Division place</th><td class="infobox-data">1st <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League#AFL_franchises" title="American Football League">Western Division</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">Playoff finish</th><td class="infobox-data">Lost <a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1961 American Football League Championship Game">AFL Championship</a><br />(vs. <a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Oilers</a>) 3–10</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label"><a href="/wiki/1961_All-AFL_Team" title="1961 All-AFL Team">All-AFL</a></th><td class="infobox-data"><div class="collapsible-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align: left;"> <div style="line-height: 1.6em; font-weight: bold;"><div>6</div></div> <ul class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin-left: 0;"><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DE <a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">CB <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DT <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Ladd" title="Ernie Ladd">Ernie Ladd</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">S <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">T <a href="/wiki/Ron_Mix" title="Ron Mix">Ron Mix</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DE <a href="/wiki/Ron_Nery" title="Ron Nery">Ron Nery</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="infobox-label">AFL All-Stars</th><td class="infobox-data"><div class="collapsible-list mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align: left;"> <div style="line-height: 1.6em; font-weight: bold;"><div>11</div></div> <ul class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin-left: 0;"><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DB-K <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DE <a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">CB <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">DT <a href="/wiki/Bill_Hudson_(American_football)" title="Bill Hudson (American football)">Bill Hudson</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">LB <a href="/wiki/Emil_Karas" title="Emil Karas">Emil Karas</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">QB <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">FL <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">S <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">T <a href="/wiki/Ron_Mix" title="Ron Mix">Ron Mix</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">E <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0">T <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Wright" title="Ernie Wright">Ernie Wright</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="infobox-below noprint nowrap" style="border-top: 1px solid #aaa; padding-top: 3px;"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1129693374">.mw-parser-output .hlist dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist ul{margin:0;padding:0}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt,.mw-parser-output .hlist li{margin:0;display:inline}.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist.inline ul,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist dl ul,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist ol ul,.mw-parser-output .hlist ul dl,.mw-parser-output .hlist ul ol,.mw-parser-output .hlist ul ul{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .hlist .mw-empty-li{display:none}.mw-parser-output .hlist dt::after{content:": "}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist li::after{content:" · ";font-weight:bold}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist li:last-child::after{content:none}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd dd:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dd dt:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dd li:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt dd:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt dt:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt li:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist li dd:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist li dt:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist li li:first-child::before{content:" (";font-weight:normal}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd dd:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dd dt:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dd li:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt dd:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt dt:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt li:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist li dd:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist li dt:last-child::after,.mw-parser-output .hlist li li:last-child::after{content:")";font-weight:normal}.mw-parser-output .hlist ol{counter-reset:listitem}.mw-parser-output .hlist ol>li{counter-increment:listitem}.mw-parser-output .hlist ol>li::before{content:" "counter(listitem)"\a0 "}.mw-parser-output .hlist dd ol>li:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist dt ol>li:first-child::before,.mw-parser-output .hlist li ol>li:first-child::before{content:" ("counter(listitem)"\a0 "}</style><div class="hlist"> <ul><li>← <a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">1960 (Los Angeles)</a></li> <li><b><a href="/wiki/List_of_San_Diego_Chargers_seasons" class="mw-redirect" title="List of San Diego Chargers seasons">Chargers seasons</a></b></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1962_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1962 San Diego Chargers season">1962</a> →</li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table> <figure typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg/270px-Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg" decoding="async" width="270" height="179" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg/405px-Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg/540px-Ernie_barnes_no_61_san_diego_chargers_in_action.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2526" data-file-height="1673" /></a><figcaption>#61 <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Barnes" title="Ernie Barnes">Ernie Barnes</a> blocks for #23 <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a>.<br />On the left, largely obscured, are #60 <a href="/wiki/Sam_DeLuca" title="Sam DeLuca">Sam DeLuca</a> and #70 <a href="/wiki/Sherman_Plunkett" title="Sherman Plunkett">Sherman Plunkett</a>.</figcaption></figure> <p>The <b>1961 San Diego Chargers season</b> was the team's second in the <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League" title="American Football League">American Football League</a>. Following a move from <a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles" title="Los Angeles">Los Angeles</a>, it was the Chargers' first season in <a href="/wiki/San_Diego" title="San Diego">San Diego</a>, where the team remained until returning to Los Angeles in <a href="/wiki/2017_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2017 Los Angeles Chargers season">2017</a>. </p><p>The Chargers won their first eleven games and clinched the Western Division by mid-November.<sup id="cite_ref-klsdt_1-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-klsdt-1"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>1<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> They lost form in December, with only one victory in their final three regular season games, and finished at 12–2, six games ahead of runner-up <a href="/wiki/1961_Dallas_Texans_season" title="1961 Dallas Texans season">Dallas</a>. Like the <a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">previous season</a>, the Chargers' season ended with a loss to the <a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston Oilers</a> in the <a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1961 American Football League Championship Game">AFL championship game</a>, this time 10–3 at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a> in San Diego. </p><p>San Diego's defense had a historic campaign, setting <a href="/wiki/AFL%E2%80%93NFL_merger" title="AFL–NFL merger">AFL/NFL</a> records for most total takeaways (66), most interceptions (49), and most interceptions returned for touchdowns (9). All three of these records still stand as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>. Defensive backs <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a>, <a href="/wiki/Bob_Zeman" title="Bob Zeman">Bob Zeman</a>, and <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> were the biggest contributors to the interceptions record, with 24 between the three of them. </p><p>At the linebacker position, rookie <a href="/wiki/Chuck_Allen" title="Chuck Allen">Chuck Allen</a> played well enough that he was named Rookie of the Year and Most Inspirational Player by his teammates, despite breaking his ankle early in November and missing the latter half of the season. Quarterback <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> was voted the Chargers' <a href="/wiki/Most_valuable_player" title="Most valuable player">MVP</a>. He passed for over 2,600 yards, and <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> caught passes for over 1,000 yards. Kemp, however, struggled with interceptions as the season wore on, and threw four in the title game defeat. </p> <meta property="mw:PageProp/toc" /> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Offseason">Offseason</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=1" title="Edit section: Offseason"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Relocation">Relocation</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Relocation"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <p>The Los Angeles Chargers struggled to attract fans throughout their <a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">opening season</a>. For their first exhibition game, the attendance was 27,778, well short of the anticipated 45,000.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-2"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>2<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Five days later, owner <a href="/wiki/Barron_Hilton" title="Barron Hilton">Barron Hilton</a> professed both disappointment at a crowd of under 12,000, and hope for an increase once the regular season began, especially if Los Angeles fielded a winning team.<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-3"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>3<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In the event, the Chargers pulled under 18,000 for their regular season opener, peaked with 21,805 against the eventual AFL champion <a href="/wiki/1960_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1960 Houston Oilers season">Oilers</a>, and mustered fewer than 10,000 against <a href="/wiki/1960_Denver_Broncos_season" title="1960 Denver Broncos season">Denver</a> on December 11, the day they clinched their division.<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-4"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>4<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-5"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>5<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-6"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>6<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799,_San_Diego,_Stadion,_Luftaufnahme.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg/220px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="150" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg/330px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg/440px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-13799%2C_San_Diego%2C_Stadion%2C_Luftaufnahme.jpg 2x" data-file-width="800" data-file-height="544" /></a><figcaption><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, as it appeared in the 1930s - its capacity was increased from 23,000 to 34,000 to accommodate the Chargers</figcaption></figure> <p>The Chargers finished the season 10–4, yet averaged an attendance of just 15,768 over their seven regular-season home games. By contrast, the <a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Rams_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Rams season">Los Angeles Rams</a> of the <a href="/wiki/NFL" class="mw-redirect" title="NFL">NFL</a> pulled in over 77,000 fans for a game late in a mediocre 4–7–1 campaign.<sup id="cite_ref-att_7-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-att-7"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>7<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The <a href="/wiki/1960_AFL_Championship_Game" class="mw-redirect" title="1960 AFL Championship Game">1960 AFL Championship Game</a> was moved from the <a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Coliseum" class="mw-redirect" title="Los Angeles Coliseum">Los Angeles Coliseum</a> to <a href="/wiki/Jeppesen_Stadium" class="mw-redirect" title="Jeppesen Stadium">Jeppesen Stadium</a>, home of the opposing Houston Oilers. This move was made with the consent of the Chargers' head coach and general manager, <a href="/wiki/Sid_Gillman" title="Sid Gillman">Sid Gillman</a>, amid fears that broadcasters might be put off by rows of empty seats in the showpiece game. Gillman later quipped, "It would have been the first championship game ever played for the personal amusement of bellhops and players' wives."<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-8"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>8<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Funding the team proved a major financial drain for Hilton, with losses estimated at $900,000 from its founding through to the end of the 1960 season.<sup id="cite_ref-move_9-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-move-9"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>9<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>With the Chargers failing to make an impact in Los Angeles, San Diego was rumoured as a likely alternative location for the team as early as December 1960, with the AFL Title game still to be played.<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-10"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>10<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-11"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>11<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a> was proposed as a venue; Hilton expressed concerns over the size of the stadium after surveying it early in January, but was impressed by the enthusiasm of city administration.<sup id="cite_ref-owner_12-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-owner-12"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>12<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> <a href="/wiki/Jack_Murphy_(sportswriter)" title="Jack Murphy (sportswriter)">Jack Murphy</a>, a journalist with the <a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Union" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego Union">San Diego Union</a>, was instrumental in building local enthusiasm for the Chargers;<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-13"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>13<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> by late January, advanced ticket sales stood at approximately 24,000.<sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-14"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>14<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Hilton met with San Diego City Council on January 25, agreeing a contract that would see renovations to Balboa Stadium; its capacity was boosted from 23,000 to 34,000 by the construction of an upper deck, beginning in May 1961.<sup id="cite_ref-move_9-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-move-9"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>9<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-15"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>15<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The San Diego Chargers were officially born on February 10, when the AFL owners voted unanimously to allow the move.<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-16"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>16<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="AFL_draft">AFL draft</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: AFL draft"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1236090951">.mw-parser-output .hatnote{font-style:italic}.mw-parser-output div.hatnote{padding-left:1.6em;margin-bottom:0.5em}.mw-parser-output .hatnote i{font-style:normal}.mw-parser-output .hatnote+link+.hatnote{margin-top:-0.5em}@media print{body.ns-0 .mw-parser-output .hatnote{display:none!important}}</style><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_draft" title="1961 American Football League draft">1961 American Football League draft</a></div> <p>The AFL conducted their draft for the 1961 season in the winter of 1960, with the first six rounds conducted on November 21–22, and the remaining twenty-four on December 5–6. In contrast to the largely randomised AFL draft of 1960,<sup id="cite_ref-17" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-17"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>17<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> the 1961 edition employed a 30-round structure, with the Chargers choosing seventh in each round. Having received the Texans' sixth-round pick in a trade, they had 31 picks in total.<sup id="cite_ref-18" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-18"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>18<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Despite having to compete with NFL clubs to secure the services of much of their draft class, the Chargers acquired several players who would start with them for years. Their first-round pick, <a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a>, was keen to play in California, hoping for both better weather and a better racial climate than he had experienced at <a href="/wiki/Indiana_University_Bloomington" title="Indiana University Bloomington">Indiana</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-19" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-19"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>19<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> He would go to the <a href="/wiki/AFL_All-Star" class="mw-redirect" title="AFL All-Star">AFL All-Star</a> game in each of his five full seasons in San Diego, and be voted a first-team <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_All-League_Team" title="American Football League All-League Team">All-Pro</a> in four of them.<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-20"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>20<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> San Diego also signed their second-round pick, running back <a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a>, despite competition from the <a href="/wiki/Chicago_Bears" title="Chicago Bears">Chicago Bears</a> and a <a href="/wiki/Canadian_Football_League" title="Canadian Football League">Canadian</a> team. Lincoln was persuaded by a higher salary, the presence of Gillman and, having played college football at <a href="/wiki/Washington_State_University" title="Washington State University">Washington State</a>, the opportunity to stay on the west coast.<sup id="cite_ref-21" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-21"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>21<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> He would go on to play six seasons in San Diego, with four All-Star games, two first-team All-Pro selections, and an <a href="/wiki/Most_valuable_player" title="Most valuable player">MVP</a> performance in the <a href="/wiki/1963_AFL_Championship_Game" class="mw-redirect" title="1963 AFL Championship Game">1963 AFL Championship Game</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-22" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-22"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>22<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Other successes came from further down the draft. <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Ladd" title="Ernie Ladd">Ernie Ladd</a>, selected in the fifteen round, joined Faison on the defensive line. In five seasons with the Chargers, he appeared in four All-Star games, and was a three-time first-team All-Pro.<sup id="cite_ref-23" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-23"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>23<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In the next round, they chose defensive back <a href="/wiki/Bud_Whitehead" title="Bud Whitehead">Bud Whitehead</a>, who would spend his entire eight-year career in San Diego.<sup id="cite_ref-24" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-24"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>24<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Linebacker <a href="/wiki/Chuck_Allen" title="Chuck Allen">Chuck Allen</a> was selected by the <a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Rams" title="Los Angeles Rams">Rams</a> in the NFL draft. He chose to play in the AFL, feeling he would see more playing time in the newer league. Over the next nine seasons, he played in more than 100 games for the Chargers, and featured in two All-Star games.<sup id="cite_ref-25" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-25"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>25<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-chuck_26-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-chuck-26"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>26<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>San Diego also suffered numerous defeats in the bidding war with NFL clubs, including a notable pair of <a href="/wiki/UCLA" class="mw-redirect" title="UCLA">UCLA</a> alumni who signed with the 49ers: <a href="/wiki/Billy_Kilmer" title="Billy Kilmer">Billy Kilmer</a>, who went on to start at quarterback for Washington in <a href="/wiki/Super_Bowl_VII" title="Super Bowl VII">Super Bowl VII</a>,<sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-27"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>27<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> and <a href="/wiki/Jimmy_Johnson_(cornerback)" title="Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)">Jimmy Johnson</a>, who stayed in San Francisco for his entire sixteen-year career, and was enshrined in the <a href="/wiki/Pro_Football_Hall_of_Fame" title="Pro Football Hall of Fame">Hall of Fame</a> in 1994.<sup id="cite_ref-28" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-28"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>28<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-29" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-29"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>29<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"> <caption style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>1961 San Diego Chargers draft</b> </caption> <tbody><tr> <th scope="column">Round </th> <th scope="column">Pick </th> <th scope="column">Player </th> <th scope="column">Position </th> <th scope="column">College </th> <th scope="column">Notes </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_first-round_draft_picks" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks">1</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">7 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Defensive_end" title="Defensive end">Defensive end</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Indiana" class="mw-redirect" title="University of Indiana">Indiana</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">66th pick in <a href="/wiki/1961_NFL_draft" title="1961 NFL draft">NFL draft</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">2 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">15 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Halfback_(American_football)" title="Halfback (American football)">Halfback</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Washington_State_University" title="Washington State University">Washington State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">61st pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">3 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2;">23 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Marlin_McKeever" title="Marlin McKeever">Marlin McKeever</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Offensive_end" class="mw-redirect" title="Offensive end">End</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/University_of_South_Carolina" title="University of South Carolina">USC</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">23rd pick in NFL draft; signed by <a href="/wiki/1961_Los_Angeles_Rams_season" title="1961 Los Angeles Rams season">Los Angeles Rams</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">4 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">31 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #ffcc00"><a href="/wiki/Jimmy_Johnson_(cornerback)" title="Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)">Jimmy Johnson</a> † </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Defensive_back" title="Defensive back">Defensive back</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/UCLA" class="mw-redirect" title="UCLA">UCLA</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">6th pick in NFL draft; signed by <a href="/wiki/1961_San_Francisco_49ers_season" title="1961 San Francisco 49ers season">San Francisco 49ers</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">5 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2;">39 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Billy_Kilmer" title="Billy Kilmer">Billy Kilmer</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2;">Quarterback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2;">UCLA </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2;">11th pick in NFL draft; signed by San Francisco 49ers </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">6 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">47 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Calvin_Bird" title="Calvin Bird">Calvin Bird</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Halfback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Kentucky" title="University of Kentucky">Kentucky</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">237th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">6 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">47 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Cliff_Roberts" title="Cliff Roberts">Cliff Roberts</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Tackle_(gridiron_football_position)" title="Tackle (gridiron football position)">Tackle</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Illinois" class="mw-redirect" title="University of Illinois">Illinois</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">Traded to <a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland Raiders</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">7 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">55 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Claude_(Hoot)_Gibson" class="mw-redirect" title="Claude (Hoot) Gibson">Claude Gibson</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">Defensive back </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/North_Carolina_State_University" title="North Carolina State University">North Carolina State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">33rd pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">8 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">63 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8"><a href="/wiki/Charley_Johnson" title="Charley Johnson">Charley Johnson</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">Quarterback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/New_Mexico_State_University" title="New Mexico State University">New Mexico State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">109th pick in NFL draft; signed by <a href="/wiki/1961_St._Louis_Cardinals_(NFL)_season" title="1961 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) season">St. Louis Cardinals</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">9 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">71 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8"><a href="/wiki/Bob_Scarpitto" title="Bob Scarpitto">Bob Scarpitto</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">End </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Notre_Dame_University" class="mw-redirect" title="Notre Dame University">Notre Dame</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;"> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">10 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">79 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Willie_Hector" title="Willie Hector">Willie Hector</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Guard_(gridiron_football)" title="Guard (gridiron football)">Guard</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/University_of_the_Pacific_(United_States)" title="University of the Pacific (United States)">College of Pacific</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">60th pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">11 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">87 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8"><a href="/wiki/Greg_Larson" title="Greg Larson">Greg Larson</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Center_(gridiron_football)" title="Center (gridiron football)">Center</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Minnesota" title="University of Minnesota">Minnesota</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">81st pick in NFL draft; signed by <a href="/wiki/1961_New_York_Giants_season" title="1961 New York Giants season">New York Giants</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">12 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">95 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Hezekiah_Braxton" title="Hezekiah Braxton">Hezekiah Braxton</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Fullback_(gridiron_football)" title="Fullback (gridiron football)">Fullback</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Virginia_Union" class="mw-redirect" title="Virginia Union">Virginia Union</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;"> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">13 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">103 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Dale_Messer" title="Dale Messer">Dale Messer</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2">Fullback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d2f8d2"><a href="/wiki/Fresno_State" class="mw-redirect" title="Fresno State">Fresno State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d2f8d2">52nd pick in NFL draft; signed by San Francisco 49ers </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">14 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">111 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Billy Wilson </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Tackle </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Auburn_University" title="Auburn University">Auburn</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">31st pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">15 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">119 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Ernie_Ladd" title="Ernie Ladd">Ernie Ladd</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Defensive_tackle" title="Defensive tackle">Defensive tackle</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Grambling_University" class="mw-redirect" title="Grambling University">Grambling</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">48th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">16 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">127 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Bud_Whitehead" title="Bud Whitehead">Bud Whitehead</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">Defensive back </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Florida_State_University" title="Florida State University">Florida State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;"> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">17 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">135 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Reggie_Carolan" title="Reggie Carolan">Reggie Carolan</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">End </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Idaho" title="University of Idaho">Idaho</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">102nd pick in NFL draft; joined the Chargers in <a href="/wiki/1962_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1962 San Diego Chargers season">1962</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">18 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">143 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Ed_Dyas" title="Ed Dyas">Ed Dyas</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Fullback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Auburn </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">62nd pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">19 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">151 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/w/index.php?title=Jack_Espenship&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Jack Espenship (page does not exist)">Jack Espenship</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Halfback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Florida" title="University of Florida">Florida</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">Signed by <a href="/wiki/Montreal_Alouettes" title="Montreal Alouettes">Montreal Alouettes</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">20 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">159 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Mike_Lucci" title="Mike Lucci">Mike Lucci</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Center </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Tennessee" title="University of Tennessee">Tennessee</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">69th pick in NFL draft; signed by <a href="/wiki/1962_Cleveland_Browns_season" title="1962 Cleveland Browns season">Cleveland Browns</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">21 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">167 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Gene_Gaines" title="Gene Gaines">Gene Gaines</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Halfback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">UCLA </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">Signed by Montreal Alouettes </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">22 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">175 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/John_Brown_(offensive_tackle)" title="John Brown (offensive tackle)">John Brown</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Tackle </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Syracuse_University" title="Syracuse University">Syracuse</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">55th pick in NFL draft; signed by Cleveland Browns </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">23 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">183 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Glenn_Bass" title="Glenn Bass">Glenn Bass</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Halfback </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/East_Carolina_University" title="East Carolina University">East Carolina</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">64th pick in NFL draft; traded to <a href="/wiki/1961_Buffalo_Bills_season" title="1961 Buffalo Bills season">Buffalo Bills</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">24 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">191 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Ben Balme </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Guard </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Yale_University" title="Yale University">Yale</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">84th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">25 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">199 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/w/index.php?title=Don_Coffey&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Don Coffey (page does not exist)">Don Coffey</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">End </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Memphis_State_University" class="mw-redirect" title="Memphis State University">Memphis State</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">164th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">26 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">207 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Bill Kinnune </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Guard </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/University_of_Washington" title="University of Washington">Washington</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">148th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">27 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">215 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;"><a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">End </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">USC </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">140th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">28 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">223 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #faecc8;"><a href="/wiki/Chuck_Allen" title="Chuck Allen">Chuck Allen</a> * </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">Guard </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; background: #d9e9f9;">Washington </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em; background: #d9e9f9;">228th pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">29 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">231 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Dan_Ficca" title="Dan Ficca">Dan Ficca</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Tackle </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">USC </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">53rd pick in NFL draft; traded to <a href="/wiki/1962_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1962 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland Raiders</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">30 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">239 </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;"><a href="/wiki/Mike_McKeever" title="Mike McKeever">Mike McKeever</a> </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Guard </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em;">USC </td> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.75em;">172nd pick in NFL draft </td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"><small><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r981673959">.mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}</style><span class="legend-color mw-no-invert" style="background-color:#d9e9f9; color:black;">     </span> Made roster   <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r981673959"><span class="legend-color mw-no-invert" style="background-color:#ffcc00; color:black;">  †  </span> <a href="/wiki/Pro_Football_Hall_of_Fame" title="Pro Football Hall of Fame">Pro Football Hall of Fame</a>   <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r981673959"><span class="legend-color mw-no-invert" style="background-color:#faecc8; color:black;">  *  </span> Made at least one <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_All-Star_game" title="American Football League All-Star game">AFL All-Star game</a> or <a href="/wiki/Pro_Bowl" title="Pro Bowl">NFL Pro Bowl</a> during career   <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r981673959"><span class="legend-color mw-no-invert" style="background-color:#d2f8d2; color:black;">     </span> Played in the NFL in 1961  </small> </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Departures_and_arrivals">Departures and arrivals</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: Departures and arrivals"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <p>Several of the 1960 Chargers squad did not join the team in their new city. Veteran kicker <a href="/wiki/Ben_Agajanian" title="Ben Agajanian">Ben Agajanian</a> didn't want to move away from his business interests in Los Angeles, though he did help coach Lincoln, primarily a running back, as a potential replacement kicker.<sup id="cite_ref-30" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-30"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>30<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Guard <a href="/wiki/Fred_Cole_(gridiron_football)" title="Fred Cole (gridiron football)">Fred Cole</a> had started every game the previous year, but retired to become an engineer.<sup id="cite_ref-31" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-31"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>31<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Gillman traded several players, including starting defensive tackle <a href="/wiki/Volney_Peters" title="Volney Peters">Volney Peters</a>, in exchange for picks in the <a href="/wiki/1962_American_Football_League_draft" title="1962 American Football League draft">1962 AFL draft</a>. San Diego eventually made eleven selections in the first seven rounds of that draft.<sup id="cite_ref-32" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-32"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>32<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-33" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-33"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>33<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>While most of the Chargers' new recruits came to them through the draft, they did acquire a defensive tackle with two years' experience. <a href="/wiki/Henry_Schmidt_(American_football)" title="Henry Schmidt (American football)">Hank Schmidt</a> had been cut by the NFL's <a href="/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers" title="San Francisco 49ers">49ers</a> in training camp; he was contacted by starting quarterback <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a>, who knew Schmidt from his own time in San Francisco, and signed with the Chargers.<sup id="cite_ref-34" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-34"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>34<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Another signing was <a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a>, an Olympic long jumper fresh from taking silver in the <a href="/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1960_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_long_jump" title="Athletics at the 1960 Summer Olympics – Men's long jump">1960 games</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-35" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-35"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>35<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> A receiver later in his career, Roberson was used primarily as a running back in San Diego.<sup id="cite_ref-36" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-36"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>36<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Personnel">Personnel</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: Personnel"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Staff">Staff</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=6" title="Edit section: Staff"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <table class="toccolours"> <caption style="background: #4278B8; color: #FFFFFF; border: 2px solid #F1D022"><b>1961 San Diego Chargers staff</b> </caption> <tbody><tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"> <p><b>Front office</b> </p> <ul><li>Owner – <a href="/wiki/Barron_Hilton" title="Barron Hilton">Barron Hilton</a></li> <li>General manager – <a href="/wiki/Sid_Gillman" title="Sid Gillman">Sid Gillman</a></li> <li>Scout - <a href="/wiki/Don_Klosterman_(American_football)" title="Don Klosterman (American football)">Don Klosterman</a></li></ul> <p><b>Head coaches</b> </p> <ul><li>Head coach – Sid Gillman</li></ul> <p><b>Offensive coaches</b> </p> <ul><li>End coach – <a href="/wiki/Al_Davis" title="Al Davis">Al Davis</a></li> <li>Offensive line coach – <a href="/wiki/Joe_Madro" title="Joe Madro">Joe Madro</a></li></ul> </td> <td width="35"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"><b>Defensive coaches</b> <ul><li>Defensive backfield coach – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Faulkner" title="Jack Faulkner">Jack Faulkner</a></li> <li>Defensive line coach – <a href="/wiki/Chuck_Noll" title="Chuck Noll">Chuck Noll</a></li></ul> <p><sup id="cite_ref-owner_12-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-owner-12"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>12<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-37" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-37"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>37<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-38" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-38"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>38<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-39" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-39"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>39<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p> </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Roster">Roster</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=7" title="Edit section: Roster"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <table class="toccolours"> <caption style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;; text-align: center;"><b>1961 San Diego Chargers roster</b> </caption> <tbody><tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;"><b><a href="/wiki/Quarterback" title="Quarterback">Quarterbacks</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(QB)</span></b> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">15</span> <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> <abbr title="Quarterback"><span style="font-size:90%;">QB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">17</span> <a href="/wiki/Hunter_Enis" title="Hunter Enis">Hunter Enis</a> <abbr title="Quarterback"><span style="font-size:90%;">QB</span></abbr></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Running_back" title="Running back">Running backs</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(RB)</span></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">22</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a></i> <abbr title="Fullback"><span style="font-size:90%;">FB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">23</span> <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> <abbr title="Halfback"><span style="font-size:90%;">HB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">26</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a></i> <abbr title="Halfback"><span style="font-size:90%;">HB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">41</span> <a href="/wiki/Charlie_Flowers" title="Charlie Flowers">Charlie Flowers</a> <abbr title="Fullback"><span style="font-size:90%;">FB</span></abbr></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Wide_receiver" title="Wide receiver">Wide receivers</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(WR)</span></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">24</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a></i> <abbr title="End"><span style="font-size:90%;">E</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">46</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Bob_Scarpitto" title="Bob Scarpitto">Bob Scarpitto</a></i> <abbr title="Flanker"><span style="font-size:90%;">FL</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">83</span> <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> <abbr title="Flanker"><span style="font-size:90%;">FL</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">88</span> <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> <abbr title="End"><span style="font-size:90%;">E</span></abbr></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Tight_end" title="Tight end">Tight ends</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(TE)</span></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">67</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Jacque_MacKinnon" title="Jacque MacKinnon">Jacque MacKinnon</a></i> <abbr title="Tight end"><span style="font-size:90%;">TE</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">87</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Howard_Clark_(American_football)" title="Howard Clark (American football)">Howard Clark</a></i> <abbr title="Tight end"><span style="font-size:90%;">TE</span></abbr></li></ul> </td> <td style="width: 25px;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"><b><a href="/wiki/Offensive_line" class="mw-redirect" title="Offensive line">Offensive linemen</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(OL)</span></b> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">52</span> <a href="/wiki/Don_Rogers_(offensive_lineman)" title="Don Rogers (offensive lineman)">Don Rogers</a> <abbr title="Center"><span style="font-size:90%;">C</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">61</span> <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Barnes" title="Ernie Barnes">Ernie Barnes</a></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">68</span> <a href="/wiki/Orlando_Ferrante" title="Orlando Ferrante">Orlando Ferrante</a> <abbr title="Offensive guard"><span style="font-size:90%;">G</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">70</span> <a href="/wiki/Sherman_Plunkett" title="Sherman Plunkett">Sherman Plunkett</a> <abbr title="Offensive tackle"><span style="font-size:90%;">T</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">74</span> <a href="/wiki/Ron_Mix" title="Ron Mix">Ron Mix</a> <abbr title="Offensive tackle"><span style="font-size:90%;">T</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">75</span> <a href="/wiki/Ernie_Wright" title="Ernie Wright">Ernie Wright</a> <abbr title="Offensive tackle"><span style="font-size:90%;">T</span></abbr></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Defensive_line" class="mw-redirect" title="Defensive line">Defensive linemen</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(DL)</span></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">76</span> <a href="/wiki/Henry_Schmidt_(American_football)" title="Henry Schmidt (American football)">Henry Schmidt</a></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">77</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Ernie_Ladd" title="Ernie Ladd">Ernie Ladd</a></i> <abbr title="Defensive tackle"><span style="font-size:90%;">DT</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">79</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Bill_Hudson_(American_football)" title="Bill Hudson (American football)">Bill Hudson</a></i> <abbr title="Defensive tackle"><span style="font-size:90%;">DT</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">80</span> <a href="/wiki/Ron_Nery" title="Ron Nery">Ron Nery</a> <abbr title="Defensive end"><span style="font-size:90%;">DE</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">86</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a></i> <abbr title="Defensive end"><span style="font-size:90%;">DE</span></abbr></li></ul> </td> <td style="width: 25px;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"><b><a href="/wiki/Linebacker" title="Linebacker">Linebackers</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(LB)</span></b> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">53</span> <a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> <abbr title="Linebacker"><span style="font-size:90%;">LB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">56</span> <a href="/wiki/Emil_Karas" title="Emil Karas">Emil Karas</a> <abbr title="Linebacker"><span style="font-size:90%;">LB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">81</span> <a href="/wiki/Maury_Schleicher" title="Maury Schleicher">Maury Schleicher</a> <abbr title="Linebacker"><span style="font-size:90%;">LB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">84</span> <a href="/wiki/Paul_Maguire" title="Paul Maguire">Paul Maguire</a></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Defensive_back" title="Defensive back">Defensive backs</a> <span style="font-size:90%;">(DB)</span></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">25</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Claude_%22Hoot%22_Gibson" title="Claude "Hoot" Gibson">Claude "Hoot" Gibson</a></i> <abbr title="Cornerback"><span style="font-size:90%;">CB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">27</span> <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a> <abbr title="Safety"><span style="font-size:90%;">S</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">34</span> <a href="/wiki/Bob_Zeman" title="Bob Zeman">Bob Zeman</a> <abbr title="Safety"><span style="font-size:90%;">S</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">36</span> <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> <abbr title="Cornerback"><span style="font-size:90%;">CB</span></abbr></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">47</span> <i><a href="/wiki/Bud_Whitehead" title="Bud Whitehead">Bud Whitehead</a></i> <abbr title="Defensive back"><span style="font-size:90%;">DB</span></abbr></li></ul> <p><b><a href="/wiki/Special_teams" class="mw-redirect" title="Special teams">Special teams</a></b> </p> <ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Octin Sports','Octin College','Octin Stencil','Octin Vintage','Octin Prison', 'Courier New','Courier', monospace;">39</span> <i><a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a></i></li></ul> <p><br /> <sup id="cite_ref-40" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-40"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>40<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> </td> <td style="width: 12px;"> </td> <td style="width: 1px; background-color: #F1D022"> </td> <td style="width: 12px;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top;"> <div style="font-size:90%;"><i>Rookies in italics</i><br /> </div> </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Preseason">Preseason</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=8" title="Edit section: Preseason"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <p>The Chargers' first exhibition game in San Diego drew a crowd of a little over 12,000, close to the reduced capacity of Balboa Stadium, which was in the process of begin renovated. They defeated the Oilers 27–14, in a rematch of the first <a href="/wiki/1960_AFL_Championship_Game" class="mw-redirect" title="1960 AFL Championship Game">AFL title game</a>. <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> and <a href="/wiki/Wide_receiver#Types" title="Wide receiver">flanker</a> <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> scored touchdowns of over 70 yards, and Roberson added a third.<sup id="cite_ref-43" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-43"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>43<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The teams met again twelve days later in <a href="/wiki/Honolulu" title="Honolulu">Honolulu</a>: San Diego jumped out to a 39–0 halftime lead, gave up four touchdowns in ten minutes, then clinched the win with their seventh rushing touchdown; Roberson scored three of them.<sup id="cite_ref-44" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-44"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>44<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Next, the Chargers returned home for a 35–7 victory over the Raiders. Lowe scored on a 72-yard punt return, rookie Lincoln took a short pass from Kemp 63 yards for another touchdown, and Faison got on the scoresheet with a <a href="/wiki/Safety_(gridiron_football_score)" title="Safety (gridiron football score)">safety</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-45" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-45"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>45<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> A week later, Lowe again ran a punt back 72 yards for a touchdown; Lowe, Kemp and Roberson added further touchdowns as San Diego led 28–0 at halftime, eventually winning 31–10 to complete an unbeaten preseason.<sup id="cite_ref-46" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-46"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>46<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <table class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"> <tbody><tr> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Week </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Date </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Opponent </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Result </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Record </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Venue </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Attendance </th></tr> <tr style="background:#cfc"> <th>1 </th> <td>August 6 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston Oilers</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 27–14 </td> <td>1–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a> </td> <td>12,304 </td></tr> <tr style="background:#cfc"> <th>2 </th> <td>August 18 </td> <td>vs. <a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston Oilers</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 46–28 </td> <td>2–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Honolulu_Stadium" title="Honolulu Stadium">Honolulu Stadium</a> </td> <td>12,836 </td></tr> <tr style="background:#cfc"> <th>3 </th> <td>August 27 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland Raiders</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 35–7 </td> <td>3–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>6,521 </td></tr> <tr style="background:#cfc"> <th>4 </th> <td>September 3 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/1961_Dallas_Texans_season" title="1961 Dallas Texans season">Dallas Texans</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 31–10 </td> <td>4–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>15,232 </td></tr></tbody></table> <p><sup id="cite_ref-47" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-47"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>47<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Regular_season">Regular season</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=9" title="Edit section: Regular season"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Overview">Overview</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=10" title="Edit section: Overview"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <figure class="mw-default-size mw-halign-right" typeof="mw:File/Thumb"><a href="/wiki/File:Dick_Harris_1961_(cropped).jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Dick_Harris_1961_%28cropped%29.jpg" decoding="async" width="212" height="289" class="mw-file-element" data-file-width="212" data-file-height="289" /></a><figcaption><a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> ran three of his seven interceptions back for touchdowns</figcaption></figure> <p>San Diego proved a more welcoming city for the Chargers, with an average home attendance of 27,859 during the regular season, over 12,000 more than in Los Angeles.<sup id="cite_ref-att_7-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-att-7"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>7<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-48" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-48"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>48<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Hilton still reported a loss on the year, albeit a greatly reduced one of between $250,000 and $300,000.<sup id="cite_ref-49" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-49"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>49<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>On the field, the Chargers repeated as Western Division champions, this time with a 12–2 record, before losing to the Oilers in the title game for the second straight year. They retained many of their offensive stars from the 1960 season. Kemp again ranked second in the league for passing yardage (2,686), but his completion percentage fell below 50%, and he threw only 15 touchdowns against 22 interceptions.<sup id="cite_ref-team_50-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-team-50"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>50<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Only 4 of these interceptions came in the first seven games of the season, against 18 in the next seven; he threw another 4 in the AFL title game.<sup id="cite_ref-51" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-51"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>51<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> While Lowe didn't quite match his impact of the previous season, he still ranked 4th in the league for rushing yards (767), and joint first for rushing touchdowns (nine).<sup id="cite_ref-52" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-52"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>52<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Kocourek became the club's first 1,000 yard receiver with 55 catches for 1,055 yards, while <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> added 47 catches and 816 yards.<sup id="cite_ref-team_50-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-team-50"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>50<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>On defense, the 1961 Chargers set a modern-era pro football record with 66 takeaways, the most in <a href="/wiki/AFL%E2%80%93NFL_merger" title="AFL–NFL merger">AFL or NFL</a> history (the <a href="/wiki/1946_Cleveland_Browns_season" title="1946 Cleveland Browns season">1946 Cleveland Browns</a> recorded one more during an <a href="/wiki/All-America_Football_Conference" title="All-America Football Conference">AAFC season</a>).<sup id="cite_ref-53" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-53"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>53<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The Chargers also recorded the most interceptions returned for a touchdown in both league histories with nine, and the most total interceptions with 49.<sup id="cite_ref-54" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-54"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>54<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> All three of these record still stand as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>. <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a> led the team with nine interceptions, which stood as a club record until <a href="/wiki/Antonio_Cromartie" title="Antonio Cromartie">Antonio Cromartie</a> broke it <a href="/wiki/2007_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2007 San Diego Chargers season">46 years later</a> (albeit in a 16 game regular season).<sup id="cite_ref-55" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-55"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>55<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> <a href="/wiki/Bob_Zeman" title="Bob Zeman">Bob Zeman</a> had eight interceptions and <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> had seven, returning three for touchdowns (still a club record as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>).<sup id="cite_ref-56" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-56"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>56<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> By contrast, only one Charger managed more than six interceptions in a season throughout the entire 1970s (<a href="/wiki/Bryant_Salter" title="Bryant Salter">Bryant Salter</a>, <a href="/wiki/1972_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1972 San Diego Chargers season">1972</a>).<sup id="cite_ref-57" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-57"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>57<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Defensive end <a href="/wiki/Ron_Nery" title="Ron Nery">Ron Nery</a> is unofficially<sup id="cite_ref-59" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-59"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>a<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> credited with 8 <a href="/wiki/Quarterback_sacks" class="mw-redirect" title="Quarterback sacks">quarterback sacks</a>, again leading the team. Beyond Nery, the defensive line saw an overhaul, with rookies Faison, <a href="/wiki/Bill_Hudson_(American_football)" title="Bill Hudson (American football)">Bill Hudson</a> and Ladd starting every game. Middle linebacker Allen and cornerback <a href="/wiki/Claude_Gibson" class="mw-redirect" title="Claude Gibson">Claude Gibson</a>, also new draftees, saw significant action.<sup id="cite_ref-team_50-2" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-team-50"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>50<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Another rookie, <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a>, doubled up as defensive back and kicker. His field-goal-conversion percentage was below 50% (he made 13 of 27), but still third best in the league, as was <a href="/wiki/Paul_Maguire" title="Paul Maguire">Paul Maguire</a>'s average of 41.5 yards per punt.<sup id="cite_ref-60" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-60"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>59<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Linebacker <a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> had five interceptions and scored three touchdowns, including one on offense. He died in a car accident shortly after the season ended, at the age of 28.<sup id="cite_ref-61" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-61"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>60<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Schedule">Schedule</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=11" title="Edit section: Schedule"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <table class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"> <tbody><tr> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Week </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Date </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Opponent </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Result </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Record </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Venue </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Attendance </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Recap </th></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>1 </th> <td>September 10 </td> <td>at <b><a href="/wiki/1961_Dallas_Texans_season" title="1961 Dallas Texans season">Dallas Texans</a></b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 26–10 </td> <td>1–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Cotton_Bowl_(stadium)" title="Cotton Bowl (stadium)">Cotton Bowl</a> </td> <td>24,500 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109100kan.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>2 </th> <td>September 17 </td> <td><b><a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland Raiders</a></b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 44–0 </td> <td>2–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a> </td> <td>20,216 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109170sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>3 </th> <td>September 24 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston Oilers</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 34–24 </td> <td>3–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>29,210 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109240sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>4 </th> <td><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1038841319">.mw-parser-output .tooltip-dotted{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}</style><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip tooltip-dotted" title="Saturday">September 30</span> </td> <td>at <a href="/wiki/1961_Buffalo_Bills_season" title="1961 Buffalo Bills season">Buffalo Bills</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 19–11 </td> <td>4–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/War_Memorial_Stadium_(Buffalo,_New_York)" title="War Memorial Stadium (Buffalo, New York)">War Memorial Stadium</a> </td> <td>20,742 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109300buf.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>5 </th> <td><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1038841319"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip tooltip-dotted" title="Saturday">October 7</span> </td> <td>at <a href="/wiki/1961_Boston_Patriots_season" title="1961 Boston Patriots season">Boston Patriots</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 38–27 </td> <td>5–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Nickerson_Field" title="Nickerson Field">Boston University Field</a> </td> <td>17,748 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110070nwe.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>6 </th> <td>October 15 </td> <td>at <a href="/wiki/1961_New_York_Titans_season" title="1961 New York Titans season">New York Titans</a> </td> <td><b>W</b> 25–10 </td> <td>6–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Polo_Grounds" title="Polo Grounds">Polo Grounds</a> </td> <td>25,136 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110150nyj.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>7 </th> <td>October 22 </td> <td>at <b>Oakland Raiders</b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 41–10 </td> <td>7–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Candlestick_Park" title="Candlestick Park">Candlestick Park</a> </td> <td>12,014 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110220rai.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>8 </th> <td>October 29 </td> <td><b><a href="/wiki/1961_Denver_Broncos_season" title="1961 Denver Broncos season">Denver Broncos</a></b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 37–0 </td> <td>8–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>32,584 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110290sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>9 </th> <td>November 5 </td> <td>New York Titans </td> <td><b>W</b> 48–13 </td> <td>9–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>33,391 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111050sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>10 </th> <td>November 12 </td> <td>at <b>Denver Broncos</b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 19–16 </td> <td>10–0 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Mile_High_Stadium" title="Mile High Stadium">Bears Stadium</a> </td> <td>  7,859 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111120den.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>11 </th> <td>November 19 </td> <td><b>Dallas Texans</b> </td> <td><b>W</b> 24–14 </td> <td>11–0 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>33,788 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111190sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr> <th>12 </th> <td align="center" colspan="7"><i>Bye</i> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #fcc;"> <th>13 </th> <td>December 3 </td> <td>at Houston Oilers </td> <td><b>L</b> 13–33 </td> <td>11–1 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Robertson_Stadium" title="Robertson Stadium">Jeppesen Stadium</a> </td> <td>37,845 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112030oti.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #cfc;"> <th>14 </th> <td>December 10 </td> <td>Buffalo Bills </td> <td><b>W</b> 28–10 </td> <td>12–1 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>24,486 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112100sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background: #fcc;"> <th>15 </th> <td>December 17 </td> <td>Boston Patriots </td> <td><b>L</b> 0–41 </td> <td>12–2 </td> <td>Balboa Stadium </td> <td>21,339 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112170sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr> <tr style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;"> <td colspan="8"><b>Note:</b> Intra-division opponents are in <b>bold</b> text. </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Game_summaries">Game summaries</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=12" title="Edit section: Game summaries"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_1:_at_Dallas_Texans">Week 1: at Dallas Texans</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=13" title="Edit section: Week 1: at Dallas Texans"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week One: San Diego Chargers at Dallas Texans – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td><td>14</td><td><b>26</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Texans</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>10</td><td><b>10</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Cotton_Bowl_(stadium)" title="Cotton Bowl (stadium)">Cotton Bowl</a>, <a href="/wiki/Dallas,_Texas" class="mw-redirect" title="Dallas, Texas">Dallas, Texas</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: September 10</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 84 °F (28.9 °C), relative humidity 58%, wind 19 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 24,500</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109100kan.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1216972533">.mw-parser-output .col-begin{border-collapse:collapse;padding:0;color:inherit;width:100%;border:0;margin:0}.mw-parser-output .col-begin-small{font-size:90%}.mw-parser-output .col-break{vertical-align:top;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output .col-break-2{width:50%}.mw-parser-output .col-break-3{width:33.3%}.mw-parser-output .col-break-4{width:25%}.mw-parser-output .col-break-5{width:20%}@media(max-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .col-begin,.mw-parser-output .col-begin>tbody,.mw-parser-output .col-begin>tbody>tr,.mw-parser-output .col-begin>tbody>tr>td{display:block!important;width:100%!important}.mw-parser-output .col-break{padding-left:0!important}}</style><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 87-yard run (kick failed), 6:41. <i>Chargers 6–0. <b>Drive: 1 play, 87 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> 18-yard field goal, 13:32. <i>Chargers 9–0. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 17-yard field goal, 4:52. <i>Chargers 12–0. <b>Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Spikes" title="Jack Spikes">Jack Spikes</a> 27-yard field goal, 14:14. <i>Chargers 12–3. <b>Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:30. <i>Chargers 19–3. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a> 59-yard run (George Blair kick), 1:58. <i>Chargers 26–3. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards.</b></i></li> <li>DAL – Jack Spikes 74-yard run (Jack Spikes kick), 1:12. <i>Chargers 26–10. <b>Drive: 1 play, 74 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> – 15/32, 162 yards</li> <li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Cotton_Davidson" title="Cotton Davidson">Cotton Davidson</a> – 7/16, 78 yards, 3 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 13 rushes, 100 yards, TD</li> <li>DAL – Jack Spikes – 7 rushes, 109 yards, TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> – 6 receptions, 67 yards</li> <li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Max_Boydston" title="Max Boydston">Max Boydston</a> – 3 receptions, 35 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>In their first game of the season, San Diego capitalized on six takeaways and a pair of long runs to defeat their closest divisional rivals from the <a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_season" title="1961 American Football League season">previous season</a>. Following an exchange of punts, Lowe benefited from a key <a href="/wiki/Ron_Mix" title="Ron Mix">Ron Mix</a> block as he broke away for an 87-yard touchdown. It set a club record for longest run that has <a href="/wiki/2017_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season#Week_8:_at_New_England_Patriots" title="2017 Los Angeles Chargers season">since been tied</a>, but not surpassed as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>.<sup id="cite_ref-62" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-62"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>61<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Blair missed the extra point, but kicked a pair of field goals in the first half, while Allen, Faison and McNeil each intercepted Dallas quarterback <a href="/wiki/Cotton_Davidson" title="Cotton Davidson">Cotton Davidson</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-g1_63-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g1-63"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>62<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>The Texans scored for the first time with a field goal early in the 4th quarter; they then recovered a Kemp fumble in Charger territory, but Gibson ended the threat with an interception. On the next Texans possession, <a href="/wiki/Emil_Karas" title="Emil Karas">Emil Karas</a> recovered a fumble at the Dallas 14-yard line. Laraba then came in as quarterback, a role he played occasionally during his career;<sup id="cite_ref-64" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-64"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>63<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Laraba ran the ball himself on four of the next six plays, and scored from the 1-yard line. Roberson broke away for a 53-yard touchdown run late in the game, and the lone Dallas touchdown came too late to make a difference.<sup id="cite_ref-g1_63-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g1-63"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>62<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Lowe had no further breakaways after his touchdown run, but still finished with 100 yards from 13 carries.<sup id="cite_ref-65" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-65"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>64<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_2:_vs._Oakland_Raiders">Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=14" title="Edit section: Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Raiders</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>0</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>14</td> <td>16</td> <td>0</td><td>14</td><td><b>44</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: September 17</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 68%, wind 8 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 20,216</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109170sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> 41-yard interception return (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 14:14. <i>Chargers 7–0.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 0:31. <i>Chargers 14–0. <b>Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a> 34-yard run (George Blair kick), 11:00. <i>Chargers 21–0. <b>Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Charlie_Flowers" title="Charlie Flowers">Charlie Flowers</a> 2-yard run (kick failed), 6:19. <i>Chargers 27–0. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 34-yard field goal, 1:08. <i>Chargers 30–0. <b>Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Charlie Flowers 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 5:37. <i>Chargers 37–0. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Bo Roberson 17-yard run (George Blair kick), 2:00. <i>Chargers 44–0. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>OAK – <a href="/wiki/Tom_Flores" title="Tom Flores">Tom Flores</a> – 14/23, 94 yards, 3 INT</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> – 11/20, 130 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>OAK – <a href="/wiki/Charley_Fuller" title="Charley Fuller">Charley Fuller</a> – 13 rushes, 65 yards</li> <li>SDG – Bo Roberson – 7 rushes, 90 yards, 2 TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>OAK – <a href="/wiki/Doug_Asad" title="Doug Asad">Doug Asad</a> – 3 receptions, 27 yards</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Howard_Clark_(American_football)" title="Howard Clark (American football)">Howard Clark</a> – 2 receptions, 54 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>The Chargers' first game in their new city proved a success, as they dominated their Californian rivals throughout. Oakland had <a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">lost their opener 55–0</a>, and fared only slightly better here; on the third play of the game, Harris intercepted a <a href="/wiki/Tom_Flores" title="Tom Flores">Tom Flores</a> pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders' best chance to score came on their next drive, when they reached the Charger 26 but missed a field goal. On the ensuing drive, San Diego drove 80 yards the other way, and Lowe <a href="/wiki/Sweep_(American_football)" title="Sweep (American football)">swept</a> around the left end for a 2-yard score.<sup id="cite_ref-66" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-66"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>65<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Roberson and <a href="/wiki/Charlie_Flowers" title="Charlie Flowers">Charlie Flowers</a> rushed for two touchdowns each, giving San Diego a total of five for the game, a franchise record since tied multiple times (including the next game against the Raiders) but not surpassed as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>.<sup id="cite_ref-67" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-67"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>66<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Five different players had interceptions, and the Chargers forced six turnovers to none, while outgaining the Raiders in total offensive yards, 386–106. Oakland crossed midfield only twice in 12 total possessions.<sup id="cite_ref-68" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-68"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>67<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_3:_vs._Houston_Oilers">Week 3: vs. Houston Oilers</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=15" title="Edit section: Week 3: vs. Houston Oilers"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Three: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Oilers</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td><td>14</td><td><b>24</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>3</td> <td>28</td> <td>3</td><td>0</td><td><b>34</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: September 24</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 67 °F (19.4 °C), relative humidity 70%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 29,210</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109240sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> 44-yard field goal, 5:58. <i>Chargers 3–0. <b>Drive: 4 plays, -1 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/George_Blanda" title="George Blanda">George Blanda</a> 28-yard field goal, 3:00. <i>Tied 3–3. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> 7-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (George Blair kick), 10:08. <i>Chargers 10–3. <b>Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Paul Lowe 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 7:24. <i>Chargers 17–3. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a> 76-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 4:24. <i>Chargers 24–3.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> 37-yard pass from Jack Kemp (George Blair kick), 1:00. <i>Chargers 31–3.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Ken_Hall_(American_football)" title="Ken Hall (American football)">Ken Hall</a> 13-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jacky_Lee" title="Jacky Lee">Jacky Lee</a> (George Blanda kick), 8:43. <i>Chargers 31–10. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 14-yard field goal, 3:26. <i>Chargers 34–10. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/John_White_(tight_end)" title="John White (tight end)">John White</a> 40-yard pass from Jacky Lee (George Blanda kick), 8:16. <i>Chargers 34–17. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Charley_Tolar" class="mw-redirect" title="Charley Tolar">Charley Tolar</a> 3-yard pass from Jacky Lee (George Blanda kick), 0:47. <i>Chargers 34–24. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – Jacky Lee – 10/25, 190 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT</li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 6/17, 101 yards, 2 TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – Charley Tolar – 13 rushes, 32 yards</li> <li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 17 rushes, 23 yards, TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – John White – 6 receptions, 112 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – Luther Hayes – 1 reception, 37 yards, TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>McNeil had a record-breaking performance as the Chargers won a rematch of the <a href="/wiki/1960_AFL_Championship_Game" class="mw-redirect" title="1960 AFL Championship Game">1960 AFL Championship Game</a>. Houston were threatening to break a 3–3 tie in the 2nd quarter when McNeil intercepted a <a href="/wiki/George_Blanda" title="George Blanda">George Blanda</a> pass at his own 7-yard line, and returned it for 76 yards up the right sideline. Kemp then converted a <a href="/wiki/Down_(gridiron_football)" title="Down (gridiron football)">4th and inches</a> with a <a href="/wiki/Quarterback_sneak" title="Quarterback sneak">quarterback sneak</a>, before hitting Kocourek for a 7-yard touchdown. Blanda's next pass was intercepted at the <a href="/wiki/Line_of_scrimmage" title="Line of scrimmage">line of scrimmage</a> by Faison, and Lowe scored within three plays to double the lead. Next, McNeil took a third interception all the way back for a 76-yard touchdown, before Blanda was picked off for the fourth time, by McNeil, and <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> had a 37-yard scoring catch to make it 31–3 at the break.<sup id="cite_ref-69" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-69"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>68<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Houston tried backup QB <a href="/wiki/Jacky_Lee" title="Jacky Lee">Jacky Lee</a> after halftime. He managed three touchdowns, but also threw two further interceptions and lost a fumble; the Chargers had little difficulty in keeping Houston at bay. One of the interceptions was by McNeil, who finished the game with 177 interception return yards, still an AFL/NFL record as of 2023<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>.<sup id="cite_ref-70" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-70"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>69<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> San Diego had intercepted 15 passes from 6 different quarterbacks in the first three weeks. This continuing defensive success covered up an indifferent offensive display, which saw the Chargers gain 158 yards and earn just seven first downs.<sup id="cite_ref-71" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-71"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>70<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_4:_at_Buffalo_Bills">Week 4: at Buffalo Bills</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=16" title="Edit section: Week 4: at Buffalo Bills"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>6</td><td>0</td><td><b>19</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Bills</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>11</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/War_Memorial_Stadium_(Buffalo,_New_York)" title="War Memorial Stadium (Buffalo, New York)">War Memorial Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/Buffalo,_New_York" title="Buffalo, New York">Buffalo, New York</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: September 30</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 64%, wind 11 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 20,742</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196109300buf.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a> 56-yard interception return (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 13:23. <i>Chargers 7–0.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 3-yard run (kick failed), 2:05. <i>Chargers 13–0. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Joe_Hergert" title="Joe Hergert">Joe Hergert</a> 16-yard field goal, 12:48. <i>Chargers 13–3. <b>Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Elbert_Dubenion" title="Elbert Dubenion">Elbert Dubenion</a> 29-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/M._C._Reynolds" title="M. C. Reynolds">M. C. Reynolds</a> (<a href="/wiki/Richie_Lucas" title="Richie Lucas">Richie Lucas</a> run), 0:28. <i>Chargers 13–11. <b>Drive: 1 play, 29 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – George Blair 38-yard field goal, 11:00. <i>Chargers 16–11. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 11-yard field goal, 0:19. <i>Chargers 19–11. <b>Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> – 14/26, 146 yards, INT</li> <li>BUF – M. C. Reynolds – 15/28, 177 yards, TD, INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 22 rushes, 128 yards, TD</li> <li>BUF – M. C. Reynolds – 8 rushes, 65 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> – 4 receptions, 49 yards</li> <li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Tom_Rychlec" title="Tom Rychlec">Tom Rychlec</a> – 5 receptions, 57 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>In contrast to the recent glut of takeaways, the Chargers only had two in this game, but both were significant. Only three plays into the game, Harris had his second interception-return touchdown of the season, this one covering 56 yards and putting the Chargers ahead to stay. Later in the opening quarter, Kemp was sacked to bring up a 3rd and 14, but responded with a 16-yard scramble to keep the drive going. Lowe broke off a 30-yard touchdown run three plays later, making it 13–0. Buffalo responded with field-goal attempts on their next three drives, though only the first was successful. Shortly before halftime Kemp threw an interception on 1st and 10; the Bills scored a play later and added a <a href="/wiki/Two-point_conversion" title="Two-point conversion">two-point conversion</a>, making it 13–11 heading into halftime.<sup id="cite_ref-72" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-72"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>71<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>San Diego controlled the clock in the third quarter, running 23 plays to the Bills' 3, and scoring through Blair field goals on both their drives. After Buffalo missed a field goal, the Bills' offense had one more chance, starting at their own 8-yard line. They picked up three first downs, and reached a 3rd and 11 near midfield, before Faison recovered a fumble to end the threat. Lowe then picked up a first down, and San Diego ran out the clock. Lowe carried 22 times on the day, for 128 yards and a touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-73" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-73"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>72<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_5:_at_Boston_Patriots">Week 5: at Boston Patriots</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=17" title="Edit section: Week 5: at Boston Patriots"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Five: San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>7</td> <td>24</td> <td>0</td><td>7</td><td><b>38</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Patriots</td> <td>0</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td><td>6</td><td><b>27</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Nickerson_Field" title="Nickerson Field">Boston University Field</a>, <a href="/wiki/Boston,_Massachusetts" class="mw-redirect" title="Boston, Massachusetts">Boston, Massachusetts</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: October 7</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 17,748</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110070nwe.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> 12-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 7:10. <i>Chargers 7–0. <b>Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Billy_Lott" title="Billy Lott">Billy Lott</a> 1-yard run (<a href="/wiki/Gino_Cappelletti" title="Gino Cappelletti">Gino Cappelletti</a> kick), 14:48. <i>Tied 7–7. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Zeman" title="Bob Zeman">Bob Zeman</a> 35-yard blocked punt return (George Blair kick), 12:00. <i>Chargers 14–7.</i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 10-yard field goal, 4:25. <i>Chargers 17–7. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Thomas_Stephens_(American_football)" title="Thomas Stephens (American football)">Thomas Stephens</a> 17-yard fumble return (Gino Cappelletti kick), 3:15. <i>Chargers 17–14.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> 75-yard pass from Jack Kemp (George Blair kick), 2:30. <i>Chargers 24–14. <b>Drive: 1 play, 75 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> 30-yard pass from Jack Kemp (George Blair kick), 1:20. <i>Chargers 31–14. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Jim_Colclough" title="Jim Colclough">Jim Colclough</a> 30-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Babe_Parilli" title="Babe Parilli">Babe Parilli</a> (Gino Cappelletti kick), 9:17. <i>Chargers 31–21. <b>Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp 3-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:14. <i>Chargers 38–21. <b>Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BOS – Gino Cappelletti 47-yard pass from Babe Parilli (kick failed), 0:48. <i>Chargers 38–27. <b>Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 12/24, 315 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT</li> <li>BOS – Babe Parilli – 10/15, 128 yards, 2 TD, INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> – 12 rushes, 31 yards</li> <li>BOS – Billy Lott – 6 rushes, 61 yards, TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Dave Kocourek – 3 receptions, 160 yards, TD</li> <li>BOS – Gino Cappelletti – 5 receptions, 86 yards, TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>Kemp threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Chargers kept their unbeaten start going. He led the Chargers on a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening drive, converting two third downs with passes and one with a scramble. Hayes finished the drive with a 12-yard scoring catch. Boston tied the score, and were soon looking to pin San Diego deep in their own territory, punting from the Charger 45. The kick was blocked, picked up by Zeman, and run back 35 yards for the touchdown that put San Diego ahead to stay.<sup id="cite_ref-g5_74-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g5-74"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>73<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>A 35-yard catch by Norton set up a Blair field goal in the final five minutes of the 2nd quarter, before the Patriots scored a special-teams touchdown of their own, running the ball back to the end zone when Lowe fumbled a punt return. Kemp responded immediately with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kocourek on the next play from scrimmage. On the following play, Harris claimed an interception; on the play after that, Kemp appeared to have thrown another touchdown, to Norton. The score was nullified by an illegal-motion penalty, but the same pair combined for a 30-yard touchdown only three plays later, and it was 31–14 at the break. After Boston scored a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, Kemp put the game away in the 4th, finding Kocourek for a 65-yard catch and run, before rolling right and scoring himself on a 3rd and goal from the 4.<sup id="cite_ref-g5_74-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g5-74"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>73<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Kemp completed 12 passes from 24 attempts, for 315 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, with Kocourek gaining 160 yards and a touchdown from just 3 receptions. Zeman had an interception to go with his special-teams touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-75" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-75"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>74<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_6:_at_New_York_Titans">Week 6: at New York Titans</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=18" title="Edit section: Week 6: at New York Titans"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Six: San Diego Chargers at New York Titans – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td><td>8</td><td><b>25</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Titans</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td><td>0</td><td><b>10</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Polo_Grounds" title="Polo Grounds">Polo Grounds</a>, <a href="/wiki/New_York,_New_York" class="mw-redirect" title="New York, New York">New York, New York</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: October 15</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 47 °F (8.3 °C), relative humidity 68%, wind 27 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 25,136</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110150nyj.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> 1-yard run (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 7:42. <i>Chargers 7–0. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – <a href="/wiki/Bill_Mathis" title="Bill Mathis">Bill Mathis</a> 4-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Al_Dorow" title="Al Dorow">Al Dorow</a> (<a href="/wiki/Bill_Shockley" title="Bill Shockley">Bill Shockley</a> kick), 2:35. <i>Tied 7–7. <b>Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – George Blair 20-yard field goal, 8:16. <i>Chargers 10–7. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 1:38. <i>Chargers 17–7. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – Bill Shockley 31-yard field goal, 0:27. <i>Chargers 17–10. <b>Drive: 4 plays, -4 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 25-yard run (<a href="/wiki/Claude_Gibson" class="mw-redirect" title="Claude Gibson">Claude Gibson</a> run), 6:28. <i>Chargers 25–10. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 15/38, 302 yards, INT</li> <li>NYT – Al Dorow – 18/40, 186 yards, TD, 4 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 14 rushes, 58 yards, TD</li> <li>NYT – Bill Mathis – 10 rushes, 47 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> – 5 receptions, 121 yards</li> <li>NYT – <a href="/wiki/Art_Powell_(wide_receiver)" title="Art Powell (wide receiver)">Art Powell</a> – 8 receptions, 88 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>In a game where both teams committed five turnovers, San Diego used big passing plays to win. Zeman made the first of four interceptions of <a href="/wiki/Al_Dorow" title="Al Dorow">Al Dorow</a> in the first quarter, and Kemp completed passes of 31 and 32 yards to running backs Flowers and Lowe, before sneaking in from a yard out for a 7–0 lead. Later, Lowe fumbled in Titan territory, and Dorow capitalized by leading a 76-yard touchdown drive in which he completed six passes, the final one for a touchdown. Completions of 26 and 28 yards by Kemp set up Blair for a 20-yard field goal to restore the lead. Later in the 2nd quarter, Harris intercepted a long throw by Dorow and returned the ball to the Charger 22. On the ensuing drive, Kemp found Norton for 52 yards up the left sideline, before again sneaking in for a one-yard touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-g6_76-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g6-76"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>75<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>The Titans turned a Kemp interception into a field goal late in the third quarter, and trailed by only seven points as the teams exchanged punts on the next four possessions. San Diego then put the game away with back-to-back big plays: Kemp found Norton along the left sideline again, this time for 33 yards, and Lowe followed his blockers around right end for 25 yards and a touchdown. Gibson then ran in a two-point conversion, the first ever scored by the Chargers.<sup id="cite_ref-g6_76-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g6-76"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>75<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Kemp became the first AFL passer to post two consecutive 300-yard games;<sup id="cite_ref-77" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-77"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>76<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> he was 15 of 38 for 302 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Norton had 5 receptions for 121 yards.<sup id="cite_ref-78" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-78"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>77<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_7:_at_Oakland_Raiders">Week 7: at Oakland Raiders</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=19" title="Edit section: Week 7: at Oakland Raiders"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>20</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td><td>0</td><td><b>41</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Raiders</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td><td>0</td><td><b>10</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Candlestick_Park" title="Candlestick Park">Candlestick Park</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Francisco,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Francisco, California">San Francisco, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: October 22</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 54 °F (12.2 °C), relative humidity 65%, wind 10 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 12,014</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110220rai.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>OAK – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Coolbaugh" title="Bob Coolbaugh">Bob Coolbaugh</a> 28-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Tom_Flores" title="Tom Flores">Tom Flores</a> (<a href="/wiki/George_Fleming_(American_football)" title="George Fleming (American football)">George Fleming</a> kick), 11:10. <i>Raiders 7–0. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 35-yard run (kick failed), 7:57. <i>Raiders 7–6. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Paul Lowe 46-yard run (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 5:36. <i>Chargers 13–7. <b>Drive: 1 play, 46 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> 15-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (George Blair kick), 2:18. <i>Chargers 20–7. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Charlie_Flowers" title="Charlie Flowers">Charlie Flowers</a> 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 5:00. <i>Chargers 27–7. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 10 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 1:00. <i>Chargers 34–7. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>OAK – George Fleming 22-yard field goal, 10:30. <i>Chargers 34–10. <b>Drive: 5 plays, 8 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Hunter_Enis" title="Hunter Enis">Hunter Enis</a> 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 0:27. <i>Chargers 41–10. <b>Drive: 19 plays, 86 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 5/17, 65 yards, TD</li> <li>OAK – Tom Flores – 9/20, 96 yards, TD, 3 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 11 rushes, 106 yards, 2 TD</li> <li>OAK – George Fleming – 3 rushes, 15 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Don Norton – 2 receptions, 40 yards, TD</li> <li>OAK – <a href="/wiki/Doug_Asad" title="Doug Asad">Doug Asad</a> – 3 receptions, 44 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>San Diego overcame an early deficit to thrash the Raiders a second time. Lowe fumbled an early punt, and Flores capitalised with a touchdown pass four plays later. Oakland then appeared to have forced a punt, but were penalised for <a href="/wiki/Roughing_the_kicker" title="Roughing the kicker">roughing the kicker</a>, giving the Chargers a fresh set of downs. Three plays later, Lowe shook off two would-be tacklers on a 35-yard touchdown run. After the Raiders went <a href="/wiki/Three-and-out" class="mw-redirect" title="Three-and-out">three-and-out</a>, Lowe immediately scored again, leaving the defense behind with a burst of speed for a 46-yard touchdown. Raider turnovers led to further touchdowns for Norton, Flowers and Kemp, creating a 34–7 halftime lead. Backup quarterback <a href="/wiki/Hunter_Enis" title="Hunter Enis">Hunter Enis</a> came on in the second half and led a 19-play, 86-yard drive in which the Chargers converted five 3rd downs and one 4th down, Ennis himself running in the game's final touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-79" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-79"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>78<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>As they had in the first game against the Raiders, San Diego rushed for five touchdowns. Lowe carried 11 times for 106 yards and two scores. Kemp completed only five passes out of 17, and Enis 5 out of 16. The Charger defense turned in a dominant performance, with six takeaways, including four interceptions; Gibson had two of them. San Diego allowed only 58 yards of total offense and 2 rushing yards, both still club records as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>.<sup id="cite_ref-80" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-80"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>79<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> After four regular season games against Oakland in two seasons, the Chargers had won each time, by a combined 178–55.<sup id="cite_ref-81" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-81"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>80<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_8:_vs._Denver_Broncos">Week 8: vs. Denver Broncos</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=20" title="Edit section: Week 8: vs. Denver Broncos"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Eight: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Broncos</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>0</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td><td>10</td><td><b>37</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: October 29</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 57%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 32,584</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196110290sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> 16-yard field goal, 7:21. <i>Chargers 3–0. <b>Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> 57-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 10:10. <i>Chargers 10–0.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Chuck_Allen" title="Chuck Allen">Chuck Allen</a> 58-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 8:06. <i>Chargers 17–0.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – George Blair 13-yard field goal, 9:11. <i>Chargers 20–0. <b>Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> 33-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (George Blair kick), 6:04. <i>Chargers 27–0. <b>Drive: 1 play, 28 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – George Blair 42-yard field goal, 11:35. <i>Chargers 30–0. <b>Drive: 4 plays, -13 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a> 34-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Hunter_Enis" title="Hunter Enis">Hunter Enis</a> (George Blair kick), 3:48. <i>Chargers 37–0. <b>Drive: 1 play, 34 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – <a href="/wiki/George_Herring" title="George Herring">George Herring</a> – 6/15, 124 yards, 3 INT</li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 11/28, 162 yards, TD, 4 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – <a href="/wiki/Donnie_Stone" title="Donnie Stone">Donnie Stone</a> – 12 rushes, 42 yards</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a> – 5 rushes, 38 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – Donnie Stone – 7 receptions, 74 yards</li> <li>SDG – Don Norton – 5 receptions, 103 yards, TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>Seven takeaways by the Charger defense were more than enough to overcome five turnovers from the offense, as San Diego shut out the Broncos. Denver was not short of scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, when six of its seven possessions featured snaps in Charger territory. These drives ended in two missed field goals, two turnovers on downs and, most damagingly, two interceptions that were run back for touchdowns on consecutive drives, with Laraba and Allen returning their interceptions 57 and 58 yards, respectively. Kemp had a rough day with four interceptions, but did manage a 33-yard touchdown to Norton in the 3rd quarter as San Diego pulled away. Enis entered the game in the final quarter and threw a 34-yard pass to Lincoln, for Lincoln's first touchdown as a professional.<sup id="cite_ref-82" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-82"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>81<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Allen added a pair of fumble recoveries to his interception-return touchdown. Norton caught 5 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Paid attendance crossed 30,000 for the first time in a Chargers home game.<sup id="cite_ref-83" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-83"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>82<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_9:_vs._New_York_Titans">Week 9: vs. New York Titans</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=21" title="Edit section: Week 9: vs. New York Titans"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Nine: New York Titans at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Titans</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>13</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td> <td>28</td><td>13</td><td><b>48</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: November 5</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 67%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 33,391</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111050sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – <a href="/wiki/Bill_Mathis" title="Bill Mathis">Bill Mathis</a> 5-yard run (<a href="/wiki/Dick_Guesman" title="Dick Guesman">Dick Guesman</a> kick), 3:10. <i>Titans 7–0. <b>Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – <a href="/wiki/Al_Dorow" title="Al Dorow">Al Dorow</a> 1-yard run (kick failed), 4:14. <i>Titans 13–0. <b>Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> 1-yard run (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 0:56. <i>Titans 13–7. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:35. <i>Chargers 14–13. <b>Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 61-yard run (George Blair kick), 9:09. <i>Chargers 21–13. <b>Drive: 1 play, 67 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> 13-yard pass from Jack Kemp (George Blair kick), 2:21. <i>Chargers 28–13. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a> 41-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 0:32. <i>Chargers 35–13.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Hunter_Enis" title="Hunter Enis">Hunter Enis</a> 1-yard run (kick blocked), 7:21. <i>Chargers 41–13. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> 17-yard pass from Hunter Enis (George Blair kick), 1:54. <i>Chargers 48–13. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – Al Dorow – 12/24, 127 yards, 3 INT</li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 8/18, 127 yards, TD, 2 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – Bill Mathis – 16 rushes, 39 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 9 rushes, 110 yards, TD</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>NYT – <a href="/wiki/Art_Powell_(wide_receiver)" title="Art Powell (wide receiver)">Art Powell</a> – 5 receptions, 80 yards</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> – 4 receptions, 71 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>Amidst the now-familiar glut of turnovers, San Diego won another blowout, though they had to overcome a bad start to do it. Kemp threw interceptions on consecutive attempts in the first half, while New York had two long touchdown drives, converting a 4th down in each. Down 13–0, the Chargers responded with a 9-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, a Kemp <a href="/wiki/Quarterback_keeper" title="Quarterback keeper">keeper</a> getting them back in the game 56 seconds before halftime.<sup id="cite_ref-g9_84-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g9-84"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>83<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>It was the first of seven unanswered touchdowns for San Diego. Gibson's 40-yard punt return set up another one-yard Kemp run, then Zemen's interception was followed immediately by Lowe's 67-yard breakaway for another score. Norton added a 13-yard touchdown on the next Charger drive, before McNeil completed a 28-point 3rd quarter with an interception of Dorow and 41-yard touchdown return. With New York continuing to give the ball away in the 4th quarter, Enis came in and rushed for one score before finding Hayes for another.<sup id="cite_ref-g9_84-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g9-84"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>83<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Lowe had 9 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. Allen continued his good form, snagging two of the Chargers' five picks, but broke his ankle while returning the second of these and missed the rest of the season.<sup id="cite_ref-85" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-85"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>84<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> With their nearest rivals, the Dallas Texans, standing at 3–5, San Diego needed only one win from their five remaining games to repeat as division champions.<sup id="cite_ref-86" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-86"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>85<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_10:_at_Denver_Broncos">Week 10: at Denver Broncos</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=22" title="Edit section: Week 10: at Denver Broncos"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>12</td><td>7</td><td><b>19</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Broncos</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td><td>7</td><td><b>16</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Bears_Stadium" class="mw-redirect" title="Bears Stadium">Bears Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/Denver,_Colorado" class="mw-redirect" title="Denver, Colorado">Denver, Colorado</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: November 12</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 36 °F (2.2 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 10 mph, wind chill 29</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 7,859</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111050sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – <a href="/wiki/Fred_Bukaty" title="Fred Bukaty">Fred Bukaty</a> 1-yard run (<a href="/wiki/Jack_Hill_(Canadian_football)" title="Jack Hill (Canadian football)">Jack Hill</a> kick), 4:27. <i>Broncos 7–0. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – Safety, ball snapped through end zone. <i>Broncos 9–0.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a> 91-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (kick aborted), 9:32. <i>Broncos 9–6. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – Dick Harris 30-yard interception return (kick failed), 8:39. <i>Chargers 12–9.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>DEN – <a href="/wiki/Al_Frazier" title="Al Frazier">Al Frazier</a> 87-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Frank_Tripucka" title="Frank Tripucka">Frank Tripucka</a> (Jack Hill kick). <i>Broncos 16–12. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Scarpitto" title="Bob Scarpitto">Bob Scarpitto</a> 16-yard pass from Jack Kemp (<a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> kick), 7:17. <i>Chargers 19–16. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 11/31, 201 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT</li> <li>DEN – Frank Tripucka – 6/15, 124 yards, TD, 5 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Keith Lincoln – 4 rushes, 36 yards</li> <li>DEN – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Ames" class="mw-redirect" title="Dave Ames">Dave Ames</a> – 10 rushes, 62 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Keith Lincoln – 3 receptions, 97 yards, TD</li> <li>DEN – Al Frazier – 5 receptions, 125 yards, TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>The Chargers clinched the AFL West by edging the Broncos in a Denver snowstorm.<sup id="cite_ref-kcach_87-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-kcach-87"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>86<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The Broncos outgained San Diego by 157 yards to 32 in the first half, scoring on 4th and goal from inside the one, and getting a further two points when a long snap went over punter Maguire's head for a safety. Kemp threw an end-zone interception to end the Chargers' best chance before the break.<sup id="cite_ref-den_88-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-den-88"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>87<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Two big plays turned the game in the 3rd quarter. On 3rd and 15 from the Chargers' 9, Lincoln took a Kemp pass 91 yards to set a new team record for longest touchdown from scrimmage; this record would stand for <a href="/wiki/1994_San_Diego_Chargers_season#Week_3:_at_Seattle_Seahawks" title="1994 San Diego Chargers season">33 years</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-89" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-89"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>88<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Bronco's QB <a href="/wiki/Frank_Tripucka" title="Frank Tripucka">Frank Tripucka</a> threw his third interception three plays later. Harris was the beneficiary, returning the ball 30 yards for his third such touchdown of the season. Following these touchdowns, one extra-point attempt was foiled by a bad snap, and the other was missed by Laraba, leaving the score at 12–9. Tripucka managed a long touchdown pass of his own early in the 4th quarter, an 87-yarder to restore Denver's lead. Kemp dropped back to pass on every play of the Chargers' response, getting sacked once but completing 5 of 7 for 74 yards and a touchdown to <a href="/wiki/Bob_Scarpitto" title="Bob Scarpitto">Bob Scarpitto</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-g7_90-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g7-90"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>89<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>A Zeman interception stopped the next Denver drive; the Broncos were then pinned on their own 1, and forced to punt from there after three incompletions. A 20-yard punt return by Gibson set the Chargers up at the Denver 15, but Kocourek's touchdown catch was ruled out by penalty before Kemp threw an interception on 4th down. Starting at their own five with 2:04 on the clock and two timeouts, the Broncos made slow progress, converting a 4th down to stay alive but only getting as far as their 47-yard line, from where Tripucka threw an incomplete pass as time expired.<sup id="cite_ref-g7_90-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g7-90"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>89<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Denver finished with a 358–209 yardage advantage. They had two 100-yard receivers (<a href="/wiki/Al_Frazier" title="Al Frazier">Al Frazier</a> and <a href="/wiki/Lionel_Taylor" title="Lionel Taylor">Lionel Taylor</a>) but Tripucka was intercepted by five different Chargers. Lincoln rushed 4 times for 36 yards, and caught 3 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-den_88-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-den-88"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>87<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_11:_vs._Dallas_Texans">Week 11: vs. Dallas Texans</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=23" title="Edit section: Week 11: vs. Dallas Texans"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Eleven: Dallas Texans at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Texans</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>7</td><td>7</td><td><b>14</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>17</td> <td>0</td><td>7</td><td><b>24</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: November 19</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 67%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 33,788</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196111190sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> 10-yard field goal, 14:53. <i>Chargers 3–0. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> 61-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (George Blair kick), 11:26. <i>Chargers 10–0. <b>Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards.</b></i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Laraba" title="Bob Laraba">Bob Laraba</a> 61-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 4:41. <i>Chargers 17–0.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Cotton_Davidson" title="Cotton Davidson">Cotton Davidson</a> 1-yard run (Cotton Davidson kick), 11:06. <i>Chargers 17–7. <b>Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bob_Scarpitto" title="Bob Scarpitto">Bob Scarpitto</a> 53-yard pass from Jack Kemp (George Blair kick), 12:06. <i>Chargers 24–7. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards.</b></i></li> <li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Johnny_Robinson_(safety)" title="Johnny Robinson (safety)">Johnny Robinson</a> 34-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Cotton Davidson kick), 1:54. <i>Chargers 24–14. <b>Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>DAL – Cotton Davidson – 14/33, 165 yards, TD, 3 INT</li> <li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 15/27, 357 yards, 2 TD, INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>DAL – <a href="/wiki/Abner_Haynes" title="Abner Haynes">Abner Haynes</a> – 12 rushes, 76 yards</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a> – 6 rushes, 24 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>DAL – Johnny Robinson – 3 receptions, 53 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – Dave Kocourek – 7 receptions, 169 yards, TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>Kemp completed several long passes as the Chargers won their 15th consecutive regular-season game, still a club record as of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>.<sup id="cite_ref-91" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-91"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>90<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> After Blair missed from 39 yards on the game's opening possession, Norton's 34-yard catch set up another chance, which Blair converted. The Texans went <a href="/wiki/Three-and-out" class="mw-redirect" title="Three-and-out">three-and-out</a>, and on the next play Kocourek took a <a href="/wiki/Screen_pass" title="Screen pass">screen pass</a> 61 yards for a touchdown, benefitting from <a href="/wiki/Sherman_Plunkett" title="Sherman Plunkett">Sherman Plunkett</a>'s key downfield block. Later in the quarter, Laraba picked off a Davidson pass and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown and 17–0 lead. It was San Diego's fourth consecutive game with at least one interception-return touchdown.<sup id="cite_ref-g11_92-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g11-92"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>91<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Davidson scored on a keeper on the first drive of the second half. Kemp found Norton for 42 yards in response, but fumbled on the next play, and Dallas recovered. The Chargers had turnovers on their next two drives as well, but the defense kept Dallas from converting the errors into points. A Zeman interception early in the 4th quarter was followed three plays later by Scarpitto's 53-yard touchdown catch, and the Chargers weren't troubled again.<sup id="cite_ref-g11_92-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-g11-92"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>91<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Kemp was 15 of 27 for 357 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Kocourek caught 7 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, while Norton had 6 catches for 120 yards. The crowd was the largest in San Diego sports history up to that point.<sup id="cite_ref-93" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-93"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>92<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_13:_at_Houston_Oilers">Week 13: at Houston Oilers</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=24" title="Edit section: Week 13: at Houston Oilers"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>6</td><td><b>13</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Oilers</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td><td>0</td><td><b>33</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Jeppesen_Stadium" class="mw-redirect" title="Jeppesen Stadium">Jeppesen Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/Houston,_Texas" class="mw-redirect" title="Houston, Texas">Houston, Texas</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: December 3</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 62 °F (16.7 °C), relative humidity 83%, wind 9 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 37,845</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112030oti.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a> 10-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 7:45. <i>Chargers 7–0. <b>Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Bob_McLeod_(American_football)" title="Bob McLeod (American football)">Bob McLeod</a> 17-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/George_Blanda" title="George Blanda">George Blanda</a> (kick failed), 5:22. <i>Chargers 7–6. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Charley_Hennigan" class="mw-redirect" title="Charley Hennigan">Charley Hennigan</a> 31-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 0:00. <i>Oilers 13–7. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – George Blanda 55-yard field goal, 9:49. <i>Oilers 16–7. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – George Blanda 23-yard field goal, 2:11. <i>Oilers 19–7. <b>Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – Charley Hennigan 14-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 4:35. <i>Oilers 26–7. <b>Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards.</b></i></li> <li>HOU – Charley Hennigan 32-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 2:34. <i>Oilers 33–7. <b>Drive: 1 play, 32 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Don Norton 4-yard pass from Jack Kemp (run failed), 10:58. <i>Oilers 33–13. <b>Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 22/39, 242 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT</li> <li>HOU – George Blanda – 20/33, 351 yards, 4 TD, INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> – 9 rushes, 20 yards</li> <li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Charley_Tolar" class="mw-redirect" title="Charley Tolar">Charley Tolar</a> – 12 rushes, 56 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Don Norton – 6 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TD</li> <li>HOU – Charley Hennigan – 10 receptions, 214 yards, 3 TD</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>San Diego came out of their bye week looking to complete an unbeaten season, but the Oilers were on a winning streak of their own (<a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">six in a row</a>), and needed the win to stay a game clear in the AFL East;<sup id="cite_ref-94" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-94"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>93<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> led by four Blanda touchdowns, Houston won easily.<sup id="cite_ref-95" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-95"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>94<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Hudson got San Diego off to a good start; he recovered a fumble at the Oiler 12, and Norton scored two plays later. The Charger offense sputtered from there, only crossing midfield twice in their next ten possessions, while Blanda took charge. The Oilers' kicker/quarterback threw two touchdowns in the 1st quarter and two more in the 3rd. In between, he made a pair of field goals, including a 55-yarder; this would stand as the longest in the 10-season run of the AFL.<sup id="cite_ref-96" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-96"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>95<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> By the time Kemp and Norton combined for another score, the game was long since out of reach.<sup id="cite_ref-97" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-97"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>96<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Norton caught 6 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, but was overshadowed by Oiler receiver <a href="/wiki/Charley_Hennigan" class="mw-redirect" title="Charley Hennigan">Charley Hennigan</a>, whose 10 catches for 214 yards and three scores made him the first player to post a 200-yard game against the Chargers.<sup id="cite_ref-98" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-98"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>97<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Blanda was 20 of 33 for 351 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. The solitary interception marked the only time all season the Chargers failed to claim two or more.<sup id="cite_ref-team_50-3" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-team-50"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>50<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_14:_vs._Buffalo_Bills">Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=25" title="Edit section: Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Fourteen: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Bills</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>10</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>14</td> <td>14</td><td>0</td><td><b>28</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: December 10</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 62%, wind 10 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 24,486</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112100sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Bill_Shockley" title="Bill Shockley">Bill Shockley</a> 20-yard field goal, 10:23. <i>Bills 3–0. <b>Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BUF – <a href="/w/index.php?title=Don_McDonald&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Don McDonald (page does not exist)">Don McDonald</a> 24-yard fumble return (<a href="/wiki/Billy_Atkins_(American_football)" title="Billy Atkins (American football)">Billy Atkins</a> kick), 4:40. <i>Bills 10–0.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Keith_Lincoln" title="Keith Lincoln">Keith Lincoln</a> 57-yard punt return (<a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> kick), 14:42. <i>Bills 10–7.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bill_Hudson_(American_football)" title="Bill Hudson (American football)">Bill Hudson</a> 5-yard interception return (George Blair kick), 1:50. <i>Chargers 14–10.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> 4-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:18. <i>Chargers 21–10.</i></li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> 76-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> (George Blair kick), 2:08. <i>Chargers 28–10. <b>Drive: 2 plays, 79 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Jack Kemp – 11/21, 213 yards, TD, 2 INT</li> <li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Johnny_Green_(gridiron_football)" title="Johnny Green (gridiron football)">Johnny Green</a> – 11/25, 152 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Paul Lowe – 14 rushes, 57 yards, TD</li> <li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Art_Baker_(gridiron_football)" title="Art Baker (gridiron football)">Art Baker</a> – 31 rushes, 117 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – Dave Kocourek – 3 receptions, 175 yards, TD</li> <li>BUF – <a href="/wiki/Elbert_Dubenion" title="Elbert Dubenion">Elbert Dubenion</a> – 3 receptions, 69 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>The Chargers' 10th and 11th return touchdowns of the season saw them win despite gaining only seven first downs. After a Buffalo field goal, the Bill's defense accounted for the game's first touchdown, returning a Kemp fumble 24 yards for a 10–0 lead. San Diego struck back at the start of the 2nd quarter when Lincoln raced 57 yards down the right sideline for the first punt-return touchdown in franchise history.<sup id="cite_ref-99" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-99"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>98<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Shortly before halftime, Faison deflected a pass which Hudson then intercepted and returned 5 yards for a touchdown, putting the Chargers ahead to stay. In the second half, Lowe's short run and Kocourek's long reception completed the scoring. Buffalo reached the Charger 1-yard line twice in the final quarter, but turned the ball over on downs each time.<sup id="cite_ref-100" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-100"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>99<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Kocourek finished with 175 yards and a touchdown from just 3 catches.<sup id="cite_ref-101" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-101"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>100<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="Week_15:_vs._Boston_Patriots">Week 15: vs. Boston Patriots</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=26" title="Edit section: Week 15: vs. Boston Patriots"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Patriots</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td><td>7</td><td><b>41</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>0</td><td><b>0</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: December 17</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 80%, wind 7 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 21,339</li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112170sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Gino_Cappelletti" title="Gino Cappelletti">Gino Cappelletti</a> 40-yard field goal, 2:54. <i>Patriots 3–0. <b>Drive: 14 plays, 47 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Jim_Colclough" title="Jim Colclough">Jim Colclough</a> 33-yard pass from <a href="/wiki/Babe_Parilli" title="Babe Parilli">Babe Parilli</a> (Gino Cappelletti kick), 0:29. <i>Patriots 10–0. <b>Drive: 1 play, 33 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Don_Webb_(American_football)" title="Don Webb (American football)">Don Webb</a> 31-yard interception return (Gino Cappelletti kick), 0:00. <i>Patriots 17–0.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – <a href="/wiki/Billy_Lott" title="Billy Lott">Billy Lott</a> 5-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 7:01. <i>Patriots 24–0. <b>Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards.</b></i></li> <li>BOS – Gino Cappelletti 38-yard field goal, 0:42. <i>Patriots 27–0. <b>Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – Gino Cappelletti 7-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 2:36. <i>Patriots 34–0. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – Don Webb 20-yard blocked punt return (Gino Cappelletti kick), 2:29. <i>Patriots 41–0.</i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – Babe Parilli – 9/20, 178 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> – 9/26, 163 yards, 4 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – Billy Lott – 20 rushes, 94 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Paul_Lowe" title="Paul Lowe">Paul Lowe</a> – 7 rushes, 21 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>BOS – Gino Cappelletti – 4 receptions, 88 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Luther_Hayes" title="Luther Hayes">Luther Hayes</a> – 3 receptions, 100 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>Most of San Diego's starters played a major part in the final regular-season game, but they were nonetheless routed at home by a Boston side who had started the day still competing for a place in the AFL title game (Houston's win in Oakland would keep them out, and prevent a playoff for the division title).<sup id="cite_ref-102" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-102"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>101<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The Chargers crossed midfield only three times in fifteen possessions, with their best penetration being the Boston 31; they already trailed 24–0 at that point, and the drive ended when Kemp threw the third of his four interceptions. <a href="/wiki/Don_Webb_(American_football)" title="Don Webb (American football)">Don Webb</a> scored with both an interception return and a blocked punt return, and the Patriots exceeded the 35–0 margin of their <a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season#Week_5:_vs._Boston_Patriots" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">previous road win</a> over the Chargers. </p><p>Despite the one-sided defeat, Hayes caught 3 passes for 100 yards, while Harris and Zeman added to San Diego's record-setting interceptions haul.<sup id="cite_ref-103" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-103"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>102<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Standings">Standings</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=27" title="Edit section: Standings"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"> <tbody><tr> <th colspan="10" style="background-color: #D0E7FF;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"><a href="/wiki/American_Football_League" title="American Football League">AFL Western Division</a> </th></tr> <tr> <th width="150"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239400231">.mw-parser-output .navbar{display:inline;font-size:88%;font-weight:normal}.mw-parser-output .navbar-collapse{float:left;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output .navbar-boxtext{word-spacing:0}.mw-parser-output .navbar ul{display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;line-height:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::before{margin-right:-0.125em;content:"[ "}.mw-parser-output .navbar-brackets::after{margin-left:-0.125em;content:" ]"}.mw-parser-output .navbar li{word-spacing:-0.125em}.mw-parser-output .navbar a>span,.mw-parser-output .navbar a>abbr{text-decoration:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-mini abbr{font-variant:small-caps;border-bottom:none;text-decoration:none;cursor:inherit}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-full{font-size:114%;margin:0 7em}.mw-parser-output .navbar-ct-mini{font-size:114%;margin:0 4em}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .navbar li a abbr{color:var(--color-base)!important}@media(prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .navbar li a abbr{color:var(--color-base)!important}}@media print{.mw-parser-output .navbar{display:none!important}}</style><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:1961_AFL_Western_standings" title="Template:1961 AFL Western standings"><span title="View this template">view</span></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:1961_AFL_Western_standings" title="Template talk:1961 AFL Western standings"><span title="Discuss this template">talk</span></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:1961_AFL_Western_standings" title="Special:EditPage/Template:1961 AFL Western standings"><span title="Edit this template">edit</span></a></li></ul></div> </th> <th width="25"><abbr title="Wins">W</abbr> </th> <th width="25"><abbr title="Losses">L</abbr> </th> <th width="25"><abbr title="Ties">T</abbr> </th> <th width="30"><abbr title="Winning percentage">PCT</abbr> </th> <th width="30"><abbr title="Win–Loss record within their division">DIV</abbr> </th> <th width="30"><abbr title="Points For (Total points scored)">PF</abbr> </th> <th width="30"><abbr title="Points Against (Total points allowed)">PA</abbr> </th> <th width="30"><abbr title="Current Winning or Losing Streak">STK</abbr> </th></tr> <tr style="background:#cfc;"> <td style="text-align:left;"><a class="mw-selflink selflink">San Diego Chargers</a> </td> <td>12</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>.857</td> <td>6–0</td> <td>396</td> <td>219</td> <td>L1 </td></tr> <tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Dallas_Texans_season" title="1961 Dallas Texans season">Dallas Texans</a> </td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>.429</td> <td>4–2</td> <td>334</td> <td>343</td> <td>W2 </td></tr> <tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Denver_Broncos_season" title="1961 Denver Broncos season">Denver Broncos</a> </td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>0</td> <td>.214</td> <td>1–5</td> <td>251</td> <td>432</td> <td>L7 </td></tr> <tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland Raiders</a> </td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>0</td> <td>.143</td> <td>1–5</td> <td>237</td> <td>458</td> <td>L6 </td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Note:</b> Tie games were not officially counted in the standings in the AFL. </p><div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Playoffs">Playoffs</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=28" title="Edit section: Playoffs"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <table class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"> <tbody><tr> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Round </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Date </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Opponent </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Result </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Venue </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Attendance </th> <th style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;">Recap </th></tr> <tr style="background:#fcc"> <th><a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1961 American Football League Championship Game">Championship</a> </th> <td>December 24, 1961 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston Oilers</a> </td> <td><b>L</b> 3–10 </td> <td><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a> </td> <td>29,556 </td> <td><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112240sdg.htm">Recap</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Game_summary">Game summary</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=29" title="Edit section: Game summary"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading4"><h4 id="AFL_championship_game:_vs._Houston_Oilers">AFL championship game: vs. Houston Oilers</h4><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=30" title="Edit section: AFL championship game: vs. Houston Oilers"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236090951"><div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Further information: <a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1961 American Football League Championship Game">1961 American Football League Championship Game</a></div> <div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin:auto;"> <div style="width: 100%;"> <div style="background-color: #4278B8 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #F1D022, inset -2px -2px 0 #F1D022;;text-align:center;"><b>AFL championship game: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary</b></div> <table class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; margin-left:1em; float:right"> <tbody><tr style="text-align:center;"> <th>Quarter</th> <th width="25">1</th> <th width="25">2</th> <th width="25">3</th><th width="25">4</th><th width="25">Total</th> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Oilers</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td><td>0</td><td><b>10</b></td> </tr><tr style="text-align:center;"> <td style="text-align:left">Chargers</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td><td>3</td><td><b>3</b></td> </tr></tbody></table> <p><i>at <a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a>, <a href="/wiki/San_Diego,_California" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego, California">San Diego, California</a></i> </p> <ul><li><b>Date</b>: December 24</li><li><b>Game weather</b>: 53 °F (12 °C), relative humidity 77%, wind 6 mph</li><li><b>Game attendance</b>: 29,556</li><li><b>TV announcers (<a href="/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC" title="ESPN on ABC">ABC</a>)</b>: <a href="/wiki/Jack_Buck" title="Jack Buck">Jack Buck</a>, <a href="/wiki/George_Ratterman" title="George Ratterman">George Ratterman</a> and <a href="/wiki/Bob_Neal_(Cleveland_sportscaster)" title="Bob Neal (Cleveland sportscaster)">Bob Neal</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112240sdg.htm">Box score</a></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;" class=""></div> </div> <table class="mw-collapsible autocollapse" style="width: 100%"> <tbody><tr> <th>Game information </th></tr> <tr> <td style="padding-left: 0.5em;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1216972533"><div> <table class="col-begin" role="presentation"> <tbody><tr> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>First quarter</b> </p> <ul><li><i>No scoring plays.</i></li></ul> <p><b>Second quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/George_Blanda" title="George Blanda">George Blanda</a> 46-yard field goal, 6:54. <i>Oilers 3–0. <b>Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Third quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Billy_Cannon" title="Billy Cannon">Billy Cannon</a> 35-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 3:21. <i>Oilers 10–0. <b>Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards.</b></i></li></ul> <p><b>Fourth quarter</b> </p> <ul><li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a> 12-yard field goal, 14:21. <i>Oilers 10–3. <b>Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards.</b></i></li></ul> </td> <td class="col-break col-break-2"> <p><b>Top passers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – George Blanda – 18/40, 160 yards, TD, 5 INT</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> – 17/32, 226 yards, 4 INT</li></ul> <p><b>Top rushers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – <a href="/wiki/Charley_Tolar" class="mw-redirect" title="Charley Tolar">Charley Tolar</a> – 16 rushes, 52 yards</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Bo_Roberson" title="Bo Roberson">Bo Roberson</a> – 8 rushes, 37 yards</li></ul> <p><b>Top receivers</b> </p> <ul><li>HOU – Billy Cannon – 5 receptions, 53 yards, TD</li> <li>SDG – <a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a> – 7 receptions, 123 yards</li></ul> <p>  </p> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div> <p>San Diego met the Eastern Division-winning Houston Oilers (10–3–1) to decide the 1961 AFL title, in a rematch of the <a href="/wiki/1960_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1960 American Football League Championship Game">1960 championship game</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-104" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-104"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>103<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Houston repeated as AFL Champions, edging a defensive battle that saw a combined 13 turnovers. Kemp lost a fumble in his own half on the Chargers' third play from scrimmage, but Whitehead soon got the ball back with an interception. Kocourek's 40-yard catch on the following play had the Chargers threatening to open the scoring, but Kemp threw an end zone interception. Kemp continued to struggle on the next Charger drive, again fumbling in his own territory. Houston reached the Chargers' 16 yard line, where they lined up for a field goal attempt that was ruined by a bad snap; the ball ran behind the <a href="/wiki/Holder_(gridiron_football)" title="Holder (gridiron football)">holder</a>, and was eventually covered by <a href="/wiki/Maury_Schleicher" title="Maury Schleicher">Maury Schleicher</a> at the Charger 43. Houston reached the San Diego 22 on their next drive, but Blanda was intercepted by McNeil in the end zone. Soon afterwards, Maguire sliced a punt off the edge of his foot, and it travelled only 9 yards to his own 46. Houston failed to advance the ball, but Blanda's 46-yard field goal was good to open the scoring. Kemp committed his fourth turnover of the half on the next drive when he threw his second interception; Houston receiver <a href="/wiki/Bill_Groman" title="Bill Groman">Bill Groman</a> tried a pass on the next play, but that too was intercepted, by Zeman. The Chargers then drove from their own 35 to the Houston 37, but Blair missed a 44-yard field goal and the score at halftime was 3–0 to the Oilers.<sup id="cite_ref-acg_105-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-acg-105"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>104<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>The turnovers continued in the 3rd quarter, with a deep pass from Kemp being intercepted on the second play. The Oilers drove from their own 22 to the Charger 12, where Blanda again threw an end zone interception, this time to Zeman. Houston did find the end zone on their next possession, converting a 4th and inches during an 80-yard drive that ended with Blanda's 35-yard touchdown pass to <a href="/wiki/Billy_Cannon" title="Billy Cannon">Billy Cannon</a>. Blanda was intercepted by McNeil on the next Oiler drive, and Norton's 28-yard catch put San Diego in position for Blair's 12-yard field goal, reducing the deficit to seven points early in the final quarter. Zeman intercepted a deep pass at his own 2 on the next possession, before both teams punted twice, and San Diego began their final possession on their own 37 yard line. An 8-yard Kemp completion, a 5-yard Roberson run and a13-yard pass interference penalty moved the ball to the Houston 37, from where Kemp threw his fourth interception, and Houston ran out the clock.<sup id="cite_ref-acg_105-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-acg-105"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>104<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>Whitehead, McNeil and Zeman had two interceptions each. Kemp completed 17 of 32 passes for 226 yards, accounting for all six Charger turnovers with four interceptions and two lost fumbles. Kocourek caught 7 passes for 123 yards. As of 2022<sup class="plainlinks noexcerpt noprint asof-tag update" style="display:none;"><a class="external text" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit">[update]</a></sup>, the ten combined interceptions by the two teams are tied for the most in any playoff game,<sup id="cite_ref-106" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-106"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>105<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> while the Chargers' six interceptions are the most by a team who lost a playoff game.<sup id="cite_ref-107" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-107"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>106<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p><p>The game was marred by a scuffle at the final whistle, with Zeman knocking field judge Johnny Morrow to the ground as Gillman argued with the official about his performance during the game.<sup id="cite_ref-108" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-108"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>107<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-109" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-109"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>108<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Awards">Awards</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=31" title="Edit section: Awards"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="Internal">Internal</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=32" title="Edit section: Internal"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <p>Between the final regular season game and the AFL championship game, the Chargers held their first annual awards banquet.<sup id="cite_ref-110" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-110"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>109<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Kemp won $500 as the team MVP; though Allen had broken his ankle during the week 9 victory over New York and missed the rest of the season, he was still honored with two awards. He had claimed five interceptions before the injury.<sup id="cite_ref-chuck_26-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-chuck-26"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>26<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <table class="wikitable"> <tbody><tr> <th>Award</th> <th>Winner </th></tr> <tr> <td>Team MVP</td> <td><a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td>Most Inspirational Player</td> <td><a href="/wiki/Chuck_Allen" title="Chuck Allen">Chuck Allen</a> </td></tr> <tr> <td>Rookie of the Year</td> <td>Chuck Allen </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading3"><h3 id="External">External</h3><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=33" title="Edit section: External"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <p>Eleven Chargers were named to the Western Division's team for the <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_All-Star_game" title="American Football League All-Star game">AFL All-Star game</a>, and six to the <a href="/wiki/Associated_Press" title="Associated Press">Associated Press</a> <a href="/wiki/1961_All-AFL_Team" title="1961 All-AFL Team">1961 All-AFL Team</a>, with four receiving both honors.<sup id="cite_ref-111" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-111"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>110<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-112" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-112"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>111<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In addition, Faison won both the AP and <a href="/wiki/UPI" class="mw-redirect" title="UPI">UPI</a> awards as <a href="/wiki/National_Football_League_Rookie_of_the_Year_Award#AFL_winners_(1960–1969)" class="mw-redirect" title="National Football League Rookie of the Year Award">Rookie of the Year</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-113" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-113"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>112<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> </p> <table class="wikitable"> <tbody><tr> <th>Player</th> <th>Position</th> <th>All-Star</th> <th>All-Pro </th></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/George_Blair_(American_football)" title="George Blair (American football)">George Blair</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Defensive_back" title="Defensive back">Defensive back</a> / <a href="/wiki/Placekicker" title="Placekicker">Kicker</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Earl_Faison" title="Earl Faison">Earl Faison</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Defensive_end" title="Defensive end">Defensive end</a></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Dick_Harris_(cornerback)" title="Dick Harris (cornerback)">Dick Harris</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Cornerback" title="Cornerback">Cornerback</a></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Bill_Hudson_(American_football)" title="Bill Hudson (American football)">Bill Hudson</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Defensive_tackle" title="Defensive tackle">Defensive tackle</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Emil_Karas" title="Emil Karas">Emil Karas</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Linebacker" title="Linebacker">Linebacker</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Ernie_Ladd" title="Ernie Ladd">Ernie Ladd</a></td> <td>Defensive tackle</td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Jack_Kemp" title="Jack Kemp">Jack Kemp</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Quarterback" title="Quarterback">Quarterback</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Dave_Kocourek" title="Dave Kocourek">Dave Kocourek</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Wide_receiver#Types" title="Wide receiver">Flanker</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Charlie_McNeil_(American_football)" title="Charlie McNeil (American football)">Charlie McNeil</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Safety_(gridiron_football_position)" title="Safety (gridiron football position)">Safety</a></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Ron_Mix" title="Ron Mix">Ron Mix</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/Tackle_(gridiron_football_position)" title="Tackle (gridiron football position)">Tackle</a></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Ron_Nery" title="Ron Nery">Ron Nery</a></td> <td>Defensive end</td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span></td> <td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Don_Norton" title="Don Norton">Don Norton</a></td> <td><a href="/wiki/End_(gridiron_football)" title="End (gridiron football)">End</a></td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/wiki/Ernie_Wright" title="Ernie Wright">Ernie Wright</a></td> <td>Tackle</td> <td></td> <td data-sort-value="Yes" style="background: #DFD; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;" class="table-yes2"><span typeof="mw:File"><span title="Yes"><img alt="Yes" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/13px-Check-green.svg.png" decoding="async" width="13" height="13" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/20px-Check-green.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Check-green.svg/26px-Check-green.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="512" /></span></span> </td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Notes">Notes</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=34" title="Edit section: Notes"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1239543626">.mw-parser-output .reflist{margin-bottom:0.5em;list-style-type:decimal}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .reflist{font-size:90%}}.mw-parser-output .reflist .references{font-size:100%;margin-bottom:0;list-style-type:inherit}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:25em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns{margin-top:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns ol{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns li{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-alpha{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-roman{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-alpha{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-greek{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-roman{list-style-type:lower-roman}</style><div class="reflist reflist-columns references-column-width reflist-lower-alpha" style="column-width: 60em;"> <ol class="references"> <li id="cite_note-59"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-59">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text">The NFL did not keep sack statistics officially until 1982. Members of the <a href="/wiki/Professional_Football_Researchers_Association" title="Professional Football Researchers Association">Professional Football Researchers Association</a> have largely reconstructed sack data from 1960 onwards based on official gamebooks, but the NFL does not acknowledge pre-1982 sack numbers.<sup id="cite_ref-58" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-58"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>58<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup></span> </li> </ol></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="References">References</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=35" title="Edit section: References"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239543626"><div class="reflist"> <div class="mw-references-wrap mw-references-columns"><ol class="references"> <li id="cite_note-klsdt-1"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-klsdt_1-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1238218222">.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free.id-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited.id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration.id-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription.id-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-size:contain;padding:0 1em 0 0}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#085;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}</style><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wm0xAAAAIBAJ&sjid=G2wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5186%2C3084250">"Kemp leads San Diego to AFL Western title"</a>. <i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</i>. Associated Press. November 13, 1961. p. 19.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Pittsburgh+Post-Gazette&rft.atitle=Kemp+leads+San+Diego+to+AFL+Western+title&rft.pages=19&rft.date=1961-11-13&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnewspapers%3Fid%3Dwm0xAAAAIBAJ%26sjid%3DG2wDAAAAIBAJ%26pg%3D5186%252C3084250&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-2"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-2">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFWhorton1960" class="citation news cs1">Whorton, Cal (August 8, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76213648/titans-7-27-chargers-8th-aug-60/">"Houston Next hurdle for Chargers"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times" title="Los Angeles Times">Los Angeles Times</a></i>. p. IV-3. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210429095408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76213648/titans-7-27-chargers-8th-aug-60/">Archived</a> from the original on April 29, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Houston+Next+hurdle+for+Chargers&rft.pages=IV-3&rft.date=1960-08-08&rft.aulast=Whorton&rft.aufirst=Cal&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76213648%2Ftitans-7-27-chargers-8th-aug-60%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-3"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-3">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFWhorton1960" class="citation news cs1">Whorton, Cal (August 13, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76222281/oilers-13-22-chargers-13th-august/">"Vacancy Sign Makes Hilton Wince as Chargers Win Second Straight"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. II-3. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210428233755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76222281/oilers-13-22-chargers-13th-august/">Archived</a> from the original on April 28, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Vacancy+Sign+Makes+Hilton+Wince+as+Chargers+Win+Second+Straight&rft.pages=II-3&rft.date=1960-08-13&rft.aulast=Whorton&rft.aufirst=Cal&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76222281%2Foilers-13-22-chargers-13th-august%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-4"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-4">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDyer1960" class="citation news cs1">Dyer, Braven (September 11, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76877510/chargers-21-20-dallas-11-sep-1960/">"17,724 See Dallas Lose at Coliseum"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. H1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210505041913/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76877510/chargers-21-20-dallas-11-sep-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 5, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=17%2C724+See+Dallas+Lose+at+Coliseum&rft.pages=H1&rft.date=1960-09-11&rft.aulast=Dyer&rft.aufirst=Braven&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76877510%2Fchargers-21-20-dallas-11-sep-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-5"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-5">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDyer1960" class="citation news cs1">Dyer, Braven (November 14, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76217541/oilers-21-24-chargers-14-nov-1960/">"Chargers outlast Oilers, 24 to 21"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. IV-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210505042644/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76217541/oilers-21-24-chargers-14-nov-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 5, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+outlast+Oilers%2C+24+to+21&rft.pages=IV-1&rft.date=1960-11-14&rft.aulast=Dyer&rft.aufirst=Braven&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76217541%2Foilers-21-24-chargers-14-nov-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-6"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-6">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFDyer1960" class="citation news cs1">Dyer, Braven (December 11, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76898438/chargers-41-33-broncos-11-dec-1960/">"Chargers Tame Broncs, Cinch Title"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. H-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210503144417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76898438/chargers-41-33-broncos-11-dec-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 3, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+Tame+Broncs%2C+Cinch+Title&rft.pages=H-1&rft.date=1960-12-11&rft.aulast=Dyer&rft.aufirst=Braven&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76898438%2Fchargers-41-33-broncos-11-dec-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-att-7"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-att_7-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-att_7-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFZimmerman1960" class="citation news cs1">Zimmerman, Paul (December 20, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76220270/financial-struggles-20th-dec-1960/">"TV Pact Is Key to AFL Future"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. IV-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210518231107/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76220270/financial-struggles-20th-dec-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 18, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=TV+Pact+Is+Key+to+AFL+Future&rft.pages=IV-1&rft.date=1960-12-20&rft.aulast=Zimmerman&rft.aufirst=Paul&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F76220270%2Ffinancial-struggles-20th-dec-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-8"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-8">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFOates1985" class="citation news cs1">Oates, Bob (September 17, 1985). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17218818/la-times-1985-09-17-p46-chargers-history/">"They Were Once... Known as the L. A. Chargers"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. pp. III-1, III-7. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210518232206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17218818/la-times-1985-09-17-p46-chargers-history/">Archived</a> from the original on May 18, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=They+Were+Once...+Known+as+the+L.+A.+Chargers&rft.pages=III-1%2C+III-7&rft.date=1985-09-17&rft.aulast=Oates&rft.aufirst=Bob&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F17218818%2Fla-times-1985-09-17-p46-chargers-history%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-move-9"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-move_9-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-move_9-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77991547/chargers-switch-25-jan-1961/">"Hurdle Cleared in Charger Move to SD"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Daily_Times-Advocate" title="Daily Times-Advocate">Escondido Times-Advocate</a></i>. <a href="/wiki/United_Press_International" title="United Press International">UPI</a>. January 25, 1961. p. 14. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225326/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77991547/chargers-switch-25-jan-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Hurdle+Cleared+in+Charger+Move+to+SD&rft.pages=14&rft.date=1961-01-25&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77991547%2Fchargers-switch-25-jan-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-10"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-10">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77933592/san-diego-seeks-team-20-dec-1960/">"San Diego seeks AFL club in 1961"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. December 20, 1960. p. IV-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77933592/san-diego-seeks-team-20-dec-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=San+Diego+seeks+AFL+club+in+1961&rft.pages=IV-2&rft.date=1960-12-20&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77933592%2Fsan-diego-seeks-team-20-dec-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-11"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-11">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77873149/san-diego-rumoured-21-dec-1960/">"San Diego may land Chargers"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Mirror</i>. <a href="/wiki/Associated_Press" title="Associated Press">AP</a>. December 21, 1960. p. 3-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77873149/san-diego-rumoured-21-dec-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Mirror&rft.atitle=San+Diego+may+land+Chargers&rft.pages=3-1&rft.date=1960-12-21&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77873149%2Fsan-diego-rumoured-21-dec-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-owner-12"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-owner_12-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-owner_12-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eagzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iu4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=2522%2C421083">"Hilton likes the setup in San Diego"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Lodi_News-Sentinel" title="Lodi News-Sentinel">Lodi News-Sentinel</a></i>. UPI. January 7, 1961. p. 9. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225321/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eagzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iu4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=2522,421083">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Lodi+News-Sentinel&rft.atitle=Hilton+likes+the+setup+in+San+Diego&rft.pages=9&rft.date=1961-01-07&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnewspapers%3Fid%3DeagzAAAAIBAJ%26sjid%3Diu4HAAAAIBAJ%26pg%3D2522%252C421083&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-13"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-13">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFNorcross2014" class="citation news cs1">Norcross, Don (September 6, 2014). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/the-52/sdut-the-52-jack-murphy-2014sep26-story.html">"Murphy a Jack of all Trades"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Union-Tribune" class="mw-redirect" title="San Diego Union-Tribune">San Diego Union-Tribune</a></i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225326/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/the-52/sdut-the-52-jack-murphy-2014sep26-story.html">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 19,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=San+Diego+Union-Tribune&rft.atitle=Murphy+a+Jack+of+all+Trades&rft.date=2014-09-06&rft.aulast=Norcross&rft.aufirst=Don&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandiegouniontribune.com%2Fsports%2Fthe-52%2Fsdut-the-52-jack-murphy-2014sep26-story.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-14"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-14">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77990645/advanced-tickets-20-jan-1961/">"AFL Not About to Die, Says Loop President"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. January 20, 1961. p. 11. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225328/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77990645/advanced-tickets-20-jan-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=AFL+Not+About+to+Die%2C+Says+Loop+President&rft.pages=11&rft.date=1961-01-20&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77990645%2Fadvanced-tickets-20-jan-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-15"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-15">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/stadiums/balboa-stadium/">"Balboa Stadium"</a>. <i>stadiumsofprofootball.com</i>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stadiumsofprofootball.com&rft.atitle=Balboa+Stadium&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stadiumsofprofootball.com%2Fstadiums%2Fbalboa-stadium%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-16"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-16">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77991296/san-diego-official-11-feb-1961/">"San Diego Officially Owns Charger Eleven"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. February 11, 1961. p. 8. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225322/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77991296/san-diego-official-11-feb-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 19, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=San+Diego+Officially+Owns+Charger+Eleven&rft.pages=8&rft.date=1961-02-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77991296%2Fsan-diego-official-11-feb-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-17"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-17">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFPhillips" class="citation web cs1">Phillips, Robert. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballhof.com/news/the-afl-s-first-draft/">"The AFL's first draft"</a>. <i>Pro Football Hall of Fame</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210422225315/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/the-afl-s-first-draft/">Archived</a> from the original on April 22, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 13,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Pro+Football+Hall+of+Fame&rft.atitle=The+AFL%27s+first+draft&rft.aulast=Phillips&rft.aufirst=Robert&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballhof.com%2Fnews%2Fthe-afl-s-first-draft%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-18"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-18">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFPhillips" class="citation web cs1">Phillips, Robert. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.remembertheafl.com/1961AFLDraft.html">"AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DRAFT - 1961"</a>. <i>Remember the AFL</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200110014229/http://www.remembertheafl.com/1961AFLDraft.html">Archived</a> from the original on January 10, 2020<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Remember+the+AFL&rft.atitle=AMERICAN+FOOTBALL+LEAGUE+DRAFT+-+1961&rft.aulast=Phillips&rft.aufirst=Robert&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.remembertheafl.com%2F1961AFLDraft.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-19"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-19">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/earl-faison-december-23-1999/">"Earl Faison - December 23, 1999"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521173617/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/earl-faison-december-23-1999/">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Earl+Faison+-+December+23%2C+1999&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fafl-interviews%2Fearl-faison-december-23-1999%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-20"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-20">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FaisEa00.htm">"Earl Faison Stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210730203007/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FaisEa00.htm">Archived</a> from the original on July 30, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Earl+Faison+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FF%2FFaisEa00.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-21"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-21">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/keith-lincoln-november-9-1999/">"Keith Lincoln - November 9, 1999"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521184357/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/keith-lincoln-november-9-1999/">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Keith+Lincoln+-+November+9%2C+1999&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fkeith-lincoln-november-9-1999%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-22"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-22">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LincKe00.htm">"Keith Lincoln Stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522201812/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LincKe00.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Keith+Lincoln+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FL%2FLincKe00.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-23"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-23">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LaddEr00.htm">"Ernie Ladd Stats"</a>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210730202956/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LaddEr00.htm">Archived</a> from the original on July 30, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=Ernie+Ladd+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FL%2FLaddEr00.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-24"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-24">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitBu22.htm">"Bud Whitehead Stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210505225502/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitBu22.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 5, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Bud+Whitehead+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FW%2FWhitBu22.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-25"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-25">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/chuck-allen-august-28-2000/">"Chuck Allen - August 28, 2000"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521201134/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/chuck-allen-august-28-2000/">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Chuck+Allen+-+August+28%2C+2000&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fafl-interviews%2Fchuck-allen-august-28-2000%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-chuck-26"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-chuck_26-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-chuck_26-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCh00.htm">"Chuck Allen Stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210505200227/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCh00.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 5, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Chuck+Allen+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FA%2FAlleCh00.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-27"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-27">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFLewis1960" class="citation news cs1">Lewis, Dave (December 31, 1960). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78102233/billy-kilmer-31-december-1960/">"NFL has AFL ready for kill"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Press-Telegram" title="Press-Telegram">Long Beach Independent</a></i>. p. B-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211815/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78102233/billy-kilmer-31-december-1960/">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=NFL+has+AFL+ready+for+kill&rft.pages=B-1&rft.date=1960-12-31&rft.aulast=Lewis&rft.aufirst=Dave&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78102233%2Fbilly-kilmer-31-december-1960%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-28"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-28">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFSmith" class="citation web cs1">Smith, Don. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/16-06-586.pdf">"Jimmy Johnson: Cornerback"</a> <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span>. <i>Pro Football Researchers</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211822/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/16-06-586.pdf">Archived</a> <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Pro+Football+Researchers&rft.atitle=Jimmy+Johnson%3A+Cornerback&rft.aulast=Smith&rft.aufirst=Don&rft_id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Farchives%2FWebsite_Files%2FCoffin_Corner%2F16-06-586.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-29"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-29">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/hof/1994-ballot.htm">"1994 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211822/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/hof/1994-ballot.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=1994+Pro+Football+Hall+of+Fame+Ballot&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fhof%2F1994-ballot.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-30"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-30">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/bootin-ben-agajanian/">"Bootin' Ben Agajanian"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210520231721/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/bootin-ben-agajanian/">Archived</a> from the original on May 20, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 20,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Bootin%27+Ben+Agajanian&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fbootin-ben-agajanian%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-31"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-31">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/fred-cole-march-13-2003/">"Fred Cole"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210520231719/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/fred-cole-march-13-2003/">Archived</a> from the original on May 20, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 20,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Fred+Cole&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fafl-interviews%2Ffred-cole-march-13-2003%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-32"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-32">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78050188/volney-peters-out-23-august-1961/">"Chargers Trade Volney Peters"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. August 23, 1961. p. 14. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210520231716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78050188/volney-peters-out-23-august-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 20, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Chargers+Trade+Volney+Peters&rft.pages=14&rft.date=1961-08-23&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78050188%2Fvolney-peters-out-23-august-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-33"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-33">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78051984/1962-afl-draft-3-dec-1961/">"Here's Complete List of AFL Draft Choices"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/San_Francisco_Examiner" title="San Francisco Examiner">San Francisco Examiner</a></i>. December 3, 1961. p. III-4. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210520231714/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78051984/1962-afl-draft-3-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 20, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=San+Francisco+Examiner&rft.atitle=Here%27s+Complete+List+of+AFL+Draft+Choices&rft.pages=III-4&rft.date=1961-12-03&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78051984%2F1962-afl-draft-3-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-34"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-34">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFTobias" class="citation web cs1">Tobias, Todd. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/hank-schmidt-june-28-2003/">"Hank Schmidt"</a>. <i>Tales from the American Football League</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210521164120/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/hank-schmidt-june-28-2003/">Archived</a> from the original on May 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 21,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Tales+from+the+American+Football+League&rft.atitle=Hank+Schmidt&rft.aulast=Tobias&rft.aufirst=Todd&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com%2Fafl-interviews%2Fhank-schmidt-june-28-2003%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-35"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-35">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78140157/roberson-in-19-july-1961/">"Chargers Ink Jumper"</a>. <i>Long Beach Independent</i>. July 19, 1961. p. D-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522161707/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78140157/roberson-in-19-july-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=Chargers+Ink+Jumper&rft.pages=D-1&rft.date=1961-07-19&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78140157%2Froberson-in-19-july-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-36"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-36">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobeBo00.htm">"Bo Roberson Stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210525140004/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobeBo00.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 25, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 22,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Bo+Roberson+Stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FR%2FRobeBo00.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-37"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-37">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80069413/hadl-signs-17-dec-1961/">"John Hadl of Kansas signs with Chargers"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. UPI. December 17, 1961. p. H-2.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=John+Hadl+of+Kansas+signs+with+Chargers&rft.pages=H-2&rft.date=1961-12-17&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F80069413%2Fhadl-signs-17-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-38"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-38">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92197470/gillman-roles-26-feb-1961/">"Sid Gillman to receive honors"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. February 26, 1961. p. H-6.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Sid+Gillman+to+receive+honors&rft.pages=H-6&rft.date=1961-02-26&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F92197470%2Fgillman-roles-26-feb-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-39"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-39">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92196937/coaches-26-aug-1961/">"Boys' club youngsters see Chargers' football team practice here"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. August 26, 1961. p. 1.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Boys%27+club+youngsters+see+Chargers%27+football+team+practice+here&rft.pages=1&rft.date=1961-08-26&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F92196937%2Fcoaches-26-aug-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-40"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-40">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77873756/afl-title-game-line-ups-24-dec-1961/">"1961 AFL Title Game rosters"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Inland_Valley_Daily_Bulletin" title="Inland Valley Daily Bulletin">Pomona Progress-Bulletin</a></i>. December 24, 1961. p. 3-3. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210517223009/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77873756/afl-title-game-line-ups-24-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 17, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Pomona+Progress-Bulletin&rft.atitle=1961+AFL+Title+Game+rosters&rft.pages=3-3&rft.date=1961-12-24&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77873756%2Fafl-title-game-line-ups-24-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-41"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-41">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877612/chuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961/">"Chuck Allen ankle injury"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Redlands_Daily_Facts" title="Redlands Daily Facts">Redlands Daily Facts</a></i>. UPI. December 22, 1961. p. 10. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210517233249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877612/chuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 17, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Redlands+Daily+Facts&rft.atitle=Chuck+Allen+ankle+injury&rft.pages=10&rft.date=1961-12-22&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77877612%2Fchuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-42"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-42">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877329/afl-title-game-preview-24-dec-1961/">"DeLuca ankle injury"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/New_York_Daily_News" title="New York Daily News">New York Daily News</a></i>. UPI. December 24, 1961. p. 42. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210517233248/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877329/afl-title-game-preview-24-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 17, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=New+York+Daily+News&rft.atitle=DeLuca+ankle+injury&rft.pages=42&rft.date=1961-12-24&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77877329%2Fafl-title-game-preview-24-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-43"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-43">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78134209/chargers-27-14-oilers-7-august-1961/">"Gillman Praises Hayes, Roberson as Future Stats"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. August 7, 1961. p. 8. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522135909/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78134209/chargers-27-14-oilers-7-august-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Gillman+Praises+Hayes%2C+Roberson+as+Future+Stats&rft.pages=8&rft.date=1961-08-07&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78134209%2Fchargers-27-14-oilers-7-august-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-44"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-44">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78136035/chargers-46-28-oilers-20-august-1961/">"Olympian Hero for Chargers"</a>. <i>Long Beach Independent</i>. UPI. August 20, 1961. p. C-4. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522143256/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78136035/chargers-46-28-oilers-20-august-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=Olympian+Hero+for+Chargers&rft.pages=C-4&rft.date=1961-08-20&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78136035%2Fchargers-46-28-oilers-20-august-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-45"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-45">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78137999/chargers-35-7-raiders-28-august-1961/">"Chargers top Raiders 35–7; Lowe stars"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. UPI. August 28, 1961. p. IV-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154244/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78137999/chargers-35-7-raiders-28-august-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+top+Raiders+35%E2%80%937%3B+Lowe+stars&rft.pages=IV-2&rft.date=1961-08-28&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78137999%2Fchargers-35-7-raiders-28-august-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-46"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-46">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78139027/chargers-31-10-texans-4-sep-1961/">"Chargers In 31 to 10 Triumph"</a>. <i>San Francisco Examiner</i>. UPI. September 4, 1961. p. 42. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522154246/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78139027/chargers-31-10-texans-4-sep-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=San+Francisco+Examiner&rft.atitle=Chargers+In+31+to+10+Triumph&rft.pages=42&rft.date=1961-09-04&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78139027%2Fchargers-31-10-texans-4-sep-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-47"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-47">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/v1606870383/chargers/txw6assy6dudk8zvaw0a.pdf">"2020 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide"</a> <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span>. <i>chargers.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">January 9,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=chargers.com&rft.atitle=2020+Los+Angeles+Chargers+Media+Guide&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.clubs.nfl.com%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fv1606870383%2Fchargers%2Ftxw6assy6dudk8zvaw0a.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-48"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-48">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78157018/1961-average-attendance-19-sep-1962/">"City Officials Uneasy over Charger Gate"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. AP. September 19, 1962. p. III-4. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522204750/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78157018/1961-average-attendance-19-sep-1962/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=City+Officials+Uneasy+over+Charger+Gate&rft.pages=III-4&rft.date=1962-09-19&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78157018%2F1961-average-attendance-19-sep-1962%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-49"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-49">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFKokon1961" class="citation news cs1">Kokon, Pete (December 20, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78158271/hilton-expense-20-dec-1961/">"American League Regarded As 'Solid'<span class="cs1-kern-right"></span>"</a>. <i>Valley Times</i>. p. 12. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522210625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78158271/hilton-expense-20-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Valley+Times&rft.atitle=American+League+Regarded+As+%27Solid%27&rft.pages=12&rft.date=1961-12-20&rft.aulast=Kokon&rft.aufirst=Pete&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78158271%2Fhilton-expense-20-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-team-50"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-team_50-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-team_50-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-team_50-2"><sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-team_50-3"><sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1961.htm">"1961 San Diego Chargers Statistics"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210502211306/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1961.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 2, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 22,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=1961+San+Diego+Chargers+Statistics&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fteams%2Fsdg%2F1961.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-51"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-51">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KempJa00/gamelog/1961/">"Jack Kemp 1961 Game Log"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522201755/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KempJa00/gamelog/1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 22,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Jack+Kemp+1961+Game+Log&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FK%2FKempJa00%2Fgamelog%2F1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-52"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-52">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/rushing.htm">"1961 AFL Rushing"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522201756/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/rushing.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 22,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=1961+AFL+Rushing&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fyears%2F1961_AFL%2Frushing.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-53"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-53">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/RnDO6">"Most takeaways, team, season"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Most+takeaways%2C+team%2C+season&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FRnDO6&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-54"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-54">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/lFOtm">"Most INT ret TD, team, season"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Most+INT+ret+TD%2C+team%2C+season&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FlFOtm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span><br /><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/ER0YE">"Most interceptions, team, season"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. 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Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=statmuse.com&rft.atitle=Most+interceptions+made+in+a+season+by+a+Charger&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statmuse.com%2Fnfl%2Fask%2Fmost-interceptions-made-in-a-season-by-a-charger&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-56"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-56">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-pick-sixes-in-a-season-by-a-charger">"Most pick sixes in a season by a Charger"</a>. <i>statmuse.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=statmuse.com&rft.atitle=Most+pick+sixes+in+a+season+by+a+Charger&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statmuse.com%2Fnfl%2Fask%2Fmost-pick-sixes-in-a-season-by-a-charger&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-57"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-57">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/EBbfT">"Chargers with 7+ interceptions in a season, sorted by year"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Chargers+with+7%2B+interceptions+in+a+season%2C+sorted+by+year&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FEBbfT&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-58"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-58">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFWassink2021" class="citation web cs1">Wassink, Zac (July 16, 2021). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-not-making-pre-1982-sack-stats-official/ar-AAMeYLw?li=BB15ms5q">"NFL not making pre-1982 sack stats official?"</a>. <i>MSN</i>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=MSN&rft.atitle=NFL+not+making+pre-1982+sack+stats+official%3F&rft.date=2021-07-16&rft.aulast=Wassink&rft.aufirst=Zac&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.msn.com%2Fen-us%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fnfl-not-making-pre-1982-sack-stats-official%2Far-AAMeYLw%3Fli%3DBB15ms5q&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-60"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-60">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/kicking.htm">"1961 AFL Kicking and Punting"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522202848/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/kicking.htm">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 22,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=1961+AFL+Kicking+and+Punting&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fyears%2F1961_AFL%2Fkicking.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-61"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-61">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19620217&id=fvtVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3OIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3581,2801524&hl=en">"Charger lineman killed in crash"</a>. <i>Eugene Register-Guard - Google News Archive Search</i>. AP. p. 2B. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160506194248/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19620217&id=fvtVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3OIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3581,2801524&hl=en">Archived</a> from the original on May 6, 2016.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Eugene+Register-Guard+-+Google+News+Archive+Search&rft.atitle=Charger+lineman+killed+in+crash&rft.pages=2B&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnewspapers%3Fnid%3D1310%26dat%3D19620217%26id%3DfvtVAAAAIBAJ%26sjid%3D3OIDAAAAIBAJ%26pg%3D3581%2C2801524%26hl%3Den&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-62"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-62">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/xlVhr">"Longest touchdown runs by Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 10,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Longest+touchdown+runs+by+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FxlVhr&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g1-63"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g1_63-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g1_63-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 1 gamebook, Chargers at Texans</i></a></span>. September 10, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+1+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Texans&rft.date=1961-09-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-64"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-64">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LaraBo20.htm">"Bob Laraba stats"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">January 7,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Bob+Laraba+stats&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fplayers%2FL%2FLaraBo20.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-65"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-65">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78163974/chargers-26-10-texans-11-sep-1961/">"Chargers' Lowe Gear Topples Texans, 26-10"</a>. <i>Long Beach Independent</i>. AP. September 11, 1960. p. C-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522223618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78163974/chargers-26-10-texans-11-sep-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=Chargers%27+Lowe+Gear+Topples+Texans%2C+26-10&rft.pages=C-2&rft.date=1960-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78163974%2Fchargers-26-10-texans-11-sep-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-66"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-66">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 2 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers</i></a></span>. September 17, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+2+gamebook%2C+Raiders+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-09-17&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-67"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-67">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-touchdowns-in-a-game-chargers">"Most rushing touchdowns in a game, Chargers"</a>. <i>statmuse.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=statmuse.com&rft.atitle=Most+rushing+touchdowns+in+a+game%2C+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statmuse.com%2Fnfl%2Fask%2Fmost-rushing-touchdowns-in-a-game-chargers&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-68"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-68">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78164908/chargers-44-0-raiders-18-sep-1961/">"Chargers Romp Past Hapless Raiders, 44-0"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. AP. September 18, 1961. p. IV-8. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522225513/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78164908/chargers-44-0-raiders-18-sep-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+Romp+Past+Hapless+Raiders%2C+44-0&rft.pages=IV-8&rft.date=1961-09-18&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78164908%2Fchargers-44-0-raiders-18-sep-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-69"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-69">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 2 gamebook, Oilers at Chargers</i></a></span>. September 24, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+2+gamebook%2C+Oilers+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-09-24&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-70"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-70">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/JLM5V">"Most interception return yards, single game"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Most+interception+return+yards%2C+single+game&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FJLM5V&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-71"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-71">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFZikes1961" class="citation news cs1">Zikes, Mel (September 25, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78165878/chargers-34-24-oilers-25-sep-1961/">"Chargers 'Steal' Win Over Oilers"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. IV-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522231011/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78165878/chargers-34-24-oilers-25-sep-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+%27Steal%27+Win+Over+Oilers&rft.pages=IV-2&rft.date=1961-09-25&rft.aulast=Zikes&rft.aufirst=Mel&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78165878%2Fchargers-34-24-oilers-25-sep-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-72"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-72">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 4 gamebook, Chargers at Bills</i></a></span>. September 30, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+4+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Bills&rft.date=1961-09-30&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-73"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-73">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78166288/chargers-19-11-bills-1-oct-1961/">"Chargers Slip Past Bills"</a>. <i>San Francisco Examiner</i>. UPI. October 1, 1961. p. III-7. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210522231707/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78166288/chargers-19-11-bills-1-oct-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=San+Francisco+Examiner&rft.atitle=Chargers+Slip+Past+Bills&rft.pages=III-7&rft.date=1961-10-01&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78166288%2Fchargers-19-11-bills-1-oct-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g5-74"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g5_74-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g5_74-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 5 gamebook, Chargers at Patriots</i></a></span>. October 7, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+5+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Patriots&rft.date=1961-10-07&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-75"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-75">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78169584/chargers-38-27-patriots/">"Chargers only Undefeated Pro Team; Titans Next on Schedule"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. October 9, 1961. p. 8. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523001631/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78169584/chargers-38-27-patriots/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Chargers+only+Undefeated+Pro+Team%3B+Titans+Next+on+Schedule&rft.pages=8&rft.date=1961-10-09&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78169584%2Fchargers-38-27-patriots%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g6-76"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g6_76-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g6_76-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 6 gamebook, Chargers at Titans</i></a></span>. October 15, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+6+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Titans&rft.date=1961-10-15&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-77"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-77">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/BH4PO">"300+ yard passing games, AFL"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=300%2B+yard+passing+games%2C+AFL&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FBH4PO&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-78"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-78">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78171348/chargers-25-10-new-york-16-oct-1961/">"Chargers in Romp over New York"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Oakland_Tribune" title="Oakland Tribune">Oakland Tribune</a></i>. AP. October 16, 1961. p. 31. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523004713/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78171348/chargers-25-10-new-york-16-oct-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Oakland+Tribune&rft.atitle=Chargers+in+Romp+over+New+York&rft.pages=31&rft.date=1961-10-16&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78171348%2Fchargers-25-10-new-york-16-oct-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-79"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-79">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFNorman1961" class="citation news cs1">Norman, Phil (October 23, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78188046/chargers-41-10-raiders-23-october-1961/">"Chargers Thrash Raiders, 41–10"</a>. <i>San Francisco Examiner</i>. p. 53. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523104213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78188046/chargers-41-10-raiders-23-october-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=San+Francisco+Examiner&rft.atitle=Chargers+Thrash+Raiders%2C+41%E2%80%9310&rft.pages=53&rft.date=1961-10-23&rft.aulast=Norman&rft.aufirst=Phil&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78188046%2Fchargers-41-10-raiders-23-october-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-80"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-80">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/bz2Cg">"Fewest yards conceded, game, Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Fewest+yards+conceded%2C+game%2C+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2Fbz2Cg&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span><br /><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/31uYj">"Fewest rushing yards conceded, game, Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Fewest+rushing+yards+conceded%2C+game%2C+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2F31uYj&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-81"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-81">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=sdg&tm2=rai&yr=all">"Chargers / Raiders Series History"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523104214/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=sdg&tm2=rai&yr=all">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 23,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Chargers+%2F+Raiders+Series+History&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fboxscores%2Fgame_query.cgi%3Ftm1%3Dsdg%26tm2%3Drai%26yr%3Dall&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-82"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-82">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 8 gamebook, Broncos at Chargers</i></a></span>. October 29, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+8+gamebook%2C+Broncos+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-10-29&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-83"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-83">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78188372/chargers-37-0-broncos-30-octo-1961/">"Chargers Romp, 37–0"</a>. <i>Long Beach Independent</i>. UPI. October 30, 1961. p. C-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523110402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78188372/chargers-37-0-broncos-30-octo-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=Chargers+Romp%2C+37%E2%80%930&rft.pages=C-1&rft.date=1961-10-30&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78188372%2Fchargers-37-0-broncos-30-octo-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g9-84"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g9_84-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g9_84-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 9 gamebook, Titans at Chargers</i></a></span>. November 5, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+9+gamebook%2C+Titans+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-11-05&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-85"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-85">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877612/chuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961/">"Jack Kemp Most Valuable"</a>. <i>Redlands Daily Facts</i>. December 22, 1961. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210517233249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77877612/chuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 17, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Redlands+Daily+Facts&rft.atitle=Jack+Kemp+Most+Valuable&rft.date=1961-12-22&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F77877612%2Fchuck-allen-injury-22-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-86"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-86">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78189537/chargers-48-13-titans-6-nov-1961/">"AFL kings come to life in last half for triumph"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. November 6, 1961. p. 10. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523130514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78189537/chargers-48-13-titans-6-nov-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=AFL+kings+come+to+life+in+last+half+for+triumph&rft.pages=10&rft.date=1961-11-06&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78189537%2Fchargers-48-13-titans-6-nov-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-kcach-87"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-kcach_87-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XIQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JegDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6534%2C4352043">"Keith's caper aids champs"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/The_Spokesman-Review" title="The Spokesman-Review">Spokesman-Review</a></i>. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. November 13, 1961. p. 11. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160224200021/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XIQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JegDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6534%2C4352043">Archived</a> from the original on February 24, 2016.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Spokesman-Review&rft.atitle=Keith%27s+caper+aids+champs&rft.pages=11&rft.date=1961-11-13&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnewspapers%3Fid%3DXIQpAAAAIBAJ%26sjid%3DJegDAAAAIBAJ%26pg%3D6534%252C4352043&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-den-88"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-den_88-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-den_88-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78191775/chargers-19-16-broncos-13-november-1961/">"Kemp's Passes Feature Rally For 19–16 Win"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. November 13, 1961. p. 12. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523132435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78191775/chargers-19-16-broncos-13-november-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Kemp%27s+Passes+Feature+Rally+For+19%E2%80%9316+Win&rft.pages=12&rft.date=1961-11-13&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78191775%2Fchargers-19-16-broncos-13-november-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-89"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-89">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/5khah">"Longest passing touchdowns, Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Longest+passing+touchdowns%2C+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2F5khah&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g7-90"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g7_90-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g7_90-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 10 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos</i></a></span>. November 12, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+10+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Broncos&rft.date=1961-11-12&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-91"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-91">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/pezu0">"Longest winning streak, Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">May 23,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Longest+winning+streak%2C+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2Fpezu0&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-g11-92"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-g11_92-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-g11_92-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 11 gamebook, Texans at Chargers</i></a></span>. November 19, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+11+gamebook%2C+Texans+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-11-19&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-93"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-93">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78192762/chargers-2414-texans-20-november-1961/">"Gillman Predicts Kemp's Success; Marks Fall In Win"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. November 20, 1961. p. 20. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220105002344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78192762/chargers-2414-texans-20-november/">Archived</a> from the original on January 5, 2022.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Gillman+Predicts+Kemp%27s+Success%3B+Marks+Fall+In+Win&rft.pages=20&rft.date=1961-11-20&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78192762%2Fchargers-2414-texans-20-november-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-94"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-94">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/standings.cgi?week=12&year=1961&wk_league=AFL">"AFL Standings, Week 12, 1961"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210710223220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/standings.cgi?week=12&year=1961&wk_league=AFL">Archived</a> from the original on July 10, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 10,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=AFL+Standings%2C+Week+12%2C+1961&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fboxscores%2Fstandings.cgi%3Fweek%3D12%26year%3D1961%26wk_league%3DAFL&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-95"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-95">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 13 gamebook, Chargers at Oilers</i></a></span>. December 3, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+13+gamebook%2C+Chargers+at+Oilers&rft.date=1961-12-03&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-96"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-96">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/2GLIt">"Field goals, good, 55+ yards, 1960-1969"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 10,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Field+goals%2C+good%2C+55%2B+yards%2C+1960-1969&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2F2GLIt&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-97"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-97">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFSargis1961" class="citation news cs1">Sargis, Joe (December 4, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193019/chargers-13-33-oilers-4-dec-1961/">"Blanda Leads Oilers Past Chargers, 33–13"</a>. <i><a href="/wiki/Oroville_Mercury_Register" class="mw-redirect" title="Oroville Mercury Register">Oroville Mercury Register</a></i>. UPI. p. 6. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523135710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193019/chargers-13-33-oilers-4-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Oroville+Mercury+Register&rft.atitle=Blanda+Leads+Oilers+Past+Chargers%2C+33%E2%80%9313&rft.pages=6&rft.date=1961-12-04&rft.aulast=Sargis&rft.aufirst=Joe&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78193019%2Fchargers-13-33-oilers-4-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-98"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-98">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/8yOEP">"200+ yard receiving games vs Chargers"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=200%2B+yard+receiving+games+vs+Chargers&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2F8yOEP&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-99"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-99">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/eOsYM">"Chargers punt return touchdowns"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Chargers+punt+return+touchdowns&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2FeOsYM&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-100"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-100">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html"><i>1961 week 14 gamebook, Bills at Chargers</i></a></span>. December 10, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+week+14+gamebook%2C+Bills+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-12-10&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-only.html&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-101"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-101">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193297/chargers-2810-bills-11-dec-1961/">"Chargers Spill Bills, 28–10"</a>. <i>Long Beach Independent</i>. UPI. December 11, 1961. p. C-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523140451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193297/chargers-2810-bills-11-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Long+Beach+Independent&rft.atitle=Chargers+Spill+Bills%2C+28%E2%80%9310&rft.pages=C-2&rft.date=1961-12-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78193297%2Fchargers-2810-bills-11-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-102"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-102">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/standings.cgi?week=14&year=1961&wk_league=AFL">"AFL Standings, Week 14, 1961"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210710224503/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/standings.cgi?week=14&year=1961&wk_league=AFL">Archived</a> from the original on July 10, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 10,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=AFL+Standings%2C+Week+14%2C+1961&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fboxscores%2Fstandings.cgi%3Fweek%3D14%26year%3D1961%26wk_league%3DAFL&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span><br /><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112170rai.htm">"Oilers at Raiders, Week 15, 1961"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210820030020/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112170rai.htm">Archived</a> from the original on August 20, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 10,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=Oilers+at+Raiders%2C+Week+15%2C+1961&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fboxscores%2F196112170rai.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-103"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-103">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193552/chargers-0-41-patriots-18-dec-1961/">"Chargers Blasted by Patriots, 41–0"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. UPI. December 18, 1961. p. IV-5. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523141018/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78193552/chargers-0-41-patriots-18-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers+Blasted+by+Patriots%2C+41%E2%80%930&rft.pages=IV-5&rft.date=1961-12-18&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78193552%2Fchargers-0-41-patriots-18-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-104"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-104">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFMyers1961" class="citation news cs1">Myers, Bob (December 24, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92160005/afl-title-game-preview-24-dec-1961/">"Chargers, Oilers will vie today for AFL title"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. AP. p. D-1.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Chargers%2C+Oilers+will+vie+today+for+AFL+title&rft.pages=D-1&rft.date=1961-12-24&rft.aulast=Myers&rft.aufirst=Bob&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F92160005%2Fafl-title-game-preview-24-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-acg-105"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-acg_105-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-acg_105-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation book cs1"><span class="id-lock-subscription" title="Paid subscription required"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-onlyhtml"><i>1961 AFL Championship gamebook, Oilers at Chargers</i></a></span>. December 24, 1961.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=book&rft.btitle=1961+AFL+Championship+gamebook%2C+Oilers+at+Chargers&rft.date=1961-12-24&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballresearchers.org%2Fmembers-onlyhtml&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-106"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-106">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://stathead.com/tiny/6QIiB">"Most combined interceptions, playoff game"</a>. <i>stathead.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=stathead.com&rft.atitle=Most+combined+interceptions%2C+playoff+game&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fstathead.com%2Ftiny%2F6QIiB&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-107"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-107">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-interceptions-in-a-playoff-loss">"Most interceptions in a playoff loss"</a>. <i>statmuse.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 26,</span> 2022</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=statmuse.com&rft.atitle=Most+interceptions+in+a+playoff+loss&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statmuse.com%2Fnfl%2Fask%2Fmost-interceptions-in-a-playoff-loss&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-108"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-108">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFZikes1961" class="citation news cs1">Zikes, Mel (December 25, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78194028/chargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961/">"Houston in Rough Win, 10–3"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. IV-1. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523142219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78194028/chargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Houston+in+Rough+Win%2C+10%E2%80%933&rft.pages=IV-1&rft.date=1961-12-25&rft.aulast=Zikes&rft.aufirst=Mel&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78194028%2Fchargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-109"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-109">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite id="CITEREFZikes1961" class="citation news cs1">Zikes, Mel (December 25, 1961). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78194166/chargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961/">"Match report continued"</a>. <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. p. IV-2. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210523142409/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78194166/chargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961/">Archived</a> from the original on May 23, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Los+Angeles+Times&rft.atitle=Match+report+continued&rft.pages=IV-2&rft.date=1961-12-25&rft.aulast=Zikes&rft.aufirst=Mel&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F78194166%2Fchargers-3-10-oilers-25-dec-1961%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-110"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-110">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82159897/1961-awards/">"Kemp named Chargers' MVP; Allen honored"</a>. <i>Escondido Times-Advocate</i>. UPI. December 21, 1961. p. 12. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210730155710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82159897/1961-awards/">Archived</a> from the original on July 30, 2021.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.jtitle=Escondido+Times-Advocate&rft.atitle=Kemp+named+Chargers%27+MVP%3B+Allen+honored&rft.pages=12&rft.date=1961-12-21&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newspapers.com%2Fclip%2F82159897%2F1961-awards%2F&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-111"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-111">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/allpro.htm">"1961 AFL All-Pros"</a>. Pro-Football-Reference.com. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170822013136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/allpro.htm">Archived</a> from the original on August 22, 2017<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">July 30,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=1961+AFL+All-Pros&rft.pub=Pro-Football-Reference.com&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fyears%2F1961_AFL%2Fallpro.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-112"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-112">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/probowl.htm">"1961 AFL All-Stars"</a>. Pro-Football-Reference.com. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20211121165516/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1961_AFL/probowl.htm">Archived</a> from the original on November 21, 2021<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">August 27,</span> 2021</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Abook&rft.genre=unknown&rft.btitle=1961+AFL+All-Stars&rft.pub=Pro-Football-Reference.com&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fyears%2F1961_AFL%2Fprobowl.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> <li id="cite_note-113"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-113">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1238218222"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_1961.htm">"1961 awards voting"</a>. <i>pro-football-reference.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">December 24,</span> 2023</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=pro-football-reference.com&rft.atitle=1961+awards+voting&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pro-football-reference.com%2Fawards%2Fawards_1961.htm&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fen.wikipedia.org%3A1961+San+Diego+Chargers+season" class="Z3988"></span></span> </li> </ol></div></div> <div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="External_links">External links</h2><span class="mw-editsection"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">[</span><a href="/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&action=edit&section=36" title="Edit section: External links"><span>edit</span></a><span class="mw-editsection-bracket">]</span></span></div> <ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1961.htm?redir">1961 San Diego Chargers at Pro Football Reference</a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1961-sd">1961 San Diego Chargers at jt-sw.com</a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.footballdb.com/teams/san-diego-chargers/results/1961">1961 San Diego Chargers at the Football Database (FootballDB.com)</a></li></ul> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1236075235">.mw-parser-output .navbox{box-sizing:border-box;border:1px solid #a2a9b1;width:100%;clear:both;font-size:88%;text-align:center;padding:1px;margin:1em auto 0}.mw-parser-output .navbox .navbox{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .navbox+.navbox,.mw-parser-output .navbox+.navbox-styles+.navbox{margin-top:-1px}.mw-parser-output .navbox-inner,.mw-parser-output .navbox-subgroup{width:100%}.mw-parser-output .navbox-group,.mw-parser-output .navbox-title,.mw-parser-output .navbox-abovebelow{padding:0.25em 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.navbox-odd{background-color:transparent}.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td dl,.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td ol,.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td ul,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist dl,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist ol,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist ul{padding:0.125em 0}.mw-parser-output .navbox .navbar{display:block;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .navbox-title .navbar{float:left;text-align:left;margin-right:0.5em}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .navbox-image img{max-width:none!important}@media print{body.ns-0 .mw-parser-output .navbox{display:none!important}}</style></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="Los_Angeles_Chargers" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks hlist mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;background-color: #0080C6 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #FFC20E, inset -2px -2px 0 #FFC20E;;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Template:Los Angeles Chargers"><abbr title="View this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Template talk:Los Angeles Chargers"><abbr title="Discuss this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Chargers"><abbr title="Edit this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="Los_Angeles_Chargers" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Los Angeles Chargers"><span style="color: #FFFFFF">Los Angeles Chargers</span></a></div></th></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;"><div> <ul><li>Founded in 1960</li> <li>Played in <b><a href="/wiki/San_Diego" title="San Diego"><span style="color: #000000">San Diego</span></a></b> (1961–2016)</li> <li>Based in <b><a href="/wiki/Inglewood,_California" title="Inglewood, California"><span style="color: #000000">Inglewood, California</span></a></b></li> <li>Headquartered in <b><a href="/wiki/Costa_Mesa,_California" title="Costa Mesa, California"><span style="color: #000000">Costa Mesa, California</span></a></b></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Franchise</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Los Angeles Chargers">Franchise</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/History_of_the_Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="History of the Los Angeles Chargers">History</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Chargers" title="San Diego Chargers">in San Diego</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/History_of_the_NFL_in_Los_Angeles" title="History of the NFL in Los Angeles">NFL in Los Angeles</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_head_coaches" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers head coaches">Coaches</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers seasons">Seasons</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Chargers_all-time_roster" title="Los Angeles Chargers all-time roster">All-time roster</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Chargers_retired_numbers" class="mw-redirect" title="Los Angeles Chargers retired numbers">Retired numbers</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Chargers_Hall_of_Fame" title="Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame">Hall of Fame</a></li> <li>Anniversary teams <ul><li><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Chargers_40th_Anniversary_Team" title="San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team">40th</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Chargers_50th_Anniversary_Team" title="San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team">50th</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_starting_quarterbacks" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers starting quarterbacks">Starting quarterbacks</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_first-round_draft_picks" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks">First-round draft picks</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Stadiums</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Memorial_Coliseum" title="Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum">Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Balboa_Stadium" title="Balboa Stadium">Balboa Stadium</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Stadium" title="San Diego Stadium">San Diego Stadium</a> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Chargers_stadium_proposals" title="San Diego Chargers stadium proposals">San Diego stadium proposals</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Dignity_Health_Sports_Park" title="Dignity Health Sports Park">Dignity Health Sports Park</a></li> <li><b><a href="/wiki/SoFi_Stadium" title="SoFi Stadium">SoFi Stadium</a></b></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Culture</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Fearsome_Foursome_(American_football)" title="Fearsome Foursome (American football)">Fearsome Foursome</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Air_Coryell" title="Air Coryell">Air Coryell</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Alex_Spanos" title="Alex Spanos">Alex Spanos</a></li> <li>"<a href="/wiki/San_Diego_Super_Chargers" title="San Diego Super Chargers">San Diego Super Chargers</a>"</li> <li><a href="/wiki/Los_Angeles_Charger_Girls" title="Los Angeles Charger Girls">Los Angeles Charger Girls</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Bruise_Brothers_(San_Diego_Chargers)" title="Bruise Brothers (San Diego Chargers)">Bruise Brothers</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Lore</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Holy_Roller_(American_football)" title="Holy Roller (American football)">Holy Roller</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Epic_in_Miami" title="Epic in Miami">Epic in Miami</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Freezer_Bowl" title="Freezer Bowl">Freezer Bowl</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1995_San_Diego_Chargers%E2%80%93New_York_Giants_game" title="1995 San Diego Chargers–New York Giants game">Snowball Game</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2006_AFC_Divisional_playoff_game_(New_England%E2%80%93San_Diego)" title="2006 AFC Divisional playoff game (New England–San Diego)">2006 playoff game vs. New England Patriots</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Rivalries</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/Broncos%E2%80%93Chargers_rivalry" title="Broncos–Chargers rivalry">Denver Broncos</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Chargers%E2%80%93Chiefs_rivalry" title="Chargers–Chiefs rivalry">Kansas City Chiefs</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Chargers%E2%80%93Raiders_rivalry" title="Chargers–Raiders rivalry">Las Vegas Raiders</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Wild card berths (4)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/1995_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1995 San Diego Chargers season">1995</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2013_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2013 San Diego Chargers season">2013</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2018_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2018 Los Angeles Chargers season">2018</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2022_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2022 Los Angeles Chargers season">2022</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Division championships (15)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">1960</a></li> <li><a class="mw-selflink selflink">1961</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1963_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1963 San Diego Chargers season">1963</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1964_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1964 San Diego Chargers season">1964</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1965_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1965 San Diego Chargers season">1965</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1979_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1979 San Diego Chargers season">1979</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1980_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1980 San Diego Chargers season">1980</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1981_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1981 San Diego Chargers season">1981</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1992_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1992 San Diego Chargers season">1992</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1994_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1994 San Diego Chargers season">1994</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2004_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2004 San Diego Chargers season">2004</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2006_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2006 San Diego Chargers season">2006</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2007_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2007 San Diego Chargers season">2007</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2008_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2008 San Diego Chargers season">2008</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2009_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2009 San Diego Chargers season">2009</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Conference championships (1)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/1994_NFL_season" title="1994 NFL season">1994</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">League championships (1)</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/1963_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1963 American Football League Championship Game">1963</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Media</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_broadcasters" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers broadcasters">Broadcasters</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/KYSR" title="KYSR">KYSR</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/Matt_%22Money%22_Smith" title="Matt "Money" Smith">Matt "Money" Smith</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Current league affiliations</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li>League: <a href="/wiki/National_Football_League" title="National Football League">National Football League</a> (1970–present)</li> <li>Conference: <a href="/wiki/American_Football_Conference" title="American Football Conference">American Football Conference</a></li> <li>Division: <a href="/wiki/AFC_West" title="AFC West">West Division</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" class="navbox-group" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;width:1%">Former league affiliation</th><td class="navbox-list-with-group navbox-list navbox-even" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li>League: <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League" title="American Football League">American Football League</a> (1960–1969)</li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;"><div> <ul><li><span class="noviewer" typeof="mw:File"><span title="Category"><img alt="" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/16px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png" decoding="async" width="16" height="16" class="mw-file-element" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/23px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/31px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="180" data-file-height="185" /></span></span> <b><a href="/wiki/Category:Los_Angeles_Chargers" title="Category:Los Angeles Chargers"><span style="color: #000000">Category</span></a></b></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;;background-color: #0080C6 !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; box-shadow: inset 2px 2px 0 #FFC20E, inset -2px -2px 0 #FFC20E;"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" title="Template:Los Angeles Chargers seasons"><abbr title="View this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" title="Template talk:Los Angeles Chargers seasons"><abbr title="Discuss this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" title="Special:EditPage/Template:Los Angeles Chargers seasons"><abbr title="Edit this template" style="color: #FFFFFF !important">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/List_of_Los_Angeles_Chargers_seasons" title="List of Los Angeles Chargers seasons"><span style="color: #FFFFFF">Los Angeles Chargers seasons</span></a></div></th></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2" style="background-color: #FFC20E !important; color: #000000 !important; ;"><div>Played in <b><a href="/wiki/History_of_the_San_Diego_Chargers" class="mw-redirect" title="History of the San Diego Chargers"><span style="color: #000000">San Diego</span></a></b> (1961–2016)</div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"> <ul><li><i><a href="/wiki/1960_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="1960 Los Angeles Chargers season">1960</a></i></li> <li><i><a class="mw-selflink selflink">1961</a></i></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1962_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1962 San Diego Chargers season">1962</a></li> <li><b><a href="/wiki/1963_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1963 San Diego Chargers season">1963</a></b></li> <li><i><a href="/wiki/1964_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1964 San Diego Chargers season">1964</a></i></li> <li><i><a href="/wiki/1965_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1965 San Diego Chargers season">1965</a></i></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1966_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1966 San Diego Chargers season">1966</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1967_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1967 San Diego Chargers season">1967</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1968_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1968 San Diego Chargers season">1968</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1969_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1969 San Diego Chargers season">1969</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1970_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1970 San Diego Chargers season">1970</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1971_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1971 San Diego Chargers season">1971</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1972_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1972 San Diego Chargers season">1972</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1973_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1973 San Diego Chargers season">1973</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1974_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1974 San Diego Chargers season">1974</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1975_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1975 San Diego Chargers season">1975</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1976_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1976 San Diego Chargers season">1976</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1977_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1977 San Diego Chargers season">1977</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1978_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1978 San Diego Chargers season">1978</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1979_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1979 San Diego Chargers season">1979</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1980_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1980 San Diego Chargers season">1980</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1981_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1981 San Diego Chargers season">1981</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1982_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1982 San Diego Chargers season">1982</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1983_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1983 San Diego Chargers season">1983</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1984_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1984 San Diego Chargers season">1984</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1985_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1985 San Diego Chargers season">1985</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1986_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1986 San Diego Chargers season">1986</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1987_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1987 San Diego Chargers season">1987</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1988_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1988 San Diego Chargers season">1988</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1989_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1989 San Diego Chargers season">1989</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1990_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1990 San Diego Chargers season">1990</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1991_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1991 San Diego Chargers season">1991</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1992_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1992 San Diego Chargers season">1992</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1993_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1993 San Diego Chargers season">1993</a></li> <li><i><a href="/wiki/1994_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1994 San Diego Chargers season">1994</a></i></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1995_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1995 San Diego Chargers season">1995</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1996_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1996 San Diego Chargers season">1996</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1997_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1997 San Diego Chargers season">1997</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1998_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1998 San Diego Chargers season">1998</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1999_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="1999 San Diego Chargers season">1999</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2000_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2000 San Diego Chargers season">2000</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2001_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2001 San Diego Chargers season">2001</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2002_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2002 San Diego Chargers season">2002</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2003_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2003 San Diego Chargers season">2003</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2004_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2004 San Diego Chargers season">2004</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2005_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2005 San Diego Chargers season">2005</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2006_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2006 San Diego Chargers season">2006</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2007_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2007 San Diego Chargers season">2007</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2008_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2008 San Diego Chargers season">2008</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2009_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2009 San Diego Chargers season">2009</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2010_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2010 San Diego Chargers season">2010</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2011_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2011 San Diego Chargers season">2011</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2012_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2012 San Diego Chargers season">2012</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2013_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2013 San Diego Chargers season">2013</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2014_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2014 San Diego Chargers season">2014</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2015_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2015 San Diego Chargers season">2015</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2016_San_Diego_Chargers_season" title="2016 San Diego Chargers season">2016</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2017_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2017 Los Angeles Chargers season">2017</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2018_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2018 Los Angeles Chargers season">2018</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2019_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2019 Los Angeles Chargers season">2019</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2020_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2020 Los Angeles Chargers season">2020</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2021_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2021 Los Angeles Chargers season">2021</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2022_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2022 Los Angeles Chargers season">2022</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2023_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2023 Los Angeles Chargers season">2023</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/2024_Los_Angeles_Chargers_season" title="2024 Los Angeles Chargers season">2024</a></li></ul> </div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-even hlist" style="width:100%;padding:0"><div style="padding:0 0.25em"><b>Bold</b> indicates <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_playoffs" title="American Football League playoffs">AFL Championship</a> (1960–69) or <a href="/wiki/Super_Bowl" title="Super Bowl">Super Bowl</a> (1966–) victory<br /><i>Italics</i> indicates <a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_playoffs" title="American Football League playoffs">AFL Championship</a> (1960–69) or <a href="/wiki/Super_Bowl" title="Super Bowl">Super Bowl</a> (1966–) appearance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="navbox-styles"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1236075235"></div><div role="navigation" class="navbox" aria-labelledby="1961_AFL_season" style="padding:3px"><table class="nowraplinks hlist mw-collapsible autocollapse navbox-inner" style="border-spacing:0;background:transparent;color:inherit"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" class="navbox-title" colspan="2" style="background-color:#FFE6BD"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1129693374"><link rel="mw-deduplicated-inline-style" href="mw-data:TemplateStyles:r1239400231"><div class="navbar plainlinks hlist navbar-mini"><ul><li class="nv-view"><a href="/wiki/Template:1961_AFL_season_by_team" title="Template:1961 AFL season by team"><abbr title="View this template">v</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-talk"><a href="/wiki/Template_talk:1961_AFL_season_by_team" title="Template talk:1961 AFL season by team"><abbr title="Discuss this template">t</abbr></a></li><li class="nv-edit"><a href="/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:1961_AFL_season_by_team" title="Special:EditPage/Template:1961 AFL season by team"><abbr title="Edit this template">e</abbr></a></li></ul></div><div id="1961_AFL_season" style="font-size:114%;margin:0 4em"><a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_season" title="1961 American Football League season">1961 AFL season</a></div></th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" class="navbox-list navbox-odd" style="width:100%;padding:0;font-size:110%;"><div style="padding:0"><table style="text-align:center; margin:0; width:100%"> <tbody><tr> <th rowspan="2" style="background:#FFCCCC; width:auto;">Eastern Division</th><td style="background:#FFCCCC;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Boston_Patriots_season" title="1961 Boston Patriots season">Boston</a></td> <td style="background:#FFCCCC;"><b><a href="/wiki/1961_Houston_Oilers_season" title="1961 Houston Oilers season">Houston</a></b></td><td style="background:#D0E7FF;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Dallas_Texans_season" title="1961 Dallas Texans season">Dallas</a></td><td style="background:#D0E7FF;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Oakland_Raiders_season" title="1961 Oakland Raiders season">Oakland</a></td> <th rowspan="2" style="background:#D0E7FF; width:auto;">Western Division</th></tr> <tr> <td style="background:#FFCCCC;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Buffalo_Bills_season" title="1961 Buffalo Bills season">Buffalo</a></td> <td style="background:#FFCCCC;"><a href="/wiki/1961_New_York_Titans_season" title="1961 New York Titans season">New York</a></td><td style="background:#D0E7FF;"><a href="/wiki/1961_Denver_Broncos_season" title="1961 Denver Broncos season">Denver</a></td><td style="background:#D0E7FF;"><i><a class="mw-selflink selflink">San Diego</a></i></td> </tr> </tbody></table></div></td></tr><tr><td class="navbox-abovebelow" colspan="2" style="background-color:#FFE6BD"><div> <ul><li><a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_draft" title="1961 American Football League draft">1961 AFL Draft</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/1961_American_Football_League_Championship_Game" title="1961 American Football League Championship Game">AFL Championship</a></li> <li><a href="/wiki/American_Football_League_All-Star_game" title="American Football League All-Star game">All-Star Game</a></li></ul> <ul><li><i>Related: <a href="/wiki/1961_NFL_season" title="1961 NFL season">1961 NFL season</a></i></li></ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>    </div><noscript><img src="https://login.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?type=1x1" alt="" width="1" height="1" style="border: none; position: absolute;"></noscript> <div class="printfooter" data-nosnippet="">Retrieved from "<a dir="ltr" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&oldid=1259382417">https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1961_San_Diego_Chargers_season&oldid=1259382417</a>"</div></div> <div id="catlinks" class="catlinks" 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