1962 AFL Title Game Recalled

The 1962 AFL championship game contested between the Dallas Texans and Houston Oilers was won by the Texans in the second overtime period.

In those days and until very recent times, overtime games were won when one team scored points in any fashion.

That made Texans’ star running back Abner Haynes’ decision to “kick to the clock” and give the Oilers the first overtime possession far worse than the recent New England Patriots’ decision to kickoff and give the New York Jets the first possession in overtime 8 days ago.

As it turned out the Texans won the title despite Haynes’ decision as Tom Brooker kicked the winning field goal.

The Patriots’ loss in that game to the Jets and a subsequent one yesterday at Miami vs the Dolphins opened the door for the Denver Broncos to be the AFC one seed.

We shall see how it plays out as the Patriots are the AFC two seed.