Remembering The First ABC Monday Night Football Game

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the first N.F.L. Monday night game in the still existent A.B.C./Disney package.

In that tilt on September 21, 1970, the Cleveland Browns, now the Baltimore Ravens, though NFL records say otherwise, defeated the New York Jets (31-21).

Keith Jackson was the original play by play announcer, replaced by “Fearless” Frank Gifford the next season.

Howard Cosell and Don Meredith joined Jackson on that telecast.

Homer Jones, who did little else for the Browns, after a fine career with the truly New York Giants, who played at Yankee Stadium, returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown.

Browns’ linebacker Billy Andrews, number 52 above wrapped up the victory in that first ABC Monday night game with an interception return for a touchdown.

I believe it is another Browns’ linebacker, John Garlington, number 50 above, celebrating, in a dignified way by the way, another play with Andrews. Also I  believe it is Tom Beer, a tremendous college football receiver, at Houston University, to the right.