My first Eagles game---September 17, 1961

I recently wrote about my first Phillies game.

My first Philadelphia Eagles game was also a memorable one---once again, my brother Joe took me.

He was in Jefferson Medical School at the time, and one of the doctors gave the students some tickets. They were in the End Zone, which is why I got a great view of Timmy Brown running back a kickoff return for a touchdown. I believe the game was against the Cleveland Browns. I don't remember how hot or cold it was---I think I had hot chocolate, but I don't remember being super cold.

On September 17, 1961, Tim Brown ran back a kickoff for 105 yards versus the Cleveland Browns. In 1966, he ran back TWO kickoffs for touchdowns in the same game--but those were 90 and 93 yards. I vividly remember him fielding the ball in the end zone and taking off up the middle---so I believe the 1961 game is the one.

I'm trying to determine the exact date---Internet resources for NFL games don't seem to be nearly as good as those for Baseball. OK, here's one...

http://www.nfl.com/players/timmybrown/careerstats?id=BRO713184

Looks like he had 5 return touchdowns. 1 in 1961, 1 in 1962, 1 in 1963, and 2 in 1966.

Just found this site...

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

It has details for all the seasons that are superior to the others, including longest kickoff return per player, and box scores...

In 1961, Timmy Brown's longest was for 105 yards---occurred on September 17, 1961 versus the Cleveland Browns. I think this is the game...

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1961.htm

In 1962, Timmy Brown's longest was for 99 yards---occurred on December 2, 1962 at Washington---so that can't be the game.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1962.htm

In 1963, Timmy Brown's longest was for 100 yards---that occurred on September 22 at home versus the St. Louis Cardinals. I seem to recall my game was versus the Browns---so I don't think this is it.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1963.htm

In 1966, Timmy Brown's longest was for 93 yards---he also had one for 90 yards. Both occurred in the same game. November 6, 1966 at home versus the Dallas Cowboys.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1966.htm

Well, it looks like it was September 17, 1961. I was 6 years old. A great game, and a piece of history.

Here are some links on the 105 yard return...

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3467

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Brown_(actor)