THE AFL 1960–69: A RETROSPECTIVE
1960 AFL Championship Game: Oilers 24, Chargers 16
The much-ballyhooed Billy Cannon made the play that broke the game open for Houston.
Billy Cannon was the most celebrated player heading into the AFL’s first year, though his statistical contributions did not live up to his $100,000 contract and all the hype surrounding his controversial signing with the Houston Oilers.
Cannon rushed for 644 yards, caught 15 passes for 187 yards, and — including a dynamic kickoff return — scored seven touchdowns as a rookie. Good numbers, but not great, and the Oilers won the Eastern Division thanks mostly to George Blanda’s passing and the receiving of Bill Groman, Johnny Carson and Charley Hennigan.
However, in the biggest game of the year — the first AFL Championship Game played in front of 32,183 at Houston’s decrepit Jeppesen Stadium — Cannon made the biggest play.
It was exactly the kind of play the Oilers had expected out of the former LSU star when they went to court against the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams to procure his services.
Leading 17–16 early in the fourth quarter, the Oilers were pinned back at their own 12-yard-line when Blanda called Pass Z, Slant Four, Swing and Go…
