2007.1.10

• photography

Photograph of Art Powell wearing a basketball(?) uniform with "SAN JOSE" written across the front of his jersey. "(SJ1) SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 31-SIGNS CANADIAN CONTRACT-Art Powell, San Jose State sophomore football and cage star, today signed a pro grid contract with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Pro league. (AP WIREPHOTO FM52000DM)." (Typed print in front bottom margin.) "FEB 1 1957" stamped on back.

Art PowellFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Powell (5/3/2007)Art Powell (born 1937) was an American college and professional football wide receiver who played collegiately at San Jos_ State University and with the New York Titans and Oakland Raiders of the American Football League.Possessing the size, speed and ability to make remarkable plays all over the field, Powell led both the Titans and AFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in 1960, then again paced the league in touchdowns during 1963, this time after his move to the Raiders.Powell began his professional career after he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and put together an impressive rookie season in 1959, finishing second in kickoff returns with a 27-yard average while serving as a reserve defensive back. Included in those returns was a 95-yard touchdown run against the New York Giants on October 4 that jolted the defending conference champions in a 49-21 defeat.After being released Powell cast his lot with the AFL's Titans in 1960, and was soon establishing his receiving credentials after a position change by Titans' head coach Sammy Baugh, scoring four touchdowns in his first contest. During the league's first three seasons, Powell teamed with Don Maynard to form the first wide receiver tandem ever to each gain over 1,000 receiving yards on receptions.Despite his status as the team's leading receiver, Powell was preparing to leave for another team following the conclusion of the 1962 season due to the Titans' continuing financial troubles. In order to obtain something for him, while also alleviating the team's finances, Titan owner Harry Wismer offered him for sale on October to the highest bidder on October 19, 1962.Oakland would be Powell's eventual destination, signing with the team on January 31, 1963. During his first year with the Raiders in 1963, the team's record improved by nine games under the leadership of new head coach Al Davis, with Powell scoring 16 touchdowns and catching 73 passes for 1,394 yards.Off the field, Powell was showing his team leadership when he, along with teammates Bo Roberson, Clem Daniels and Fred Williamson, refused to play in an exhibition game against his old team, the now rechristened New York Jets because of segregated seating in Mobile's Ladd Stadium.Four decades after his playing career ended, Powell remains the Raiders seventh all-time leading receiver, scoring 50 touchdowns during his four seasons with Oakland. With five seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, he earned American Football League All-Star accolades for four straight years and was among a select group that was chosen on the All-Time All-AFL Team. The latter balloting took place in 1970 following the merger between the AFL and NFL, and was selected by Hall of Fame selectors and wire services.

Used: Oakland Tribune