Preseasons Past

History Published on : 8/25/2005

Each year, fans as well as players anxiously await the start of the National Football League season. But, first there are four weeks of preseason that must be completed. Over the upcoming weeks, Profootballhof.com takes a glimpse at memorable moments from past preseason games.

August 9, 1979

The Philadelphia Eagles struck first in this preseason match up against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Eagles’ Charlie Johnson returned a Bill Livingston fumble 60 yards for a score with just under four minutes to play in the first quarter.

Bob Grupp

Livingston redeemed himself by tying the game late in the first half on a three-yard touchdown pass to running back Eric Gant. Livingston’s numbers for the day – all in the first half – were a perfect 13 of 13 for 98 yards. Wide receiver J.T. Smith had a game-high four catches for 57 yards as the Chiefs won the game, 24-21.

In his third attempt to make the Chiefs’ roster, punter Bob Grupp booted a punt 67-yard punt that was muffed by the Eagles and led to a Chiefs touchdown. That punt may be the one play that helped secure a place on the roster for Grupp. By the end of the preseason, he supplanted incumbent Zenon Andrusyshyn and earned the punting duties for the Chiefs. Grupp ended up leading the NFL with a 43.6 average that season.

Other Preseasons Past:
August 5, 1967- Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions
August 17, 1973 - Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins
August 22, 1997 -Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders
August 9, 1999 - Cleveland Browns vs. Dallas Cowboys

Canon, U.S.A.

Preseasons Past

With the 2005 preseason in full swing, we take a look back at some games from past NFL preseasons.