Sept. 6, 1964 - Tony Lorick (right with coach Don Shula) spread stardust all over Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, today as the Colts trampled the Steelers, 48-17, before 14,000 Hall of Fame game fans.
The rookie from Arizona State got his big opportunity when Jerry Hill, the Colts’ regular fullback, was injured early in the game.
That was all he needed. Lorick ran and caught and scored, accounting for two touchdowns in an effort that impressed all who witnessed it.
Coach Don Shula was measured in his praise, however. The coach has been around football long enough to know that one good performance is just the beginning, not the end.
“He proved himself today,” said Shula, “but he still has lots to learn. I said from the beginning that the fullback battle would eventually be between Lorick and Hill.”
The No. 2 draft choice of the Colts wasn’t alone in impressing this gathering. Lenny Moore, an old pro, made good use of his opportunity when Tom Matte went to the sidelines for awhile with a slight injury; Gary Cuozzo, subbing late for Johnny Unitas, directed a touchdown drive; and Wendell Harris, a sub defensive back, carried an interception for 40 yards and a touchdown in the fading minutes.
This was the offense’s day to shine, which it did with a good blend of passing and running, but the defense wasn’t bad either with Ordell Braase coming up with the top play in that department, a recovery of a fumble he caused when he hit Steeler quarterback Ed Brown in the act of passing.
Unitas was Unitas — superb as usual.
He passed for two touchdowns, both to Jimmy Orr, and faultlessly directed the Colt attack for all but the final four minutes.
Tony Lorick was a happy kid after the game:
“Tired but happy,” is the way he expressed it. “I have played so little that it becomes a problem, although I’m in good condition. You got to play to be ready for any extended action. All I want to do is go home and watch T.V. tonight.”
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