“Bambi” Flies High: The Unmatched Legacy of Lance Alworth

Lance Alworth became the first player who played primarily in the American Football League (AFL) to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1978).

Lance Dwight Alworth was born on August 3, 1940, in Houston, Texas, and raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

College Career

Attending the University of Arkansas from 1959 to 1961, Alworth starred as a dynamic halfback. A three-time All-Southwest Conference selection (1959–1961), a three-time Academic All-American, and a 1961 Consensus All-American, he showcased immense speed and agility. Alworth led the NCAA in punt return yardage in both 1960 and 1961 while generating big plays through the air and on the ground. [National Football Foundation]

Road to the Pro Game

Lance Alworth’s college brilliance made him a top prospect in 1962. He was chosen 8th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and 9th overall in the AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders traded his rights to the San Diego Chargers, and Alworth opted to sign with San Diego, fitting seamlessly into head coach Sid Gillman’s high-powered passing offense. [ProFootballHOF.com]

Pro Teams Played On

Alworth played nine legendary seasons for the San Diego Chargers (1962–1970). His graceful stride, leaping ability, and speed earned him the famous nickname “Bambi”. In 1971, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, playing his final two professional seasons (1971–1972) in Texas.

Football Legacy

Alworth revolutionized the wide receiver position in the 1960s. He proved the AFL possessed world-class talent capable of outshining established NFL stars, becoming the first player featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated while playing in the AFL. In Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys, he caught the game’s opening touchdown pass to secure his second professional championship.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Over 136 regular-season games, Alworth compiled 542 receptions for 10,266 receiving yards and 85 touchdown catches (87 total touchdowns), averaging 18.9 yards per catch.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978 (College Football Hall of Fame, 1984).
• Championships: 1963 AFL Champion (San Diego), Super Bowl VI Champion (Dallas).
• All-Pro & Pro Bowl: 7-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowler, 6-time First-Team All-Pro.
• AFL MVP: 1963 UPI AFL Most Valuable Player.
• Record Streak: 7 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (1963–1969).
• All-Time Teams: Selected to both the AFL All-Time Team and the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.