Don Coryell, ex-Chargers, Aztecs coach, dies at 85

Are you talking of the longest game? I wasnt around for it, but have seen highlights and interviews. For those that dont know, Kansas City’s RB Ed Podolack ran for 85 yds/1 TD, caught 110 yds/1 TD, returned 3 KOs for 153 yds and 2 PR for 2 yds. His 350 combined yds were an NFL record. In the 2nd overtime, you could tell he was running on something extra because he had no energy left. The field was muddy. The Dolphins eventually won. An interview I saw from Podolack was very sombering. That game, where he played his heart out, was the closest he ever got to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs did not make th playoffs the rest of his career. In all his effort, he came up just short. This was only his 3rd season, and he figured he would have another chance, but never did. Sometimes, you can do everything possible, and it still isnt enough. That is why the game (football) is special.

It just happened to be the longest game, but what a struggle to behold. It seemed like it was Ed Podolak against Nick Bonucante of the Miami defense. I was rooting for KC that day, but once again, you have to admire Ed Podolak's efforts...unfortunately place kicker Jan Stenerud was in a slump of some kind and missed 2 FG attempts as I recall.

That has to be heart breaking, because wasnt Stenerud a pretty good kicker? The only thing I remember that would be similar is the Vikings losing to the Falcons in the NFC Championship. I forget which Anderson the kicker was, but he hadnt missed all year, then he misses the game winner. But that was still nowhere as grueling as the Chiefs-Dolphins.

Jan Stenerud was a great kicker. He kicked 3 field goals in KC's Superbowl win in 1970. After the 1972 AFC play-off loss, Stenerud finally figured out what he had been doing wrong while missing those 2 FG's, but in football, there are no Mulligans allowed.

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