Life Magazine’s Look at the 1960s NFL

This is a combination of published and unpublished images for a Life magazine article on the NFL and the ascent of pro football as a spectator sport. It ran in their December 5, 1960 issue and was called “Fans Go Ga-Ga Over Pro Football.”

The pictures in this gallery were taken by George Silk during the 1960 NFL season and seem to come from three main sources — four New York Giants home games (against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Redskins), a Giants film session, and a game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Colts (which I believe to be a home game for the Colts).

Included here is a photo of Eagles linebacker creaming the Giants’ Frank Gifford. I don’t think it’s the same hit as the one that produced that iconic photo below, but it’s almost certainly the same game.

But before we get into the gallery, let’s look at the original Life cover — featuring Steve Myhra of the Baltimore Colts kicking off against the Chicago Bears — as well as an unpublished black & white version of the same photo.

Pete Retzlaff (#44) of the Philadelphia Eagles goes for a catch against the New York Giants.

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers attempt a field goal against the New York Giants.

 

 

 

John David Crow (#44) of the St. Louis Cardinals rushes against the New York Giants.

St. Louis Cardinals RB John David Crow takes a handoff from QB John Roach against the New York Giants.

Tom Scott and Roosevelt Grier of the New York Giants take in a coaching session.

Johnny Olszewski of the Washington Redskins plunges for a TD against the New York Giants.

Johnny Olszewski (#0) of the Washington Redskins vainly tries to recover a fumble.

Bob Schnelker (#85) of the New York Giants takes a shoulder tackle from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cliff Livingston of the New York Giants attempts to block a punt from Philadelphia Eagle Norm Van Brocklin.

Dick Lynch of the New York Giants and Ted Dean of the Philadelphia Eagles tumble to the ground.

The Pittsburgh Steelers attempt a field goal against the New York Giants.

Members of the New York Giants attend a film session.

Chuck Bednarik of the Philadelphia Eagles lays a devastating hit on New York Giants HB/WR Frank Gifford.

Frank Gifford (#16) of the New York Giants advances the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Joe Morrison (#40) of the New York Giants carries against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The New York Giants’ Lindon Crow and Philadelphia Eagles’ Tommy McDonald vie for a pass.

New York Giants FB Mel Triplett (#33) rushes against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Buddy Dial of the Pittsburgh Steelers is upended by New York Giants CB Lindon Crow.

Baltimore Colts QB Johnny Unitas drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears.

Baltimore Colts QB Johnny Unitas faces the oncoming Chicago Bears defensive rush.

Baltimore Colts QB Johnny Unitas drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears.

Baltimore Colts QB Johnny Unitas takes a hard hit from Chicago Bears defender Earl Leggett.

Players for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears run downfield.

Harland Svare of the New York Giants takes in a film session.

Bill Lapham of the Philadelphia Eagles (#54) tries to make a play against the New York Giants.