Split End
No. 85
Baylor
"Believe it or not, Shofner was a defensive halfback exclusively in his rookie season in 1957. He's now one of the great offensive ends in the NFL, an All-Pro selection. He's an amazing open-field runner, and also a fine punter."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Del's blazing speed- 9.8 in the 100- made him a standout in the Ram secondary last year. This season he switches from defense to offensive end. Del also does a great job as a long punter."
-1959 Bell Brands No. 8
"A capsule description of dazzling Del's 1958 (and first) season as a Ram offensive end would read something like this: league leader in yards gained (1,097); third in receptions (51); unanimous All-Pro; Western Division Pro Bowl squad.
Because the Rams were paper- thin in the defensive backfield in 1957, Shofner spent his first year with the club as a corner man although he had been drafted as an offensive end. However, with reinforcements on hand last season, he was moved to the left end position and was one of the principal reasons the team finished in a second place tie with an 8-4 record. His overall performance chart showed a record of 51 catches for 1,097 yards, eight touchdowns and 21.6 yards per reception.
Much of Shofner's ability lies in his ability to run with the ball after the catch, a carry-over from his halfbacking days at Baylor. As a three-year regular there, he became the most versatile back in the school's history, leading the club in every department of play except in passing in his senior year. He likewise was a three-year regular on the basketball team, anchored the 440 and 880-yard relay teams (his best time in the 100 is 09.8) and was named to the Conference All-Scholastic team.
Perhaps his most unusual day [last season] occurred in the second 49er game when he played only briefly because of a stomach ailment. Two passes were thrown to him, he caught both, and each went for touchdowns on runs of 64 and 72 yards or a total of 136 yards on his pair of chances.
Del was born December 11, 1934."
-1959 Los Angeles Rams Official Program
"Two NFL seasons as an offensive end, both All-Pro years for this dazzler who started his Ram career as a defensive back. Shofner led all pass catchers in yards gained in 1958, was No. 2 in '59 and also scored seven touchdowns to pace club scorers. His amazing running ability after receiving a pass makes him a top offensive threat.
Shofner was drafted in 1957 after playing halfback at Baylor."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Shofner was All-Pro at offensive end for two seasons after breaking in as a defensive back. He has tremendous speed and is a master of shielding the pass defenders away from the ball."
-1960 Bell Brand No. 15
"Injuries prevented Del Shofner from assuming his rightful role as an All-Pro end. He led the league in yards gained as a pass receiver in 1958, was a defensive halfback as a '57 rookie and is one of the most versatile ever to play the game, college or pro. At Baylor, he was brilliant in running, kicking and pass receiving.
Del caught only 12 forwards in 1960, yet was the No. 6 punter in the NFL with a 42.6 average.
He was born in Center, Texas."
-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Tall, slim Del Shofner came to Los Angeles in a trade with the New York Giants, who selected him on the first go-round in the 1957 draft. Shofner served as a halfback until the following year, when then-coach Sid Gillman transferred him to offensive end.
Immediately, making himself home in his new situation, Shofner wound up the 1958 campaign as a unanimous All-Pro selection. The lanky 185-pounder has since garnered this honor twice more, although his best season was that initial one. In it he grabbed 51 passes, scored eight touchdowns and led the league in yards gained on aerials caught with 1,097. In 1959 he finished second in the loop in receiving, catching 47 passes for 936 yards, while his seven touchdowns paced the Rams' scoring parade.
Shofner also does the punting for Los Angeles. His per-kick average in 1960 was 42.6 yards for 64 boots.
Prior to his turning pro, the rangy 26-year-old starred in three sports (football, basketball and track) at Baylor University. In his senior year on the gridiron, he racked up many records and was elected outstanding player in the 1957 Sugar Bowl.
Shofner's height is six feet three inches- and he's an athlete's athlete from head to toe."
-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)
"Hampered by injuries in 1960, Del relinquished his All-Pro status as an end after electrifying the league in 1958 and 1959.
The lean swiftie had broken into pro ball as a defensive halfback because the Rams were hurting at that position in 1957, but when they shifted him to offense the next year he immediately led every pass receiver in yards gained (1,097). Because of his limited availability last year, the Rams used him again as a defensive back."
-1961 Fleer No. 103
JOE WALTON
Tight End
No. 80
Pittsburgh
"His dad was a Redskin guard (1934-35). Walton played all games in his rookie year in 1957 as a defensive wing. He took over offensive end duties last season and figures to be among the league's better pass receivers.
Born in Beaver Falls, Pa., he rejected a major league baseball contract."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Walton led all collegians in 1956 in touchdown passes caught, but was a defensive back as a Redskin rookie in '57. He moved to offensive end in '58 and caught 32 tosses for five tallies. Last year, he gained 317 yards with 21 aerials, scoring three times.
The son of former Redskin guard Frank Walton, Joe was born in Beaver Falls, Pa. He's a salesman between seasons."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Joe is the junior part of a family dynasty in Redskin football. His father, the late Tiger Walton, was a great Redskin guard a generation ago and once served as line coach. As a collegian at Pitt, Joe was a unanimous All-American and led the nation in nabbing touchdown passes.
He specializes in catching passes and uses his stocky frame well on blocking chores. Playing tight end limits his chance for spectacular breakaways, but Joe always grabs around 30 tosses a season."
-1961 Fleer No. 112
"Joe Walton (80) is another of the topflight players the Giants have added to their roster since last season. An All-America at Pitt in 1956, he was a first-string end for the Washington Redskins for three seasons. He has moved into the Giant lineup at right end, where he provides solid blocking and sure-handed pass receiving. Joe isn't too fast but he provides good moves that get him loose."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
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