Digging back into our archives of media photos after a day off from the blog, we find a couple of shots of head coach Vince Lombardi walking off the field following a 24-3 victory in the 1966 season-opener. The Packers started their campaign towards the N.F.L. championship that year by playing the Baltimore Colts in Milwaukee County Stadium on Saturday night, September 10th. Apparently, the league scheduled one game the night before the rest of the teams played to garner more television attention — and they included the defending champions to attract viewers. The same strategy is used these days with the first game of the season played on the Thursday before the grind starts for everyone else.
Here are some facts from that game:
• Linebacker Lee Roy Caffey scored on a 52-yard interception runback.
• Defensive back Bob Jeter also scored on a 46-yard interception runback.
• Quarterback Bart Starr ran eight yards for another touchdown.
• 48,650 fans enjoyed the game in 63-degree weather.
Lombardi was presented the game ball by the players after the victory, which he seems to be savoring while heading to the locker room.
