As the Fun Bunch emerged- the ‘Skins WR corps, Don became more and more valued and integral as a blocker, especially in the run game.
Started 65 consecutive contests, before a rib injury caused him to miss two consecutive games in 1988.
In 1990, became one of three ‘Skins players to play in 3 different decades.
Retired after the 1992 campaign after finishing second in franchise history with 244 receptions (since surpassed).
He then went into coaching sports at the high school level.
Worked as a scout from 2005-’09 for the ‘Skins, before heading over to Carolina from 2010-’19.
Returned to Washington in 2020 and operated as the franchise’s senior pro scout through the ’21 season.
Retired officially in mid-2022.
ACCOLADES:
80 Greatest Redskins
NOTES:
Don for many years didn’t sign TTM and then all of a sudden near the tail end of 2025, he started signing, so I dropped these two set needs in the mail for the all star blocker.
Billy Kilmer played at UCLA from 1958-’60 where he played RB and QB.
In 1960, he led the conference with 163 rushes for 803 yards and 8 TDs, while also throwing for 1086 yards and 8 TDs.
Billy finished his college career with 307 carries for 1386 yards and 12 TDs, to go along with 1881 yards passing on 109/255 passes, and 15 TDs to 13 interceptions.
In 1961, Billy was the 11th selection of the San Fransisco 49ers, and a 5th round pick of the Chargers- but opted to sign with SF.
He’d run for 509 yards and 10 TDs his rookie year.
After a leg injury ended his 1962 season, and completely wiped his 1963 campaign, he returned to the ‘9ers in 1964.
Saw no action in 1965- and was involved in a salary dispute the following year, leading to him being exposed in the NFL Expansion Draft.
Selected by the New Orleans Saints in 1967.
Played 4 seasons for the Saints, posting an 11-28 record.
Threw for 20 TDs (17 INT) and a career high 2,532 yards in 1969.
Traded to Washington Redskins in 1970.
Fought with Sonny Jurgensen over the starting role for throughout his Redskin career.
He’d lead the NFL in TDs with 19, and 8.4 yards per completion in 1972.
In 1974, rookie Joe Theismann was added to the mix and battled Billy for the starting role.
Threw a 96 yard TD and a career high 25 TDs in 1975.
Retired after the 1978 season, having played 18 seasons and in 170 games at the grand old age of 38.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
80 Greatest Redskins of All Time
Pro Bowl 1972
Comeback Player of the Year 1976
NOTES:
I had gotten Billy on his Topps 1970 and his Upper Deck Legends 1997 cards and then realized that he appeared in the Legends Memorable Moments subset alongside Bob Lilly. Unwilling to pay the outrageous price for the card I waited this one out until I was able to get it for just a dollar or two and sent this along with the other Topps entries out to him. A consistent and kind signer, he returned both groups in just 9 days flat.
Billy has always battled adversity in his life, whether from alcohol, where he got the nickname Ol Whiskey from his time in New Orleans, or a devastating leg injury he suffered early in his career in San Fransisco.
Selected by the Redskins (NFL) and the Oilers (AFL) in the league’s respective drafts, but opted to play for Washington.
Burst onto the scene in 1964 rushing for 755 yards and receiving 814.
At the time his 54 receptions by a rookie was an NFL record.
In 1966, caught 72 passes for 1119 yards, 12 TDs and an 86 yard long.
Redskins officially converted Taylor to LE (left end) in 1967.
Caught 70 passes for 990 yards and 9 TDs, including another 86 yard long that year.
In 1969, was officially classified a WR and responded with another 71 catch season (883 yards) and a career high 88 yard long reception.
Remained remarkably productive during dead ball era during mid-70s, producing 801 yards in 73, 738 in 74, and 744 in 75.
Lost entire 76 season to knee injury.
Returned for one final season in 77.
Finished career with 10,598 yards from scrimmage, and 90 total TDs.
At time of retirement, his 649 receptions were an NFL record.
Spent next 3 decades with franchise, working first in the front office and later as a WR coach for Washington.
Passed away in early 2022, at the age of 80.
ACCOLADES:
Rookie of the Year 1964
All-Pro 1967
Second Team All-Pro 1964, 66, 68-69, 74
Pro Bowl 1964-67, 1972-75
All-Decade Team 1960s
Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
80 Greatest Redskins
NFL Receiving leader 1966-67
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1984
NOTES:
Charlie hadn’t signed very much since 2012, so I decided to go the certified route when the pandemic hit. It was a fun time being able to hit the EBay market and pick up a few of the Upper Deck Legends set before it blew up.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
165
1488
3.4
11
50
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
649
9110
14.0
79
88t
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
