AboutJim Considine Expertise I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.
My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com
I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might
I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.
Experience I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)
Organizations Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present
Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003
Publications The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996.
I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper.
http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594
Education/Credentials I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged.
The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.
Awards and Honors I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.
Past/Present Clients Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins
Question Good Evening Jim, I grew up here in Miami a diehard Baltimore Colts fan in the 60s just like yourself. I collect Baltimore Colts items and have quite an extensive collection of Colts game programs from 1953 - 1983. It's a personal project that I've been working on for some time. I'm only missing 26 game programs for those 31 seasons. That includes preseason, regular season, post season, home & away. I read that you're into Colts trivia. So here's a couple of questions that you should get pretty easy. 1) Who was the first Colt to wear a single number jersey? 2) Who did the Colts trade to the Giants for Earl Morrall in '68? 3)When the Colts beat the Packers in the last two minutes on 11/5/67 what Packer rookie touched the Colts onside kick that was recovered by a Colt rookie (name him also)? 4)What do Tom Matte, Joe Washington & Curtis Dickey all have in common as Colts other than being rbs? 5)What Colt players went on to be head coaches in the NFL? Have some fun with this and have a good evening.
Answer Dear John,
Thanks for the questions. I must admit that I was able to answer only one question off of the top of my head. I will however, summon my brain waves to tackle the question. I may "call a lifeline" for help. I will not "cheat" since the answers are only a Google away in most cases.
Your collection of Colts programs is very impressive. One of the resources I was given was a man in California who had EVERY Media Guide for EVERY team in the major four sports. He provided copies of the 1947, 48, 49, & 50 Baltimore Colts. Just for fun, he threw a 1964 & 1965 Baltimore Bullets Media Guide. A god friend of mine whose father was the first general manager for the Bullets. I gave him the books which his family did not have.
Thanks for your note and I will get to work on the questions.
As a followup, the last time I saw the Colts defeat the Packers on 11/5/67 was on 11/5/67. I used to get to attend one game each season around my birthday. My Dad took me to this game, which was perhaps the best game I ever saw on 33rd Street.
I think that when Willie Richardson caught the winning TD and threw the ball into the mezzanine, it started the tradition of the "end zone celebration". I cannot document this, but as an 11-year old going on 12, I sure do cherish the memory.
Jim
PS - The NFL assigns a "retired" referee to be the "NFL observer" from the Pressbox. We were lucky on the last game to have "Art McNally" on 12/21/08. He has told me the "whole" story behind the 1965 Packers field goal defeating the Colts in the playoff game.
JC
