One of the most overcoming and cherished Topps sets across all sports is the 1965 Topps Football Cards set. The cards in this slightly oversized issue are 2 1/2″ by 4 11/16 and are frequently referred to as “Tall Boys.” Topps only employed this specific layout for football cards in 1965. The 1966 hockey cards and the 1969 and 1970 basketball cards, however, followed the same template.
What Is The Best 1965 Topps Football Card?
One of the most well-known football cards in the hobby, the rookie card of the legendary Jets quarterback Joe Namath, can be found in 1965 Topps Football Cards. Collectors frequently place this card at the top of their wish lists or very close to it. The Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corporation at the time held the rights to the National Football League (NFL), so this set only includes players from the American Football League (AFL). The top 10 1965 Topps Football Cards are listed below.
10. Ben Davidson SP RC #137
The card’s front side features a large picture of Ben Davidson SP RC #137 overlaid against a vivid, solid green background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card. Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players.
One of the biggest players in the league at that time was Ben. He was a standout pass rusher and presented a dangerous presence to opposing quarterbacks. Ben continuously pressured the offense with his quickness, aggression, and alertness. Ben joined the American Football League for the first time in 1964.
9. Lance Alworth #155
The card’s front side features a large picture of Lance Alworth #155 overlaid against a vivid, solid red background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the pass receiving record.
The first member of the American Football League to be honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame is Lance Dwight Alworth. Alworth competed in football, baseball, and track and field for his high school team, earning fifteen varsity letters overall. Lance spent nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers of the AFL (1962-1970).
8. Len Dawson SP #99
The card’s front side features a large picture of Len Dawson SP #99 overlaid against a vivid, solid blue background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the passing record.
In 1964, Len was the AFL’s passing leader. He set a club record against Denver by completing six touchdown passes in one game. In the 1965 All-star game, Len started at quarterback for the western team. Furthermore, he connected with Keith Lincoln for a touchdown pass of 73 yards to start the scoring for the west in that game.
7. George Blanda SP #69
The card’s front side features a large picture of George Blanda SP #69 overlaid against a vivid, solid yellow background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the passing record.
George had established a solid reputation as a kicker in addition to being known for his powerful and factual arm. The adaptable kicker holds the American Football League record with 63 straight extra points. George accomplished 187 passes for a record-breaking 3340 yards in 1961. He received the AFL Player of the Year award that year.
6. Jack Kemp SP #35
The card’s front side features a large picture of George Blanda SP #69 overlaid against a vivid, solid pink background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the passing record.
Jack had a fantastic career with the Bills, leading Buffalo to the AFL title. The big-armed quarterback was brought in from San Diego, where he had helped the chargers win divisional championships in 1960 and 1961. Jack has been chosen for five AFL All-Star teams in a row.
5. Checklist SP #87
The front side of the card on the top has featured a cartoon of a random player and below that using the same numbering system as other Topps AFL-only sets, each team is numerically grouped around one another. They are arranged in the set according to city, alphabetically. Within each team, the players are arranged alphabetically by the last name, which continues to the back side of the card.
4. Willie Brown SP RC #46
The card’s front side features a large picture of Willie Brown SP RC #46 overlaid against a vivid, solid blue background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the pass interception record.
In 1963, Willie was among Denver’s best rookies ever. For the Broncos, he was given a starting position due to his speed, aggression, and mobility. Willie is a coach’s fantasy player because he truly excels at rock’em, sock’em. In 1964, he was the Broncos’ top pass interceptor.
3. Checklist SP #176
The card’s front side features a random player cartoon at the top, and below that, each team is numerically grouped around one another using the same numbering scheme as other Topps AFL-only sets. They are arranged in the set alphabetically by city. The players are listed alphabetically by last name within each team, and this is carried over to the back of the card.
2. Fred Biletnikoff SP RC #133
The card’s front side features a large picture of Fred Biletnikoff SP RC #133 overlaid against a vivid, solid green background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players, and below that is the pass interception record.
Fred joined the raiders in high regard, having been named to almost every all-American team. Based on his achievements, most football fans believed Fred would be a star in the American football league. Fres also owns nearly all of Florida’s offensive records, including the most passes caught, touchdowns caught, and points scores.
1. Joe Namath SP RC #122
The card’s front side features a large picture of Joe Namath SP RC #122 overlaid against a vivid, solid yellow background. The team city is displayed above the player, while his name and position are displayed in a contrasting colored banner along the bottom, below his picture. A white border frames the card.
Card backs are split into two sections. A cartoon of the player can be found on the right side. The left side begins with a black box that contains a football-shaped holder for both the card number as well as the player’s name, position, and team. Following that are two lines of vital statistics, a biography, and a year/lifetime statistics box for specific players.
Joe, who was signed by the Jets for a large sum of money, will be going to test his knee in the beginning exhibition games this season, and New York fans are crossing their fingers. Alabama’s quarterback was dubbed the greatest athlete to emerge from the college ranks in 1964. Joe set an S.E.C. for passing the completion mark by hitting his targets 64% of the time. Joe was not nervous to run with the ball when the chance came during his college career, carrying the ball for 572 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Conclusion
These are the best 1965 Topps Football Cards available for purchase. However, because they are extra massive, there is more edge distance for a slight tilt in the cutting process to become more apparent and noticeable, which is especially important given the border’s narrowness. Moreover, the cards were more difficult to produce than other standard-sized cards, their larger, one-of-a-kind size made them more susceptible to wear and tear. The fact that most of the cards are now worth thousands of dollars.
