A Slice of AFL History

Chargers’ AFL Championship

Another page on this website has the only known color photos from the Chargers’ AFL championship win in 1963. This page has the black-and-white pictures taken by Charles AquaViva.

Let’s start with a slideshow of the pre-game activities:

  • Earl Faison and Ron Mix pose for the AFL all-star game, held two weeks later in San Diego.
  • Babe Parilli and Jim Colclough, all-stars from the Eastern Division.
  • Clem Daniels of the Oakland Raiders received the AFL MVP award from Commissioner Joe Foss at halftime. Daniels was also given a red Mercury convertible.
  • Chargers owner Barron Hilton (second from right) presents a plaque to former San Diego mayor Charles Dail.
  • The Grambling marching band.
  • The Grambling band plays the national anthem.
  • The referees.
  • The coin flip, which in those days was held 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Now on to the game action. First, the Patriots on offense.

Babe Parilli started at quarterback for Boston.
Parilli is under pressure from Earl Faison.
Parilli pursued by Geroge Gross (79), Earl Faison (86), and Bob Petrich (85).
Parilli was sacked six times by the Chargers’ defense.
Billy Lott with the ball.
Linebacker Chuck Allen dives on a loose ball. The play had already been blown dead, so there was no turnover.

When the Chargers had the ball, they dominated. Keith Lincoln set a record that still stands: most scrimmage yards gained in a playoff game, with 329 yards combined rushing a receiving.

Lincoln down sideline.
Lincoln brought the hometown fans to their feet with this run.
Lincoln had 206 yards rushing and 123 yards receiving.
Quarterback Tobin Rote hands off to Paul Lowe, who had 94 yards rushing on the day.
Don Norton caught a 14-yard touchdown pass to give the Chargers a 31-10 lead at halftime.
  • In this 3-photo sequence, Bob Suci of the Patriots breaks up a long pass to Lance Alworth.
  • On the very next play, Alworth outlept Suci…
  • …and went on in for a 48-yard touchdown.

At this point it was 38-10 and the game was effectively over. The Chargers coasted to a 51-10 victory and their only AFL championship.

  • A slideshow of the post-game celebrations. Owner Baron Hilton (right)
  • Head coach Sid Gilman
  • Dick Westmoreland and Ron Mix
  • MVP Keith Lincoln interviewed on national TV.
  • Happy Charger fans hoping to get a photo or an autograph.

On to the locker room:

  • Another interview with Keith Lincoln.
  • The victory toast.
  • Lance Alworth celebrates.