INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese said there weren’t bounties on quarterbacks in his day.
That’s because back in the 1970s, knockout attempts were so routine they didn’t merit special payment.
The NFL recently punished the New Orleans Saints heavily for running a bounty program that paid players to injure opponents. Before being honored with a Thomas A. Brady, M.D. Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, Griese said the notch in the belt for a hard hit was enough for intimidating defensive ends such as Deacon Jones and Ted Hendricks. He said the emphasis back then was on contact rather than forcing fumbles.
Griese also fondly remembered his 1972 Dolphins, who 40 years later still are the only unbeaten Super Bowl winner.
