1961 Paul Maguire
Worn by the San Diego Chargers in 1961-62, 64-65
Year One in San Diego
Record wearing these helmets: 33-22-4
84 PAUL MAGUIRE LB / P San Diego Chargers 1960-63 6'0" 215 The Citadel Age 23:
Paul Maguire was not only one of the original Los Angeles Chargers, he was also one of the original San Diego Chargers as well. He played linebacker and punted and joined the infant American Football League in 1960 after leading the nation in receiving in 1959. In 1961, the Chargers set a pro football record with 49 pass interceptions. Even Maguire had one. On top of that, his 82-yard punt was the year's longest. Paul played in six of the league's ten title games - three with the Chargers and three with the Bills. One of 19 players to play all ten AFL seasons. Paul was the league's all-time punter in punts and yardage.
In my opinion, the original 1961 San Diego Chargers uniform was the most striking one in all of pro football. Paul was a tough linebacker who only needed to wear a two-bar facemask.
The front of the Maguire 1961 model. You can almost picture Maguire's face behind the facemask. The mask is a metal gray AuthentiKit. Chinstrap is a one-buckle Riddell.
Back of 1961 Charger helmet. Back bumper has been removed and excess glue stripped.
Ernie Barnes was the Chargers left guard in 1961. Here is his jersey. The Chargers jerseys in 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965 were the best the Chargers ever wore.