Running back John Brockington was a key cog in the Green Bay Packers offense in the 1970s. He was the first running back in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first NFL seasons. The former Ohio State star was named Rookie of the Year in 1971 and earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three years in the league. But Brockington’s production dropped after the 1973 campaign. He had 12 games with at least 100 yards rushing in his first four seasons in the league. In 1975, his production fell off to 434 yards for the season and a 3.0-yard average per carry. But on a snowy Lambeau Field in Week 11 of the 1975 season, Brockington regained his previous form for one more game and helped the Packers crush the Chicago Bears.
Remembering the Final 100 Yard Game by Packers Running Back John Brockington: The Buildup
The 1975 season was a tough one for the Green Bay Packers. Bart Starr took over as coach, but he inherited a team that lacked talent and depth thanks to some questionable moves by his predecessor, Dan Devine. Starr also lacked experience as a coach and was essentially learning on the job.
The Packers and Bears both entered this game with 2-8 records, tied for last place in the NFC Central. Brockington was hoping to revive his career while Bears rookie running back Walter Payton was first building his up.
The game time temperature was in the high 30s, but the wind gusted up to 30 miles per hour, making the wind chill two below zero. A blanket of snow covered the field.
The Packers Defense Helps Them Start Quickly
The Green Bay defense was dominant in the first half. Bears quarterback Bob Avellini was making his first career NFL start and the Green Bay defense made sure he didn’t accomplish much. In fact, he didn’t complete a pass in this game until the Packers held a 21-0 lead.
In the first half of the game, the Bears gained just 18 total yards, fumbled three times in the snow and the Packers intercepted two passes.
The Packers took control of the game early. Quarterback John Hadl led the Packers on an 84-yard drive the first time they touched the ball. Brockington opened the scoring on a one-yard touchdown run in the to give the Packers a 7-0 lead.
Packers defensive tackle Mike McCoy forced Payton to fumble the football and Dave Pureifory recovered at the Bears 10. Four plays later, Brockington scored on another one-yard run and the Packers led 14-0.
Later in the second quarter, Pureifory forced Avellini to fumble as he sacked him, and Alden Roche recovered. A few plays later, the Packers scored on a halfback option pass from halfback Willard Harrell to wide receiver Steve Odom from 14 yards out.
Brockington added another score later in the second quarter on an eight-yard touchdown dash. The Packers led 28-0 at halftime.
Remembering the Final 100 Yard Game by Packers Running Back John Brockington: A Conservative Second Half
The Bears scored their only points in the third quarter on a one-yard run by Payton. That was as close at the Bears would get.
The Packers defense continued to stifle the Chicago offense. Ken Ellis, Johnnie Gray, and Perry Smith each intercepted Avellini. Payton was held to 40 yards rushing on 12 carries.
Meanwhile, the Packers kept handing the ball to Brockington in the snow. He carried the ball 26 times for 111 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Brockington also caught three passes for 33 more yards.
With a 21-point lead, Starr was happy to run the football and keep the clock running while playing the possession game. “We played very conservatively in the second half, but if that’s what it takes, we’re happy to win that way,” Starr said after the game.
The Packers didn’t score in the second half, but they didn’t need to in their 28-7 win.
The Aftermath
This was the second straight win for Starr’s team after a 1-8 start. They finished the season 4-10, tied with the Bears in the standings.
Brockington carried the ball 28 times in the final three games of the 1975 season and gained a total of just 43 yards. In 1976, he topped 70 yards just twice and never went over 100 yards in a game. The Packers released him after the season opener in 1977.
Brockington was ranked second on the Packers all-time rushing list when he retired. He is now fourth. This was the final 100-yard game of his NFL career.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
Check out our YouTube channel here
