LA Rams News: TD Tommy Wilson has historic scoreless day

LA Rams News: Tommy Wilson has a historic day running the football for a guy never to play collegiately

While LA Rams news is in a bit of a lull right now, we can always turn back the clock to highlight some significant historical events.  Way back in 1937, the Cleveland Rams began playing in the NFL with nine other franchises. They have played in three different cities: Cleveland, St. Louis, and LA. Most of all, the LA Rams have had some very talented players throughout their history.

For instance, Tommy Wilson is a running back that hardly gets mentioned in today’s Rams lore. He played six seasons – from1956 through 1961. From that football career, there is one thing that stands out about him.

Wilson did not play college football. He played football in military leagues where he acquired the nickname, Touchdown Tommy. Wilson was a very talented running back.

Offensive innovation

Pro football offenses were not all that dynamic in the early years. Defenses ruled the day and the coaching philosophies of most teams, except the Rams.  The great offensive genius, Sid Gillman was the Rams head coach.

Most football historians point to Gilman as the father of the modern passing game. Air Coryell and the West Coast offense are variations of Gillian’s philosophical approach to throwing the ball. Now you have the spread and Airraid passing attacks sweeping the NFL.

However, running the football was the safe and secure way of moving the football in 1956. On December 16, 1956, the LA Rams played the Green Bay Packers in Los Angeles. Vince Lombardi was not the Packers’ head coach. Instead, the Packers were led by Lisle Blackbourn. Across the field from him, the Los Angeles Rams were lead by head coach Sid Gillman.

Touchdown Tommy TD-less

Wilson made NFL history that afternoon. He carried the ball 23 times for 223 yards. His longest run went for 46 yards, and he even managed to catch one pass for five yards.

Shockingly, he failed to score a touchdown. The Rams scored seven touchdowns against Green Bay. They had three passing scores, three rushing scores, and one defensive touchdown to win 49-21. Joe Marconi rushed the ball 12 times for 58 yards with all three touchdowns. Talk about a touchdown vulture!

Wilson’s rushing yards set the NFL record for a one-game total. Currently, it’s ranked as the 41st best rushing day in NFL history. Touchdown Tommy set his place in NFL history on that day in 1956.