Rams/Packers—Hadl, Klosterman, Jessie & Bryant…

On this date, October 13, 1974… The Rams turned the ball over five times, and Jon Staggers returned a punt 68-yards for a touchdown as the Packers beat the Rams, 17-6 in a muddy, drizzling, 45-degree weather in Milwaukee County Stadium.

This was John Hadl’s last game for the Rams. He went 6-16-59yds and two interceptions and was replaced by James Harris (3-12-2picks)…Three of those interceptions were by Green Bay linebacker Ted Hendricks.

John Brockington had a late touchdown to secure the win. Packers quarterback Jerry Tagge, a first round pick—11th overall in 1972—went just 2 of 9 passing.

Here’s the capper: Nine days later the Rams traded Hadl to the Packers for a slew of picks (2 1’s, 2 2’s, and a 3rd.)…The very team he struggled against (how bad was Tagge?)…

This netted the Rams—Pat Thomas, Mike Fanning, and Monte Jackson …but wait there’s more.

The third round pick, Geoff Reece (center/Washington St. 61st overall 1975) was sent in a small package to Seattle in May of 1977 for the 31st overall pick in that year’s draft—Nolan Cromwell.

Mike Fanning had been the 1975 first round pick…the 1976 first round pick…was sent to the Lions as compensation for signing Ron Jessie…because Cullen Bryant won his case not to go to Detroit as compensation for the Rams signing Jessie.

The Rozelle Rule at the time allowed the commissioner to order compensation…Owner Carol Rosenbloom had Bryant challenge in court…Bryant won…and the draft pick was sent to Detroit instead.

Who pulled off this trade?
Don Klosterman #KlostermanHOF

Technically the Rams GM from 1972-1982. With Klosterman the Rams won 100 games…but he had no power in 1981-1982…so take away those eight wins combined in those seasons and he has 92

Les Snead with five wins last year and two this year just passed him with 93…

Note: Many of the Players that were key to those eight wins were acquired when Klosterman had authority…so you can give him the eight wins if you like.

(The number one picks taken in 1981—Mel Owens and 1982—Barry Redden—didn’t contribute until later in the decade.)

We know what he did with the Rams…but before he got to LA he accomplished the following.

Klosterman’s Executive Resume:
Chargers (Scout—Ron Mix, Ernie Ladd, Keith Lincoln, Hadl, Alworth)
Chiefs (DPP—Buck Buchanan, Ed Budde, Mike Garrett)
Houston (GM—Tommy Nobis/Falcons…George Webster, Zeke Moore, Ken Houston, Elvin Bethea, Charlie Joiner, Roy Gerela
Baltimore (GM—Norm Bulaich, Jim O’Brien, Billy Newsome, Don McCauley, and Don Nottingham.)

This dude should have been in the Hall of Fam 30 years ago…he needs to be in the Hall of Fame now!

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