Lombardi pulls trigger on trade to make room for rookies

Home » Hall of Fame » Lombardi pulls trigger on trade to make room for rookies

Packers head coach Vince Lombardi was known for many things ... but is forgotten for some of the momentous trades he pulled off. Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Today in Packers history (brought to you by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame), head coach Vince Lombardi pulled a trade that would make room for two rookies who would go on to productive careers with the team – Dave Robinson and Lionel Aldridge. You may remember them.

Here’s the posting from the Hall of Fame:

Defensive End Bill Quinlan and Safety
John Symank Traded to New York

April 26, 1963 - Packers coach Vince Lombardi sends defensive end Bill Quinlan and safety John Symank to the New York Giants for a third-round selection in the 1964 draft. The loss of Quinlan, a starter in 1962, creates a big hole on the right side of the Packers defensive line. “You can’t stand pat in this business,” Lombardi says. “We thought we drafted real well and if these boys are to do us any good we have to make room for them.” In the mix to replace Quinlan are the team’s No. 1 draft choice, Dave Robinson, and two other rookies: Tony Liscio of Tulsa and Lionel Aldridge of Utah State.

Photo of Dave Robinson