Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-09-05
ATCHISON'S
ANGLE
Angry Young Man
BY LEWIS +. ATcHlsoN

ONE OF FOOTBALLS most controversial players will
be throwing leather bombs at the Redskins in Jacksonville
Fla. tomorrow night. He is Norm Van Brockin of the
Philadelphia Eagles formerly of the Los Angeles Rams
Norm was either villain darling in Los Angeles where
his fans thought he could do wrong and his critics
thought he did everything wrong.
There is question about his ability passer. He
led the league in 1880 so and 4 But those close to the
Rams say that Norm kept things stirred up Los Angeles
during the last two by his feud with Coach Sid Gill;
There denialS from time to time that friction
existed between the two but it there.
At gathering, where the Rams introduced their
look the this year Gilman confided visitor
his pleasure at Van BrocklinS departure.
I'VE may not win the championship this year" Sid
said, But at least I'm coaching the team feel better
already"
VAN BROCKLIN WAS SAID to be the highest paid
player in the National Football League at $4,000 per-
while with the Rams. The Eagles hard up for a top
flight quarterback, probably matched that figure, or
close to it. And in the three exhibition games
played to date Van Brockn has given every indication of
earning his keep.
The Dutchmans passes brought the Eagles 3l-28 VIC
tory the Colts in their first outing He within
six inches of pulling out lost to the Chicago Bears
SO in quagmre on newly constructed field at Column
bus Ohio And only fingered receivers prevented
Van Brockn from leading the Eagles to victory over the
Packers last Monday Green Bay won this one, BOLT
****
VAN BRoCKLN AND GEORGE MARSHALL clashed
verbally last year when the Redskins president needed
Norm his work in helping to organize the National
Football League Players Association harsh exchange OF
words followed when Marshall quoted saying before
Redskins exhibition game that Van Brocklin would
give the washington eleven trouble If he kept his mind
football instead of signing players for the association
But If he goes into the game with pencil in his hip
pocket he may wind up with lead poisoning" Marshall
continued
The quip stung Van Brockn and quick to reply
Every Redskin is member of the association" he
said Marshals men are the biggest rabble-rousers in
the league They figure to behe has the lowest payroll
Of all the IL teams"
Van had the last say in the argument, tossing
five touchdown passes the Rams waloped the Red
skins 45-14.
PERHAPS VAN BROCKLIN will be more satisfied in
Philadelphia with Buck Shaw, newcomer himself to the
City of Brothery Love- Shaw is understanding man.
especially when understanding Norms quirks will give him
one of the best pro quarerbacks in the business In Los
Angeles some fans camored to Billy Wade play in Van
Brocklin's stead, and frequently got their wish.
In Philadelphia it should be the other way around.
They've never had thrower Vans equal on the Eagles,
and it will be sheer Joy to watch him loft the pigsk1n
even when he missed Van Brockn punt too leading
the league 1856 before dropping back into
ond place last year
We know Van Brockln, do most people, as person.
able young off the field and freban on it. He
could be in almost anything he tried if he put
his mind to it. But Norm apparently has stubborn streak
and when things don't suit him he gets rled and balks
For the Redskins sake it is to be hoped that Marshall
makes no wsecracks at Van BrocknS expense in jack
sonve least that get back to him and the Eagles
Call him what you will Van Brocklin is still fine paSser,
and great competitor With their secondary defense still
unsettled the Redskins in position to be antagon
ing good thrower, not one of Van Brocklns quality