AFL AT 40

The eight charter members of the American Football League are still plugging 40 years later, some showing more wear than others . . .

1. OAKLAND RAIDERS (10-3)

Leading rusher that first season was Tony Teresa, which, of course, would make his mom Mother Teresa. Which is as close as anyone associated with this franchise has ever gotten to sainthood.

2. HOUSTON OILERS (10-3)

George Blanda and Co. mercilessly teased millions of Houstonians with the first AFL title in 1960. It was all downhill and on to Tennessee after that.

3. NEW YORK TITANS (9-4)

The Oilers became the Titans, the Titans became the Jets, and if that isn’t confusing enough, what is Al Groh doing at 9-4?

4. DENVER BRONCOS (9-4)

Wore ludicrous vertically striped socks that first season. Still going vertical, only now it’s Gus Frerotte to Rod Smith.

5. BUFFALO BILLS (7-6)

The 1960 Bills relied on defense and used two quarterbacks on offense. Time moves very slowly in Buffalo.

6. BOSTON PATRIOTS (4-9)

Forty years of progress and if the 2000 Patriots beat Chicago on Sunday, they’ll be 5-9, same as the 1960 Patriots.

7. DALLAS TEXANS (5-8)

Now known as the Kansas City Chiefs, then quarterbacked by Cotton Davidson, who knew enough to never throw underneath on the last play of the game with your team down by six.

8. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-12)

Moved to San Diego in 1961. Will they come full circle in 2004? Current Charger stadium lease has a re-opener clause after 2003 season.