Forrest Blue--1972
What’s a Forrest Blue???
With the looks of Nick Nolte and a name similar to a Ralph Lauren designer
paint; Forrest Blue was too good looking to be a lineman. Yet, the pride of
Tampa was rugged and tough enough to be a four-time Pro-Bowler for the San
Francisco 49ers during the early 1970s.
At 6-5, 260, he was one of the biggest centers in the league during his day.
Blue started every game for the 49ers during six seasons, before moving on to
the Baltimore Colts to finish his career. While it was probably difficult for 49er
quarterback John Brodie to throw over the gigantic center; on the positive side,
if the 6'1" quarterback saw the big number 75 of Blue in front of him, then he
knew the defense was being held at bay.
As is the way with sports, every dog has his day. For Blue, his moment in the
spotlight came on October 31, 1971. As the long-snapper, Blue picked up a
fumbled punt jarred loose from New England’s Ron Garden and rambled for a
25-yard touchdown. After the game, Blue was quoted by the press: “I’m going to
renegotiate my contract in the morning. I’ve discovered a talent they’re not
paying me for.” (TSN 12/18/71)
And for the record, there has never been a Sea Foam Green play in the NFL.
With the looks of Nick Nolte and a name similar to a Ralph Lauren designer
paint; Forrest Blue was too good looking to be a lineman. Yet, the pride of
Tampa was rugged and tough enough to be a four-time Pro-Bowler for the San
Francisco 49ers during the early 1970s.
At 6-5, 260, he was one of the biggest centers in the league during his day.
Blue started every game for the 49ers during six seasons, before moving on to
the Baltimore Colts to finish his career. While it was probably difficult for 49er
quarterback John Brodie to throw over the gigantic center; on the positive side,
if the 6'1" quarterback saw the big number 75 of Blue in front of him, then he
knew the defense was being held at bay.
As is the way with sports, every dog has his day. For Blue, his moment in the
spotlight came on October 31, 1971. As the long-snapper, Blue picked up a
fumbled punt jarred loose from New England’s Ron Garden and rambled for a
25-yard touchdown. After the game, Blue was quoted by the press: “I’m going to
renegotiate my contract in the morning. I’ve discovered a talent they’re not
paying me for.” (TSN 12/18/71)
And for the record, there has never been a Sea Foam Green play in the NFL.
