The NFL is full of bloopers, but one can argue that one of the best occurred 60 years ago today, October 25, 1964. For it was on the muddied field of San Francisco's Kezar Stadium where Jim Marshall picked up a 49er fumble and promptly returned it 66 yards... the wrong way.
At the time, the Vikings were ahead 27-17 in the fourth quarter, with garbage time in striking distance. George Mira lofted a pass to third string quarterback Billy Kilmer who then fumbled the ball at the 49ers' own 32-yard line. After rolling forward a couple of yards, Marshall picked it up and began racing towards the wrong endzone.
Once the 6'4" 260 lb defensive end reached the end zone, he casually flipped the ball into the stands, convinced that he had just scored a rare touchdown.. Instead, 49ers offensive lineman Bruce Bosley trotted over, patted him on the shoulder and simply said "Thanks, Jim.".
Despite the gaffe, the Vikings would hold on to beat the 49ers 27-22.
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