What Is 1962 Houston Oilers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1962 Houston Oilers finished the season with a 11-3 record, securing first place in the American Football League (AFL) Eastern Division. They advanced to the AFL Championship Game but lost to the Dallas Texans 20-17 in double overtime on December 23, 1962.

Key Facts

The 1962 Houston Oilers had an 11-3 regular season record
They won the AFL Eastern Division title
George Blanda threw for 3,034 yards and 28 touchdowns
The AFL Championship Game lasted double overtime
The Oilers lost 20-17 to the Dallas Texans on December 23, 1962

Overview

The 1962 Houston Oilers were a dominant force in the American Football League (AFL), finishing the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record. Coached by Lou Rymkus and later Frank Truitt, the team secured first place in the AFL Eastern Division and earned a spot in the league championship game.

Despite their strong performance, the Oilers fell just short of a title, losing a dramatic 20-17 double-overtime game to the Dallas Texans in the AFL Championship on December 23, 1962. The season highlighted the team’s offensive firepower and resilience, led by quarterback George Blanda and a high-scoring offense.

Regular season record: The Oilers finished 11-3, the best in the AFL Eastern Division, outpacing teams like the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots.
Championship appearance: They reached the AFL Championship Game for the second consecutive year, aiming to repeat as league champions after winning in 1961.
George Blanda's performance: Quarterback Blanda threw for 3,034 yards and 28 touchdowns, setting a new AFL single-season record for passing TDs.
Offensive strength: The Oilers led the AFL in scoring with 387 total points, averaging over 27 points per game during the regular season.
Defensive challenges: Despite offensive success, the defense allowed 298 points, ranking them near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency.

Season Performance

The 1962 campaign showcased both the Oilers' explosive offense and their defensive vulnerabilities. Under interim head coach Frank Truitt, who took over after Lou Rymkus was dismissed mid-season, the team maintained consistency thanks to veteran leadership and Blanda’s arm.

Week 1 dominance: The Oilers opened with a 33-7 win over the San Diego Chargers, setting the tone for their high-powered offense.
Blanda’s MVP-caliber season: George Blanda earned AFL Player of the Year honors after throwing for 28 touchdowns and kicking 37 extra points.
Mid-season coaching change: Lou Rymkus was fired after a Week 6 loss, and assistant Frank Truitt took over as head coach for the remainder of the season.
Home-field advantage: Playing at Jeppesen Stadium in Houston, the Oilers went 6-1 at home, drawing strong local support.
Close finishes: The team won five games by seven points or fewer, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Championship heartbreak: In the title game, the Oilers led late but lost 20-17 in double overtime when Tommy Brooker kicked the winning field goal for Dallas.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1962 Oilers compared closely with other top AFL teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Championship Result
Houston Oilers	11-3	387	298	Lost in double OT
Dallas Texans	11-3	387	304	Champions
Buffalo Bills	7-7	356	321	Missed playoffs
Boston Patriots	9-5	361	337	2nd in East
San Diego Chargers	4-10	276	386	Missed playoffs

The table reveals that while the Oilers and Texans had identical records and nearly identical scoring, the Texans edged them in the championship due to better clutch performance. The Oilers' offense was among the league’s best, but their defense lagged behind key rivals. Their season remains one of the most memorable in AFL history due to its dramatic conclusion and offensive achievements.

Why It Matters

The 1962 Houston Oilers season is a pivotal chapter in early professional football history, illustrating the rise of the AFL as a competitive league. Their performance helped legitimize the AFL during its formative years and showcased star players who would influence the NFL-AFL merger.

Legacy of George Blanda: Blanda’s 28 touchdown passes set a benchmark and cemented his status as one of the AFL’s first superstars.
Championship drama: The double-overtime loss to Dallas is considered one of the most exciting games in pre-Super Bowl history.
Coaching instability: The mid-season firing of Rymkus highlighted growing professionalization in AFL team management.
Fan engagement: The Oilers drew strong attendance in Houston, helping establish professional football in the South.
Influence on NFL merger: The AFL’s competitive balance, shown by teams like the Oilers, pressured the NFL to eventually merge.
Historical significance: The 1962 season is remembered for its high stakes and helped shape the future of American football.

The 1962 Houston Oilers may not have won the title, but their season remains a landmark in football history, symbolizing the AFL’s growing legitimacy and the emergence of professional football as a national spectacle.