Buffalo Bills

Vs.

Detroit Lions

August 15, 1969

Detroit (AP) The Detroit Lions defeated 0.J. Simpson and the Buffalo Bills 24-12 Friday night in the Heisman Trophy winner's debut as a professional football player. The Lions scored two touchdowns in the first half and a field goal and touchdown in the second while holding the Bills of the American Football League to touchdowns in the first and last quarters.

Simpson, who signed recently for a reported $300,000 for three years, played just twelve seconds in the first half and several minutes in the second. Simpson's first run as a professional met with little success as he collided with Denis Moore, the strong center of the Lions’ defensive line.

With less than two minutes on the clock in the fourth period, Simpson put the Bills in scoring position on a pass which covered 37 yards from Jim Harris. Seconds later, Harris hit Bill Enyart with a 22 yard touchdown pass.

Rookie Altie Taylor completed the scoring for Detroit with a 48 yard run up the middle with 31 seconds left to play on the clock. The Lions’ 20 yards field goal was scored by Errol Mann in the fourth quarter.

The Lions took their 14-6 halftime lead with about three minutes left in the in second period following a spectacular interception return by Lem Barney.
 

Scoring Summary

First Quarter
DET- Farr 3 run (Mann kick)
BUF- Moses 20 yard pass from Flores (kick failed)

Second Quarter
BUF- Sanders 10 yard pass from Munson (Mann kick)

Fourth Quarter
DET- FG Mann 20
BUF- Enyart 22 pass from Harris (kick failed)
DET- Taylor 48 yard run (Mann kick)

Att- 34,206

RETURN