The 1969 Topps football was the final set released before the AFL-NFL merger. It is one of the most recognizable football sets created. Here are six essential cards from the set.

Gabriel earned four Pro Bowl selections and won the 1969 NFL MVP Award during his 16-year career with the Rams and Eagles.

1969: The AFL and NFL were still almost two years away from their full merger, and everyone assumed the NFL was still far superior. Not so fast, my friend.

Technically, the first winner of the Super Bowl was the AFL's New York Jets, who — led by quarterback Joe Namath — shocked the heavily favored Baltimore Corts 17-6 in the 1969 championship game.

By The Associated Press Roman Gabriel was known for his big size and big arm. He was the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL. And he still holds the Los Angeles Rams record for ...

Gerry Philbin #81of the New York Jets looks on during player introduction before an AFL football game circa 1969. Getty Images He also was a Detroit Lions third-round pick in the NFL draft.

Kearney finished his career with 23 interceptions and had one in the 1969 AFL Championship Game victory over the Oakland Raiders. In 1969, Chiefs coach Hank Stram called Kearney “the most ...

In the third Super Bowl on Jan. 12, 1969, the Jets and quarterback Joe Namath brought legitimacy to the AFL and turned the game into a must-watch event when they beat the NFL champion Baltimore ...