Baltimore traded defensive back Johnny Sample to Pittsburgh…
Baltimore traded defensive back Johnny Sample to Pittsburgh for the future second-round choice that became No. 24 overall in 1963, Butch Wilson. Sample immediately started all 14 games for the Steelers in 1961 and intercepted eight passes, then started six more games in 1962. Wilson gave Baltimore five seasons of role-player service, but Pittsburgh received the more impactful peak return.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1963 second round pick (#24-Butch Wilson)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player John Sample / Johnny Sample
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
Baltimore sent defensive back Johnny Sample to Pittsburgh in September 1961 for the Steelers’ future second-round selection in the 1963 NFL Draft. Colts historical material identifies the acquired choice as the pick used on Butch Wilson at No. 24 overall. Sample’s professional timeline also places him with Pittsburgh in 1961 and 1962, confirming that the transaction preceded the 1963 draft rather than occurring on the later draft-pick execution date.
What Pittsburgh Received
Sample supplied immediate, high-level defensive production. He started all 14 games for the Steelers in 1961 and intercepted eight passes, returning one for a touchdown. He also handled substantial return work and was a major part of the secondary. Sample returned for six games and six starts in 1962 before moving to Washington in 1963. Pittsburgh therefore received 20 starts over two seasons, including one especially productive year, from a player acquired for a future second-round choice.
What Baltimore Received
The Colts waited until the 1963 draft to realize their compensation and selected Alabama’s Butch Wilson 24th overall. Wilson remained with Baltimore for five seasons, appearing in 54 regular-season games from 1963 through 1967. His receiving role was limited behind stronger offensive options, totaling 11 catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns as a Colt, but he provided depth, blocking and special-teams value over several seasons. The pick was useful, just not as immediately influential as Sample’s Pittsburgh peak.
Final Verdict
Both teams extracted legitimate value, so this is not a lopsided result. Baltimore turned a departing defensive back into a second-rounder who stayed on the roster for five years. Pittsburgh, however, received an instant starter who produced eight interceptions in his first Steelers season and gave the club 20 starts before moving on. That higher-impact peak earns Pittsburgh a B+ and the win. Baltimore receives a B- for converting the future pick into a durable supporting player.