Denver traded kicker Charlie Gogolak to Boston in October…
Denver traded kicker Charlie Gogolak to Boston in October 1970 for the Patriots’ 1971 fourth-round pick. The Broncos used the 79th selection on Lyle Alzado, who became an eight-year Denver defensive-line force, a first-team All-Pro and key member of the Orange Crush defense. Gogolak’s Patriots tenure was brief. Turning a veteran kicker into a foundational defender makes this one of Denver’s clearest historical trade wins.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1971 fourth round pick (#79- Lyle Alzado )
New England Patriots Received
- player Charlie Gogolak
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On October 22, 1970, Denver sent kicker Charlie Gogolak to the Boston Patriots for a fourth-round selection in the 1971 draft. Broncos historical materials identify the acquired pick as No. 79 overall. Denver used it on defensive lineman Lyle Alzado from Yankton College.
Why Denver’s Conversion Was Exceptional
Alzado became far more than a successful fourth-round pick. He spent eight seasons with Denver, started nearly every game he played for the club, earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition and became a central figure on the Orange Crush defense. He helped the Broncos reach Super Bowl XII, the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Denver’s own retrospective ranks him among the organization’s best fourth-round selections.
What New England Received
Gogolak was an established kicker when the Patriots acquired him, but the transaction did not generate anything resembling Alzado’s long-term value. Kicker performance can be meaningful, especially in an era when specialists were still evolving, yet a brief veteran tenure cannot compete with years of high-level defensive-line production.
How the Hindsight Standard Applies
The trade illustrates the upside of converting a replaceable veteran role into draft capital. Denver did not merely receive a future choice; it selected a player who became part of the franchise’s identity. That outcome creates substantial surplus value even though fourth-round picks normally carry limited certainty.
Final Verdict
Denver wins by a wide margin. Alzado’s eight Broncos seasons, awards and role on a Super Bowl defense make the fourth-round selection an extraordinary return for Gogolak. An A accurately captures Denver’s result. New England’s D reflects the short-lived value received while surrendering the pick that became one of Denver’s signature defenders.