Miami acquired Don Nottingham and a 1974 sixth-round pick…
Miami acquired Don Nottingham and a 1974 sixth-round pick from Baltimore for Hubert Ginn on October 2, 1973. Nottingham became a five-season Dolphins contributor and scored 25 rushing touchdowns from 1974 through 1977, while the pick became Randy Crowder. Ginn played only nine games for Baltimore before returning to Miami, producing a decisive Dolphins win.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Hubert Ginn / Hubie Ginn
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Don Nottingham
- pick 1974 sixth round pick (#136-Randy Crowder)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On October 2, 1973, Miami acquired running back Don Nottingham and Baltimore's 1974 sixth-round selection, No. 136 overall, in exchange for Hubert Ginn. Miami used the pick on defensive lineman Randy Crowder. The Colts' transaction history and draft-trade records support the two-asset Miami package and the Ginn return, making the downstream sixth-round selection part of the direct trade value.
Miami Return
Nottingham became the dominant piece. After arriving during the 1973 season, he stayed with Miami through 1977. He rushed for 273 yards and eight touchdowns in 1974, then broke out for 718 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 1975. Across his Dolphins tenure he supplied repeated short-yardage and scoring value. Miami also held the sixth-round pick that became Crowder, giving the club another young defensive asset from the exchange.
Baltimore Return
Ginn played nine games for the Colts in 1973, carrying 16 times for 47 yards. His Baltimore stay ended quickly, and by 1974 he was back with Miami. That makes the contrast unusually sharp: the Colts received a short-term depth back, while the Dolphins received a runner who became an important multi-season contributor plus draft capital. Ginn's previous Miami seasons do not count toward Baltimore's return, and his later Miami production does not rescue the Colts' side.
Final Verdict
Miami wins decisively. Nottingham's five Dolphins seasons and scoring production already create a wide separation, and the sixth-round pick adds to it. A- for Miami and C for Baltimore/Indianapolis reflects a strong standard-tier win without treating the deal as a premium-capital blockbuster.
Baltimore received only nine games and 47 rushing yards from Hubert Ginn before he returned to Miami. Nottingham became a five-season Dolphins contributor and scored 25 rushing touchdowns, while Randy Crowder added value from the accompanying sixth-round pick, creating a wide gap. Miami clearly retained the stronger return.