Green Bay sent Jim Ringo and Earl Gros to Philadelphia on May…
Green Bay sent Jim Ringo and Earl Gros to Philadelphia on May 5, 1964, for linebacker Lee Roy Caffey and the first-round pick that became Donny Anderson. Ringo remained an elite center for four Eagles seasons and Gros became a useful starter, but Caffey and Anderson contributed to Green Bay championship teams. Both sides gained real value, with the Packers winning the long-term comparison.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Lee Roy Caffey
- pick 1965 first round pick (#7-Donny Anderson)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Jim Ringo
- player Earl Gros
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Green Bay believed its veteran center Jim Ringo was nearing the point where a younger, bigger option would be needed, while Philadelphia was rebuilding under new ownership and coach Joe Kuharich. On May 5, 1964, the Packers sent Ringo and fullback Earl Gros to the Eagles for second-year linebacker Lee Roy Caffey and Philadelphia's 1965 first-round choice. Green Bay later used that pick, seventh overall, on Donny Anderson.
What Philadelphia Received
Ringo was anything but finished. He started all 56 regular-season games during four seasons with Philadelphia, made the Pro Bowl in 1964, 1965 and 1967, and added second-team All-Pro recognition in 1964 and 1966. Gros also became a substantial contributor, starting 12 games in 1964, all 14 in 1965 and six more in 1966. Philadelphia therefore received immediate, high-quality veteran help and got strong use from both incoming players.
What Green Bay Received
Caffey became part of the linebacker group that helped power Vince Lombardi's final three championship teams. He remained with Green Bay from 1964 through 1969 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1965. The first-round choice became Anderson, who played six seasons for the Packers, never missed a game, made the 1968 Pro Bowl and contributed on the 1967 NFL title team and Super Bowl II winner. Green Bay converted two veterans into two younger pieces with staying power.
Final Verdict
Green Bay Packers Win. Philadelphia deserves a B+ because Ringo remained an elite center and Gros supplied useful starting production. Green Bay earns an A because Caffey and Anderson both became multi-year contributors during a championship run, with Anderson lasting six seasons and Caffey anchoring the defense. This was a productive deal for both teams, but the Packers' combination of youth, longevity and postseason impact gives them the edge.