Philadelphia traded running back Izzy Lang to Los Angeles in…
Philadelphia traded running back Izzy Lang to Los Angeles in July 1969 for Harold Jackson and rookie defensive end John Zook. Jackson immediately led the NFL with 1,116 receiving yards, later led the league again in receiving yards and receptions, and became one of the era’s top deep threats. Lang carried the ball once for the Rams and retired after the season. Philadelphia won this exchange overwhelmingly.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Israel Lang / Izzy Lang
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Harold Jackson
- player John Zook
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On July 7, 1969, Philadelphia sent running back Izzy Lang to Los Angeles for wide receiver Harold Jackson and rookie defensive end John Zook. The Rams were looking for backfield depth after injury problems, while the Eagles took a chance on a lightly used young receiver. The results separated almost immediately.
Why Harold Jackson Changed the Deal
Jackson had appeared in only two games as a Rams rookie in 1968. In his first Eagles season, he exploded for 65 catches, a league-leading 1,116 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. He later led the NFL in receptions in 1972 and again topped 1,000 receiving yards. Philadelphia eventually traded him back to Los Angeles in 1973 as part of the deal for quarterback Roman Gabriel, creating another layer of value.
What Happened to the Other Players
Lang provided almost nothing to Los Angeles. He carried the ball only once for the Rams and retired after the 1969 season. Zook did not stay in Philadelphia long because the Eagles moved him to Atlanta in another transaction, but he developed into a multi-year starting defensive end. Even without assigning Philadelphia all of Zook’s later Atlanta production, his value as a movable young asset strengthened the Eagles’ side.
How the Hindsight Standard Applies
The Rams surrendered the transaction’s breakout star for a veteran who was effectively at the end of his career. Philadelphia received immediate elite receiving production and retained enough value in Jackson to use him in another major trade four years later.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins by an enormous margin. Jackson alone makes the exchange one of the Eagles’ strongest historical trades, while Lang’s Rams contribution was negligible. An A+ for Philadelphia and D for Los Angeles reflect the extraordinary difference in realized value without pretending the Rams’ original need for veteran backfield help was irrational.