Detroit received Jim Ricca and Walt Yowarsky, but neither…
Detroit received Jim Ricca and Walt Yowarsky, but neither became a meaningful Lions return. Ricca appeared in only six Detroit games with one start in 1955, while Yowarsky played only two games for the club before his release. The package gave Detroit little durable lineup value, especially compared with the immediate starting impact Washington received from LaVern Torgeson.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Jim Ricca
- player Walter Yowarsky / Walt Yowarsky
Washington Commanders Received
- player LaVern Torgeson / Torgy Torgeson
- player Jim Hill
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1955-01-28, Detroit Lions received Jim Ricca; Walter Yowarsky / Walt Yowarsky, while Washington Commanders received LaVern Torgeson / Torgy Torgeson; Jim Hill. The grade centers on the football value produced by the consideration each club controlled. Later movement of an acquired pick is treated as provenance, not extra value from the original deal.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit received Jim Ricca and Walt Yowarsky, but neither became a meaningful Lions return. Ricca appeared in only six Detroit games with one start in 1955, while Yowarsky played only two games for the club before his release. The package gave Detroit little durable lineup value, especially compared with the immediate starting impact Washington received from LaVern Torgeson.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington acquired LaVern Torgeson and Jim Hill, with Torgeson becoming the decisive asset in the exchange. He played 36 games with 35 starts for Washington from 1955 through 1957 and earned Pro Bowl recognition in both 1955 and 1956. That combination of durability, starting responsibility, and high-end recognition created far more realized value than Detroit obtained.
Value in Hindsight
Washington received LaVern Torgeson and Jim Hill. Torgeson immediately became a high-value Washington starter, playing 36 games with 35 starts from 1955 through 1957 and earning Pro Bowl recognition in 1955 and 1956. Detroit received Jim Ricca and Walt Yowarsky, but Ricca lasted only six Detroit games with one start in 1955 and Yowarsky played only two Lions games before being released. The durable, high-level Torgeson return creates clear separation for Washington. Those outcomes support Washington Commanders Win. The grade spread remains proportional to the size of the deal and the strength of the realized value.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions receives a D+ and Washington Commanders receives a B+. The verdict is Washington Commanders Win. The conclusion weighs usable contribution, duration, and significance while keeping later separate transactions outside the original bargain.