Detroit's return was much better than the old C- grade…
Detroit's return was much better than the old C- grade suggested. Joe Don Looney started nine games and scored six touchdowns in 1965, then the fifth-round pick acquired from Baltimore was routed to Dallas for Amos Marsh, who played 41 Lions games over three seasons. Dennis Gaubatz nevertheless became Baltimore's long-term middle linebacker and a 1968 NFL champion, preserving a narrow Colts win at B+ to B.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Joe Don Looney
- pick undisclosed draft pick
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Dennis Gaubatz
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On June 3, 1965, Baltimore sent Joe Don Looney and its 1966 fifth-round choice to Detroit for linebacker Dennis Gaubatz. The Colts' own trade ledger specifies the fifth-rounder and notes that Detroit later dealt the pick. Dallas' media guide closes that chain: the choice reached the Cowboys through Detroit in the Amos Marsh trade and became No. 79 Walt Garrison. Detroit's value from that draft asset was therefore Marsh, not Garrison.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit got two meaningful forms of production. Looney played nine games and started all nine in 1965, rushing for 356 yards and five touchdowns while adding 109 receiving yards and another score. He returned for three Lions games in 1966 before being traded. More importantly, Detroit used the acquired Baltimore fifth-rounder to obtain Amos Marsh. NFL records credit Marsh with 41 Lions games from 1965-67, 1,157 rushing yards, 373 receiving yards and 14 offensive touchdowns across those three seasons.
Baltimore Colts Return
Baltimore received the longest-lasting core piece. Gaubatz played 67 regular-season games for the Colts from 1965 through 1969 and started 61 of them. Pro Football Reference credits him with eight interceptions and 8.5 sacks over that span. He started all 14 games at middle linebacker in 1968 for a 13-1 Baltimore team that won the NFL Championship before losing Super Bowl III.
Value in Hindsight
The previous C- for Detroit understates what the Lions actually extracted. Looney was productive in 1965, and the pick was not a dead asset; it directly helped bring in Marsh, who contributed for three seasons. Baltimore still owns the stronger individual return because Gaubatz anchored the middle of its defense for five seasons and was a full-time starter on an NFL champion.
Final Verdict
Detroit rises from C- to B, while Baltimore/Indianapolis remains B+. The verdict stays Indianapolis Colts Win, but the margin is much narrower. Gaubatz delivered the best sustained individual tenure; Looney plus the Marsh conversion gave Detroit substantial, traceable football value rather than a failed package.