Houston Oilers Win
Denver sent All-AFL lineman Bud McFadin and the 1965 No. 2 overall pick — the slot that became Joe Namath — to Houston for a two-year loan of quarterback Jacky Lee. This remains one of the most damaging transactions in early AFL history. Denver rented a short-term quarterback while surrendering a premium draft slot and a proven defensive cornerstone. The lend-lease structure obscured the cost at the time, but Namath's rise into a league-defining star made the trade look catastrophic in hindsight.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick loan of Jacky Lee (for 1964 & 1965 seasons)
Houston Oilers Received
- player Bud McFadin
- pick 1965 first round pick (#2-Joe Namath)
Trade Summary
Denver sent All-AFL lineman Bud McFadin and the 1965 No. 2 overall pick — the slot that became Joe Namath — to Houston for a two-year loan of quarterback Jacky Lee. This remains one of the most damaging transactions in early AFL history. Denver rented a short-term quarterback while surrendering a premium draft slot and a proven defensive cornerstone. The lend-lease structure obscured the cost at the time, but Namath's rise into a league-defining star made the trade look catastrophic in hindsight.
Trade Analysis
Denver sent All-AFL lineman Bud McFadin and the 1965 No. 2 overall pick — the slot that became Joe Namath — to Houston for a two-year loan of quarterback Jacky Lee. This remains one of the most damaging transactions in early AFL history. Denver rented a short-term quarterback while surrendering a premium draft slot and a proven defensive cornerstone. The lend-lease structure obscured the cost at the time, but Namath's rise into a league-defining star made the trade look catastrophic in hindsight. Houston Oilers received Bud McFadin; 1965 first round pick (#2-Joe Namath) and gave up loan of Jacky Lee (for 1964 & 1965 seasons).