Pittsburgh acquired linebacker John Campbell from Baltimore…
Pittsburgh acquired linebacker John Campbell from Baltimore on September 29, 1965, for veteran center Buzz Nutter. Campbell immediately started all 14 games for the Steelers and remained a substantial starter through 1968, while Nutter played 13 games with six starts in his final NFL season. The longevity gap gives Pittsburgh the stronger return from a straightforward veteran swap.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Madison Nutter/ Buzz Nutter
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player John Campbell
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Baltimore and Pittsburgh exchanged veterans at different points in their careers. The Colts sent linebacker John Campbell to the Steelers on September 29, 1965, and received center Buzz Nutter. Campbell had spent 1964 in Minnesota and came to Baltimore earlier in 1965, while Nutter had been Pittsburgh's starting center for three seasons and a Pro Bowler in 1962. The deal gave Baltimore an experienced interior lineman and Pittsburgh a younger linebacker with room to become a longer-term starter.
What Pittsburgh Received
Campbell became a major part of the Steelers' defense immediately. He started all 14 games in 1965, then started 11 games in 1966 and all 14 again in 1967. In 1968 he started all eight games he played. Across those four seasons he intercepted five passes and also contributed as a pass rusher. Pittsburgh therefore received multiple years of dependable starting work rather than a short rental.
What Baltimore Received
Nutter still had useful football left, but only for one season. He appeared in 13 games for the Colts in 1965 and started six. That was respectable depth and experience for a contender, especially from a player who had already logged a long career at center. But 1965 proved to be Nutter's final NFL season, so Baltimore did not receive the same duration of value that Pittsburgh got from Campbell.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win. The Steelers earn a B+ because Campbell became an immediate starter and provided several seasons of meaningful defensive work. Baltimore gets a C because Nutter contributed in 13 games but was finished after the season. The exchange was sensible for both clubs, yet Campbell's four-year run of substantial starting duty makes Pittsburgh's realized return clearly stronger.