San Francisco and Dallas completed the Mike Dowdle-for-Jim…
San Francisco and Dallas completed the Mike Dowdle-for-Jim Ridlon swap on April 30, 1963. Both players helped their new clubs: Dowdle became a multi-year 49ers linebacker starter, while Ridlon delivered two Dallas seasons highlighted by four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 1964. San Francisco gets the narrow edge, B-plus to B.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Jim Ridlon
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Mike Dowdle
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Francisco's official trade history confirms the player-for-player structure: the 49ers acquired linebacker Mike Dowdle from Dallas for defensive back Jim Ridlon. Independent player histories date the exchange to April 30, 1963. The package was a direct player-for-player swap.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas received Ridlon, a veteran defensive back with six prior 49ers seasons. He appeared in seven games with four starts for the Cowboys in 1963, then became a significant part of the 1964 defense. That season Ridlon started 10 games, intercepted four passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, and also returned a fumble 63 yards for another score. His Dallas career ended after 1964, so the return was short, but it included a genuinely productive season rather than mere roster depth.
San Francisco 49ers Return
San Francisco received Dowdle and immediately installed him in the defense. He started all 13 games he played in 1963 and intercepted two passes. Franchise career records credit him with 51 games for the 49ers from 1963 through 1966, four interceptions and an approximate value of 18. He served as the club's regular middle linebacker for multiple seasons before his role diminished in 1966.
Value in Hindsight
This was a useful exchange for both teams. Dallas got the sharper single-season splash from Ridlon in 1964, including turnovers and defensive scoring. San Francisco received the longer run of starting linebacker service. The difference is real but not large enough to make Dallas' return look poor.
Final Verdict
San Francisco wins narrowly, B-plus to B. Dowdle's four-season 49ers tenure and multi-year starting role provide the stronger total return, while Ridlon's productive 1964 campaign keeps Dallas solidly in positive territory. The supported transaction date is April 30, 1963.