The Baltimore Colts sent Andy Nelson and R.C. Owens to New…
The Baltimore Colts sent Andy Nelson and R.C. Owens to New York on August 25, 1964, receiving Joe Don Looney, Lou Kirouac and the Giants' 1965 sixth-round pick, No. 71, Bobby Felts. Nelson started nine games for New York and Owens contributed briefly, but Baltimore later converted Looney in a deal for linebacker Dennis Gaubatz, who became a multi-year Colts starter and 1968 NFL champion.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Joe Don Looney
- player Lou Kirouac
- pick 1965 sixth-round pick (No. 71, Bobby Felts)
New York Giants Received
- player Andy Nelson
- player R.C. Owens
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 25, 1964, the Baltimore Colts traded defensive back Andy Nelson and receiver R.C. Owens to the Giants. New York sent back running back Joe Don Looney, Lou Kirouac and its 1965 sixth-round draft choice, No. 71, which became Bobby Felts. Draft-transfer records support the full multi-asset package. The immediate player swap looked fairly balanced, but Baltimore's later use of Looney materially changed the long-term value of the Colts' side.
Baltimore's Return
Looney played 13 games for the Colts in 1964 and rushed 23 times for 127 yards. That alone would not have won the trade. Baltimore then dealt him to Detroit in 1965 as the central player in the exchange that brought linebacker Dennis Gaubatz to the Colts. Gaubatz became the club's starting middle linebacker, intercepted passes and was part of the 1968 NFL championship team. Kirouac and the sixth-round pick added secondary value around that conversion.
New York's Return
Nelson gave the Giants legitimate immediate help. He played all 14 games in 1964, started nine at safety and intercepted one pass. Owens appeared in 11 games but caught only four passes for 45 yards, and his New York tenure ended after that season. The Giants therefore received one useful year from Nelson and a small receiving contribution from Owens, but not a multi-season cornerstone.
Value in Hindsight
At the moment of the trade, New York's veteran return had a clear short-term logic. In hindsight, Baltimore's ability to turn Looney into Gaubatz is the separator. Downstream conversions count when the acquired asset is directly used to obtain the later player, and Gaubatz gave the Colts several seasons at a central defensive position. That value exceeds Nelson's one-year Giants contribution while still recognizing that New York received real service.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts Win. Baltimore earns a B for converting its package into Looney, a draft choice and ultimately Gaubatz, a championship-era starter. New York receives a C+ because Nelson was useful in 1964 and Owens added depth, but the return was short-lived. The Colts' downstream linebacker value gives them the stronger long-term result.