Boston traded the AFL rights to tackle Ron Mix to the Los…
Boston traded the AFL rights to tackle Ron Mix to the Los Angeles Chargers for quarterback Tom Greene. Mix became a nine-time All-AFL selection, helped the Chargers win the 1963 AFL championship and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Greene played only 11 professional games with two starts, creating one of the largest possible gaps in realized value.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Ron Mix
New England Patriots Received
- player Tom Greene (W.)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Boston held Ron Mix's AFL rights after selecting the USC tackle in the league's inaugural draft. The Patriots' historical media guide records that Mix was sent to San Diego for quarterback Tom Greene, while the Pro Football Hall of Fame independently confirms that Boston traded Mix's rights to the Chargers. Mix preferred to play in Los Angeles, and the transaction gave the new Chargers a chance to sign an elite line prospect.
What Los Angeles Received
Mix immediately became one of the AFL's premier offensive linemen. The Hall of Fame notes that he earned nine All-AFL selections and played every AFL season with the Chargers, helping the club win five Western Division titles and the 1963 league championship. He protected quarterbacks and led the blocking on an offense that helped define the wide-open AFL. His career eventually earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
What Boston Received
Greene had a much shorter impact. Pro Football Reference credits him with 10 games and two starts for Boston in 1960, completing 27 of 63 passes for 251 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions. He appeared in one additional professional game for Dallas in 1961. Greene also punted for Boston, but his overall career lasted only 11 games and did not provide a long-term answer at quarterback.
How the Value Aged
The exchange separated almost immediately. Mix became a foundational Charger and remained an elite player throughout the decade, while Greene's playing career ended after two seasons. Even allowing for the unusual rights-based structure of early AFL roster building, the realized value is exceptionally lopsided. One side secured a Hall of Fame tackle and championship cornerstone; the other received a short-term quarterback and punter.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles earns an A+ and New England a D. The Patriots obtained limited short-term use from Greene, but the Chargers turned Mix's rights into a Hall of Fame career and a central piece of their first championship team. Los Angeles Chargers Win is the clear hindsight verdict.