Richie Lucas

Richard John Lucas (born April 15, 1938) is an American former football quarterback who played in the American Football League (AFL) for the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he won the Maxwell Award in 1959.

Early life
Lucas was born in Glassport, Pennsylvania. He is of Russian descent.

College career
Nicknamed "Riverboat Richie" due to his gambling instincts when calling plays, Lucas won the Maxwell Award in 1959.

Professional career
Lucas was a first round pick in both the 1960 NFL draft and the 1960 American Football League draft. Lucas signed with the Buffalo Bills of the newly-formed AFL, making him officially the franchise's first player. There he played quarterback, safety and return specialist for two seasons. He was obtained by the Denver Broncos following the 1962 equalization draft, but never played for them.

After football
Lucas returned to Penn State following his pro football career, serving as assistant athletic director until 1998. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.