Returner Carmichael did it his own way

Al Carmichael played for the Green Bay Packers in the heart of the "Forgotten Fifties," a decade during which the team had only one winning season. Carmichael may be an obscure name to many Packer fans, but he was a celebrated acquisition in 1953. Green Bay and head coach Gene Ronzani made the explosive and versatile halfback / returner from USC the team's No. 1 selection in the National Football League draft. Wisconsin football fans at the time were well aware of Carmichael, as he scored the game's only touchdown to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers in the 1953 Rose Bowl. The top draft choice signed a contract with the Packers for $8,500, plus a $500 cash bonus.