KC Reporter

Most of the handwritten notes that Lamar Hunt took from his early AFL-NFL merger meetings with Tex Schramm dealt with the New York and San Francisco questions.

"Some of the things relative to New York and Oakland were difficult," Hunt recalled, "and that's where we had our biggest problems."

In the early stages of the talks, Schramm limited his contacts to clandestine meetings with Hunt, involving only the New York and San Francisco owners and NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Hunt's contacts were restricted to Buffalo's Ralph Wilson and Boston's William Sullivan.

The NFL owners expressed reservations about two teams existing in New York and San Francisco but agreed that Schramm should proceed. As talks continued, all owners in both leagues were informed of the discussions, which led to further negotiations. The 49ers generally supported the merger, but convincing the Giants proved challenging.

Competing with the Jets, who had transformed from their previous identity as the Titans, was difficult for the Giants. An agreement was reached granting them the first pick in the 1967 NFL Draft under specific conditions related to drafting or trading for a quarterback. This led to acquiring Fran Tarkenton from Minnesota.

The final agreement between the two leagues outlined how four franchises in New York and San Francisco-Oakland would coexist:

1. In both cities, if one team is home and another on the road, home games may be telecast.

2. Before 1970, either Raiders or 49ers could play on each other's side of the bay; after that date requires mutual consent.

3. The 49ers will not play more than half their regular-season games outside San Francisco.

4. Night home games require mutual consent between 49ers and Raiders.

5. The Giants have rights to Shea Stadium on par with Jets; Jets retain similar rights at Yankee Stadium.

6. The Giants requested a minimum of five dates during each season until December 1.

7. Night home games for Giants or Jets require mutual consent.

8. All road games for Giants and Jets are televised back to New York.

9. Raiders and 49ers will play an annual preseason game.

10-13: Various television agreements ensure minimal conflicts in broadcasting schedules within respective areas.

The significance of resolving these issues was highlighted by point one of their final agreement dated June 8, 1966: "All existing franchises would remain in same cities." This arrangement remained until changes occurred with franchise relocations years later.