Backup Plan: With Dickey Out, Packers Sign Brian Dowling

Nov. 14, 1977 – A day after Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey breaks his lower leg on the final play of a 24-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay signs Brian Dowling, a player who has bounced around pro football since being drafted in the 11th round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1969. Dowling, who spent time with the Patriots and Redskins as well as the Bridgeport Jets of the Atlantic Coastal Football League and the New York Stars of the World Football League, will serve as backup to rookie quarterback David Whitehurst. Dowling plays in two games for the Packers and attempts just one pass, a throw intended for Barty Smith that falls incomplete against the Bears.