Professional career
Farris was selected by the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League (AFL) in the 17th round (136th overall) of the 1964 AFL draft with a future draft pick, which allowed the team to draft him before his college eligibility was over. [16] [17] He was also selected by the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL) in the 11th round (147th overall) of the 1964 NFL draft. [16] Despite "weighing attractive offers" from the Rams, [2] Farris signed with the Chargers on December 2, 1964. [17] He received praise from head coach Sid Gillman, who said a few weeks later that San Diego "got a splendid guard in John Farris". [18] Farris was one of a record 38 rookies who reported to training camp in July 1965. [19] [20] Within a few days, he was highlighted as the "best-looking rookie" in camp by the Daily Times-Advocate , who reported that "the entire staff was enthused about [his] play". [21] Farris was the only rookie tabbed as a starter in the team's first intra-squad scrimmage on July 24, opening at left guard ahead of regular Pat Shea. [22] [23] He missed the second team scrimmage the following week after suffering a badly sprained right wrist, [24] [25] but was back in time for their first preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. [26]
As a rookie in 1965, Farris appeared in all 14 games for San Diego as a reserve left guard, [27] though he was mostly used on special teams. [4] He credited teammate Ernie Ladd with helping him improve his line play, even choosing to block the then-315 lb (143 kg) defensive tackle on pass drills during the preseason. [28] In a game against the New York Jets in October, Farris recovered a fumble in the red zone on a punt return by Kern Carson midway through the fourth quarter, setting up a field goal in an eventual 34–9 win. [29] The Chargers captured the AFL Western Division title after finishing the season with a 9–2–3 record and lost to the Buffalo Bills in the AFL Championship Game by a score of 23–0. [30] Farris was initially ruled out of the title game due to a strained knee, [31] but he recovered and was able to play in the only playoff game of his career. [32] [33]
"Bulk and mobility are necessities for a good pass blocker. If you don't have those two things, the big tackles will just pick you up and wheel you back like you're on roller skates." – Farris in 1966 [34]
In 1966, Farris again appeared in all 14 games for San Diego at left guard, [27] backing up starter Ed Mitchell. [35] [36] The Chargers went 7–6–1 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. [37] On April 25, 1967, Farris was traded to the Miami Dolphins for defensive back John McGeever. [38] He was one of 27 veterans who were ordered by Miami head coach George Wilson to report to training camp a week early along with the rookies. [39] However, Farris never showed up to camp, [40] and was subsequently released. [27] According to Wilson: "We've never heard from Farris and Petrich said he heard he was talking of joining the Peace Corps." [40]
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