Packers’ Robinson lost game ball in cab in 1967

It’s a Super Bowl I story that’s never been told publicly.

Three months before Green Bay’s victory in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, Packers linebacker Dave Robinson had one of the best games of his 10-year career (1963-’72) in a 23-14 victory over the Detroit Lions on Oct. 2, 1966, at Lambeau Field.

In the Detroit contest, Robinson had an interception, a fumble recovery, and at least 10 tackles, earning him a game ball from head coach Vince Lombardi.

“I graded out (individually) at a plus-6 for the Lions game, which was rare,” Robinson said. “All the runs came my way that day and I got a game ball. I was pretty happy and proud of that.”

Gerald “Dad” Braisher, the Packers’ team equipment manager that season, had the ball inscribed with the score, date, and Robinson’s name and one panel painted in Packers gold.

The prized possession was kept under wraps until Robinson brought it to Los Angeles for the inaugural Super Bowl, pitting the NFL champion Packers against the upstart AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs.

“I had my teammates sign the ball, but some hadn’t yet so I brought it to L.A.,” Robinson said.

Robinson also can’t believe what transpired the day after the game, when he switched hotels because he was staying in Los Angeles to play in the Pro Bowl the following week.

“I got all my teammates’ signatures on the ball,” Robinson said. “That was a special football to me. It had the Packers-Lions and date written on it and my name. But I lost it.”

The prized football was forgotten — left in a taxicab in front of a Los Angeles Hotel on Jan. 16, 1967.

“My wife was pregnant and had (morning sickness), and when I paid the cab driver and helped her out, we left that football in the back seat,” the Hall of Fame linebacker said.

When the Robinsons arrived at their new hotel and discovered the football was no longer in their possession, they called the cab company.

“The cab company said no, that it was not in the backseat of the cab,” Robinson said.

“What can you do? Someone has a hell of a souvenir.”

Robinson still wonders about the whereabouts of the football.

“It would be nice to know what happened to it,” he said.

When asked if he wants the autographed ball back, Robinson replied: “That would be nice. No questions asked.

“Like Paul Harvey used to say, I’d like to know the rest of the story.”