"Golden Wheels" did not play pro ball until the Bills drafted him from the Bluffton Beaver's in 59-60. He was excellent in his time.
The AFL was an amazing league. They were on par with the NFL by the mid 60's and better by the time the leagues merged in 1970.
They did it in part by breaking down racial barriers and providing equal opportunities for black players, especially small school players. Look at the number of African American players by percentage in the AFL versus the NFL. The new league provided opportunities to whoever was best. The combined AFL/NFL then soared in popularity in the 70's and 80's because of it.