1962 Profiles: Dick Christy and Mel West

DICK CHRISTY
Halfback
No. 45
North Carolina State
"The former North Carolina State record holder was the AFL's punt return leader last year, averaging 21.3 yards per return for 18 tries. Christy also ranked sixth in kickoff returns, averaging 24 yards on 16 returns. His longest was a 60-yarder.
The fleet back still holds eight North Carolina State and conference records, including rushing, scoring, most points in one game and longest field goal. The Titans acquired him in a trade with Oakland last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 58

"Dick Christy was the only newcomer to break into the 1961 Titans' starting offensive unit. In their search for a breakaway back, the Titans dealt end Dave Ross to Oakland in August 1961 for Christy. The trade made it a cross-country round trip for the peppery speed merchant, who earlier had been shipped to the coast by the Boston Patriots in a multi-player exchange. He was Boston's top offensive threat in 1960.

Dick is a terror in the open field and a good power runner, as well. The Chester, Pa., flash is also a fine receiver.

A standout rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958, he led the NFL in kickoff returns. Dick was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1959 and joined the Patriots for the third game of the 1960 season.

The husky ex-All-American came to the pros off a sparkling college career at North Carolina State, where he broke all of the school's scoring records."

-1962 New York Titans Official Program (The Polo Grounds)

MEL WEST
Halfback
No. 25
Missouri
"Time and patience are the qualities which will pay off in the case of Mel West, the Missouri mauler who was plucked from the Patriots before the 1961 campaign began.
Marvelous Mel managed 322 yards as a runner from left halfback, averaging 4.5 per carry, and gained an additional 146 serving as a receiver, respectable marks for a rookie.
One of the smallest in the loop at 5-9, his determination to succeed is fierce and he now has the confidence he thought he lost when Boston gave up on him."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Profiles: Don Maynard and Alan Goldstein

DON MAYNARD
Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
"Hampered by injuries in 1961, Maynard had trouble reaching the expectations the Titans had for him that season. When he sustained his first injury, on October 22, he was one of the league's top receivers.
As a member of the New York Giants in 1958, Don was used primarily as a kick return man. It was not until he joined the Titans in 1960 that he got a chance to display his receiving ability. That year, Don caught 72 passes to rank second in the loop."

-1962 Fleer No. 59


ALAN GOLDSTEIN
Flanker
No. 81
North Carolina
"Although raised in Brooklyn, Alan traveled south to the University of North Carolina for his college education and to play football for the Tarheels. Thereafter, Alan served with the armed forces and played football in Europe. He was named to the All-European Service Team, and upon his return gained professional experience with the Los Angeles Rams.
Because of his background, Alan should prove a real help at end for the Oakland Raiders."

-1960 Fleer No. 108

"Alan Goldstein never gave up after failing to make it as a Ram in 1958. An offensive genius at end in college, he was among the country's better pass receivers. He played in military service in '59 and was a regular Raider after his initial practice.

Now 25, Brooklyn-born Alan looks to improve on his '60 mark of 27 passes caught and 354 yards gained."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"The long path to Oakland began for Alan when he was a high school star in Brooklyn. He played his varsity football at North Carolina, then went into military service, where he made the European All-Star team.
Alan proved a top receiver for the Raiders in 1960, snaring 27 tosses for 354 yards. Oakland fans expect an even brighter year from him in 1961."

-1961 Fleer No. 195

1962 Titan Linebacker Profiles

HUBERT BOBO
Middle Linebacker
No. 57
Ohio State
Hubert is a steady linebacker with a willingness to hit. Stabilizing the Titan defense again in his second year while playing all 14 games, he made four interceptions for 57 yards returned, including a return of 26 yards.
As a collegian, Hubert starred as a sophomore fullback on an Ohio State team that played in the Rose Bowl.


LARRY GRANTHAM
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"If a linebacker who's less than 200 pounds is a rarity than Larry Grantham must be a phenom. No ordinary toiler is this 25-year-old Crystal Springs, Mississippi head-cracker, who comes in at 195 and hits with the authenticity of a 220-pounder. An All-League choice for three years, he's considered the best tackler at his post and is seldom guilty of allowing a runner or pass-receiver to escape his grasp.
Slated for end duties as a '60 rookie, he was never permitted to display his offensive wares once the coaches noticed his sharpness on defense."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"Larry's listed as a linebacker but weighs 30 pounds less than the norm for the job. Since he's too valuable to keep out of the lineup, New York compensates for his lack of size by flopping him over to play always on the side of the split end. Larry has the reflexes to become an extra peg in the pass defense, and the fiery will to stop huge fullbacks in their tracks on runs.
Last season he was All-AFL."

-1963 Fleer No. 20


ED COOKE
Linebacker
No. 82
Maryland
"Ed Cooke feared it was all over as a pro when the Colts released him at the start of the 1960 season. But the 26-year-old Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) hounder of passers was certain he could find a job at defensive end or tackle, and his confidence has gained him permanence as a Titan. Ed's quite valuable in a number of positions and it's possible that he'll hold forth at the left linebacking slot."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Profiles: Art Powell and Perry Richards

ART POWELL

Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"Nifty swifty [sic] and so difficult to cover in the open is Art Powell, the spectacular pass catcher who was No. 3 among all receivers in 1961. The 25-year-old ex-Eagle latched on to 71 passes for 881 yards and seldom could he remember when he didn't have to out-hustle two defenders for the right to the ball. No team in the circuit plays him one-on-one, a tribute to his speed and good hands."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Powell is a quarterback's delight. His size makes him easy to spot downfield, and his speed- he's run the 100 in 9.7- and great set of moves have opposing defenders running in circles. What's more, his hands are so big that they look ready-made for catching footballs.
Only Denver's Lionel Taylor and Houston's Charlie Hennigan caught more than his 71 receptions, good for 881 yards. His best day was October 22 when he hauled in 12 Titan passes just one short of the league record."

-1962 Fleer No. 60

PERRY RICHARDS

End

No. 80

Detroit

"Playing with the Detroit Lions and the St. Louis Cardinals, Perry has shown flashes of fine talent as an offensive end. When Detroit rocketed to the championship in '57, he gave them valuable assistance as a rookie receiver.

He's got good size and sure hands, and now after four years of playing pro he should be able to lend a valuable lift to a brand new organization."

-1961 Fleer No. 130

1962 Titans Defensive Line Profiles

SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama
"Still scrambling with the enthusiasm of a rookie is ponderous Sid Youngelman, 30, who found a new career with the Titans. Considered a relief man after service with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns, his experience went a long way toward making him one of the AFL's most destructive defenders at tackle and end. The Brooklyn-born battler makes the middle of the New York wall a formidable barrier."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


TOM SAIDOCK
Defensive Tackle
No. 75
Michigan State
"Rangy, rugged Tom plays football with exceptional savor and savvy.
This towering tackle had an interesting career with the Spartans. He played on their 1951 and 1952 teams, then put in three years in service before finishing his varsity term. Following his graduation from Michigan State in 1957, Saidock spent two years with the Eagles.
Off-season, he is a salesman. He is married and the father of a seven-year-old son."

-1962 Fleer No. 66


NICK MUMLEY
Defensive End
No. 74
Purdue
"Obtained from the Dallas Texans shortly before the start of the 1960 season, Nick stepped right into the defensive line and has been a defensive stalwart since.
The versatile Wheeling, West Virginia native is capable of playing anywhere up front. Nick has the speed, power and desire to keep any opposition from yardage on his flank.
The rugged Purdue graduate played the 1959 College All-Star Game. Nick has since shown he is a bonafide pro."

-1962 Fleer No. 65

"Nick Mumley, 6 feet 4 and 255 pounds, will man the left flank of the Titans' defensive rush line. The big Purdue lineman earned varsity accolades with the Boilermakers in 1958, played with the College All-Stars in 1959 and had a trial with the Eagles that season. As so often happens with varsity heroes invited to play on the All-Star squad, the practice time he missed cost him a real shot with Philadelphia.

With the Titans last year, his third time around, he convincingly displayed his pro qualifications. He's a powerful smasher and has niftiness and speed as he showed last season."

-1962 New York Titans Official Program (The Polo Grounds)

LAVERNE TORCZON
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
1960
Team captain at Nebraska, LaVerne was All-Big Eight two years and an All-American and the Cornhuskers' MVP as a senior. After being drafted by Cleveland, he was drafted by Uncle Sam and released by the Browns after his military service.
A leader by example, LaVerne inspires his teammates with his devastation of opposing blockers.

"Captain of the Bills, Torczon was All-Big Seven- with All-American mention- at the University of Nebraska. He played center, guard and tackle for the Cornhuskers. Torczon captained the team in 1956 and was selected as the team's most valuable player.

He signed a National League contract with Cleveland but entered military service before reporting."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program

"Few will argue about calling LaVerne Torczon, the Platte Center (Nebraska) bone-crusher, one of the AFL's superior defensive ends. Now 25, he lost his NFL shot with the Browns when called into service after gaining an All-America berth in '56. A unanimous All-AFL end selection, his crashing style dissolved many blocks.
The Bills' captain, his spirit generates throughout the squad."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"The ends playing alongside these behemoths at defensive tackle are generally more modest in scale. They're like LaVerne Torczon, the captain and field leader of the Bills, a mere snip of a 240-pounder who was all-league last season. He's with the Bills because general manager Dick Gallagher remembered him from a trial with the Cleveland Browns (where Gallagher was a coach) four years ago. Torczon was a 210-pounder then and a linebacker. He had played center, guard and tackle for Nebraska, although he never played organized football until he went to college. The 25-year-old school teacher from Platte Center, Nebraska didn't make the Browns, but they admit they could use him at defensive end right now."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Opposing backs avoided this defensive bulwark's end as much as possible. Torczon is adept at spilling interference.
He was chosen on the AFL's first All-Star team."

-1961 Topps No. 157

"The Browns are still unhappy about losing LaVerne Torczon to the service. Drafted by Cleveland in 1956, he first got in his military duty and then decided to become a Bill in 1960.
One of the finest crashing ends, his destructive style has gained him two-time All-Pro recognition. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, LaVerne still has a sufficient number of seasons remaining to continue his harassment of passers."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"LaVerne Torczon is captain and defensive end of the Buffalo Bills, a leader who inspires by example, one of the league's most dependable performers the last two years."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"This All-Leaguer from Nebraska is one of the greatest defensemen in football. He is tremendously versatile, playing equally as well at guard or defensive end.
The Bills' captain was a unanimous selection at end in 1960 and as a linebacker in 1961. He made the All-Big Seven two years and was selected as Nebraska's most valuable player in his senior year. He lost his NFL shot with the Browns when he was called into service in 1957 and was signed by Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Big Four in 1959."

-1962 Fleer No. 21

1962 Profile: Thurlow Cooper

Tight End
No. 88
Maine
In the Titans' season opener at Braves Field in Boston, Thurlow caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Al Dorow for a 14-7 second-quarter lead in an eventual 21-20 New York victory. In the Polo Grounds rematch against the Patriots three weeks later, he caught a five-yard touchdown pass from Dorow to give New York the lead in an eventual 37-30 win, lifting the Titans to a 3-1 record and the lead in the AFL East.
After winning many honors as a collegian at the University of Maine, Thurlow has proven reliable as both a blocker and a receiver for the feared Titan offense.

1962 Titan Offensive Line Profiles

MIKE HUDOCK
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Rugged Mike, who hails from Tunkhannock in the anthracite-laden hills of Pennsylvania, is an experienced pivotman, having played three years at the University of Miami (Fla.), two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and two with the Titans.
Big Mike is a reliable passer [sic], blocks with shattering impact and has exceptional mobility. Fast, he's usually out in front of the Titan ball carriers, who value his crisp, decisive blocking."

-1962 Fleer No. 61



BOB MISCHAK
Guard
No. 67
Army
"Again Bob Mischak held on to his laurels as a most outstanding guard. He has twice gained All-AFL honors and his blocking remains as destructive as ever.
Drafted by the Browns, he ended up with the Giants in 1958 only to quit in '59 as a result of salary differences.
The 29-year-old out of Union, New Jersey played for Army and is one of the few West Pointers who turned to the pro ranks."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


JOHN MCMULLAN
Guard
No. 68
Notre Dame
"One of the few original Titans to appear at his position for the third straight season will be John McMullan, the starting right guard who, with Bob Mischak, gives the interior line that necessary blocking spark. This 27-year-old Bergenfield (New Jersey) bull is most difficult to defense due to his ability to come back with that second blocking effort.
He's also done time with the Giants and Eagles."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


GENE COCKRELL
Offensive Tackle
No. 70
Hardin-Simmons
Coach Bulldog Turner, who certainly knows a good offensive lineman when he sees one, knows how much Gene fortifies the Titan offensive line. He has proven himself in every game played by New York in the AFL's first two seasons.
Along with his collegiate football career, Gene was also a member of the Hardin-Simmons rodeo team.

ALEX KROLL

Offensive Tackle

No. 55

Rutgers

"An excellent blocker who calls decisive signals, Alex has tremendous hustle and spirit. The team's captain majors in English and has a special academic scholarship."

-1961 Nu-Cards No. 123

JACK KLOTZ
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Pennsylvania Military College
Jack played every game for the Titans in both 1960 and 1961 and has shown the adaptability to protect his team's passers from the ever-changing tactics of opposing defenses. A veteran of the Canadian Football League, his experience has also been helpful to Titan running backs.

1962 Profiles: Billy Atkins and Lee Riley

BILLY ATKINS
Safety-Kicker
No. 2
Auburn
"Bill was one of the first players signed by the Buffalo Bills and will be responsible for one of the most important assignments in pro football, the defensive halfback position.
He was the star defensive halfback for two years with the San Francisco 49ers. Bill played previously for Auburn and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference team. He was also selected for All-America."

-1960 Fleer No. 24

"All-Southeastern Conference selection in 1956-57 and an All-American in 1957. Atkins is the Auburn record-holder for most points scored in a single season. He participated in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game.

Atkins played two years as a defensive back with the San Francisco 49ers. He was signed by the Bills as a defensive back and a kicker."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program

"The most active of all pro punters in '60 was Birmingham's Billy Atkins whose 89 boots totaled 3,468 yards. Booting Billy, 26, was first exposed to pro fire as a 49er and turned in a creditable job as a defensive back. As a Bill he intercepted five passes and also tallied 45 points on 27 extra points and six field goals."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Speed and alertness are the factors most sought after in the secondary, and this All-Southeastern Conference star possesses both.
A conference selection in 1956 and 1957, with an All-America nomination in 1957, Atkins participated in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star contest, then joined the San Francisco 49ers as a valuable defense man. Last year he switched to the Bills where he proved a valuable kicker as well."

-1961 Fleer No. 141

"The man who gets the biggest 'boot' out of the game is Billy Atkins, the Millport (Alabama) mechanic who established AFL records in 1961 with 84 punts and a 45 per punt average. He led pass interceptors (10) last year and dashed for 87 yards on two running attempts from a fake kick formation.
Billy was an All-Pro selection as a safetyman."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Billy Atkins of the Buffalo Bills led the AFL in two departments in 1961- interceptions, with 11, and punting, with a 45-yard average. The former Forty-Niner and Auburn star had his greatest season in pro ball."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"An All-Southeastern Conference halfback in college, this Birmingham, Alabama speedster switched to defense in the pros and he was rewarded last year by making the second All-Pro team in the AFL. A brilliant kicker, Bill led all the Bills' punters in 1961 with a 45.0 yard average for 84 kicks.
A star in the East-West and College All-Star contests after graduating in 1957, Atkins joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1958. Two years later he joined the Bills."

-1962 Fleer No. 18


LEE RILEY
Safety
No. 22
Detroit
Lee certainly did his part last year in the continued development of the Titan defensive secondary. He caused trouble for opposing passers with four interceptions, including one returned 41 yards.
After attending St. Aloysius Academy just up the Thruway in Schenectady, Lee was a unanimous All-Missouri Valley halfback two straight years. He began his pro career in Detroit after being personally scouted by Lion coach Buddy Parker.

1962 Profiles: Dainard Paulson and Jack Johnson

DAINARD PAULSON
Cornerback
No. 40
Oregon State
Dainard stepped in and bolstered New York's defensive secondary in 1961. He played all 14 games and made his first career interception.
In his college days at Oregon State, Dainard starred as a tailback in the single wing. As a punter, he set the Pacific Coast record with a 45.4 average per kick.


JACK JOHNSON
Cornerback
No. 42
Miami
"One of the first deals made by the Titans to add muscle and experience to their defensive halfbacks was the acquisition of Jack Johnson, the Pittsburgh-born, steel-like tackler who spent 1961 with the Bills and the Texans. He picked up his previous knowledge with the Bears and has the flexibility to move into the offensive platoon."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Titan Fullback Profiles

BILL MATHIS
Fullback
No. 31
Clemson
"The hardest worker of all ball-carriers in '61 was Bill Mathis, the 25-year-old Oiler reject who joined the Titans in 1960. The strong fullback out of Manchester, Connecticut carried for an AFL high of 202 times last year, gaining 846 yards and scoring seven times. An All-AFL choice, he also gained 42 yards on 12 pass receptions and has the deceptive moves to be even more of a receiving threat in '62.
Bill has amazing recuperative powers and is among the most durable of all offensive players."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


"For the 'hard' yardage, says Sammy Baugh, there is no better runner in the AFL than Bill Mathis, the fast improving fullback of the New York Titans, a crunching 220-pounder who is fleet of foot."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"Last season Bill was the class of the AFL's fullbacks. A unanimous choice for the AFL all-star team, he was runner-up to Houston's Billy Cannon for the loop rushing title. The burly North Carolinian blasted for 846 yards on 202 carries ... an average of 4.2 yards per rush.
A former coach said of Mathis: 'When you need that must yardage, I'll take Mathis.' The Titans bought his contract from Houston early in the 1960 season."

-1962 Fleer No. 62


CHARLIE FLOWERS
Fullback
No. 41
Mississippi
"The leading rusher with 734 yards and leading scorer with 66 points on last year's great Mississippi team, Charlie was selected for the All-Southeastern Conference and All-American teams. In addition, he was selected for the All-Decade All-Southeastern Conference team.
Charlie's weight, power and speed will be a deciding factor this year in the Los Angeles offense."

-1960 Fleer No. 102

"Charlie was the center of an interesting court battle between the two leagues before joining Los Angeles. In his rookie year with the Chargers, he displayed all the potential to make him one of the league's brightest stars.
A two-year All-American at Ole Miss, Flowers starred in the 1960 Sugar Bowl victory, proving the validity of a three-year career record of 308 carries for a 5.6 average."

-1961 Fleer No. 156


BOB BROOKS
Fullback
No. 37
Ohio
"The former two-time Mid-American Conference leader in rushing and scoring is considered to have great potential for AFL stardom.
Bob didn't see much action last year, his rookie season of pro ball, but is expected to see a lot of it as a sophomore. In 15 rushes in 1961, he gained 55 yards for a 3.7 average to rank fifth among Titan ground gainers. The fleet-footed youngster grabbed eight kickoffs and returned them 138 yards."

-1962 Fleer No. 56

1962 Titan Quarterback Profiles

AL DOROW
Quarterback
No. 12
Michigan State
"Master of the rollout and the AFL's finest rushing quarterback is Al Dorow, the 31-year-old sharpshooter who knows his way around the course. He was the most active of running T-men in 1961, galloping 54 times for 317 yards, a per carry average of 5.9, more than a yard better than any of the top ten rushers. He was also the most overworked passer in the AFL, tossing 438 forwards and getting the most completions (197), totaling 2,651 yards.
Out of Alameda, California, he was exposed to six NFL (Redskins, Eagles) seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Dorow's ability to run, coupled with his great passing arm, has made him one of the most dangerous threats in pro football. His masterly executed roll-outs have caused no end of aggravation for opposing defense men. His field generalship ranks him as the league's top signal caller.
He finished fourth among AFL passers last year, completing 197 of 438 passes for 2,651 yards."

-1962 Fleer No. 57


JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Tennessee-Chattanooga

"Recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnny played part of the 1959 season with the Toronto Argonauts. He was an outstanding quarterback at the University of Chattanooga for three years.

Johnny has a rifle arm and is an accurate long passer. He is also considered an able runner."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program

"None of the '61 rookie hopefuls at the Bills' training camp carried quarterback credentials, enough evidence to tab veteran Johnny Green as No. 1 at the T job. The 24-year-old Riviera Beach (California) rifle came from the Steelers early in '60 and went on to top all Bill aerialists, tossing 10 TD bombs and gaining 228 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"He can throw and he can run. That's what coaches dream of in a quarterback, and that's what Green has to offer. With the height and weight to take a chance at running the ball, he worries would-be rushers because of his accuracy on the long throw.
A three-year regular at Chattanooga, Green broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts, then switched to the Pittsburgh Steelers."

-1961 Fleer No. 133

"Green shared the quarterbacking assignment last year, completing 56 of 126 passes, good for 903 yards. Although his touchdown aerials dipped from 10 in 1960 to only six last year, he was the toughest quarterback in the league to intercept. Only four of his passes were stolen, an excellent .039 percentage.
The veteran from Riviera Beach, California came from the Steelers in 1960. He broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts."

-1962 Fleer No. 13


BUTCH SONGIN
Quarterback
No. 11
Boston College
"One of the oldest and ablest in AFL battle dress was 34-year-old Ed (Butch) Songin, the passing master out of Norwood, Mass. Butch was No. 4 in the aerial column, hitting his targets for 2,467 yards and 15 touchdown passes; however, he was the most accurate for the fewest number of interceptions, less than .04 of his tosses ending up in enemy hands."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"One of the real 'old pros,' Songin starred for Boston College in 1948, '49 and '50. He was also an All-American hockey player at BC. After the 1950 North-South contest, Ed took his passing arm to Canada, where he won all-league honors while with the Hamilton Tiger Cats in 1953. His glittering statistic with Hamilton was his 48 touchdown passes.
Songin, the father of four, doubles as coach for Marion High in Framingham."

-1961 Fleer No. 177

"Ed ('Butch') Songin, handicapped throughout his pro life with a bad knee, is aware that he'll get only the spot duty at quarterback worthy of a 35-year-old veteran. The ex-Patriot passer from Norwood, Massachusetts suffered a slump in 1961, dropping to a 46 percent aerial average while gaining 1,429 yards with 98 successes. He still managed to keep his interception figure low, leading the circuit in fewest aerials stolen."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"One of the oldest and ablest in AFL competition, this 38-year-old passing wizard joined the Titans last winter after two seasons with the Boston Patriots.
Butch was No. 7 in the aerial column, hitting his target for 1,429 yards and 14 touchdowns. For the second straight season, he was charged with the fewest number of interceptions, .043 of his tosses ending up in enemy hands.
He starred for Boston College in 1948, 1949 and 1950, then played in Canada where he won all-league honors with the Hamilton Tiger Cats in 1953."

-1962 Fleer No. 63


LEE GROSSCUP
Quarterback
No. 17
Utah

Quarterbacks Who Can Really Throw The Ball Around Under Fire Don't Show Up Too Often. That's Why Lee Grosscup Is ...

THE PASSER THE PROS WANT

"Lee Grosscup, an unusual young man who talks well, acts well and passes very well, had just concluded a fair season's of work at Utah. He had completed 94 out of 136 passes, for a record .686 average, with only two interceptions. He had made a national reputation for himself when he went wild against Army, passing for 326 yards against only 45 for the winning Cadets, in a 39-33 brawl where a fumble decided the outcome. And he was an All-America selection after a couple of years of bouncing around the Pacific Coast and only one season of varsity competition.

Now he was basking pleasantly in a hero's glory and thinking about returning to Utah for his senior year and more of the same. But a call came through from Toronto. The Argonauts in the Canadian Big Four League needed a passing quarterback badly. Would he jump school and play for them in 1958? They would pay his price. 'No thanks,' Grosscup told them. 'I'm going back to school and then I'm going to play in the National Football League.'

The people at Utah and in the NFL began to breathe easily again. Young Grosscup, even with his one season of ball, is the passer the pros want. Coach Sid Gillman of the Los Angeles Rams has already predicted that Lee will be the bonus choice at the NFL draft meeting after this season. Gillman was technically wrong- there is no more bouns choice in the league, each team having one crack at it- but he was right in his estimate of Grosscup's value.

His 1,398 yards passing, high mark in the nation last year, is only one reason he has been tagged by the pros. His ability to pass both long and short- vital in pro ball- is another. But there is much more. Lee is a confident player. 'You get the impression,' one coach observed, 'that he could hit his receivers anywhere on the field.' He doesn't throw the ball away; he is willing to eat it if he can't find anyone open. He is big (6-1, 180), strong, accurate, ambitious, and a stern competitor.

Lee's parents married young- his father was 18, his mother 15- and he was born a year later. When he was six, his father came riding home one day on his bicycle with a football under his arm, and Lee was hooked. For two years they worked out around the house, the young father and the young son. Then his dad went into the navy. When he came out, he was 29 and Lee was ten, old enough by now to take instruction in football fundamentals, like signal-calling and blocking. But mostly Lee learned how to throw the ball. Instead of practicing by throwing to an old tire hung to a wall, the traditional method, he would throw at a moving target? Who was the target? Grosscup senior, naturally. 'Dad was in good shape,' Lee explains. 'He still is. He's only 40 now and we play volleyball together, in doubles games, and we do pretty well.'

Lee went to Santa Monica High School, where both Ronnie Knox and Jackie Douglas, later a couple of hotshot passers in the Pacific Coast Conference, were ahead of him. Lee did well in football, earned the usual share of college bids, and settled on the University of Washington. He had a good freshman season there, but that was the year Washington was rapped for its zeal in acquiring athletes, and the players were punished for the recruiters' crimes. Ineligible to play there and unable to transfer to another PCC school because of a special double transfer rule that would have forced him to sit out two seasons, Lee went to Santa Monica Junior College to escape the storm for a while. There he broke his leg as a result of a three-way gang-up. An end, a tackle and a shooting linebacker landed on him simultaneously, and the break kept him on the shelf for three months. It wasn't until a year ago that the leg healed completely.

Unable to get back into the PCC after his one year at Santa Monica, Lee went shopping and found that the Skyline Conference had a lenient transfer rule. He chose Utah because Jack Curtice, the coach there last season is pass-minded and Lee figured, rightly, that he would have a showcase for his good right arm. In the first game of the season, he broke a rib in the first quarter and fared poorly with his passing. It appeared that his jinx hadn't left him. But the next week against tough Colorado, he was better again and began his aerial assault on the record books. Against Colorado State, in a fierce snowstorm, he completed 12 of 13 passes. Afterward, Colorado State coach Tuffy Mullinson said: 'I've never seen anything like it. How in the world can a boy throw the ball like that on such a miserable field?' And Red Blaik after Lee had completed 14 of 28  passes against Army said: 'He is the best passer in college ball today. He could make any pro team in the country.'

This year, with Curtice moving on to Stanford and Ray Nagel, who learned his football under Ray Sanders, taking over as coach, Utah has switched to a split-T offense, which requires the quarterback to run more, block more, handle the ball more and take more punishment. 'I am happy for the chance,' Grosscup says. 'People thought I was a passing specialist last year. They will have more respect for me if I can do the job in the split-T.'

His job is to continue the work that brought unexpected prestige to the often-ignored Skyline Conference, success to Utah and the scouts to his door. Bambi- a logical nickname because of his spindly legs- will not have the supporting cast he had last year. Star halfback Stuart Vaughan, the nation's leading pass-receiver with 53 catches, and Merrill Douglas, the Skyline's best running back, are gone. But Nagel, hopeful as all new coaches are, says Lee will still have a great season. And he probably will."

-Sport Magazine, November 1958

"Backing up Charlie Conerly and George Shaw at quarterback is Lee Grosscup (11). This young man from Utah is a rookie in name only. The Giants' No. 1 draft choice in 1959, he was on the 'taxi squad' last year. A brilliant passer and clever ball handler, he'll be heard from. As a collegian, he completed 20 passes against Army in 1957."

-1960 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

"Maybe this is the year that quarterback Lee Grosscup 'comes of age.' Selected as the top draft choice in '59, he was carried on the practice squad, not seeing action until last year when he completed 11 passes for 144 yards. He is cool and confident, and throws a sharp pass for great distance"

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Profiles: Harry Wismer and Bulldog Turner

HARRY WISMER

Owner

A FUNNY FOOTBALL TEAM OWNER

"Harry Wismer, owner of the New York Titans, American Football League, has got to be one of the world's funniest club proprietors. He's what you would have to call a compulsive talker. All the time. And when he talks he says funny things.

Last season Wismer charged that a New York columnist was anti-Titan and pro-Giant, the reason being that the newspaperman's son was the ball boy and mascot for the rival league's team. The funny thing was that the columnist and his wife were childless.

Harry was talking to a man from Los Angeles in New York's Waldorf Astoria bar last October. 'I can't bet,' Wismer said, 'but I know a man who'll bet you the Chargers would beat the Rams. And bad, too. They could play for the championship of lower California.

'Say,' Harry said later, 'why don't you people in Los Angeles run some special trains down to San Diego. We play there in three weeks. Come on down, if you can get tickets.' As he left, Wismer hollered to a man from Washington: 'Say hello to J. Edgar Hoover when you see him.'

Also in October, Harry said: 'Well it's all set. Sammy Baugh will be the new coach of the Redskins.'

By season's end Wismer, who had been critical of Baugh's handling of the Titans right along, said he planned to drop Sammy to assistant backfield coach. Baugh said the demotion 'would be just wonderful. I'd like to be an assistant at these prices.' (Sammy, who was demoted later, still has a year to go on a reported $25,000-a-year contract.)

Earlier, when AFL commissioner Joe Foss had canceled a secret draft by club owners, Wismer had some things to say: 'I want the players I drafted real bad so I can give the people of New York a team to be proud of. Now if Foss wants to do something about it let him try and stop me ... People don't come out to see the commissioner play football; they come out to see football players.'

Wismer didn't get his secret draft choices and there were reports there some other owners hoped to vote him out of the league. Baugh said: 'I wish I had a vote.'

Harry had trouble getting people out to watch his team all season. And sportswriters who covered Titan games qualified every attendance figure by saying 'it was announced as ... ' Some even said Wismer seemed to be counting his gate by twos.

Even at the Polo Grounds, though, Harry usually had something to say over the public address system. In the closing minutes of the final home game the Titans were losing while the Giants had already won their game in Philadelphia to clinch the NFL's Eastern Division championship, the public address announcer said: 'Harry Wismer congratulates Allie Sherman and the Giant coaching staff for the superb job of conditioning this season. (Wismer was never too pleased with his Titan conditioning.)

Still, no matter how much Harry Wismer talked or how funny he got, his team lost an estimated $380,000 last season after losing between $450,000 and $500,000 in 1960. Which isn't funny, even to a funny owner."

-Sport Magazine, March 1962

BULLDOG TURNER

Head Coach

"Bulldog is rated one of the all-time great pivot men in the history of professional football. He was a member of four NFL world championship elevens and an all-league center seven years.

Bulldog gained Little All-American honors in college. He played in the East-West and College All-Star contests.

He possesses a keen knowledge of the game."

-1948 Bowman No. 36

"One of football's all-time greats. Bulldog is playing his eighth season and seven times has been an all-league center. A member of four Bear championship teams, he joined the team in 1940 and won a starting post at the age of 20.

Bulldog is rated the best pass defender in football. Last fall he raced 96 yards for a touchdown with an intercepted pass against Washington."

-1948 Leaf No. 3

"Turner is one of the greatest pivot men of all time. He was selected all-league center last year for the eighth time in nine years as a professional player. He's considered the best pass defender in the game today.

Fast and agile, Turner starred in the Bears' 73-0 rout of Washington in the 1940 playoff. He has been a member of four world championship Bear clubs."

-1949 Leaf No. 150

"Clyde has chalked up nine years in pro ball. A regular since the first day he joined the Bears, he can play any position on the team. He was an all-league center eight times and was on four world championship outfits.

He was named the All-Time All-American center in a national poll in 1946. He played halfback, end and center at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.

Clyde is a rancher in the off-season."

-1950 Bowman No. 28

"Bulldog has spent ten years in pro football. He started his professional career on the right foot by making the All-League honor team in his first year, and then keeping up the good work.

Named the All-Time All-American center in a national poll in 1946, Bulldog played halfback, end and center at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas. He played in the East-West and College All-Star Games.

A rancher in the off-season, he served with the Second Air Force."

-1951 Bowman No. 13 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"If he can spread just 50 percent of the winning spirit he displayed as a player, New York will be in good shape. Generally regarded as one of the two greatest centers of all time, he was the pinwheel of the famed Bears throughout the '40s after bringing Hardin-Simmons to national fame as an All-American pivot.
He takes over his first head coaching assignment and will vigorously work on juicing up the offense, particularly the interior line."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 New York Titans Outlook

"New York is another place where change was necessary. Coach Sammy Baugh and his employers were not in accord on many items of significance. As is usually the case, right or wrong, the employer generally wins. So Baugh was bounced and the Titans will take the field with Clyde 'Bulldog' Turner at the helm."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"No matter where they are lodged in the standings at season's end, the Titans have already been awarded a facsimile of the Red Badge of Courage for scheduling two of their seven home games at the same time that the NFL Giants are operating only a scant 800 yards and a bridge away. This is the head-to-head conflict in the battle for AFL-NFL attendance affection and it's doubtful that the Titans will come off even a modest second-best.
New York has made switches and changes, including a new coach in Clyde ('Bulldog') Turner, and the club's officials are quite certain that second place is not a remote possibility. And judging from those who have been assembled, it seems a rather realistic approach.
Turner says he's satisfied with his defense, pointing out that Nick Mumley and Sid Youngelman are battle-wise, knowledgeable ends. He claims there's enough tackle strength in Dick Guesman, Moses Gray, Tom Saidock and Proverb Jacobs, and is delighted with the skills of outside linebacker Larry Grantham.
He feels his deep backs - Dainard Paulson, Lee Riley and Wayne Fontes - are among the loop's best and he's also high on the training camp form of rookies Vaughn Williams, Phil Whitner and Jerry Fields. Turner, in fact, is so optimistic about so many things that he's about to lose his Wailing Wall card in the Coaches' Association.
His enthusiasm carries over to the offensive platoons and he is proud of his two centers, rookie Alex Kroll and Mike Hudock, guards Bob Mischak, Sid Fournet, John McMullen and Bob O'Neill - 'the greatest in the league' - and tackles Jack Klotz and Gene Cockrell.
Turner doesn't have to tell the rest of the league about flankers Don Maynard and Art Powell - they are good - but he doesn't want you to forget closed end Curly Johnson.
There is a decent one-two quarterback combination now that ex-Patriot Butch Songin is looking over the shoulder of Al Dorow. And there's the proper mixture of rushing punch in Bill Mathis, Bob Brooks, Mel West and Dick Christy.
Summing up: even with predicted improvement, there's too much to beat in the Patriots and Oilers. Tab New York for third."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


"By changing coaches- from Sammy Baugh to Bulldog Turner- Harry Wismer is keeping up the level of employment in Texas, but he isn't doing an awful lot to keep up his team's playing quality.
Harry Wismer can't seem to get his fill of Texans, though Sammy Baugh came perilously close to testing his capacity last year. Sammy left the Titans, at Harry's request, with one year to go on his contract. His trouble was that he had the nerve to tell the boss what he thought- that the Titans have done a lousy job of stocking their football team. Sammy went back to his Texas ranch.
So Harry reached down into another part of the Texas prairies, where Clyde (Bulldog) Turner has lolled in retirement from pro ball for five years or so and said, 'Here is the man who will lead us.'
To make sure Bulldog didn't hanker too much for folks back home, Harry persuaded George Sauer to leave Waco, where he also had been enjoying his divorce from football since Baylor stopped winning games under his regime a few years back. In addition to helping Bulldog run the team, George is also some kind of assistant general manager or something. Steve Sebo, who had been GM, decided it would be nicer to take up residence in Charlottesville as athletic director of the University of Virginia than to view the concrete from Harry's Park Avenue apartment (which is also Titan HQ).
What has that got to do with improving the Titans, who have played exactly .500 ball in the two seasons that Wismer has been impresario of his own team? Not much. Under the conditions, throwing together a squad from rag-tags and castoffs, Baugh did a marvelous job.
The Titans have been dangerous because they have the ability to score from any place on the field. Only twice last year were they held to as few as 10 points. Generally, they scored at least three touchdowns. Al Dorow, the bald field general, was so unpredictable that even his coaches sometimes didn't know what he had up his sleeve.
The Titans were keeping their heads above water, with a 3-2 record, until the sixth game of the campaign, when Don Maynard hurt a shoulder against Denver. He was useless for the rest of the season. With Art Powell, Maynard formed a 1-2 receiving punch to rival anything in the AFL, even Houston's Hennigan-Groman combine. But Don's loss highlighted a serious fault: they're stocked so thinly that the loss of any one key operator is a mortal blow.
Judging by their recruiting efforts between seasons, they've done very little to alleviate this deficiency. After they signed Alex Kroll, the Rutgers All-American center and their No. 2 choice, and Pitt end John Kuprock, No. 23 in the draft, their pens went dry. Kroll, ticketed mainly for offense, will have a hard time finding a job since incumbent pivot Mike Hudock wasn't a weak point. Kuprock, a husky type, doesn't seem to go with Bulldog's announced plan of using two split ends (Maynard and Powell) plus a fleet slotback (probably Bobby Renn).
The main changes in the Titans will be recasting what they already have. Bulldog hardly had to look at the 1961 films to realize the defense was killing the club. It gave up 389 points, or an average of almost 18 per game.
Up front, Buddy Cockrell, an offensive tackle the last two years, will be moved to defensive end. If veteran Paul Miller, acquired in a trade with Dallas, decides to report, the wings will be strong enough. Sid Youngelman and Dick Guesman are acceptable at tackle.
On offense, Bulldog's main problem is to muster a wide running game. He has insured against Dorow's lapses by getting Ed Songin, the 37-year-young pitcher from Boston. Bill Mathis is the league's premier plunger up the middle. Mel West looks as if he could be the halfback threat if the interior blocking is improved, although he doesn't have the speed to break a game open.
The Polo Grounds will be a nicer place to visit since the baseball Mets obligingly put a new coat of green on the seats. Up until now, the premises have been drab and the club, at least the defensive half of it, the same. This year the decor has changed. But what about the team?"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

OFFENSE
"Ends: Bulldog's going to use a slot system, which means both Art Powell and Don Maynard split wide and occasionally in the slot to run with the ball. They're tops. Depth is comforting.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: One spot is wide open with the shift of Gene Cockrell to defense. Jack Klotz is certain of his job. Roger Ellis has been shifted from center and could make it.
Rating: Fair
Guards: The Titans are so enamored of their veteran corps, headed by All-League Bob Mischak, they're talking about trading one man as surplus.
Rating: Very Good
Centers: Rookie Alex Kroll will have to be really good to beat out veteran Mike Hudock.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: If Al Dorow scatters shots, they've now got Ed Songin to steady the team.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Dick Christy and Mel West don't go all the way but they're pluggers.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Early plans call for Bob Renn as the slot receiver.
Rating: Fair
Fullbacks: Bill Mathis is as good as any in the league in tough yardage situations.
Rating: Very Good
Strength: An excellent one-two receiving punch in Powell and Maynard and good power up the middle with Mathis carrying behind the guards. Weakness: No real breakaway threat as a ball carrier in sight and those quarterbacks are ancient.
Rating: Fair"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: The tipoff is that they're expecting Bob Watters, off the Giant taxi squad, to push holdover Nick Mumley. Buddy Cockrell gets a shot at the other flank position.
Rating: Poor
Tackles: Sid Youngelman and Dick Guesman won't get pushed around too often. They have size and savvy but may be a little deficient at rushing the passer.
Rating: Fair
Linebackers: The coaches profess to be satisfied with Larry Grantham (All-League class) and Ed Cooke at the corners and hope that Ted Greene, secured from Dallas, is the solution to the middle. Rookie Phil Whitner is likely to make a place for himself.
Rating: Good
Halfbacks: The new hope is ex-Spartan Wayne Fontes, with a good college rep. Dainard Paulson got his baptism by fire last year. Corner backs are hard to find. This a weak spot.
Rating: Poor
Safeties: Lee Riley and John Bookman won't get fooled too much with their extensive backgrounds. Ed Kovac is a fine athlete who could squeeze in here.
Rating: Fair
Strength: The linebacking crew is probably the best in the short history of the Titans, and the middle of the defensive line is airtight. Weakness: The Titans sorely need help in a couple of spots in the secondary and are looking for defensive ends.
Rating: Poor"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"'The outlook is extremely bright,' is the way Head Coach Clyde 'Bulldog' Turner, the All-Pro great, puts an answer to the usual question as to how the Titans of New York, of the American Football League, shape up for the 1962 season.

Turner took over in February from fellow Texan Sammy Baugh, and has had only a brief period to study the situation. 'The accent will be on youth for the future. I plan to do a great deal of rebuilding this season,' declares Turner. Turner is well underway with his rebuilding program. Such Titan veterans as quarterback Al Dorow, tackles Sid Youngelman and Tom Saidock, defensive halfback John Bookman and others are no longer members of the Titan squad. His program has brought into view 'The New Titans' who appear to have a bright future.

'Along with my coaching staff- assistant coach George Sauer, Johnny Dell Isola and 'Bones' Taylor, I have studied films of last year's games and this season's exhibition games and discovered that we are not without talent. Dell Isola and Taylor are especially helpful in their analysis of last year's players and we are getting to know our new ones very quickly. The Titans won seven and lost seven last season, and the films show me that they could have won at least two of the last seven games. They were in there fighting for the Eastern Division title almost to the end of the season, and with this kind of a base, the future looks bright.

'We will have a team of veterans and youngsters. This is the kind of balance I've always liked to work with. These youngsters are making the veterans fight hard to keep their jobs. If a veteran and a rookie are about even, I'll go with the rookie all the way.

'Defensively, where the Titans were a little weak last year, we are greatly improved. We have recently acquired Billy Atkins from Buffalo. Atkins is a fine defensive halfback. Last year he led the league in pass interceptions, with 10 interceptions. He also led the league in punting with a 45-yard average. The middle linebacker position is still up for grabs with rookies Vaughan Williams and Jerry Fields battling for the job with veteran Hubert Bobo. I think our other linebacker positions look good with All-League linebacker Larry Grantham and young veteran Ed Cooke. Dainard Paulson and Paul Hynes have looked very good at the defensive halfback spots. I think our defense has rounded into a smooth and well-balanced squad.'

The Titans' offensive unit has always been able to score. With a few new plays and a few new faces, the New York Titans are looking forward to scoring many touchdowns.

'I am not in the habit of making predictions or boasting in advance,' says Turner. 'The Titans will be fighting all the way to the wire. I didn't come to New York to lose and I have never liked finishing second.'"

-1962 Oakland Raiders Official Program, September 9 (Frank Youell Field)

1962 NEW YORK TITANS ROSTERS

1962 New York Titans Preseason Roster

57 Hubert Bobo (LB) Ohio State

John Bookman (DB) Miami

Dave Bosson (T) Duke

Arnold Branch (G) Langston

35 Bob Brooks (FB) Ohio

64 Tom Budrewicz (G) Brown

45 Dick Christy (HB) North Carolina State

70 Gene Cockrell (T) Hardin-Simmons

88 Thurlow Cooper (TE) Maryland

Bob Dehlinger (DB) Idaho

12 Al Dorow (QB) Michigan State

Howard Durborow (T) Montclair State

56 Roger Ellis (LB) Maine

Jerry Fields (LB) Ohio State

Don Flynn (DB) Houston

 Wayne Fontes (DB) Michigan State

Sid Fournet (G) LSU

Charlie Fries (G-LB) Idaho

50 Jim Furey (C-LB) Kansas

Alan Goldstein (E) North Carolina

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi

Moses Gray (T) Indiana

Ted Greene (LB) Tampa

72 Dick Guesman (DT) West Virginia

Mike Hudock (C) Miami

Paul Hynes (HB) Louisiana Tech

73 Proverb Jacobs (T) California

Dick Jakotowicz (DT)

20 Curley Johnson (FB) Houston

Jack Johnson (DB) Miami

Karl J. Kaimer (E) Boston

78 John Klotz (T) Pennsylvania Military College

Howard Kovac (HB) Cincinnati

Alex Kroll (C) Rutgers

John Kuprock (E) Pittsburgh

 Vernon Lindsey (T) Trinity

31 Bill Mathis (FB) Clemson

13 Don Maynard (FL) Texas Western

Larry McHugh (G) Southern Connecticut State

68 John McMullan (G) Notre Dame

Paul Miller (DE) LSU

67 Bob Mischak (G) Army

Andy Moconyi (HB) Penn State

Frank Morelli (T) Colgate

74 Nick Mumley (DE) Purdue

62 Bob O'Neill (DE) Notre Dame

40 Dainard Paulson (DB) Oregon State

84 Art Powell (SE) San Jose State

10 Bob Renn (HB) Florida State

22 Lee Riley (DB) Detroit

75 Tom Saidock (DT) Michigan State

Bob Scrabis (QB) Penn State

Bill Shockley (K-HB) West Chester

Butch Songin (QB) Boston College

Jesse Thomas (DB) Michigan State

Larry Wagner (T) Vanderbilt

Bob Watters (DE) Lincoln

Mel West (HB) Missouri

Phil Whitner (LB) Montana State

Vaughan Williams (LB) Muskingum

Al Yarbrough (QB) Virginia

76 Sid Youngelman (DT) Alabama

-1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 New York Titans Preseason Roster, By Position
OFFENSE
Ends
Don Maynard (Texas Western)
Art Powell (San Jose State)
John Kuprock (Pittsburgh)
Al Goldstein (North Carolina)
Perry Richards (Detroit)

Tackles
Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College)
Roger Ellis (Maine)
Dave Bosson (Duke)
Frank Morelli (Colgate)

Guards
Bob Mischak (Army)
John McMullan (Notre Dame)
Sid Fournet (LSU)
Bob O'Neill (Notre Dame)

Centers
Mike Hudock (Miami)
Alex Kroll (Rutgers)

Quarterbacks
Al Dorow (Michigan State)
Ed Songin (Boston College)

Halfbacks
Dick Christy (North Carolina State)
Mel West (Missouri)

Flankers
Bob Renn (Florida State)
Curley Johnson (Houston)

Fullbacks
Bill Mathis (Clemson)
Bob Brooks (Ohio)

DEFENSE
Ends
Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons)
Nick Mumley (Purdue)
Bob Watters (Lincoln)
Dick Jakotowicz

Tackles
Sid Youngelman (Alabama)
Dick Guesman (West Virginia)
Moses Gray (Indiana)
Proverb Jacobs (California)

Linebackers
Larry Grantham (Mississippi)
Ed Cooke (Maryland)
Ted Greene (Tampa)
Jerry Fields (Ohio State)
Phil Whitner (Montana State)
Hubert Bobo (Ohio State)

Halfbacks
Wayne Fontes (Michigan State)
Dainard Paulson (Oregon)
Paul Hynes (Louisiana Tech)
Don Flynn (Houston)

Safeties
Lee Riley (Detroit)
John Bookman (Miami)
Bob Dehlinger (Idaho)
Ed Kovac (Cincinnati)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

September 9 New York Titans Numerical Roster (Week 1)

 2  Atkins, DHB

11 Songin, QB

12 Green, QB

13 Maynard, FL

20 Johnson, FB

22 Riley, DHB

25 West, HB

26 Fontes, DHB

29 Shockley, HB

31 Mathis, FB

33 Hynes DHB

40 Paulson, DHB

41 Flowers, FB

45 Christy, HB

52 Hudock, C

55 Kroll, C

56 Ellis, LB

57 Bobo, LB

60 Grantham, LB

62 Fournet, G

64 Fields, LB

67 Mischak, G

70 Cockrell, T

72 Guesman, DT

73 Gray, DT

74 Mumley, DT

75 Jacobs, DE

78 Klotz, T

80 Richards, FL

82 Cooke, LB

84 Powell, E

88 Cooper, E

-1962 Oakland Raiders Official Program (Frank Youell Field)

September 16 New York Titans Roster (Week 2)

OFFENSE

Quarterback

No. Name                      

11   Butch Songin  (Boston College)

12   Johnny Green   (Tennessee-Chattanooga)

17   Lee Grosscup (Utah)

Halfback

25   Melvin West (Missouri)

29   Bill Shockley (West Chester)

45   Dick Christy (North Carolina State)

Fullback

20    Curley Johnson (Houston)

41    Charlie Flowers (Mississippi)

End

13    Don Maynard (Texas Western)

80    Perry Richards (Detroit)

84    Art Powell  (San Jose State)

88    Thurlow Cooper (Maine)

Tackle

70    Gene Cockrell  (Hardin-Simmons)

78    Jack Klotz  (Pennsylvania Military College)

Guard

56    Roger Ellis  (Maine)

62    Sid Fournet (LSU)

67    Bob Mischak (Army)

Center

52    Mike Hudock (Miami) (Fla.)

55    Alex Kroll (Rutgers)

DEFENSE

End

74    Nick Mumley (Purdue)

75    Proverb Jacobs (California)

Tackle

72   Dick Guesman (West Virginia)

73   Moses Gray (Indiana)

Linebacker

57    Hubert Bobo (Ohio State)

60    Larry Grantham (Mississippi)

64    Jerry Fields (Ohio State)

82    Ed Cooke (Maryland)

Defensive Back

2       Bill Atkins  (Auburn)

22    Lee Riley (Detroit)

26    Wayne Fontes (Michigan State)

33     Paul Hynes (Lousiana Tech)

40     Dainard Paulson (Oregon State)

-1962 San Diego Chargers Official Program (Balboa Stadium)

1962 NEW YORK TITANS DEPTH CHARTS

1962 New York Titans Preseason Depth Chart

OFFENSE
QB  Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12, Butch Songin (Boston College) 11, Bob Scrabis (Penn State) 19
HB Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45, Mel West (Missouri) 25, Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
FB  Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Bob Brooks (Ohio) 37
SE  Art Powell (San Jose State) 84, Perry Richards (Detroit) 80
T  Alex Kroll (Rutgers)*, Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College) 78
G  Bob Mischak (Army) 67
C  Mike Hudock (Miami) 52, Roger Ellis (Maine) 56
G  Sid Fournet (LSU) 62, John McMullan (Notre Dame) 68
T  Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons) 70, Frank Morelli (Colgate) 79
TE Thurlow Cooper (Maine) 88, Curley Johnson 20
FL  Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13, Alan Goldstein (North Carolina) 81

DEFENSE
DE  Bob Watters (Lincoln) 76, Paul Miller (LSU) 85
DT Proverb Jacobs (California) 75, Moses Gray (Indiana) 73
DT Dick Guesman (West Virginia) 77, Larry Wagner (Vanderbilt)*
DE Nick Mumley (Purdue) 74, Bob O'Neill (Notre Dame)  83
LB  Ed Cooke (Maryland) 82, Jerry Fields (Ohio State) 64
MLB  Hubert Bobo (Ohio State) 57, Ted Greene (Tampa) 54, Roger Ellis (Maine) 56
LB  Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Phil Whitner (Montana State)*
CB  Paul Hynes (Louisiana Tech) 33, Wayne Fontes (Michigan State)*
S  Johnny Bookman (Miami) 42, Ed Kovac (Cincinnati) 35
S  Lee Riley (Detroit) 22, Don Flynn (Houston) 15
CB  Dainard Paulson (Oregon State) 40, Jack Johnson (Miami) 32

SPECIALISTS
K  Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
P   Curley Johnson (Houston) 20

* rookie

November 4 (Week 9) Depth Chart

Titans On Offense

QB Johnny Green 12, Bob Scrabis 15, Harold Stephens 12

LHB Jim Tiller 24, Dick Christy 45, Dewey Bohling 26

FB Curley Johnson 20, Bill Mathis 31

RHB Don Maynard 13, Bill Shockley 29, Karl Kaimer 86

LE Art Powell 84, Kaimer 86

LT Alex Kroll 55

LG Bob Mischak 67

C    Mike Hudock 52, Alex Kroll 55

RG Roger Ellis 56, Sid Fournet 62

RT Gene Cockrell 70, Fran Morelli 79

RE Thurlow Cooper 88, Karl Kaimer 86

Titans on Defense

LDE Nick Mumley 74, John Kenerson 75                            

LDT George Strugar 73                      

RDT LaVerne Torczon 78, John Kenerson 75                                   

RDE Bob Watters 76                     

LLB Ed Cooke 82                             

MLB Jerry Fields 64, Hubert Bobo 57                              

RLB Larry Grantham 60                                

LCB Dainard Paulson 40, Jerry Fields 64                               

RCB Paul Hynes 33, Dainard Paulson 40, Perry Richards 80   

LS    Ed Kovac 35, Billy Atkins 2

RS     Lee Riley 22, Dainard Paulson 40     

Titans Specialists

Punters: Curley Johnson 20, Billy Atkins 2

PAT: Bill Shockley 29

Field Goals: Bill Shockley 29

Kickoffs: Bill Shockley 29

-November 4, 1962, New York Titans Official Program (The Polo Grounds)

New York Titans Profiles, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

Bulldog Turner (head coach)

Ed Cooke

Al Dorow

Larry Grantham

Jack Johnson

Bill Mathis

John McMullan

Bob Mischak

Art Powell

Butch Songin

Sid Youngelman

Mel West

1962 New York Titans Fleer Cards

Bob Brooks

Dick Christy

Al Dorow

Larry Grantham

Mike Hudock

Bill Mathis

Don Maynard

Nick Mumley

Art Powell

Tom Saidock

Butch Songin

New York Titans Probable Starting Offense

September 9 (Week 1)

LE Art Powell 84

LT Jack Klotz 78

LG Bob Mischak 67

C   Mike Hudock 52

RG Sid Fournet 62

RT Bud Cockrell 70

RE Thurlow Cooper 88

QB Butch Songin 11

LH  Don Maynard 13

RH Mel West 25

FB John Johnson 20

-Oakland Raiders September 9, 1962, Official Program (Frank Youell Field)

1962 New York Titans Program Portraits

Dick Christy (HB)

Ed Cooke (LB)

Mike Hudock (C)

Jack Klotz (T)

Don Maynard (FL)

Bob Mischak (G)

Art Powell (SE)

Butch Songin (QB)

-1962 San Diego Chargers Official Program (Balboa Stadium)

Hubert Bobo (LB) Ohio State

Dick Christy (HB) North Carolina State

Gene Cockrell (T) Hardin-Simmons

Ed Cooke (LB) Maryland

Thurlow Cooper (TE) Maine

Roger Ellis (LB) Maine

Jerry Fields (LB) Ohio State

Sid Fournet (G) LSU

Dick Guesman (DT) West Virginia

Mike Hudock (C) Miami

Paul Hynes (DHB) Louisiana Tech

Curley Johnson (FB-P) Houston

Don Maynard (FL) Texas Western

Bob Mischak (G) Army

Nick Mumley (DE) Purdue

Dainard Paulson (DHB) Oregon State

Art Powell (SE) San Jose

Perry Richards (E) Detroit

Lee Riley (S) Detroit

Butch Songin (QB) Boston College

LaVerne Torczon (DE) Nebraska

-1962 Dallas Texans Official Program (The Cotton Bowl)

1962 New York Titans Profile Summary

Owner: Harry Wismer
Head Coach: Bulldog Turner

QB  Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12
QB  Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18
QB  Butch Songin (Boston College) 11
QB  Lee Grosscup (Utah) 17
HB Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45
HB Mel West (Missouri) 25
FB  Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31
FB  Charlie Flowers (Mississippi) 41
FB  Bob Brooks (Ohio) 37
FL  Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13
FL  Alan Goldstein (North Carolina) 81
SE  Art Powell (San Jose State) 84
TE  Thurlow Cooper (Maine) 88
C  Mike Hudock (Miami) 52
G  Bob Mischak (Army) 67
G  John McMullan (Notre Dame) 68
T   Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College) 78
T   Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons) 70

DT  Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 71
DT  Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 75
DE  Nick Mumley (Purdue) 74
DE  LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
MLB Hubert Bobo (Ohio State) 57
LB  Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60
LB  Ed Cooke (Maryland) 82
CB  Dainard Paulson (Oregon State) 40
CB  Jack Johnson (Miami) 32
S     Billy Atkins (Auburn) 2
S     Lee Riley (Detroit) 22

K    Billy Atkins (Auburn) 2
P     Billy Atkins (Auburn) 2

1961 New York Titans Defensive Back Profiles

ROGER DONNAHOO

Cornerback

No. 46

Michigan State

"Alert and agile, Roger intercepted six passes. He made headlines when he picked up a blocked punt on the last play of the 1960 Denver game and ran for the winning touchdown."

-1961 Topps No. 156

JOHN BOOKMAN

Cornerback

No. 42

Miami

"A candidate on defense, Bookman is a light but very fast halfback or safety man. He runs the hundred in 10 flat, the 220 in 21.7.

A No. 8 draft choice, Bookman is a Marine reservist.

His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."

-1957 Jay Publishing

"John Bookman (22) is one of the two rookies to win jobs with the Giants this season. Only 175 pounds but very fast, he has been a valuable addition to the defensive platoon's umbrella. As of midseason, he led the Giants in interceptions.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John attended Miami University of Florida. He's married and has an infant daughter."

-1957 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

"Getting plenty of attention for his nuisance tactics as a defensive halfback in 1960 is the 26-year-old ball hawk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tabbed an All-League choice by many, John proved worthy of this praise by intercepting four forwards and covering receivers with great skill."

-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook

BERT RECHICAR

Cornerback-Tight End-Place Kicker

No. 44

Tennessee

"The Vol wingback returned a punt 100 yards against Washington & Lee. His ability to fade rivals makes him an ace pass receiver."

-1951 Topps Magic No. 30

"Bert won four football letters playing on the nation's top-ranking 1951 team- Tennessee. He was mentioned for All-American and was chosen All-Southeastern Conference. He played in the Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl and  College All-Star Game."

-1952 Bowman No. 136

"Voted Baltimore's Most Valuable Defensive Back in 1953, the former Tennessee All-American also holds the NFL record for field goals with a great boot of 56 yards last year. He doubles as an end on offense and snared two touchdown passes.

Bert, a handsome, dark-haired country boy, was named the Colts' Most Popular Player by the Baltimore fans."

-1954 Bowman No. 26

"The rugged Rechichar tied an N.F.L. record last year when he kicked three field goals in one game against the Rams. He currently holds the world's record for long-distance field goal kicking, having kicked one 56  yards against the Bears in 1953.

Rechichar played defense last year but may be switched to offense this season because of his size and power."

-1955 Bowman No. 20

"Bert's amazing kicking accuracy made him Baltimore's top scorer in 1955. In his first field goal attempt as a pro, he booted a record breaking 56-yard 3-pointer! He can star on offense and on defense.

Before deciding on a football career, Bert played baseball for Cleveland Indian farm clubs."

-1956 Topps No. 84

"In last season's Pro Bowl, Bert stole the show to win the Halas Trophy. He booted four long-distance field goals, beating the East with kicks of 52 and 41 yards, and two that traveled 44 yards.

Bert also holds the pro mark- a 56-yard field goal in his first attempt!"

-1957 Topps No. 41

"Bert still holds the National Football League record for the longest field goal ever made- a 56-yarder he booted back in 1953. He's also one of the Colts' ace pass defenders. Last season he was credited with making five interceptions."

-1958 Topps No. 74

DICK FELT

Safety

No. 23

BYU

Dick gained valuable experience while appearing in all 14 games last year. Opposing AFL quarterbacks now know he is a threat to intercept a pass.

Twice all-conference on offense as a collegian, Dick once scored four touchdowns in one quarter. He was also an All-Air Force halfback.

LEE RILEY

Safety

No. 22

Detroit

"Riley was the Lions' 4th draft choice after being unanimous All-Missouri Valley Conference halfback for two straight years. He compiled a 4.4 rushing average in four years of college football. He was scouted personally by Lions' coach Buddy Parker.

A fine runner, Riley will be used primarily with the offensive unit but may also see service as a defensive halfback."

-1955 Bowman No. 21 

"A defensive back now in his fifth season. Riley was a Lion rookie, traded to the Eagles in 1956. He led the club in kickoff returns and was second in punt returns. He played offensive halfback in the Army in '57.

Riley lives in Schenectady, New York."

-Pro Football Handbook 1959

Lee appeared in every game with the Eagles in 1958 and 1959 and with the Giants last year. His skilled hands and NFL experience will be of great value to the promising New York secondary.

A unanimous All-Missouri Valley halfback two straight years, Lee registered a 4.4-yard rushing average in four years as a collegian. He was scouted personally by coach Buddy Parker of the Lions, with whom Lee began his pro career.

JUNIOR WREN

Safety

No. 21

Missouri

"When it comes to shaking up a short pass receiver, Junior is the man you want. His jarring tackles have cost the enemy the ball many times."

-1961 Topps No. 111

DAINARD PAULSON

Defensive Back

1st Year 

Oregon State

"The chunky halfback hopes to break into the Titan defensive backfield. In addition to two seasons at Oregon State, during which he was voted the team's most valuable player, Dainard put in two years of service at El Camino Junior College. He led OSC in punting in 1959, with an average of 45.5  yards per kick- a respectable norm in any league.

A resident of Inglewood, Calif., Dainard operates a landscaping business during the off-season."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

JIM NIEMANN

Defensive Halfback

1st Year

Cincinnati

"Another highly touted newcomer to the Titans, Jim made one of the best records of Ohio football during his days at the University of Cincinnati. He won All-Ohio honors and was selected on three all-opponent teams. He tried out for pro baseball following his graduation, then switched to football and has had professional experience with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Niemann brings with him a reputation as one of the hardest hitting defense men in the game. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

1961 New York Titans Running Back Profiles

DEWEY BOHLING
Halfback
No. 26
Hardin-Simmons
"The best of all Titans on the ground was Dewey Bohling, the 24-year-old halfback out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A disciple of Baugh's while at Hardin-Simmons, Dewey dashed off 438 yards in '60, 12th best in the AFL. He also caught 30 passes for 268 yards, converting four of them into touchdowns. He had a previous trial with the Steelers."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"When a coach takes over a new team, he likes to have players he knows around him. So Sammy Baugh went after a four-year veteran of his college teams at Hardin-Simmons, a man he knew was a bouncy, jolting runner. Bohling had carried the mail and the fight for Baugh well in college, and he did exactly that for his old coach during their debut year in New York."

-1961 Fleer No. 214


PETE HART
Fullback
No. 33
Hardin-Simmons
"Hart, one of leading ground-gainers in the nation in 1957 and 1958 while playing for Sammy Baugh at Hardin-Simmons, passed up pro ball in 1959 to coach high school. When Baugh took over as head coach of the Titans, he persuaded Hart to join him.
Hart proved his value by averaging 4.5 yards per carry and blocking solidly. His sophomore campaign should be a great one."

-1961 Fleer No. 212

MIKE HAGLER

Halfback

No. 32

Iowa

"Mike is in his second year with the Roughriders. In 1957 he was a star with the University of Iowa. He's a good ball carrier."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 86

"Mike is in his third season in Regina. He's rated as one of the most colorful runners in the Western Interprovincial Football Union."

-1960 Topps CFL No. 55

1961 Profile: Bill Shockley and Curley Johnson

BILL SHOCKLEY
Place Kicker-Halfback
No. 29
West Chester
"Bill Shockley was the big man at small West Chester Teachers and shows promise of doing major things in the AFL. He was No. 4 in total points, scoring 86, and was first in points after touchdown, notching 47. A bruising halfback and forceful runner, he averaged 4.2 yards. Now 23, the Malverne (Pennsylvania) marvel also was among the most active at returning kickoffs, taking back 17 for 411 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"This Little All-America star holds all his school's scoring records, including 15 touchdowns in a season, 42 points after touchdowns in a season, and 132 points in a season. Bill was an all-around star, sought also by big league baseball teams.
Despite his size, Bill does one of the heavy jobs in pro ball: kicking off, conversions and field goals. He was fourth among Titan ball carriers in ground gained and led the scorers with 86 points."

-1961 Fleer No. 213


CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter-Fullback
No. 20
Houston
"Big and fast, this former University of Houston operative can play either halfback or fullback. Johnson averaged five yards per carry during his three years at Houston and averaged more than 40 yards punting in 1956.
The 24-year-old native of Dallas spent all of the 1958 season and part of 1959 with the Baltimore Colts. His pro experience can only add to his value on the Dallas roster."

-1960 Fleer No. 123

Capable of being used as a halfback or fullback, Curley will be deployed by Coach Baugh primarily as a punter. In 14 games with the Dallas Texans last year, he caught 10 passes for an average of 17.4 yards per reception.

1961 Profiles: Dick Christy and Leon Burton

DICK CHRISTY
Halfback
No. 45
North Carolina State
"Still the holder of eight North Carolina State and conference records, including rushing, scoring, most points in one game and longest (46 yards) field goal, Dick was recently traded from the Boston Patriots. The all-around ground gainer for the Patriots last season, he had 363 yards rushing, 268 yards on passes, 617 yards on kickoff returns and 73 yards on punt returns for a total of 1,321 yards. He scored six touchdowns for that new AFL team."

-1961 Fleer No. 190

"Christy, acquired in a Boston deal, is a three-way threat. In 1960 he averaged 4.7 yards rushing, caught 26 passes and ranked sixth in the AFL in kickoff returns."

-1961 Topps No. 184


LEON BURTON
Kick Returner-Halfback
No. 24
Arizona State
"High on the '60 list of kick-retrievers was Leon Burton, the 26-year-old flyer from Flint, Michigan. Leon returned 12 punts for 93 yards, the sixth-best mark in this department, and hauled back a top total of 31 kickoffs for a league record of 891 yards. He was No. 2 in average yards per kickoff return (28.7), but first in touchdowns made (2)."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 Titan Defensive Back Profiles

ROGER DONNAHOO
Cornerback
No. 46
Michigan State
"Alert and agile, Roger intercepted six passes. He made headlines when he picked up a blocked punt on the last play of the 1960 Denver game and ran for the winning touchdown."

-1961 Topps No. 156


JOHN BOOKMAN
Cornerback
No. 42
Miami

"A candidate on defense, Bookman is a light but very fast halfback or safety man. He runs the hundred in 10 flat, the 220 in 21.7.

A No. 8 draft choice, Bookman is a Marine reservist.

His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."

-1957 Jay Publishing

"John Bookman (22) is one of the two rookies to win jobs with the Giants this season. Only 175 pounds but very fast, he has been a valuable addition to the defensive platoon's umbrella. As of midseason, he led the Giants in interceptions.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John attended Miami University of Florida. He's married and has an infant daughter."

-1957 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

"Getting plenty of attention for his nuisance tactics as a defensive halfback in 1960 is the 26-year-old ball hawk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tabbed an All-League choice by many, John proved worthy of this praise by intercepting four forwards and covering receivers with great skill."

-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook


DICK FELT
Safety
No. 23
BYU
Dick gained valuable experience while appearing in all 14 games last year. Opposing AFL quarterbacks now know he is a threat to intercept a pass.
Twice all-conference on offense as a collegian, Dick once scored four touchdowns in one quarter. He was also an All-Air Force halfback.


LEE RILEY
Safety
No. 22
Detroit
"A defensive back now in his fifth season. Riley was a Lion rookie, traded to the Eagles in 1956. He led the club in kickoff returns and was second in punt returns. He played offensive halfback in the Army in '57.
Riley lives in Schenectady, New York."

-Pro Football Handbook 1959

Lee appeared in every game with the Eagles in 1958 and 1959 and with the Giants last year. His skilled hands and NFL experience will be of great value to the promising New York secondary.
A unanimous All-Missouri Valley halfback two straight years, Lee registered a 4.4-yard rushing average in four years as a collegian. He was scouted personally by coach Buddy Parker of the Lions, with whom Lee began his pro career.

1961 New York Titans Defensive Line Profiles

SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama
"Sid Youngelman was acquired from the Browns to help the youngsters learn their defensive lessons, but the 29-year-old Brooklynite felt frisky enough to get voted an All-Star tackle. He was a sterling figure with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns before coming to the Titans.
Strong, durable and combative, he is combat-sharpened and wise to the ways of an oncoming offense."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Sid Youngelman is an old hand at the business- he's been a pro since 1955. Youngelman's measurements are 6-5 and 267 and have led him into occasional forays in wrestling, though some guys say he's grappling every time he puts on shoulder pads.
He's a Brooklyn boy who went to Alabama and played in two bowl games and captained the Crimson Tide his senior year. Drafted by the Forty-Niners, he made the merry rounds of the league. One year on the coast as a rookie regular on the defensive unit was followed by three with the Eagles. The Browns acquired him in 1959 and he played on their Front Four, but also played out his option and was quickly grabbed by the AFL. He's the strong force in the Titan forward wall, a strong pass rusher and plenty nimble at 29."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"One of the old pros of the new league. Sid played in three bowl games while starring at 'Bama, then performed for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Sid works as a school teacher in Brooklyn and appears as a professional wrestler in the Long Island area during the off-season."

-1961 Fleer No. 220

"No one can teach this 'Old Pro' any new tricks of defensive line play. Big Sid, who once tried pro wrestling, plays with the spirit of a rookie."

-1961 Topps No. 152


TOM SAIDOCK
Defensive Tackle
No. 75
Michigan State
"Military service interrupted Saidock's collegiate career at Michigan State. He left after the 1951 and 1952 seasons but came back to star in the 1955 campaign.
He played for two years for the NFL Philadelphia Eagles, then cast his lot with the new league where his height and speed soon made his presence felt."

-1961 Fleer No. 219

"In his own quiet way Big Tom did yeoman work in a defense that was not too strong. Saidock is a fine competitor who never slackens his drive."

-1961 Topps No. 155

DICK GUESMAN

Defensive Tackle-Place Kicker

No. 72

West Virginia

"Dick is one of a number of rugged linemen to graduate from West Virginia University to professional football. Other distinguished Mountaineer linemen to make the grade include Sam Huff, Joe Stydahar, Bruce Bosley and  Chuck Howley. Guesman was one of the top 1960 draft choices of the Baltimore Colts, but the Titans snatched him away at the start of last season. He served as a defensive tackle replacement for Sid Youngelman and Tom Saidock, and in a pinch he showed he could play on either end of the defensive rush line.

Those who have followed his career predict a bright future for this tough Pittsburgh, Pa., resident."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

DICK LEADBETTER

Defensive Tackle

Free Agent

Maine

"Dick comes from the northeastern section of the country, an area usually neglected by professional talent scouts. The Titans landed two top-notch Yankee Conference performers last year, in Roger Ellis and Thurlow Cooper, and they're looking for the strapping [6'3", 238] Leadbetter to bolster the Titan defensive bulwark.

As the Maine captain in 1960, he was named to the All-Yankee Conference team. Dick lives in Bangor, Maine."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

NICK MUMLEY
Defensive End
No. 74
Purdue
"Very few blockers have had much success in blotting Nick Mumley out of the action. The 255-pound defensive end out of Lafayette, Indiana was bad news for enemy gunners, showing excellent pursuit as a pass rusher, and he was an unwelcome sight for running halfbacks who took to his flank.
Nick, 25, learned his lessons well at Purdue and is only a season away from All-Star recognition."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


BOB REIFSNYDER
Defensive End
No. 79
Navy
"Bob was the sensation of the Navy team in 1956 and 1957, starring in the Sailors' Cotton Bowl victory over Mississippi and winning the Maxwell Trophy in the latter year. A knee injury wrecked his final year at Annapolis, and the same injury delayed his pro career.
Starting the 1960 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he was traded to the Titans. The injury healed, and now he's a one-man trouble shooter for the New York team."

-1961 Fleer No. 218

1961 New York Titans Receiver Profiles

ART POWELL
Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"The surprise of '60 was why the Eagles permitted end Art Powell to get away. He was among the standout NFL rookies in '59, excelling in punt and kickoff returns. Voted an AFL All-Star for his feat in leading the loop in catching touchdown passes (14) and taking down 72 passes for 1,265 yards. He also gained 63 yards with two kickoff returns.
Only 24, this San Jose (California) sparkler figures to remain among the high echelon offensive stars."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"'Art Powell,' said Sammy Baugh, the finest passer in football history, 'is the best receiver I've ever seen.'
Powell was a defensive back before he joined the Titans.
The end with the most natural class in the league is Powell. For a guy of 24, he's had a rather stormy career. His older brother is a former heavyweight fighter and defensive end who plays with the Oakland Raiders. Like Charlie, Art was a brilliant high school athlete in San Diego; he went on to San Jose State, scored 47 points in one basketball game and then led the nation in receiving as a sophomore end with 40 catches, five for touchdowns. All-American honors loomed, but Art jumped school and went up to Canada for a couple of seasons. When his college class was graduated, the Eagles drafted Art, who switched over to defense and made the grade as a regular in the secondary. The pros are looking for his kind, a 6-3 212-pounder who can run with everybody. As a rookie he led the NFL in kickoff returns, taking one ball back 95 yards against the Giants, missing a touchdown when he stepped into a hole and fell down. He returned a punt 58 yards for a score.
It looked like a long career in the NFL for him as 1960 began, but the Eagles weren't enchanted with his behavior. They cut him loose, and not a team in the league picked him up; no one wanted to risk his temperament. The Titans weren't so queasy. First, they put him at offensive end, which Art wanted. Then they left him alone, and he revealed tremendous talent. Until he joined the team just before the season, the lone receiver was Don Maynard, the slim kid from Texas Western who had been discarded by the Giants. With both of them in the lineup, defenses went nuts; they gathered in 141 passes to be the most effective unit in pro football, and Powell scored 14 touchdowns to lead the league. If Art never caught a pass, he'd still be the most valuable guy in the Titans lineup, for every team is forced to double up its coverage on him. Acting as a decoy, he frees Maynard and the backs for receptions."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"When it comes to leaving his feet and beating a defender to a pass, powerful Powell is in a class by himself. His 14 touchdowns were tops in the league."

-1961 Topps No. 151


THURLOW COOPER
Tight End
No. 88
Maine
Cooper is a blocking tight end who also caught nine passes for 161 yards, a 17.9 average. His longest reception was for 38 yards and he scored three touchdowns.
In a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Maine, Cooper was All-Maine three years, All-Yankee Conference two years and All-New England in 1956, the same year he earned Little All-America honorable mention.

DAVE ROSS

End

No. 80

Los Angeles State

"Coach Sammy Baugh thinks highly of the young California product. At LA State, Dave led the California IAA in pass receiving, won All-Conference honors and was named a first-team Junior College All-American.

Ross has size and there's no question about his speed- he won the NCAA regional high hurdles championship in 1959. He was signed by the Detroit Lions last year but later acquired by the Titans.

He lives in Whittier, California, also the hometown of Richard Nixon. Dave is married and has a 4 1/2-year-old son, Ronald David."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

1961 New York Titans Offensive Line Profiles

MIKE HUDOCK
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Rugged and aggressive are the words for this Pennsylvanian who first attracted attention while playing under Andy Gustafson at Miami. His All-Conference rating there earned him a job with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent two fruitful years understudying the mighty Chuck Bednarik.
On the offense for the Titans, he showed Coach Sammy Baugh how the enemy center could be moved aside, up or over."

-1961 Fleer No. 217


BOB MISCHAK
Guard
No. 67
Army
"The best offensive guard in '60 was Bob Mischak, the ex-West Point hero who earned his spurs as a Giant. The 28-year-old bruiser who couldn't make it with the Browns in '57 stayed out of the game in '59, working as a telephone supervisor in Union City, New Jersey.
Named tops at his position by the press, Bob is among the most effective guards, straightaway and running, in the business."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Guard Bob Mischak of the Titans is one of the most versatile linemen in the league. Bob is one of the few West Pointers to go into pro ball. At the Academy, he played end. The Browns drafted him, and after his compulsory Army duty as a lieutenant in the airborne infantry, Bob reported to their camp in 1957, then cut out after a couple of weeks. The Giants got him in a trade and persuaded him to report in 1958. By then he had grown into a 235-pounder without sacrificing much of his speed, so the Giants decided to try him at guard. As a rookie, he played as a regular on an Eastern Division championship team at a position completely new to him. A fat offer by the Titans last summer lured him back after a year on the sidelines."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"When Bob graduated from West Point in 1954, the Cleveland Browns wanted him right away, but Red Blaik's versatile star fulfilled his military obligation first. Out of military uniform in 1957, he resumed football in Cleveland.
The following year Bob was traded to the Giants. He 'retired' in 1959 but the Titans talked him into coming back and both the club and this alert, stalwart lineman are happy with the decision."

-1961 Fleer No. 216

"Mischak, a West Point grad, returned to pro football in 1960 after a year's layoff and made the All-AFL team.
He has fine speed and is a strong blocker."

-1961 Topps No. 153


JOHN MCMULLAN
Guard
No. 68
Notre Dame
John was a standout at Demarest High School in New Jersey and an honorable mention All-American at Notre Dame. He played every game in the Titans' inaugural season. He's a hard-hitting guard who has distinguished himself with his talent for pulling out of the line to lead running plays.

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

"Today is 'New Jersey Day' with the Titan guards John McMullan of Hoboken and Bob Mischak of Union, being honored by their neighbors and friends. Mayor John Grogan of Hoboken and some 3,000 Boy Scouts of the Bergen County Group are in the stands."

-December 3, 1961, Official New York Titans Program

ARNOLD BRANCH

Guard

Free Agent

Langston

"At Langston, the big guard- who's also serviceable at tackle- was named the outstanding lineman of the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference as well as an NAIA All-American. In addition to these and other kudos Branch earned during four seasons of football, he also was a distance runner and field man on the track squad and a forward on the basketball team for two years.

Fast and rugged, he's entering his first season of professional football. A chemistry major with a B.S. degree, Arnold is continuing his studies during the off-season."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

JACK KLOTZ
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Pennsylvania Military College
After a Little All-American career at Pennsylvania Military College, Jack sharpened his skills in the Canadian Football League. He appeared in every game last year and showed an impressive ability to adjust to the methods of opposing defensive linemen.

"Fast afoot for his mammoth proportions, Klotz impressed the Titans from the start of last season. He fits into the picture as a swing replacement at either tackle on the offensive unit. And in a pinch, he can also play at offensive guard or in the defensive line.

A four-year letterman at  Penn Military, Jack was a first-team All-American selection in 1956. He later played with the San Diego, Calif., Marine Base unit which was undefeated in both 1957 and 1958. Jack spent the following season in the Canadian League."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

GENE COCKRELL
Offensive Tackle
No. 70
Hardin-Simmons
Whether Titan quarterbacks need reliable blocking for running plays or for passing plays, they know Gene will use all of his 6'4" and 247 pounds to help steady the offensive line. He appeared in all 14 games last year and impressed New York coaches with his play.

"Offensive captain of the Titans, Cockrell is a sturdy blocker both at the line and downfield. 

He attended the University of Oklahoma for two years and was a guard and tackle on the undefeated Sooners team of 1954. He then transferred to Hardin-Simmons, where he was an outstanding Border Conference lineman for two years under Sammy Baugh.

During the off-season, the three-year veteran runs a ranch of his own in his native Pampa, Texas. Gene is also a well-known rodeo performer in the Longhorn State, which is as good as anything for preparing him for the rugged competition of pro football.

Cockrell is married and has two sons."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

PROVERB JACOBS

Offensive Tackle-Defensive Tackle

No. 73

California

"It's a well-known proverb around the N.F.L. that you don't 'mess' with Jacobs. He's big and strong and fast for his size.

Proverb's debut season in 1958 impressed everyone."

-1959 Topps No. 108

"The No. 2 draft choice of the Eagles in 1958, Proverb Jacobs (73) was signed by the Giants as a free agent last spring. The 225-pound California graduate fits into the picture as a spare tackle. He is serviceable on both offense and defense. In a pinch, he also could handle the place-kicking assignment. He can really boom the ball."

-1960 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

FRANK MORELLI

Offensive Tackle

Free Agent

Colgate

"The hulking tackle is expected to beef up the Titans' offensive forward wall. A Colgate starter for two years before he dropped out of school, Frank was twice a preseason selection All-East selection of Stanley Woodward.

Joining the Titans won't be an altogether strange experience for Morelli, because he got his initial football schooling under Titan line coach John Dell Isola while attending Medford High. Frank's cousin, John Morelli, played pro football with the old Boston Yankees and the New York Yankees.

Off-season, Frank does construction work while continuing his studies at Boston University."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

MOSES GRAY

Offensive Tackle

27th Round

Indiana

"Both of New York's professional teams drafted this young Giant [6'3", 260] last winter, but the Titans lured him into the American League fold. Gray was a standout regular for three years at Indiana. 

His speed and aggressiveness impressed the scouts, and they're saying he has the potential to become a crack professional lineman. Through Gray is able to go both ways, the Titans will probably use him on the offensive line.

Moses lives in Conemaugh, Pa."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook