LEE RILEY
Safety
No. 22
Detroit
"Lee Riley had a picnic in '62, all because quarterbacks insisted on throwing the long ball into his protective sphere of influence. This ex-Eagle safety man picked off 11 of the enemy's bombs and tied an AFL record for interceptions. He also shut off many potential TD tosses with his alert foot movements and quick hands.
Now 28, he's certain he's acquired enough knowledge of offensive patterns and passing habits to prove valuable to the Jets for many more seasons. A trifle weak against running plays, he has the disturbing the habit of leaving his territory unguarded on occasion."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Lee is the quarterback of the Jets defensive secondary, virtually a coach on the field based on his six years of experience in pro ball. He's New York's best insurance against pass completions, with savvy picked up in tenures with Detroit, Philadelphia and New York of the NFL.
He is also a star performer, leading the AFL in pass interceptions in 1962 with a record-tying total of 11."
-1963 Fleer No. 19
BILLY ATKINS
Safety-Punter
No. 2
Auburn
"With good health, Billy Atkins should qualify as the best punter in the league. The booter from Millport, Alabama, who did top the circuit in '61, came up with a shoulder injury in '62 and was below par as kicker, punter and safety man. Billy was one of the best at intercepting passes and defending against long aerials when he was a Bill in '60 and '61.
He had a brief trial with the 49ers before coming to the AFL."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
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