1964 Jets Safety Profiles

DAINARD PAULSON
Safety
No. 40
Oregon State
"Dainard proved his worth quickly to the New York Jets' coaches. Joining the club as a rookie in 1961, he adapted himself so quickly that before the year was over, Dainard was tabbed 'the best defensive back on the squad.'
At Oregon State, Dainard played tailback in the single-wing system. Also a top punter, he averaged 45.5 yards a kick in college.
Dainard is quiet but he always seems to do his work efficiently."

-1964 Topps No. 122


BILL BAIRD
Safety
No. 46
San Francisco State
"Another free agent find, Bill Baird is another member of the Jet defensive backfield who figures to be around for years to come. At 5-10 and 175, he's one of the smallest players in pro football, but he makes up for it in desire and skill.
Out of San Francisco State, he didn't play pro football for two years after graduation but decided to give it a try last season with the Colts. Cut by them, he signed with the Jets.
Baird set an AFL record with a 93-yard punt return.
He's a teacher in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964


BOB ZEMAN
Safety
No. 43
Wisconsin
"Another ex-Charger to earn his 1962 commendation as a Bronco was Bob Zeman, a safetyman who can think as quickly as he can move. Along with Austin Gonsoulin, he helps form the best 'outfield' in the AFL. Zeman, 26, was coached by [current Denver head coach] Jack Faulkner in San Diego."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"The Jets hope that Bob Zeman can 'play back' to his form of two years ago when he was an All-AFL safety selection and one of Jack Faulkner's first trade choices when he became head Bronco coach. The former Charger and Bronc was born in Geneva, Illinois and is one of the shrewdest in the league at reading the long and short pass patterns.
Bob comes to New York as part of a nine-player deal and is the one the Jets wanted so badly in an effort to search for a leakproof secondary."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964