1965 Jets Defensive Line Profiles

PAUL ROCHESTER
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Michigan State
Paul proved outstanding at stopping the most powerful opposing runners last year in his first full season with the Jets after being acquired from the Chiefs. He joined forces with Gordy Holz to give New York an imposing veteran defensive tackle tandem.
Selected to the AFL Pro Bowl after the 1961 season, Paul considers the double-overtime victory of the Dallas Texans the following year in the AFL championship game as his greatest thrill in football.


GORDY HOLZ
Defensive Tackle
No. 74
Minnesota
A most welcome arrival in the multi-player trade with the Broncos, Gordy played all 14 games for the Jets as he had done the previous three seasons with Denver. He joined forces with Paul Rochester to bolster the Jet defense by providing a smart and aggressive tackle tandem.
His knack for knowing where opposing runners are going and for not being trapped was developed during his time with Winnipeg of the CFL.


GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
No. 81
Buffalo
"Sidelined most of last season by a shoulder separation, second-year pro, Gerry Philbin has it in him to become an All-Pro defensive end. The surgeons have repaired him now, which means bad news for quarterbacks. Gerry is big (6-2, 242 pounds), fast and rough.
The Jets' third draft pick two years ago, he can play middle linebacker or on the offensive line if he has to. He played tackle at the University of Buffalo, where he made Little All-America - and Dean's List as an honor student."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Gerry was off to [an outstanding start to] his AFL career last season when he suffered a shoulder separation and was sidelined for most of the 1964 campaign. Despite his little playing time in a New York uniform, he was mentioned in the Rookie of the Year balloting at the end of the season.
He has the potential to become an All-Pro defensive end or linebacker, and Weeb Ewbank will see his sophomore at both positions in training camp. He has the speed to play middle guard if needed.
Gerry played in the Coaches All-America Game in Buffalo."

-1965 Topps No. 124


VERLON BIGGS
Defensive End
3rd Round
Jackson State
"Verlon Biggs, a 6-4, 250-pounder from Jackson State, will probably win a place somewhere on the defensive line."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Look for this explosive football player to figure in the 1965 plans of the New York Jets. Coming into the pro wars after earning himself a great reputation at Jackson State, this 23-year-old rookie is big and strong enough to do the required job. Coach Weeb Ewbank will make the decision as to Verlon's role with the Jets ... defensive end or defensive tackle.
One of the fastest collegiate linemen in the country- Verlon was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.7 seconds- Verlon was a third-round draft pick of the Jets."

-1965 Topps No. 131