BILL BAIRD
Cornerback
No. 46
San Francisco State
Bill once again proved his value to the Jets as both a cornerback and a punt returner. He returned 14 punts (seventh in the AFL) for 88 yards (ninth in the AFL), an average of 6.3. And the cornerback tandem he has formed with Cornell Gordon gives opponents another reason to fear New York's rapidly improving defense. Bill's technique and desire more than compensate for his lack of size.
The holder of an AFL record with a 93-yard punt return in 1963, Bill made a smooth transition from safety to cornerback in 1964 when his eight interceptions ranked fourth in the league.
JOHNNY SAMPLE
Cornerback
No. 24
Maryland State
"Sparkled in a late-season surge to capture everyone's attention. He was the No. 3 man with kickoff returns, taking 17 for 457 yards, a 26.9 average. Sample also remained busy with 22 punt returns for 129 yards.
His 'attitude' hindered his progress as a '58 freshman. His good size, speed and play sense make him dangerous competition.
Born in Philadelphia, Sample was an all-around star at Maryland State."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"If an enemy runner happens to get through the huge Colt line, he comes face to face with Johnny. It's a pretty discouraging sight since he is one of the deadliest tacklers in the League."
-1960 Topps No. 9
"Confident, cocky and capable is Johnny Sample, an All-Pro defensive back who is not modest about annoying potential pass receivers.
Born in Philadelphia, he was uncertain as a 1958 rookie. A great performance in the '59 title game convinced him of his ability. He intercepted four passes in 1960, returning them 27 yards.
Johnny is a deadly tackler."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Once Johnny Sample learns to bottle his overflowing emotions, he'll rate with the greatest. Despite his temperament, he was given NFL ranking as a safetyman, praise indeed considering that he became a Steeler after three years at Baltimore.
Born in Philadelphia, Sample was an offensive back at Maryland State. He topped the NFL in returning punts (283 yards) in 1961 and was No. 3 in yards per return (10.9)."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Safetymen and cornerbacks with the natural ability of Johnny Sample are mighty scarce. He has so much going for him, in fact, that sometimes he throws caution to the wind and pays the price. He's a deadly runner with an interception, punt or kickoff.
Sample played college ball for Maryland State and lives in Philadelphia. He's in his sixth year in the NFL, starting with the Colts and later with the Steelers, and is one of the league's flashier players."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"For man-to-man coverage, no one is supposed to be close to Johnny Sample, the oft-traded defensive back who played just two games last year before he had to have a knee operation. As a Colt sophomore in 1959 he was a tremendous threat taking back punts and kickoffs; dealt to the Steelers for '61, he was an All-NFL choice and led the league in punts returned. He became a Redskin after the '62 campaign.
Born in Cape Charles, Virginia, Sample was an all-around machine in college, brilliant as a runner, defender and placement-kicker."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Johnny is a smart defensive back and usually finds himself playing the opponent's best receiver. Last season he tied for the team lead in interceptions with six which he returned for 57 yards. He came to the Redskins in a 1963 trade with the Steelers."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 191
CORNELL GORDON
Cornerback
No. 48
North Carolina A&T
"As he enters his second season, 187-pound Cornell Gordon is listed as the Jets' starting right cornerback. Gordon is a standout prospect, a natural athlete who played quarterback, end and defensive halfback at North Carolina A&T, where he was the first Negro named to the all-state team.
He has great speed and has impressed the coaches with his aggressive pursuit and fearless tackling. He's still somewhat inexperienced but he showed improvement as the season went along."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
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