1967 Jets Defensive Back Profiles

JOHNNY SAMPLE
Cornerback
No. 24
Maryland State
"For most of his ten years as a pro, Johnny Sample has been a trial to his own coaches, as well as to opposing teams. He's outspoken and individualistic, and this sometimes rubs The Establishment the wrong way. But he's also a talented cornerback who has a way of tormenting his opposition. This is why Weeb Ewbank went after him after the Redskins had dropped him.
Johnny played for two championship clubs for Weeb when they were both in Baltimore. He joined the Jets last season and immediately went to work covering the toughest receiver the other team had. Against Houston, he shut down Charley Hennigan, then would walk him back toward the huddle, saying consoling things. When the season was over, Johnny had the club lead in interceptions with six.
'The more I can irritate a player, the better for me,' he says."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"Which defensive back led the Jets in interceptions in 1966? Johnny Sample- 6."

-1967 Topps No. 90


BILL BAIRD
Cornerback
No. 46
San Francisco State
"Last year Bill was second on the New York Jets in interceptions. His big day was in the season's finale when he plucked two enemy passes out of the air.
Bill is fast and always seems to make the play."

-1967 Topps No. 89


RAY ABRUZZESE
Safety
No. 25
Alabama
Playing every game last year, Ray formed an impressive safety tandem with young Jim Hudson and provided veteran leadership to New York's defensive secondary. He had two interceptions even though opposing quarterbacks avoided throwing in his direction.
As a collegian at Alabama, Ray had a 4.1 rushing average and a 7.4 receiving average.


JIM HUDSON
Safety
No. 22
Texas
Jim is a hard-nosed young safety man who gives the Jets hope of having a defense worthy of an AFL champion. Playing every game in '66 he had three interceptions even though opposing quarterbacks became increasingly reluctant to throw the ball anywhere near him.
His big moment as a collegian came when, as a quarterback for the 1964 Texas squad, he tossed a 69-yard touchdown pass to lead the Longhorns to victory over Alabama and his current Jet teammate, Joe Namath.