1967 Profiles: Matt Snell and Billy Joe

MATT SNELL
Fullback
No. 41
Ohio State
"The mere presence of Matt Snell in the Jet backfield doubles Joe Namath's effectiveness as a passer. Enemy defenses have to be rigged to stop the powerhouse fullback's quick bursts up the middle or to the outside.
In three seasons, he has gained more than 2,300 yards on the ground for a 4.2 average. And if that weren't enough, Matt is also an excellent pass receiver. In all three years with the Jets, he has finished among the top ten in the league in both rushing and receiving. In 1966, he ran for 644 yards for sixth place and he caught 48 passes for 346 yards to rank tenth.
As the Jets' No. 1 draft pick for 1964, Matt gained 948 yards on 215 carries and was named the AFL's Rookie of the Year."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"Matt holds the New York Jets mark of 180 yards rushing in one game. In 1964, he was voted Rookie of the Year. The following season, the fullback was voted Most Valuable Jet. Matt played in the 1966 AFL All-Star game."

-1967 Topps No. 102

"How many yards did Matt Snell gain rushing in 1966? 644."

-1967 Topps No. 93


BILLY JOE 
Fullback
No. 35
Villanova
"The biggest and best rookie of the 1963 AFL year was the heaviest fullback (250 pounds) with the shortest name, Billy Joe, whose only defect was the inability to supply the vicious pass blocking from his position. He was the club's No. 1 rusher (642 yards on 154 carries) and caught 15 passes for another 90 yards.
Joe was born in Aynor, South Carolina."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Now in his second season, fullback Billy Joe hopes to justify his selection as AFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 in both wire-service polls. He pounded out 649 yards on 154 carries for a steady 4.2 average- the best totals ever by a Bronco runner. He also caught 15 passes for 90 yards.
Out of Villanova, Joe was selected as the Broncos' No. 11 choice and the NFL Redskins' No. 9- so he proved to be better than most observers thought he would be. Ranked as the third-best college shot putter as a senior, he's a law student."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"Billy lived up to all the predictions and expectations during his rookie American Football League season in 1963. Considered one of the most powerful runners in college in 1962, the young man from Villanova stepped into the Broncos fullback job and gained 642 yards on the ground. His best run last year was good for 68 yards."

-1964 Topps No. 50