1968 Jets Defensive Back Profiles

JOHNNY SAMPLE
Cornerback
No. 24
Maryland State
On November 12 at Shea Stadium against Buffalo, Johnny's 41-yard return of a fourth quarter interception for a touchdown was the highlight of a 20-10 Jet win. It was the third interception returned for a touchdown of his career and one of four he made in 1967.
Johnny keeps a black book in which he grades all the receivers he's covered.


RANDY BEVERLY
Cornerback
No. 42
Colorado State
"Opposing quarterbacks learned quickly last year that testing rookie cornerback Randy Beverly in third down situations was just courting disaster. The speedy defender got his chance to show off his talents when Cornell Gordon was injured in the opening game of the season - and the 5-11, 185-pounder made the most of the opportunity. Four interceptions for 54 yards placed him third in that category among his teammates, and he developed a reputation for rough tackles, playing the sweeps well, and hard work.
At Colorado State, Randy set a record with a return of 92 yards, and he has the ability to set some records in the pros, too, before he's through.
He signed on with the Jets as a free agent."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968


JIM HUDSON
Safety
No. 22
Texas
Jim contributed greatly last year to the continued improvement of the Jet defensive secondary. He made four interceptions, including one returned 18 yards.
A quarterback in his college days at Texas, Jim threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to lead the Longhorns to victory in the 1965 Orange Bowl.


BILL BAIRD
Safety-Punt Returner
No. 46
San Francisco State
Bill once again provided veteran leadership to the fast developing Jet defensive backs. He made three interceptions, including one returned 17 yards.
As a punt returner, Bill's 25 were fifth in the AFL, his 219 yards were fourth in the league and his 8.8-yard average was good for third in the circuit.
Bill set an AFL record with a 93-yard punt return in 1963.


CORNELL GORDON
Defensive Back
No. 48
North Carolina A & T
"Coming back after a shoulder separation in '66, Cornell won the starting defensive halfback assignment. He has the speed for the secondary."

-1968 Topps No. 91


EARL CHRISTY
Kick Returner-Defensive Back-Halfback
No. 45
Maryland State
Earl was a halfback from Maryland State who joined the Jets in 1966, just like teammate Emerson Boozer. In 1967, Earl proved himself most useful as a kick returner. His 23 returns were fifth in the AFL, as were his 521 yards, and his 22.7 average was fourth.