AL ATKINSON
Middle Linebacker
No. 62
Villanova
"Al came to the Jets from the Buffalo Bills for a $100 fee after being released by the Bills, which tells you something about how underrated he is. Now he is the Jet team captain on defense and was a second team All-AFL player in 1968.
In 1969 he had to sit out four games with knee and rib injuries but he still is ranked by AFL players among the league's most underrated. Being the 'Mike' or middle linebacker, he's kept busy calling defensive signals.
'The middle linebacker,' says Al, 27 and a six-year veteran, 'can see the entire offense better than anyone else, being back from the line of scrimmage and standing up. And he can see what's going on both on the left and right.' He thinks the toughest runner he had to bring down last season was Miami's Jim Kiick. His toughest job? 'Breaking up the screen pass. You have to get inside the screen before it forms and this is really hard.'"
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
LARRY GRANTHAM
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"Steady and reliable, Larry is one of the outstanding linebackers in pro football. He has played in six AFL All-Star Games. He calls the defensive signals expertly and has great savvy and fine knowledge of the game.
Larry was one of the original New York Titans. He had fine performances against Oakland and Baltimore in the Jets' championship season.
Larry likes to spend his free time bowling."
-1970 Topps No. 82
RALPH BAKER
Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
Whatever play the quarterback calls, Ralph is likely to meet it head-on. With a knack of anticipation, he pursues with little regard for blockers.
A full recovery from injuries by Ralph should do much to restore the Jet defense to what it was in the championship year of 1968. This could advance New York further in the playoffs to Miami in January, with the Jets once again wearing their white jerseys under a blue sky in the Orange Bowl.
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