1972 Profile: Rich Caster

Tight End
No. 88
Jackson State
"Bursting with potential and just itching to get in a full season with Joe Namath, Caster is a long threat whose catches averaged 20.7 yards in 1970 and 17.5 last season. He caught 19 passes as a rookie and 26 last year after getting an eyesight problem straightened out, and caught six touchdown passes last season to tie Emerson Boozer for the team lead.
Caster was drafted to become Don Maynard's successor but got to start six games because of injuries to his teammates. Then with George Sauer's retirement, he got to pair with Maynard. This year his role may become one of tight end if rookie Jerome Barkum (also a wide receiver) can't handle the position. Caster has good size and might be the fastest tight end in football (4.5 for 40) if he's put there.
Married, his wife's name is America. Rich was a brilliant college player with a 27.5-yard average for receptions and scored 28 touchdowns.
He's from Mobile, Alabama."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"Richard showed promise as a Jet rookie in 1970, leading the team in average per catch with 20.7, the best ever by a Jet rookie. Possessed with great speed and the ability to play off the bump-and-run technique, he broke off a 72-yard touchdown against Buffalo.

Richard was a wide receiver and a tight end at Jackson State."

-1972 Topps No. 68

"A member of the College All-Star team, Caster was the Jets' second draft choice in 1970 from Jackson State. That year he finished sixth among Jet receivers with 19 for 393 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in average per catch with 20.7, the best ever by a Jet rookie and second only to Don Maynard's 22.8 in 1968, the club record.

Last year, Caster finished second on the club, receiving 26 times for 454 yards and six touchdowns."

-1972 Coca-Cola

"Caster began to come into his own in 1971, starting every game at left wide receiver after George Sauer retired. He showed his ability to put points on the board with six touchdowns, including two against San Francisco. Paired with Don Maynard, Caster gives the Jets two deep threats for Joe Namath's passes. He may be tried at tight end this year to take advantage of his great size, blocking ability and speed.
Rich was second on the Jets last year with 26 grabs for 454 yards. He made one of the biggest catches of the year, a twisting 26-yard gain to set up a touchdown in a victory over Miami. Rich had his best day as a pro, catching five for 126 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown bomb, against the 49ers. He won the Heede Award as the most improved and dedicated player in 1971.
Caster broke a 72-yarder against Buffalo in 1970, and his 20.7 yards per catch as a rookie was the best ever by a Jet yearling. He handles the bump-and-run techniques well with his size and strength.
The No. 2 draft choice in 1970, Rich competed in track and field, lettering three times in college. He played on the Alabama State Championship grid squad at Williamson High in Mobile, his hometown. He likes to swim and play tennis."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1972 Profile: Joe Namath

Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"Didn't do much in 1971, but when he did, he did it well. Shea Stadium fans are still buzzing about his comeback game against San Francisco last season when he threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns and almost upset the high-flying 49ers.
Namath had missed the last nine games of the 1970 and most of the 1971 regular season games up until then. A broken wrist sidelined him in '70, and torn ligaments ruined him for most of  '71.
In his four-game comeback, Joe showed he could still throw bombs. He connected for 74 and 57-yard touchdowns and averaged 9.10 yards per attempt. He played with braces on both knees.
Namath's future is shaky because of knee problems. He ranks as the seventh leading passer among active AFC quarterbacks. Career-wise, he's thrown 2,281 passes for a 50.2 percentage with 17,283 yards and 107 touchdowns, but injuries have spoiled his opportunities for stats. In his one healthy season (1967) he passed for 4,007 yards; he holds most of the important Jet passing records. Joe says he wants to play a few more seasons.
Always in the limelight, his most recent headline-grabber was a romance with Raquel Welch. Namath has been a clutch player throughout his career in high school, college and the pros. He's starred in the Orange Bowl, College All-Star Game and Super Bowl."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"Joe's 1971 debut was something special. On November 28 against the 49ers, he came in for the injured Bob Davis in the 2nd period and completed 11 of 27 passes for 258 yards. He threw two touchdown passes to Richard Caster and one to Ed Bell as the Jets were defeated, 24-21.

Joe is a very eligible bachelor."

-1972 Topps No. 100

"Namath came off his knee injury dramatically against San Francisco when Bob Davis was injured in the second quarter and made an electrifying return. He played for the first time in 19 regular-season games and completed 11 of 27 for 258 yards and three touchdowns, and had the Jets driving for the winning touchdown in the final minute when an interception snuffed it out.
Joe won Gridiron's Gold Gipper Award for the 49er effort and was named the winner of the New England Sportswriters' Colclough Award as the most courageous player.
He started the final three games, though bothered by a sore right elbow from being hit in the 49er contest. Despite his inactivity for nearly two years, Namath still showed how to direct an offense as well as anyone in the game today. He threw only 12 times against New England, turning to a careful running game to win, 13-6; he threw only once in the second half of that game. He closed out the campaign with a 9-for-15 for 154 yards and two touchdowns performance against the Bengals; one of the TDs was a 74-yarder to Don Maynard.
Joe had made a fine comeback from his broken wrist and was looking as sharp as ever when the second serious injury in as many years struck him in the second quarter of the Jets' first preseason game. He damaged the ligaments in his left knee while trying to make a tackle on Detroit's Mike Lucci, who had recovered a Jet fumble. Joe underwent surgery immediately and was on the sidelines for the first 10 games of the season, stretching his inactive streak to 19 games in a row. He was hobbled by both the knee injury and a damaged nerve in his foot as a result of the blow but was back working out with the offense by November 18.
1970 was also a bleak year for the All-Pro quarterback as he fractured the navicular bone in his right wrist five plays from the end of the Baltimore game at Shea on October 18. He stayed in the game and completed three of his final five tosses in an effort to tie the game, but he was lost for the remainder of the year, and his arm was in a cast for nearly four months. He had been off to an impressive start that year, after reporting late to camp, and was re-elected offensive captain by his teammates. Joe opened 1970 with a 298-yard evening against Cleveland and set Jet records for passes attempted (62) and completed (34), and had his third best day in yardage (397) against Baltimore before being felled.
Now, fully recovered from the injuries of the last two years, Namath has career figures of 2,281 attempts, 1,144 completions, 17,283 yards and 107 touchdowns. He is a member of the all-time All-AFL squad chosen by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a combined All-Pro (NFL-AFL) following the '68 and '69 campaigns by a vote of coaches and has had four AFL All-Star Game appearances. Joe was MVP of the Jets after those two years as well, the only time any Jet has won the coveted NEA Third Down Award more than once.
Namath gained almost every possible award after guiding the club to the Super Bowl crown: he was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and the George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Pro Player. He went through a six-game span that year without throwing a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games, as he became an all-around quarterback. Namath threw for three touchdowns in the AFL Championship game (two to Maynard, one to Lammons). He called almost a perfect game in the Super Bowl and completed 17 of 28 for 206 yards.
Namath combined with Maynard for the longest pass in Jet history- 87 yards at San Diego in 1968, yet turned more conservative in 1969, his last full season, throwing only 361 passes, the fewest since his rookie year. He holds virtually all the Jet passing records and has gone over the 300-yard mark 17 times in his career. Joe shares the AFC record for consecutive completions with 15 in back-to-back games against Miami and Boston in 1967. He's the only passer in pro history to surpass 4,000 yards in a year, with 4,007 in '67.
Namath was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, MVP of the '65 All-Star Game and co-MVP of the '67 All-Star Game. He has rushed 40 times for 117 yards and six touchdowns in his career, and his longest run was 37 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Namath has had four knee operations. His right knee was operated on for removal of cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after he signed with the Jets. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966. His left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968. A '5-in-1' operation on his left knee was performed on August 8, 1971 for ligament and cartilage damage and a tendon transfer after the injury against Detroit. All operations were performed by Jet orthopedist Dr. James A. Nicholas.
Joe was drafted No. 1 by both the Jets and the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. He has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret, and 'The Last Rebel.' He received very favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.'
Namath had his own television show syndicated during the '69 and '71 seasons and has hosted the Tonight Show numerous times. He has made guest appearances on many TV shows such as Laugh In, Flip Wilson and the Dinah Shore Show.
Namath owns three Bachelors III's- in Boston, Ft. Lauderdale and Tuscaloosa- and visited servicemen in the Far East on a USO tour following the Super Bowl.
Joe resides in New York and Miami during the off-season. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOE NAMATH SAYS HE'S THE BEST: BUT IS HE?

Jet QB Plays As Well As He Talks

"Joe Namath still remembers what his high school coach told him.

'My high school coach said something to the team once. He told us, 'If you don't dream about it, it won't happen.' I've dreamed about things and a lot of them have come true.'

Maybe the sleep-eyed, mop-headed quarterback of the New York Jets meant it when he said, 'I think I'm the best quarterback in football, and those who don't think so, well, we'll wait and see.'

The occasion, of course, was the announcement of Joe's signing his new two-year contract. Estimates put his annual salary at $250,000, or about $10,000 a completion. The part-time movie star who- going into the 1972 season- had missed 19 of the Jets' last 26 regular season games was defending his right to that kind of money.

'There are a lot of reasons,' he said. 'New York is the biggest city in the country. The Jets are the only team it has. The Giants are terrible.

'If the Jets are to win they have to hire me, or one just as capable. Or they have to get one out of the washing machine.' No one has yet asked Joe Willie to explain that strange reference to washing machines, unless he's going into the laundry business.

But he still had more to say: 'I think I can play better than anyone. They don't have to take a gamble on me. They know what I can do.'

Is Joe Willie Namath, THE Joe Willie Namath, from Beaver Falls, Alabama, Miami, Hollywood, the guy they call 'Broadway Joe,' really the best quarterback in the game?

We have it on his word that he is. Does he really mean it, or is he just dreaming, hoping it'll all come true?'

Joe must certainly believe by now that saying it makes it come true. It was his mouth almost as much as his arm that beat the Colts on that gray day in the Orange Bowl in Super Bowl III.

Before the teams lined up for picture taking day in Miami, Joe was putting the knock on his rival quarterback, Earl Morrall. He said that Daryle Lamonica of the Oakland Raiders, who he beat for the American Football League championship, was far and away a better quarterback than Morrall, who was Player of the Year in the National Football League.

He went even further and said that Vito 'Babe' Parilli, his backup man, was better than Morrall. 'You put Babe Parilli with Baltimore, and Baltimore might have been better. Babe throws better than Morrall.'

Then there was his famous mouth fight with the Colts' Lou Michaels in a Miami recreation spot. The tough Michaels was verbally flattened by Namath who told him, 'we're going to knock the .... out of you guys.' That from a 17-point underdog.

'Haven't you ever heard of the word 'modesty?' ' Michaels asked. Anyone who knew Joe could have told him he was asking a silly question.

'We're going to beat you and pick you apart,' said Namath, who was just warming to his fun.

It's really not necessary to go any further. The Colts went out there trying to make Namath eat his words. All they did was look silly, because while Namath was waving the cape, the rest of the Jets were stampeding over the Colts.

Is there really a way, though, to measure Namath's self-proclaimed greatness? Well, one way is to look at the records. How have the Jets done since Namath walked into Shea Stadium with his overnight bag stuffed full of Sonny Werblin's money?

The first year, 1965, they were a loser. The next season they were a .500 club. In 1967 he had his finest year, setting an all-time pro record of 4,007 yards through the air with 26 touchdowns. The team won eight games. The next year they won it all, and the year after that they were ten and four but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. In 1970, Namath played in only the first five before getting his wrist broken against the Baltimore Colts. The team was one and four at that point. Make your own judgment.

The 1971 season, in which he played only in the last four games, we can just ignore. The Jets were finished before he came back.

Another way would be to compare Joe's first six seasons against those of another quarterback. Take John Unitas. We don't take Unitas because he is Unitas, especially, but because he was thrust into play by the Colts when their regular quarterback, George Shaw, was injured. He started out his rookie year the same as Namath without getting any of that bench and head-set education.

But then again what would be unfair about comparing Joe to John? Joe did say he was the greatest, didn't he? But he didn't specify if he meant for one season, until he's through playing or for all time. Maybe the comparison would be unfair to John. We'll see.

In his first six years with the Jets, Joe Willie Namath passed for 102 touchdowns, but he had 116 interceptions, and in only three of those years did his completion percentage get above .500. That's a rather low figure, considering his greatness, but Joe had a reason for why it is what it is.

He said it was because he threw most of his passes to his wide receivers who run the longer, deeper, harder-to-complete patterns. 'I could have completed 80 per cent if I dropped the ball off to my backs like they do in their (NFL) league,' Joe responded to a critic.

As to his rather high ratio of interceptions to touchdown passes goes, Joe has been rather quiet.

In many respects Joe is a perfectionist as well as being an extremely gifted athlete. He has a marvelous arm, takes a great deal of pride in getting back and setting up quickly and has a hair-trigger release. He is very sharp in reading the defensive coverage as soon as or before the play starts.

He does have one flaw, however, and it is mainly that one flaw that has been responsible for so many of his interceptions. In all his years in football Namath has never overcome the basic fault of throwing off his back foot. He apparently thinks his arm will do all the work. It results in him throwing some sailers that are easy pick-offs by the deep men in the zones.

Unitas started his blitz on the all-time records during the 1956 season. He threw for nine touchdowns, had 10 interceptions and a completion percentage of 55.6 that first year. By the end of his sixth year he had thrown 125 touchdown passes, had 96 interceptions, and never had a season when his completion percentage was under .500.

Namath took the Jets to the Super Bowl in four years. Well, Unitas had a world's championship in three years, beating the Giants in the sudden-death game in 1958, and repeating the following year as world champions. Not perfect, but then Unitas never said he was the greatest.

All this is not to put Namath down. He's exciting and a colorful performer and it's a pleasure to have him around. It's just to measure the deeds against the mouth.

All his life Joe Namath has been characterized as lonely, defiant, cocky. All his life he's been told he's the greatest. Now he's said it himself. He's challenged himself. He's given himself something to play up to. Now he has to live up to his dream."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, November 1972

1972 Profile: John Riggins

Running Back
No. 44
Kansas
"A small town boy from Centralia, Kansas (pop. 600) made it big in New York. As a rookie last season, he gained 769 yards on 180 carries, and his total was sixth best in the AFC. He had a nifty 4.3-yard average which was pretty good considering that his longest run was only 25 yards. As a rookie he led the Jets in receiving with 36 catches, the first Jet ever to lead the team in both rushing and receiving. John is the big smacking kind of fullback the pros like, but he's also agile enough to catch passes.
Riggins has 4.6 speed in the 40 and won a state high school sprint championship in Kansas. He attended Kansas U., where he broke Gale Sayers' career rushing record. John had to learn pass blocking as a pro because he concentrated on running as a collegian. He learned his lessons well.
'Fastest learner we've ever had,' according to assistant coach Ken Meyer.
Riggins sports a blond bushy hairdo and goes for mod clothes. He wants to return to his Kansas hometown and run for mayor someday."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"The Jets' leading rusher in his rookie campaign of 1971, John was sixth in the AFC in that department.

He broke Gale Sayers' rushing record at Kansas with 2,706 yards in three years and also set a Jayhawk season mark with 1,131 yards as a senior. John had four games over 160 yards in college including a 189-yard show against Kansas State as a sophomore.

John majored in journalism at Kansas."

-1972 Topps No. 13

"Riggins became the first player in Jets history to lead the team in both rushing and receiving last year as a rookie. He rolled up 769 yards, third most in Jet annals and the best since 1964 as he held down the starting fullback slot throughout the season. He also caught 36 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His 36 grabs were the most by a Jet running back since 1966 when Matt Snell hauled in 48. Riggins teamed with Emerson Boozer to give the Jets their most potent running attack in history- 1,888 yards.
John was named to several NFL all-rookie teams after finishing sixth in the AFC rushing stats. He proved himself to be the all-around durable player that Weeb Ewbank expected him to be. He blocked exceptionally well, both leading Boozer through the holes and picking up the blitzes.
Riggins had particularly outstanding days against New England twice and against Cincinnati, going over 90 yards in all three outings. In the rain at Foxboro, he ran for 93 yards, and in the return against the Pats late in the season, he rolled up 91 yards and a touchdown. Against the Bengals, in the final game, he fell shy of the century mark with 99 yards. He scored two touchdowns on receptions, a 32-yarder from Bob Davis against Buffalo and a 31-yard Davis toss at San Diego. In the Jets' 13-10 upset win over Kansas City it was Riggins' 25-yard-run to the Chiefs' 4-yard line which set up the Jets' first touchdown.
Riggins has been compared by Ewbank to Alan Ameche, Marion Motley and Snell in terms of potential. 'One of the fastest learners I ever had,' said Ewbank after Riggins reported from the College All-Star game and picked up the offense in a matter of days. After a hesitant start in his first preseason outing against Oakland, he broke out with 73 yards on eight carries against the Giants. He was a first round draft choice in 1971.
His brother, Billy, is a running back at Kansas. John set the 60-yard dash state record in high school with a 6.4 and was twice a state 100-yard dash champ with 9.8. He majored in journalism and public relations.
John hails from Centralia, Kansas, a town with only 500 people and no street signs."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1972 New York Jets Coaches Profiles

WEEB EWBANK (Head Coach and General Manager)
"Success has followed Weeb Ewbank wherever he has gone as a professional football coach. Now entering his 19th year as a pro head coach, second only to Paul Brown in terms of service, he can look back upon three World Championships, over 100 pro victories, and the title of Coach of the Decade in the old American Football League.
Ewbank, head coach and general manager, guided the AFL Jets to the professional football championship of the world in 1968 and won titles back-to-back in 1958 and 1959 as coach of the Baltimore Colts, the team the Jets defeated for the crown. His feat with the Jets made him the only coach in history to win world championships in both leagues. In the opening game of the 1969 campaign, Ewbank recorded his 100th coaching triumph when the Jets defeated Buffalo, and the total now stands at 119.
Weeb began his career as an assistant at his alma mater, Miami University of Ohio, and spent 14 seasons there. In 1959 he was presented with an honorary Doctorate from Miami and in February of 1969 he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.
In 1943 he joined Paul Brown at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station as an assistant. At the end of the war, Weeb became backfield coach at Brown University and head basketball coach for the Bruins. After one season there he moved to Washington University in St. Louis as head grid coach. In two seasons he brought the Maroons their finest record in 30 years, compiling a 14-4 record, including a 9-1 mark in 1948. While there, Weeb also acquired a son-in-law- Charlie Winner, one of his players, married his daughter. Winner, formerly head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, is now an assistant coach for the Washington Redskins.
In 1949, Ewbank entered the pros by rejoining Paul Brown with the Cleveland Browns, serving as line coach. During the next four years, the Browns dominated pro football, winning the All-America Conference title, then taking the NFL championship in 1950 and Eastern Division pennants in 1951, '52 and '53.
Ewbank publicly exhibited his brilliant managerial talents when he moved to Baltimore in 1954. He took a team that was beset with disorganization and within six years produced two NFL championships. Among the many stars developed by Ewbank in Baltimore were Johnny Unitas, Alan Ameche, Raymond Berry, Lenny Moore, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan, Bill Pellington, Jim Parker and Big Daddy Lipscomb.
In 1963 the New York Jets moved to get Ewbank to lead the struggling AFL franchise on the path to success. Moving carefully to reorganize the team, Ewbank led the Jets for four years before producing a winner for the first time in 1967. Then in 1968 the rebuilding plans came to fruition with the Super Bowl championship.
Through the years, players and assistant coaches who have been under Ewbank have gone on to greater assignments. Three of these associates have become head coaches in pro football. Don McCafferty, who coached with Ewbank, is presently coaching Baltimore, while Don Shula, who played under Ewbank at Baltimore, is the head man at Miami. Clive Rush, Weeb's aide with the Jets, was the head coach of the Boston Patriots. Joe Spencer, a former offensive line coach with the Jets and St. Louis Cardinals, played tackle under Ewbank and Paul Brown at Cleveland. John Sandusky, Joe Thomas, Lou Rymkus, Art Spinney, Jack Patera, Carl Tassef, Bobby Boyd, Bob Shaw, John Bridges, Frank Lauterbur, and Babe Parilli are others who have moved ahead after playing or coaching under Ewbank.
Since coming to New York, the 65-year-old Ewbank has developed six All-Pro (combined AFL-NFL) players- Joe Namath, Gerry Philbin, George Sauer, Jim Turner, Matt Snell and Winston Hill. Don Maynard, Larry Grantham, Dainard Paulson, Dave Herman, Sherman Plunkett, Verlon Biggs and John Elliott are others who have received All-AFL and/or AFC honors under Ewbank. Hill and Elliott were members of the American Conference Pro Bowl squad. A trio of these players- Namath, Philbin, Maynard- were selected to the all-time All-AFL team.
As an undergraduate at Miami, Weeb was a quarterback, captain of the baseball team and a forward on the basketball team. A native of Richmond, Indiana, he married the former Lucy Massey, also of Richmond. They have three married daughters, all with families."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook

WEEB EWBANK

Pro Football's Expert Judge Of Talent

"Much of Wilbur Ewbank's conversation is wrapped up in cliches. Things like ... 'there's no magic carpet for success,' 'he's our kinda people,' 'you gotta pay the price' and 'don't lead with your heart.'

These are the things that stereotype coaches and Ewbank, called Weeb since the day his little brother couldn't pronounce Wilbur, has been at this hard way to make an easy living for 44 years now.

Ewbank, now a 65-year-old grandfather, is a can't miss nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of what he has accomplished. He's the only coach to win championships in both the National Football League and the American Football League.

But discounting the titles and the excellent record he has established, few coaches have had the exacting eye for talent that he has.

It takes a man with a long memory to recall if Ewbank ever missed on his evaluation of a player. And, of course, the hardest thing in coaching is to recognize ability because often times it's separated by a fine line- those who can make it and still miss.

If there is any characteristic about Ewbank which stands out it is his perception in looking at football muscle on the hoof and saying, 'I'll take this one.' or 'This one won't do.'

The success of the New York Jets and the acquisition of Joe Namath must be credited to Weeb.

In 1963, when the Jets were holding press conferences at the old Polo Grounds, owner Sonny Werblin was asked what his team had in mind for the upcoming draft.

'I don't know who we're going to draft,' answered Werblin, 'but I sure like that George Mira. He's the most exciting player I have ever seen.'

The Jets, at that time, were in a life-and-death battle with the New York Giants for patronage and Mira, then a sensation with the University of Miami, had the color and reputation to put folks in the stands.

But when the question of a first draft pick was directed to Ewbank, he wouldn't tell them. He probably twitched his shoulders in that nervous way, a condition no doubt brought on by having to win games with the 'two minute drill' and cleared his throat.

Ewbank said he didn't want to reveal his draft plan. 'We don't want to give the other team any advantage,' he answered. 'If you know who the other teams are going to take let me know.

'But I'm really not interested in Mira. He may be able to play but a little guy and a scrambler will never take you to a championship.

'I've seen some great little quarterbacks like Frankie Albert and Eddie LeBaron but they have never won a title and that's what it's all about. I'd rather stay with Dick Wood another year. We have our eye on a junior down at Alabama. I'd like to  have him.'

And, subsequently, Ewbank got his wish ... Joe Namath.

Ewbank isn't around taking bows for Namath. The pro football world knew all about Namath but again Ewbank recognized a talent when he saw one and, after he got Namath, certainly knew what to do with him.

In the Super Bowl game of 1968, which the Baltimore Colts will never forget, the Jets had eight free agents in the starting lineup, including the entire defensive secondary which intercepted four Colts' passes.

The Jets' draft has been good to them. Two years ago, eleven of the 14 rookies reporting to training camp made the 40-man roster or band squad.

The injury to Namath in the first Colts' game two years ago meant he had to go with Al Woodall, a quarterback who had only completed four of nine passes the previous season as a rookie.

In his first start, standing in for Namath, young Woodall gained only 33 yards passing, the lowest accounting the airborne Jets ever made.

'I saw some good work out there,' said Ewbank about Woodall's work. 'The errors he made out there are correctable ones.

The public and press screamed for another quarterback but Ewbank held fast in that stubborn way of his, which seems almost innate. He was proven right, however, when Woodall led the Jets to surprising victories over the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings.

There was another occasion, an August night in Boston, the year was 1956, when the Colts got whipped 28 to 10 by the New York Giants in an exhibition. The regular quarterback, George Shaw, had pneumonia and was in a Baltimore hospital.

So Ewbank, then the Colts head coach, went with this rookie quarterback he had. The substitute wasn't impressive. The New York press and the Baltimore sports writers agreed that the Colts weren't going anywhere if Shaw wasn't going to be healthy.

But, Ewbank was resolute. He said he saw things he liked in this tall skinny kid who turned out to be ... well, John Unitas.

Never let it be said that Wilbur (Weeb) Ewank can't tell a football player when he sees one. It's one of his most striking qualities."

-John Steadman, Baltimore News-American (Football Digest, January 1973)

WALT MICHAELS (Linebackers Coach)
"Michaels was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. He played with the Browns from 1952-61, seeing duty in two NFL championship games and on five divisional champions. A graduate of Washington and Lee University in 1951, Walt broke into pro football with the Packers in 1951.
Walt was defensive line coach for Oakland before joining the Jets. He came to the Jets in 1963 and handled the defensive line until the '67 campaign when he took over as linebacker and secondary coach. He helped mold the Jets' defense into the AFL's best in 1968 and into the leading AFC defense in 1970. His secondary had a field day in the Super Bowl in '69 with four interceptions.
Walt took two rookie cornerbacks in 1970 and two safeties acquired by trades and coached them into a unit that allowed the lowest pass completion average in all of football. He has had several of his players reach All-Star status such as Larry Grantham, Verlon Biggs and Al Atkinson.
Walt was born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

BUDDY RYAN (Defensive Line Coach)
"Ryan joined the Jets in 1968 and has molded rushing defenses which have ranked near the top. In '68 the Jets were first in the AFL against the rush, second in 1969, and in 1970 his charges led the AFC in rushing defense.
Buddy helped develop Gerry Philbin into All-Pro status and had him, Verlon Biggs and John Elliott on the 1968 AFL All-Star squad. Philbin repeated in '69 and Elliott was an All-Star in '69 and '70. Philbin was also named to the all-time All-AFL team. Buddy's rushline charges set a club record for dumping quarterbacks in 1969 when they toppled Houston's quarterbacks nine times in one game.
Ryan won four letters as a guard at Oklahoma State from 1952-55. He was defensive line coach at the University of the Pacific in 1967 after being head defensive coach at Vanderbilt in '66. From 1961-65 he was defensive line coach at the University of Buffalo and one of the players he began to develop there was Gerry Philbin.
Buddy played on the Fourth Army championship team in Japan. He saw action in Korea and was a sergeant upon his discharge.
He was born in Frederick, Oklahoma."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos


KEN MEYER (Receivers Coach)
"Meyer came to the Jets in 1969. He spent one year with San Francisco where he coached the offensive backfield.
Ken graduated from Denison College in 1948 after lettering in football for three years. He coached at Denison from 1952 through '57, then he moved to Wake Forest for 1958 and '59. He became an assistant coach at Florida State from 1960-63. Ken went to Alabama from 1963-67 where he worked with Joe Namath and coached five consecutive bowl games for the Crimson Tide. He has coached five pro players- Namath, Steve Tensi, Norm Snead, Steve Sloan and Wayne Trimble. Ken holds a master's degree from Ohio State.
With the Jets, Meyer has seen several of his charges such as Namath, Don Maynard, George Sauer and Matt Smell gain all-star honors.
Ken was born in Erie, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

WIMP HEWGLEY (Offensive Line Coach)
"Hewgley joined the Jets in the spring of 1971 to take the place of Joe Spencer, who left for a job with St. Louis. He came highly recommended by both professional and college coaches. Wimp spent the previous nine years coaching the offensive line at Wyoming and Purdue. He helped Winston Hill win Pro Bowl honors again after switching from left to right tackle.
Wimp played tackle at Wyoming, earning all-conference honors. He won the Land Award as the outstanding Wyoming athlete as a senior in 1958. His playing career was interrupted by a three-year tour of duty with the Army as a paratrooper and service team coach.
Wimp entered coaching in 1960 as the freshman coach at Wyoming and spent two seasons in that job before becoming the offensive line coach in 1962. He moved to a similar post at Purdue in 1967 and spent four years there before coming to the Jets.
He was born in Nashville, Tennessee."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos


ED BILES (Defensive Backs Coach)
"Biles joins the Jets' full-time coaching staff this year after a season as a talent scout under Homer Edington. He will share the defensive duties with Walt Michaels and Buddy Ryan.
Ed worked for two years (1969-70) as an assistant coach with New Orleans. He coached defensive backs for the Saints and spent one year as Tom Fears' administrative coordinator. Before going to the Saints Ed was head coach at Xavier of Ohio for seven years, coaching such players as Dan Abramowicz and John Shinners.
Ed graduated from Miami (Ohio) in 1953 with a degree in physical education. He got his M.A. from Miami and spent three years there. Ed moved to Xavier in 1956 as freshman grid coach and took over the head job in 1962."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos


HOMER EDINGTON (Director of Player Personnel)
"Edington joined the Jets three years ago after a long high school and coaching career in Ohio and Michigan and directed the Jets to a strong draft in 1970 and 1971. He replaced George Sauer, who had held the position from 1963-1969. Homer coached against Weeb Ewbank nearly 30 years ago in the Ohio high school circuit.
Homer graduated from Ohio State in 1938. He began his career at Fairfield High in Hamilton, Ohio, then moved on as an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1943-46. He returned to the high school ranks from 1946-50 with Chillicothe (Ohio) High before heading to Kent State University from 1950-53 as an assistant coach.
During the '50s Homer was a civilian athlete consultant to the U.S. Army in France and Germany and head coach at New Albany (Ohio) High. He coached eight years at Lakewood (Hebron, Ohio) High from 1960-67 and then spent a year at Muskegon Heights High in Michigan just prior to joining the Jets.
Homer was born in Columbus, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos


MIKE HOLOVAK (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)

"A fine fullback ... excellent runner. All-American at Boston College in 1942. Second season with the Bears; obtained from Los Angeles Rams in 1947."

-1948 Bowman No. 65

"Mike joined the Patriots after spending nine years as head coach at Boston College, the longest reign of any gridiron mentor.

Born in Lansford, Pa., he was the regular fullback at Boston College for three seasons. As a sophomore in 1940, he played on an Eagle club that defeated Tennessee in the Orange Bowl and won the national title. Mike tallied three touchdowns against Alabama in the Orange classic two years later as BC co-captain.

He served 15 months in the Pacific with a PT boat squadron. He was a fullback for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 and the Chicago Bears in '47 and '48.

Mike came to BC as the freshman coach in '49. He succeeded Denny Meyers as head coach in '51.

He is married and has two daughters."

-1960 American Football League Yearbook (Jay Publishing)

"Holovak established an enviable 1961 record, losing just once in nine games, taking over the club after Lou Saban left.
He had a pro career with the Bears and Rams, returning to Boston College to coach the varsity. 'Give it to Mike' was a New England byword in 1942 when he was spectacular as a college ground-gainer.
Born in Vanceford, Pa., he now lives in Natick, Mass."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Mike Holovak believes the most important item in football is the proper mental attitude. He doesn't believe in forcing a player to do the job.
He was a tremendous runner at Boston College and went on to play for the Bears and Rams. After returning to B.C. as a coach, Holovak was made a Patriot assistant when the club was formed in 1960. He assumed control after five games of the '61 campaign, replacing Lou Saban.
Holovak was born in Vanceford, Pa."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"A Boston College immortal, he was a raging fullback under Frank Leahy and later coached at B.C. for nine years, a school record for consistent service.
Holovak put in three years with the Rams and Bears before turning to college coaching; he left B.C. to handle player personnel for the newly formed Patriots and also assisted as offensive backfield coach. He was tabbed to replace Lou Saban as head pilot early in 1961 and has improved the club each season, culminating with the Eastern title last year.
Holovak saw PT service during World War II and retains the rank of Lieutenant Commander, keeping his active reserve status with two-week sea duty every year."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"The coach, Mike Holovak, is shooting for the AFL championship this year after winning the 1963 Eastern Division title. Now in his third full season as coach, his career record with the Patriots is 23-11-3. Holovak was one of the original executives of the club, as director of player personnel, in the inaugural 1960 season. Later he became a backfield aide, taking over as head coach on October 10, 1961.
An All-American fullback at Boston College, he played for the Rams and Bears of the NFL. Later he coached Boston College before joining the Patriots organization.
Holovak is a sound, solid coach and well respected."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"The name of Mike Holovak is about as hallowed in the environs of Boston as Paul Revere's, and Mike's track record is just as good. A 60-minute fullback on Frank Leahy's undefeated national champions at Boston College in 1940, he remains one of their all-time greats.
After spending three years in pro ball with the Rams and Bears, he returned to B.C. as freshman coach and later became varsity coach, where in nine seasons his teams compiled an enviable 49-29-3 record. In 1959, the Patriots tabbed him as director of player personnel, and in their second season he was named head coach.
He now owns the winningest record among active AFL coaches, with 33 wins, 14 losses and four ties."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Around the American Football League, the Patriots head coach, Mike Holovak, is highly regarded as a man who can wring the most out of what other coaches might not consider championship personnel. It is no secret that Boston hasn't many 'name' stars- and never has. Yet Holovak, until last season's disaster, had the best won-lost record of any active AFL coach- and this with shrewdly chosen NFL discards and well-scouted, low-bonus, small-college players.
Holovak was himself an All-America fullback for Boston College in 1940 when the Eagles were a national power, and he distinguished himself by playing every minute of every game. He went on to play pro football with the Los Angeles Rams (1946) and Chicago Bears (1947-48).
In 1960, after serving one season as the Patriots' player personnel director, Mike replaced Lou Saban as head coach. He has won one AFL Eastern Division title, in 1963."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"One of these days, Mike Holovak is going to drive the Patriots to the AFL championship and nobody is even going to raise an eyebrow. Mike has raised so many eyebrows in his career as a player and coach that his wonders are more or less taken for granted by now.
Take last year. The Patriots were afforded third-or-fourth-place ranking in most preseason polls- and the pollsters thought they were being more than charitable. So, Mike kept them in the Eastern Division race right down to the final game of the season, when the Jets overturned them in a surprise defeat, 38-28.
You look over his player roster and you naturally have to ask, with what did he do it? Maybe that's why Mike was voted AFL Coach of the Year for 1966. But it was a routine year for him.
In 1964, he guided the Patriots to their best record in history with a 10-3-1 mark, again narrowly missing the Eastern title. In his five years as a coach, his teams have rolled up a 45-26-8 record and hold the series edge against every club in the league.
The Boston crowd has been growing accustomed to Mike's antics ever he was a 60-minute sophomore fullback who led Boston College to the national championship in 1941. Nothing Mike does surprises them anymore."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"There is almost nothing Mike Holovak can do wrong in Boston- including finishing last, which he did last year for the first time in his life. Boston has been Mike's adopted hometown since his undergraduate days at Boston College, where he won fame as a 60-minute fullback on Frank Leahy's undefeated national champions of 1940.
After school, Mike left Boston for several years, to serve on a PT boat with the Navy in World War II, and then to spend three seasons playing professional football for the Rams and Bears.
But Boston never forgot him and he was brought back to coach freshman football at Boston College and later as head coach. Mike spent nine years coaching the varsity, rolling up a 49-29-3 record at a school that didn't exactly get first crack at the best material.
When the Patriots were formed in the new AFL, he was the first executive the club signed, as director of player personnel. But Mike also hungered to be back down on the field, and he served as backfield coach under Lou Saban. When Saban suddenly left for Buffalo early the following season, Mike took over.
Since then, he has guided the Patriots to one Eastern Division crown and four second-place finishes in seven years; and in 1966, he was named AFL Coach of the Year even though his club was runner-up to Buffalo. The remarkable thing about Mike's remarkable record is that his teams are not made up of so-called 'name' players.
The Boston fans were with him last year when he suffered his worst season as a coach. 'We are definitely not a last-place club,' he said, 'and when next fall rolls around, we'll prove it.' Want to know something? The people of Boston believe him."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"Holovak joined the club prior to the 1972 training camp as a member of the Jets' scouting combine. He also worked as an assistant coach at a camp tutoring the tight ends.
He was head coach of the Boston Patriots from 1961-68, earning AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1966. Mike guided the Patriots to the AFL's Eastern Division title in 1963. He was the offensive coach of the 49ers in 1969, joined Oakland as a talent scout in 1970, and was Raiders receiving coach in 1971.
Holovak was an All-America fullback at Boston College from 1939-42, and following a tour of duty in the Navy played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 and with the Chicago Bears in 1947 and '48.
He returned to Boston College in 1949 and assumed the head coaching job in 1951. He guided BC to a 49-29-3 record before joining the Patriots as Director of Player Personnel in 1959.
Mike is a native of Lansford, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1972 New York Jets Board of Directors

JETS DIRECTORS

"The New York Jets' 1971 campaign was almost a mirror image of the 1970 season, as the Jets Directors, along with the loyal fans of the team, suffered through another season of frustration. Once again the Big Green was plagued by injuries to key personnel, playing most of the season with new faces in the starting lineups. Yet the Jets remained competitive and finished with a 6-8 mark.
The New York Jets Directors have been the impetus for the remarkable transition of the troubled New York entry in the now defunct American Football League. They hired Weeb Ewbank in 1963 to build, and the rest is professional football history. Ewbank's team responded brilliantly with a World Championship (1968), an AFL title (1968), and two AFL Eastern Division crowns (1968 & 1969).
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in this development- Philip H. Iselin, President; Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board; and Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer. Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, daughter of the late President of the club, Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
The front office appointed by the Jets Directors is one of the most highly regarded in the National Football League. Both on and off the field, the club is talented and full of vitality.
The Board of Directors are dedicated to perfection- their efforts have been rewarded in the past, and they will continue to strive for nothing less in the future. With the continued support of their fans, the New York Jets look forward to a championship season in 1972!"

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

PHILIP H. ISELIN (President)

"Philip H. Iselin is the president of the Korell Company and president and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club. The popular Iselin has had an extensive background in racing, and now enjoys the unique distinction of heading two major sporting concerns.
Mr. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

TOWNSEND B. MARTIN (Chairman of the Board)

"Townsend B. Martin is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities Corp. in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

LEON HESS (Vice-President and Treasurer)

"Leon Hess is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation, one of the great integrated oil companies in the world. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the New Jersey National Bank and Trust Company, among others."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

HELEN L. SPRINGBORN ( Vice-President and Secretary)

"Helen L. Springborn is the daughter of the late President of the Jets, Donald C. Lillis. Mrs. Springborn is an enthusiastic football fan. She resides with her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1972 New York Jets Outlook

TEAM DIRECTORY

President: Philip H. Iselin

General Manager and Head Coach: Weeb Ewbank

Assistant Coaches: Walt Michaels, Buddy Ryan, Ken Meyer, C.W. Hewgley

Trainer: Jeff Snedeker

Office: 595 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022

Stadium: Shea Stadium (60,000)

Colors: Kelly Green and White

Training Camp: Hofstra University, Hempstead, Long Island, NY

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"How can you figure a team that is coming off a year in which 25 players suffered injuries? Answer: You can't very well.
But one fact must be considered when judging the Jets: the injury problem has happened two years in a row and therefore it can happen again. Injury problem No. 1, of course, is Joe Namath. When he's okay, the Jets are a sound ballclub. When he's not, well ... neither are the Jets. A healthy Joe could mean a contender although the AFC East is tough at the top with Baltimore and Miami. Injury problems No. 2 through 11 are the 10 defensive starters who lost playing time last season. The Jets were 13th among AFC teams in defense last season and you can't get lower. This is a good defensive team when healthy."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"The failure of the Jets to control the ball on offense contributed to the problems on defense. Should Namath return to good health, the offensive problem could be quickly solved.
Namath has two established receivers in Don Maynard, who's old but still effective, and Rich Caster, who's young and bursting with potential. Top rook Jerome Barkum has the marks of greatness as a receiver. Chances are Caster will bump tight end Pete Lammons out of a job in order to make room for Barkum if the yearling lives up to his billing. Barkum has the size to play tight end, too, but his development will be slowed by his participation in the College All-Star Game.
John Riggins proved to be an outstanding runner as a rookie. He rushes brilliantly and he caught a lot of passes, even from the backup quarterbacks, Bob Davis and Al Woodall. If Matt Snell recovers from his many injuries in recent seasons, the Jets could field a near-perfect offense. Even without him, Riggins and Emerson Boozer, with Clifford McClain in reserve, formulate a strong running game."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

OFFENSIVE LINE
"The Jets do a job of protecting Namath and opening up holes in the middle of the line. But there could be a gap at tight end if Caster or Barkum play there. Center John Schmitt and tackle Winston Hill are outstanding; tackle Bob Svihus and guards Dave Herman and Randy Rasmussen are very good. There's depth, too, with Dave Foley and John Mooring (a possible guard starter) in reserve."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

DEFENSIVE LINE
"In 1968 and 1970, the Jets led their league in defense. That's every two years and here it is, 1972. Only Mark Lomas, an end, was able to go all the way last year. With Gerry Philbin, the other end, and tackles John Elliott and John Little back, the Jets could be powerful again. Because of the injuries, Roger Finnie and Scott Palmer got lots of playing time, so the Jets have depth."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"Rookie Mike Taylor gives the linebacking corps some much-needed depth. In fact, the first-round draft choice could take away one of the starting jobs. He could play either the outside or the middle. Incumbents are Ralph Baker, Al Atkinson and Larry Grantham, who have teamed together for years.
The secondary is up in the air, but not without good candidates. Earlie Thomas is a sure starter at one corner and John Dockery and Rich Sowells compete for the opposite side. Phil Wise, W.K. Hicks, Gus Hollomon, Steve Tannen and Chris Farasopoulos vie for the two safety jobs. Wise and Hicks have the edge but Tannen is a strong possibility."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

SPECIALISTS
"The Jets didn't get as much boot out of Bobby Howfield as they expected (he made eight of 19 field goals). But he's talented.
The young corps of kick returners (Farasopoulos, Wise and Vern Studdard) did a good job and all-purpose player Gary Hammond (a rookie who can play quarterback and receiver) will add depth."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

OUTLOOK
"If this team can get out of the training room, it could be a factor in the AFC race."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"THE OFFENSE: Okay, class, today's quiz is: is discretion really the better part of valor and what would Joe Namath do now if the return of an intercepted pass was coming his way? Say it ain't so, Joe. In the first preseason game last summer against Detroit, Namath tried to stop a Lion who had intercepted one of his passes. We all know the result. Someone fell on Namath's knees; the operation put him out of action for 15 weeks. Even a Namath needs some preseason work. And if a situation similar to the Detroit incident should occur, Namath says he's ready to attempt the tackle.
'Exhibition games are played for real, I don't care what anybody says. You give 100 percent. Ask somebody who's been there and got hurt,' says Joe. 'Pro athletes have a certain amount of personal pride. No man, in any profession, wants to be second best. And that goes for exhibition games.'
Now that we've cleared up that matter for the Jets, there's just one more thing ... Namath has been making off-season noises about negotiating a new contract. Something about a million dollars for two years. (Remember when being a $400,000 quarterback was a really big deal?) As of late May, Namath was being quoted as saying, 'I don't know whether I'll play again this year or ever.' No one believes it, of course, because the Jets can ill afford any more time without Namath. True, injuries have raped the Jets the past two seasons. But no one inspires the Jets like Namath. Says center John Schmidt: 'If I look out the window and see the sun shining but Joe says it's raining, I'm going to put on a raincoat and carry my umbrella with me.'
In the 21 games Namath has failed to start the past two years, New York is 7-14. The Jets, who had been shut out just twice in 11 years, were scoreless twice in the first four games of 1971. Al Woodall had first crack at replacing Namath last year, but the kid from Duke who had beaten the Rams and Vikings the year before couldn't throw a touchdown in 97 attempts. Bob Davis followed with 10 touchdown passes and a 40.5 completion percentage before going down with an ankle injury. Namath, seeing action in parts of two games and directing victories in the last two games of the season, was 28-59, five touchdowns and six interceptions. The upbeat finish couldn't save the Jets from coming in last in total offense in the AFC. Namath had to learn how to play with braces on both knees.
Another broken up Jet returns to the offense this year- Matt Snell, regarded by some as the best blocking back in football a few years ago, has been cut down by a ruptured Achilles tendon and a knee injury the past two seasons. Rookie running back John Riggins provided the only bright spot for the Jet offense last year, ranking sixth in the AFC in rushing with 769 yards and picking up a few votes for Rookie of the Year. Emerson Boozer was 12th in the conference with 618 yards. Coach Weeb Ewbank felt he had sufficient depth at running back with Cliff McClain, George Nock and Steve Harkey on hand, so he drafted just one back, Princeton's Hank Bjorklund (the nation's No. 3 college rusher) in the 12th round. Riggins achieved a 1,000-yard year by leading the Jets in receiving with 36 for 231 yards.
The Jets' passing suffered last year after Namath went down, as Ewbank went to a run-oriented attack. Rich Caster, often booed for dropitis, had 26 catches, a 17.5 average and six touchdowns. Don Maynard had only 21 catches and two touchdowns but his 408 yards cemented his position as the leading active receiver in the NFL. He has 603 career catches for 11,306 yards and 86 touchdowns. Caster or No. 1 draft choice Jerome Barkum of Jackson State will go to tight end. Many Jets fans would probably say tight end, a blocking position, would be a nice place for Caster.
'Some fans have even sent me boxes of glue,' says Caster. Maynard caught his fewest number of passes as a Jet, an abbreviated follow-up to his previous low, 31 in 1970. He says New York's thickly polluted atmosphere is making it difficult to get downfield these days. Look who's talking. Maynard works in the off-season for an El Paso firm that manufactures anti-pollution devices.
Winston Hill and Bob Svihus, a top tackle duo, head the Jets' pass-and-protect-Namath oriented offensive line. Schmitt is beginning his ninth year at center, Dave Herman his ninth year at right guard and Randy Rasmussen his sixth season at left guard. Second-year man John Mooring could muscle into a guard job. Dave Foley and Roy Kirksey offer good depth, and the conversation of training camp is sure to be 16th round draftee Gary Kipfmiller of Nebraska at Omaha. The 6-4, 365-pound Kipfmiller will be tried at center. He's a collegiate wrestler, which is supposed to mean he's mobile.
The most interesting rookie probably will be second-round draft choice Gary Hammond of Southern Methodist. The Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1971, Hammond made All-SWC three years in a row at different positions: wide receiver as a sophomore, halfback as a junior, quarterback as a senior. The Jets don't know quite where to put the 5-11, 180-pound rollout quarterback; they've penciled in his order of events as wide receiver, quarterback and safety.
THE DEFENSE: Dr. James Nicholas, the Jets' physician, says the average amount of injuries for a pro football team for one season (an injury being defined as anything that takes a man out of at least one game) is between 15 and 16. The Jets have been boosting that average the past two years. Dr. Nicholas counted 28 injuries in 1970, mostly to the offense. Last year, the figure was a team record 29.
'It's a good barometer of why the Jets had all their trouble,' the Doctor says. The defense was the hardest hit last season. Only two starters made it to every game, linebacker Larry Grantham and end Mark Lomas. But even Grantham was no iron man; he suffered a fractured cheekbone in the last game. Three-fourths of the defensive line had torn or partially torn knee ligaments- John Elliott, Gerry Philbin and Roger Finnie. Grantham's associates were hurt at linebacker, too. Al Atkinson had a broken bone in his right hand and ankle problems. Ralph Baker suffered a broken thumb and wrist problems. Backup middle linebacker John Ebersole had stretched knee ligaments. Tackle Scott Palmer missed his rookie year with broken ribs suffered in an auto accident.
The injuries took their toll on this once excellent defense. Ranked No. 1 in total defense and rushing defense in 1968 and 1970, the Jets were 11th in total defense last year. You could score on them almost any way you pleased. The backfield took down only 13 interceptions; only Buffalo had less. They gave up 299 points, their most since 1967. Some Sundays were downright embarrassing ... San Diego rolling up 523 yards total offense, including 358 passing; Miami rushing for 297 yards; Baltimore's Norm Bulaich rushing for 198 yards; Dallas scoring 52 points one particularly long December afternoon. The Jets even tried a 4-4 defense with four linebackers.
In a search for depth, Ewbank drafted eight defensive people, including linebacker Mike Taylor of Michigan in the first round (bonus pick), cornerback Dickie Harris of South Carolina No. 5 and end Joey Jackson of New Mexico State No. 6.
Lomas, John Little and Bill Zapalac picked up good experience last year by necessity. Philbin, Little, Elliott and Lomas will start as the front four with Baker, Atkinson and Grantham the linebackers.
Earlie Thomas is established at right corner and John Dockery will have to fight off Rich Sowells, who started six games, for the left corner spot. Steve Tannen has moved from corner to free safety, where he'll battle incumbent W.K. Hicks for playing time. Phil Wise and Gus Holloman share the strong safety job. Rocky Turner, Jeff Ford and Phil Sullivan are rookie names to remember.
THE KICKING AND SPECIAL TEAMS: Jet kickers were only so-so last year. Bob Howfield, acquired from Denver for Jim Turner, hit eight of 19 field goals and scored 49 points. He had an up and down year, beating Kansas City one week and losing 14-13 to Baltimore the next week when an extra point and 22-yard field goal attempt were blocked. Howfield may lose his job to Grant Guthrie, the Buffalo castoff. Punter Steve O'Neal was off with a 38.8 average, his worst in three years with the Jets.
The return game was okay, with Chris Farasopoulos ranking sixth in running back punts (8.2 average, 61-yard touchdown) and 11th in kickoffs, 21.8. Vern Studdard was 10th in kickoff returns with a 21.9 average and Phil Wise ran back eight kicks for an average of 26.3 yards.
THE QUESTIONS: Quarterbacking depth, tight end speed, physical condition of the defense.
THE STRENGTHS: A healthy Namath, running game.
THE OUTLOOK: The Jets can be a good football team again. But they seem to be living in the glories of 1968 and 1969, when they won a Super Bowl and came close, respectively. This is 1972, however. The defense is a little older, Namath's knees are a bit more scarred. There should be enough talent to challenge Baltimore for second place in the AFC East."

-Al Levine, Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook


"Sometimes, when they are embarrassing the Kansas City Chiefs or Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets give people the notion that if they ever gathered all their troops together and kept them all healthy, it could be 1968 all over again.
Everything went wrong for the Jets, for the second year in a row. Joe Namath was a spectator for four-fifths of the season, George Sauer retired, Verlon Biggs defected to Washington, John Elliott, Gerry Philbin and others too numerous to mention got themselves injured seriously and the club traded itself right out of reliable place kicking.
But they still won six games.
Even if the Jets toss off the blanket of injuries that has cursed them over the last two seasons, they'll still have their serious problems. Sauer indicates he'll continue communing with nature rather than announce his premature retirement. Philbin, linebacker Larry Grantham, guard Dave Herman, wide receiver Don Maynard and a few others are aging. Steve Tannen, once considered a promising defensive back, is at psychological odds with the coach, Weeb Ewbank.
But as long as the Jets can keep Namath in operating condition, you have to give them a chance, even though they are in a division with Baltimore and Miami.
Joe Willie got to throw only 59 passes after his knee healed last year. Physically, he'll never resemble Terry Bradshaw again, but the Jets are cheered by a by-product of the frustration he's suffered through for the last two injury-hexed seasons. The by-product is a renewed competitive fire.
Namath wants to play again, to win again. That's an intangible which counts for plenty, particularly on a team that lost a Matt Snell through injuries and a Sauer through disillusionment with the sporting life.
Without Joe for most of 1970 and '71, the Jets seemed to learn a new discipline, too. They had to bite the bullet in the knowledge that he was no longer available to pull them out of the big jam. They had to do it themselves and it matured a lot of them.
Tangibly, Namath's biggest problem may be to reacquaint himself with his receivers.
Sauer is gone and there is no sign he will be back. Pete Lammons, the veteran tight end, appears to be phased out. Richard Caster was an inconsistent rookie when Namath last worked with him in early '70. Now he's an inconsistent veteran. Don Maynard still shows flashes of his prime, but at age 35 the flashes are getting to the rare stage.
Confronted by all this the Jets made Jerome Barkum of Jackson State their No. 1 draft choice. He is built along the lines of Caster, with whom he once played at Jackson. Both are tall and lithe and possess admirable speed.
By opening day one of them may be the starting tight end. Coach Ewbank gave Caster the first look there when Barkum was in the College All-Star Game. Barkum will get his look there later. Lammons just doesn't have the speed a modern tight end needs to take the heat off the wide receivers.
Assuming that either Caster or Barkum plays tight end, the open wide receiver position will be a problem for Ewbank. If Maynard can't provide steady service for one more year, Weeb will have to rely on a youngster like Ed Bell or Vern Studdard. Bell caught only five passes last year and his 5-9, 160-pound frame is not something you envision for an NFL starter. Studdard was limited to returning kickoffs as a rookie. He's no stallion himself at 5-11 and 175.
Another possibility is Gary Hammond, the Southern Methodist quarterback who was drafted as a wide receiver. Hammond is often mentioned in mystery terms by Ewbank. Gary's quarterbacking background may come in handy if the little coach decides to use the wishbone formation in close-to-the-goal situations.
Unless he is a miracle healer in '72, Matt Snell's career as a first-echelon running back appears to be over. He was cut down by a torn Achilles tendon and when that healed a bruised knee kept him out of action.
In his absence, the Jets unleashed John Riggins, the fullback from the plains of Kansas. Riggins thump-thumped over people for 769 yards rushing and caught 36 passes for 231 more yards. It was the first time the Jets ever had one man lead them in both categories. Riggins is a frightening fellow on the business end of a screen pass.
His success, and the Jets' decision to opt for a ball-control offense in Namath's absence, helped Emerson Boozer to his greatest ground gaining season. Boozer, who also blocked effectively for Riggins, gained 618 yards.
The Jets' cup runneth over with running backs. There is hard-blocking Steve Harkey; seldom-used Cliff McClain, who was unleashed late in the season with big results; and Princeton's Hank Bjorklund, third in the nation rushing in '71 with 1,081 yards.
For the previous two seasons, the Jets lamented a nagging problem in their offensive line. They just couldn't seem to come up with a starting right tackle, no matter high they drafted for him. Then last year they traded with Oakland for seasoned Bob Svihus. They installed him at left tackle and moved Winston Hill to the right side. The move went so well that Ewbank claims the pair gives him the strongest combination in the club's history.
John Schmitt is among the better centers in the AFC. Randy Rasmussen is a respected guard and Dave Herman, who might have slipped a bit, could be pushed into a first-rate season by young John Mooring. Mooring was the team's second draft choice in '71 as an offensive tackle. He was switched to guard late last year and the prospects are rosy for him.
Ewbank feels that Mooring and Dave Foley, ousted as a starter by Svihus, give him better offensive line depth than he's had in years.
Weeb made a controversial trade last year, sending Jim Turner, the veteran field goal kicker, to Denver for soccer-styler Bobby Howfield. The idea was to improve on Turner's short kickoffs. Howfield did a better job as a kickoff man, but not good enough to compensate for his field goal deficiencies. Last winter the Jets signed ex-Bill Grant Guthrie as a challenger to Howfield.
Defensively, the Jets expect to be much stronger- health permitting.
Serious injuries kayoed two of the best linemen in the NFL, tackle John Elliott and end Gerry Philbin, for long periods. Besides, Verlon Biggs had played out his option and signed with Washington. For the second straight season that meant using a front four often populated by strangers.
Undersized John Little spent a good part of the season as a starting tackle. Chuck Hinton came from Pittsburgh and was immediately rammed into the lineup. Roger Finnie was converted from offensive tackle, then tore up a knee. Only Mark Lomas, a sophomore, started every game.
Philbin and Elliott should prop things up considerably, provided they stay healthy. Lomas should have benefitted from the experience. Little played well enough to rate ahead of Hinton, Scott Palmer (another rookie, injured in an auto accident) and '72 rookie Ed Galigher of UCLA add depth. Finnie, now well again, joins rookie Joey Jackson of New Mexico State in backing up Philbin and Lomas.
The linebackers, too, were hexed by injuries but one of the bright spots of the season occurred in this area. It was the play of Larry Grantham, still being written off by the experts after 12 pro seasons. Undersized Larry had his best year and was voted the team's MVP. If he can work another miracle he'll line up with the fellows he's played with since 1965- Al Atkinson in the middle and Ralph Baker on the strong side.
Ewbank attempted to upholster the area by drafting Michigan's All-America, Mike Taylor, with the No. 1 pick he received from Washington as balm for Biggs' defection. Taylor will be auditioned at weakside and at middle linebacker. Bill Zapalac, who played end and tackle as a 220-pound rookie, will be moved to a more realistic linebacker position to contend with Paul Crane and John Ebersole for one of the reserve spots.
The biggest problem for Ewbank will be to solidify his secondary. Cornerback Earlie Thomas is the only Jet considered a stable starter. His old running mate, Steve Tannen, has moved back to free safety. Most scouts envisioned the rugged Tannen as a safety when he was drafted. If he makes a quick hit at his new position, Steve may get out of Weeb's doghouse.
John Dockery, the utility man from Harvard, finished the season at the corner opposite Thomas, but that situation is likely to change. Rich Sowells, who learned something through bitter experience in his rookie year, will challenge. Tannen's competition at free safety is W.K. Hicks and Chris Farasopoulos, used mostly as a kick returner (44 for 70 yards) in his rookie season.
Phil Wise, another late-blooming '71 rookie, will battle veteran Gus Hollomon for the strong safety spot. Hicks also played the position in his days as a Houston Oiler.
The punt and kick returning was on the mediocre side, so Hammond will get a real good shot at both specialties. Punter Steve O'Neal had a miserable 38.8-yard year so Ewbank will closely inspect Ken Gamble, who averaged 44.5 at Fayetteville College.
If Namath stays in one piece the question of who will be the No. 2 quarterback is academic. But off his '72 form, young Bob Davis forged ahead of Al Woodall for the honor."

-Larry Felser, Street and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Pro Football Yearbook

"Don Maynard, 35 years old, has been playing professional football for 14 years. Only one man, Raymond Berry, has caught more passes. Opposition defenses treated Maynard almost as an afterthought in '71.

But in the last game of the 1971 season, Maynard made a 74-yard touchdown catch, longest in the history of the Jets.

The difference was that Joe Namath was on the field playing quarterback. Namath can make veterans like Maynard forget they are old. He can coax mediocre talent into playing like superb talent. That's why the Jets, a 6-8 club in 1971, a season played mostly without Joe, still can't be discounted as playoff contenders.

Namath suffered torn knee ligaments in the opening exhibition game and wasn't able to return until the 10th regular season contest. He terrified the San Francisco 49ers, champions of the National Conference Western Division, with three touchdowns even though the San Franciscans pulled the game out, 24-21.

That one game was enough to ignite the morale of the Jets for the season. With Namath at quarterback, they can beat anyone.

The big move this year will be to inject some speed into the tight end position. Pete Lammons just doesn't get off the mark fast enough to add anything to the Jets passing game, so his blocking will be sacrificed for a speedier and more dangerous receiver. Coach Weeb Ewbank will either convert wide receiver Richard Caster to tight end or install one of his No. 1 draft choices, Jerome Barkum of Jackson State, there.

Whichever man doesn't play tight end will be lined up across Maynard. Ewbank hopes to coax one more year out of the fragile veteran. He has his fingers crossed as pint-sized Ed Bell, his top reserve, doesn't have the physique to play full-time.

Ewbank installed rookie fullback John Riggins into his starting lineup immediately last year and the results had the little coach beaming. Riggins led the team in rushing with 769 yards in 180 attempts and in pass receiving with 36 catches for 231 yards.

Riggins isn't the end of the ball-carrying story. Emerson Boozer had his best season as a Jet, gaining 618 yards. Boozer has developed into a complete player. The depth is good, with Matt Snell a possible returner from injury, Clifford McClain and Steve Harkey.

Experience is the key on the offensive line. Tackle Winston Hill begins his 10th season, guard Dave Herman and center John Schmitt their ninth, tackle Bob Svihus his eighth and guard Randy Rasmussen his sixth.

Injuries nearly decimated the Jets defense in '71. The fourth game of the year saw tackle John Elliott go down for the year and end Gerry Philbin for four games. Linebackers Ralph Baker and Al Atkinson and linemen Roger Finnie and Scott Palmer were also knocked out by injuries.

With Elliott and Philbin hurt, John Little got to play and led the team in quarterback sacks. He may stay at tackle. Elliott and Philbin return with Mark Lomas starting his third season as a regular at end.

The Atkinson-Baker-Larry Grantham linebacking combination has been around since 1965. Grantham won his teammates' vote as most valuable player in his 12th season. Ewbank didn't want to tempt fate, however, and used his second No. 1 choice to draft Michigan's All-America, Mike Taylor.

What could sink New York is their pass defense. Only cornerback Earlie Thomas commands any serious respect from the opposition. The Jets went against the views of most scouts three years ago when they made their premium draftee, Steve Tannen, a corner instead of a safety. After a couple of unsatisfactory seasons at cornerback, Tannen is finally being switched to free safety. Weeb hopes the late transplant takes place.

That leaves journeyman John Dockery at corner and Phil Wise battling Gus Hollomon at strong safety. W.K. Hicks, who ended up the free safety last year, will contest Tannen or one of the strong safeties.

Weeb made one disastrous trade last year, sending Jim Turner to Denver for Bobby Howfield in an exchange of placekickers. Turner continued to produce but Howfield hit a sour 8-for-19. If the little Englishman doesn't shape up, Ewbank will have to find another hired gun."

-Cord Sportfacts Pro Football Guide 1972

OFFENSE

"QUARTERBACKS: The whole idea is to keep Joe Namath whole. With him, the Jets can defeat any team. Without him they are ho-hum. Bob Davis and Al Woodall are pale imitations of the man.

Performance Quotient: 1 [1 through 5, 1 being best]

RUNNING BACKS: John Riggins was the first Jet to lead the team in both rushing and pass catching. He's a madman with the ball in his hands. Emerson Boozer had his best year, and he's had some fine ones. His blocking is so sharp he's now the complete back. Matt Snell vows to come back.

Cliff McClain, with great speed, must get playing time. Steve Harkey is a blocker.

Performance Quotient: 2

RECEIVERS: Big change in sight. Rich Caster, inconsistent on the outside, goes to tight end, which he played in college. Jerome Barkum definitely will start on the outside and if Caster can't perform tight end chores, Jerome will be shifted there. Fingers are crossed tightly over Maynard's 35 years.

If Don can't play full-time, Ed Bell, small but well regarded, will attempt to play regularly among the Goliaths. Gary Hammond was a college quarterback.

Performance Quotient: 4

INTERIOR LINEMEN: This unit may be at the perfect stage- not too old, but well seasoned. The Jets feel they made a master move by coaxing Bob Svihus away from the Raiders. Winston Hill moved from left to right tackle but the move didn't cut his efficiency. Dave Herman is still a brute of a guard, and Randy Rasmussen, in his sixth season, is his equal. John Schmitt remains among the AFC's best centers.

John Mooring started as a tackle in his rookie year but Coach Ewbank is on the lookout for depth. It's time for Dave Foley.

Performance Quotient: 2

KICKERS: Bobby Howfield was a bitter disappointment after being acquired from Denver in a trade for Jim Turner. Grant Guthrie flubbed his chance in Buffalo but Weeb likes him. Punter Steve O'Neill slumped badly.

Performance Quotient: 5"

-Cord Sportfacts Pro Football Guide 1972

DEFENSE

"FRONT LINEMEN: It makes all the difference in the world when John Elliott plays. Big John missed all but the first four games last year and it hurt. Gerry Philbin also battled the injury hex. In their absence, John Little, a quick, lean type like Elliott, led the club in sacking enemy quarterbacks. The most consistent lineman is Mark Lomas, who has been starting since his rookie season.

Chuck Hinton, at 33, better not show signs of wear. Roger Finnie, an ex-strongboy offensive tackle, gets one more look on defense. Rookie Ed Galigher and young Scott Palmer are in a deep competitive situation.

Performance Quotient: 3

LINEBACKERS: The Jet linebackers have been playing together for seven seasons. Larry Grantham was supposed to be over his head years ago due to his small size. He wasn't. Now they're saying he's over the hill, but he had his finest season in '71. Al Atkinson is another with an injury jinx. Ralph Baker cracked his wrist, but when whole is a deadly tackler and sound on pass defense. Rookie Mike Taylor is a future star.

Performance Quotient: 2

CORNERBACKS: Quarterbacks are learning respect for Earlie Thomas but neither John Dockery nor Rich Sowells intimidates the good throwers. A hurry-up patch job here is essential.

Performance Quotient: 4

SAFETIES: Phil Wise seemed to solidify his starting status over Gus Hollomon near the end of the season. He has better speed than Gus and the tight ends get faster every year. A battle looms at free safety, particularly if Steve Tannen is out of Ewbank's doghouse. He can play, but not at corner. W.K. Hicks' name comes up in trade talks.

Performance Quotient: 4"

-Cord Sportfacts Pro Football Guide 1972

"All the New York Jets need is good health and they can make it all the way back to the Super Bowl. A healthy offense with Joe Namath and Matt Snell in top shape makes them the equal of any team in the league.

The Jets may have helped themselves as much as any team in the league in the draft. Their first six picks are all outstanding pro prospects. They took wider receives Jerome Barkum, a big speedster from Jackon State, and Gary Hammond from Southern Methodist to plug one weakness.

Defensive ends Ed Galigher from UCLA and Joey Jackson from New Mexico State and deep back Dickie Harris from South Carolina, and Michigan's outstanding linebacker, Mike Taylor, can all step in and play on the defensive platoon.

The Jets also have Weeb Ewbank, a very shrewd man in putting a winner together. He did it at Baltimore and he did it again in New York."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, May-June 1972

"Some one of these years- but maybe never- Joe Namath will be able to again sustain the physical pressures that come with playing the game. Namath has been wiped out for the last two years because of serious injuries but if he can stay in one piece the Jets can regain respectability.

A quarterback of Namath's inherent skills means the difference in challenging and being shuttled back with the 'also-rans.' Without Joe, the Jets might just as well refund ticket money and pay to watch the Giants because he's that important with his live passing arm and perceptive ways of picking apart a secondary and reaching receivers when they become open.

Namath has had bad luck and the Jets suffered along with him. In addition, they had Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer out with injuries and Don Maynard ailing. So the Jets were only a facsimile of the kind of team they could have been if the physical problems hadn't overwhelmed them before the opposition put them under.

And, defensively, the Jets had trouble, too, the kind of ill-fortune that doesn't figure to continue to dog them. In the draft, the Jets helped themselves with two excellent wide receivers in Jerome Barkum of Jackson State and Gary Hammond of SMU. So it's obvious that coach Weeb Ewbank wants to be staffed with the right kind of catchers for the return of Namath in 1972.

Improvement should come from powerful John Riggins, coming into his second year, after a rookie showing that was indeed worthy of his advance billing. Riggins was the leading yardage contributor to the Jets, gaining an even 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. Additionally, Riggins is a good blocker and should make an excellent body-guard for Namath.

The draft bought the Jets two good defensive end prospects in Ed Galigher of UCLA and Joey Jackson of New Mexico State. But peg the name of Mike Taylor, linebacker from Michigan, as can't-miss material. He's active and a hitter.

Ewbank is considering putting Barkum or Rich Caster at a tight end in place of Pete Lammons, another Jet who was injured. Caster is 6-foot-5, 222 pounds and might not drop as many passes as a tight end as he did as a receiver. He has ability and can get open.

The Jets have a serious situation with the defensive line, where tackles Roger Finnie and John Elliott were injured. This could have been a major reason for the Jets having such an anemic pass rush, plus the fact that the linebackers didn't get the job done. Losing Elliott, who had his greatest season in 1970, was a major blow as the Jets slumped from being one of the best teams in the AFC in defending against the rush to one of the worst.

Ewbank, the only coach in history to win championships in the NFL and AFL, should find Taylor, the linebacker, much to his liking. Taylor might be as outstanding as a rookie as Isiah Robertson was for the Los Angeles Rams a year ago and there has never been a first-year linebacker who looked as good as the active and mobile Robertson."

-John Steadman, Football Digest, September 1972

1972 NEW YORK JETS  ROSTERS

New York Jets 1972 Veteran Roster

82 Gary Arthur (TE) Miami (Ohio)

62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova  

51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State

7 Ed Bell (WR) Idaho State

32 Emerson Boozer (RB) Maryland State 

88 Richard Caster (WR) Jackson State

56 Paul Crane (LB-C) Alabama

15 Bob Davis (QB) Virginia

43 John Dockery (CB) Harvard

55 John Ebersole (LB) Penn State

80 John Elliott (DT) Texas

19 Chris Farasopoulos (S) Brigham Young

61 Roger Finnie (DT) Florida A&M

70 Dave Foley (T-C) Ohio State 

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi  

36 Steve Harkey (RB) Georgia Tech

67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State 

33 W.K. Hicks (S) Texas Southern

75 Winston Hill (T) Texas Southern 

64 Chuck Hinton (DT) North Carolina College

48 Gus Hollomon (S) Houston

  3 Bobby Howfield (K)

63 Roy Kirksey (G) Maryland State

87 Pete Lammons (TE) Texas 

57 John Little (DT-DE) Oklahoma State

84 Mark Lomas (DE) Northern Arizona

13 Don Maynard (WR) Texas Western

42 Clifford McClain (RB) South Carolina State

71 John Mooring (G-T) Tampa

12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama

20 Steve O'Neal (P) Texas A&M

72 Scott Palmer (DT) Texas

81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo 

66 Randy Rasmussen (G) Kearney State

26 Jim Richards (WR) Virginia Tech

44 John Riggins (RB) Kansas

52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra

41 Matt Snell (RB) Ohio State 

46 Rich Sowells (CB) Alcorn A&M

89 Wayne Stewart (TE) California

22 Vern Studdard (WR) Mississippi

76 Bob Svihus (T) USC

21 Steve Tannen (CB-S) Florida

45 Earlie Thomas (CB) Colorado State

27 Phil Wise (S) Nebraska-Omaha

18 Al Woodall (QB) Duke

53 Bill Zapalac (LB-DE) Texas

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition) 

1972 Rookies in Draft Order

Jerome Barkum (WR) Jackson State

Mike Taylor (LB) Michigan

Gary Hammond (WR) SMU

Ed Galigher (DE) UCLA

Dickie Harris (DB) South Carolina

Joe Jackson (DE) New Mexico State

Marion Lattimore (G) Kansas State

Jeff Ford (DB) Georgia Tech

Harley Turner (DB) Tennessee-Chattanooga

Robert Stevenson (LB) Tennessee State

John H. Bjorklund (RB) Princeton

Steve Sullivan (T) North Texas State

Louis Age (G) Southwest Louisiana

Phil Sullivan (DB) Georgia

Gary Kipfmiller (C) Nebraska-Omaha

Ken Gamble (P) Fayetteville (N.C.)

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition) 

1972 Jets Veterans

82 Gary Arthur (TE) Miami (Ohio)

62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova  

51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State

7 Ed Bell (WR) Idaho State

32 Emerson Boozer (RB) Maryland State 

88 Richard Caster (WR) Jackson State

56 Paul Crane (LB-C) Alabama

15 Bob Davis (QB) Virginia

43 John Dockery (CB) Harvard

55 John Ebersole (LB) Penn State

80 John Elliott (DT) Texas

19 Chris Farasopoulos (S) Brigham Young

61 Roger Finnie (DT) Florida A&M

70 Dave Foley (T-C) Ohio State 

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi  

36 Steve Harkey (RB) Georgia Tech

67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State 

33 W.K. Hicks (S) Texas Southern

75 Winston Hill (T) Texas Southern 

64 Chuck Hinton (DT) North Carolina College

48 Gus Hollomon (S) Houston

  3 Bobby Howfield (K)

63 Roy Kirksey (G) Maryland State

87 Pete Lammons (TE) Texas 

57 John Little (DT-DE) Oklahoma State

84 Mark Lomas (DE) Northern Arizona

13 Don Maynard (WR) Texas Western

42 Clifford McClain (RB) South Carolina State

71 John Mooring (G-T) Tampa

12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama

20 Steve O'Neal (P) Texas A&M

72 Scott Palmer (DT) Texas

81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo 

66 Randy Rasmussen (OG) Kearney State

26 Jim Richards (WR) Virginia Tech

44 John Riggins (RB) Kansas

52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra

41 Matt Snell (RB) Ohio State 

46 Rich Sowells (CB) Alcorn A&M

89 Wayne Stewart (TE) California

22 Vern Studdard (WR) Mississippi

76 Bob Svihus (T) USC

21 Steve Tannen (CB-S) Florida

45 Earlie Thomas (CB) Colorado State

27 Phil Wise (S) Nebraska-Omaha

18 Al Woodall (QB) Duke

53 Bill Zapalac (LB-DE) Texas

Coach - Weeb Ewbank

-Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook

1972 Jets Rookies

D1: Jerome Barkum (WR) Jackson State

D1: Mike Taylor (LB) Michigan

D3: Gary Hammond (WR) SMU

D4: Ed Galigher (DE) UCLA

D5: Dickie Harris (DB) South Carolina

D6: Joe Jackson (DE) New Mexico State

D8: Marion Lattimore (G) Kansas State

D9: Jeff Ford (DB) Georgia Tech

D10: Harley Turner (DB) Tennessee-Chattanooga

D11: Robert Stevenson (LB) Tennessee State

D12: Hank Bjorklund (RB) Princeton

D13: Steve Sullivan (T) North Texas State

D14: Louis Age (G) Southwest Louisiana

D15: Phil Sullivan (DB) Georgia

D16: Gary Kipfmiller (C) Nebraska-Omaha

D17: Ken Gamble (P) Fayetteville (N.C.)

-Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook

Jets Veteran Roster

82 Gary Arthur (TE) Miami (Ohio)

62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova  

51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State

7 Ed Bell (WR) Idaho State

32 Emerson Boozer (RB) Maryland State 

88 Richard Caster (WR) Jackson State

56 Paul Crane (LB-C) Alabama

15 Bob Davis (QB) Virginia

43 John Dockery (CB) Harvard

55 John Ebersole (LB) Penn State

80 John Elliott (DT) Texas

19 Chris Farasopoulos (S) Brigham Young

61 Roger Finnie (DT) Florida A&M

70 Dave Foley (T-C) Ohio State 

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi  

11 Grant Guthrie (K) Florida State

36 Steve Harkey (RB) Georgia Tech

67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State 

33 W.K. Hicks (S) Texas Southern

75 Winston Hill (T) Texas Southern 

64 Chuck Hinton (DT) North Carolina College

48 Gus Hollomon (S) Houston

  3 Bobby Howfield (K)

63 Roy Kirksey (G) Maryland State

87 Pete Lammons (TE) Texas 

57 John Little (DT-DE) Oklahoma State

84 Mark Lomas (DE) Northern Arizona

13 Don Maynard (WR) Texas Western

42 Clifford McClain (RB) South Carolina State

71 John Mooring (G-T) Tampa

12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama

20 Steve O'Neal (P) Texas A&M

72 Scott Palmer (DT) Texas

81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo 

66 Randy Rasmussen (OG) Kearney State

26 Jim Richards (WR) Virginia Tech

44 John Riggins (RB) Kansas

52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra

41 Matt Snell (RB) Ohio State 

46 Rich Sowells (CB) Alcorn A&M

89 Wayne Stewart (TE) California

22 Wayne Studdard (WR) Mississippi

76 Bob Svihus (T) USC

21 Steve Tannen (CB-S) Florida

45 Earlie Thomas (CB) Colorado State

27 Phil Wise (S) Nebraska-Omaha

18 Al Woodall (QB) Duke

53 Bill Zapalac (LB-DE) Texas

-Steet and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook

Rookies

69 Louis Age (G) Southwest Louisiana 

83 Jerome Barkum (WR-TE) Jackson State 

40 Hank Bjorklund (RB) Princeton 

Mike Dempsey (G-T) Hofstra

54 Dan Dyches (C) South Carolina 

30 Jeff Ford (DB) Georgia Tech 

85 Ed Galigher (DE) UCLA

24 Ken Gamble (P) Fayetteville (N.C.) 

68 Tony Garay (T-C) Hofstra

17 Gary Hammond (WR-S-QB) SMU 

47 Dickie Harris (DB) South Carolina 

86 Joey Jackson (DE) New Mexico State 

79 Gary Kipfmiller (C) Nebraska-Omaha 

58 Chuck Kyle (LB) Purdue

Mo Lattimore (G-K) Kansas State 

25 Harvey Nairn (WR) Southern

Mike Packer (QB) L. Haven St.

59 Robert Stevenson (LB) Tennessee State 

49 Phil Sullivan (DB) Georgia 

77 Steve Sullivan (T) North Texas State 

50 Mike Taylor (LB) Michigan 

29 Rocky Turner (DB) Tennessee-Chattanooga 

-Steet and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook

1972 New York Jets Roster, by Position

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Joe Namath (Alabama)

Bob Davis (Virginia)

Al Woodall (Duke)

Running Backs

John Riggins (Kansas)

Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)

Cliff McClain (South Carolina State)

Steve Harkey (Georgia Tech)

Matt Snell (Ohio State)

Receivers

Don Maynard (W) (Texas Western)

Richard Caster (T-W) (Jackson State)

Jerome Barkum (T-W) (Jackson State)

Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)

Pete Lammons (T) (Texas)

Gary Hammond (W) (SMU)

Vern Studdard (W) (Mississippi)

(W)-Wide Receiver  (T)-Tight End

Interior Linemen

Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)

Bob Svihus (T) (USC)

Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)

Dave Herman (G) (Michigan State)

John Schmidt (C) (Hofstra)

Dave Foley (T) (Ohio State)

John Mooring (G) (Tampa)

(T)-Tackle  (G)-Guard  (C)- Center

Kickers

Bobby Howfield

Grant Guthrie (Florida State)

Steve O'Neal (Texas A & M)

DEFENSE

Front Linemen

Mark Lomas (E) (Northern Arizona)

Gerry Philbin (E) (Buffalo)

John Elliott (T) (Texas)

John Little (T) (Oklahoma State)

Chuck Hinton (North Carolina College)

Roger Finnie (T-E) (Florida A&M)

Ed Galigher (T) (UCLA)

Scott Palmer (T) (Texas)

(E)-End  (T)-Tackle

Linebackers

Larry Grantham (O) (Mississippi)

Ralph Baker (O) (Penn State)

Al Atkinson (M) (Villanova)

Mike Taylor (M-O) (Michigan)

John Ebersole (M-O) (Penn State)

Paul Crane (O) (Alabama)

(O)-Outside Linebacker  (M)-Middle Linebacker)

Cornerbacks

John Dockery (Harvard)

Earlie Thomas (Colorado State)

Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)

Safeties

Phil Wise (S) (Nebraska-Omaha)

W.K. Hicks (W) (Texas Southern)

Steve Tannen (W) (Florida)

Gus Hollomon (S) (Houston)

Chris Farasopoulos (W) (Brigham Young)

(S) Strong Side  (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety

-Cord Sportsfacts Pro Football 1972

1972 New York Jets Revised Roster (after final cutdown before start of regular 1972 season)

62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova  

51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State

83 Jerome Barkum (WR) Jackson State

7 Ed Bell (WR) Idaho State

32 Emerson Boozer (RB) Maryland State 

88 Rich Caster (TE) Jackson State

56 Paul Crane (LB-C) Alabama

15 Bob Davis (QB) Virginia

55 John Ebersole (LB) Penn State

80 John Elliott (DT) Texas

19 Chris Farasopoulos (S) Brigham Young

61 Roger Finnie (G-DE) Florida A&M 

85 Ed Galigher (DE) UCLA

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi  

17 Gary Hammond  (WR-QB) SMU

36 Steve Harkey (RB) Georgia Tech

67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State 

33 W.K. Hicks (S) Texas Southern

75 Winston Hill (T) Texas Southern 

48 Gus Hollomon (S) Houston

  3 Bobby Howfield (K)

86 Joey Jackson (DE) New Mexico State

63 Roy Kirksey (G) Maryland State 

57 John Little (DT-DE) Oklahoma State

84 Mark Lomas (DE) Northern Arizona

13 Don Maynard (WR) Texas Western

42 Clifford McClain (RB) South Carolina State

71 John Mooring (G-T) Tampa

12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama

20 Steve O'Neal (P) Texas A&M

81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo 

66 Randy Rasmussen (G) Kearney State

44 John Riggins (RB) Kansas

52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra

41 Matt Snell (RB) Ohio State 

89 Wayne Stewart (TE) California

76 Bob Svihus (T) USC

21 Steve Tannen (CB) Florida

50 Mike Taylor (LB) Michigan

45 Earlie Thomas (CB) Colorado State

27 Phil Wise (S) Nebraska-Omaha

18 Al Woodall (QB) Duke

-Football Digest, December 1972

1972 NEW YORK JETS DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE

QB Joe Namath (Alabama) 12, Bob Davis (Virginia) 15, QB Al Woodall (Duke) 18

HB Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32, Cliff McClain (South Carolina State) 42

FB John Riggins (Kansas) 44, Steve Harkey (Georgia Tech) 36, Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41

WR Jerome Barkum (Jackson State)*, Eddie Bell (Idaho State) 7    

T Bob Svihus (USC) 76, Roger Finnie (Florida A & M) 61       

G Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66, Roy Kirksey (Maryland State) 63

C John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56

G Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67, John Mooring (Tampa) 71  

T Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75                         

TE Rich Caster (Jackson State) 88,  Wayne Stewart (California) 89

WR Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13, Gary Hammond (SMU)*, Steve O'Neal (Texas A & M) 20

DEFENSE

DE Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81, Joey Jackson (New Mexico State)*                            

DT John Little (Oklahoma State) 57, Ed Galigher (UCLA)*            

DT John Elliott (Texas) 80

DE Mark Lomas (Northern Arizona) 84, Roger Finnie (Florida A & M) 61

LB Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56

MLB Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62, Mike Taylor (Michigan)*, John Ebersole (Penn State) 55

LB Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60

CB Steve Tannen (Florida) 21

SS Gus Hollomon (Houston) 48, Phil Wise (Nebraska-Omaha) 27

FS Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19, W.K. Hicks (Texas Southern) 33

CB Earlie Thomas (Colorado State) 45

SPECIALISTS

K Bobby Howfield 3

P Steve O'Neal (Texas A & M) 20

KR Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19, Gary Hammond (SMU)*

PR Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19, Gary Hammond (SMU)*

* rookie

1972 New York Jets Topps Cards

Al Atkinson

Emerson Boozer

Rich Caster

Chris Farasopoulos

Dave Herman

W.K. Hicks

Winston Hill

Joe Namath

Pro Action: Joe Namath

George Nock

Gerry Philbin

John Riggins

Pro Action: John Riggins

1972 New York Jets NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, alphabetical

Al Atkinson

Ralph Baker

Emerson Boozer

John Elliott

Dave Herman

Winston Hill

Gus Hollomon

Bobby Howfield

Pete Lammons

Joe Namath

Gerry Philbin

Matt Snell

Steve Tannen

Earlie Thomas

Al Woodall

1972 New York Jets NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, by position

QB Joe Namath

QB Al Woodall

HB Emerson Boozer

FB Matt Snell

TE Pete Lammons

G Dave Herman

T Winston Hill

DT John Elliott

DE Gerry Philbin

MLB Al Atkinson

LB Ralph Baker

CB Earlie Thomas

SS Gus Hollomon

FS Steve Tannen

K Bobby Howfield

1972 New York Jets Sunoco Stamps, alphabetical

Al Atkinson

Ralph Baker

Ed Bell

Emerson Boozer

Rich Caster

John Dockery

John Elliott

Chris Farasopoulos

Larry Grantham

Dave Herman

W.K. Hicks

Winston Hill

Chuck Hinton

Bobby Howfield

Pete Lammons

John Little

Mark Lomas

Don Maynard

Joe Namath

George Nock

Steve O'Neal

Gerry Philbin

Randy Rasmussen

John Riggins

John Schmitt 

Bob Svihus

Steve Tannen

Earlie Thomas

Phil Wise

1972 New York Jets Sunoco Stamps, by position

WR Ed Bell 7 (update)

LT Bob Svihus 76 (update)

LG Randy Rasmussen 66

C John Schmitt 52

RG Dave Herman 67

RT Winston Hill 75

TE Rich Caster 88

TE Pete Lammons 87

WR Don Maynard 13

QB Joe Namath 12

RB Emerson Boozer 32

RB John Riggins 44

RB George Nock 37

DE Gerry Philbin 81

DT John Elliott 80 (update)

DT John Little 57

DT Chuck Hinton 64

DE Mark Lomas 84

LLB Ralph Baker 51

MLB Al Atkinson 62

RLB Larry Grantham 60

LCB John Dockery 43

RCB Earlie Thomas 45

LS Phil Wise 27

RS Steve Tannen 21 (update)

RS W.K. Hicks 33

K Bobby Howfield 3

P Steve O'Neal 20

KR Chris Farasopoulos 19 (RS) (update)

1972 New York Jets Profile Summary

President - Philip H. Iselin 

Chairman of the Board - Townsend B. Martin

Vice-President and Treasurer - Leon Hess

Vice-President and Secretary - Helen L. Springborn 

Head Coach & General Manager - Weeb Ewbank

Director of Player Personnel - Homer Edington

Talent Scout & Assistant Coach - Mike Holovak

Linebackers Coach - Walt Michaels

Defensive Line Coach - Buddy Ryan

Receivers Coach - Ken Meyer

Offensive Line Coach - Wimp Hewgley

Defensive Backs Coach - Ed Biles

QB Joe Namath (Alabama) 12

QB Bob Davis (Virginia) 15

QB Al Woodall (Duke) 18

HB Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32

HB Cliff McClain (South Carolina State) 42

HB George Nock (Morgan State) 37

HB Hank Bjorklund (Princeton) 40

FB John Riggins (Kansas) 44

FB Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41

FB Steve Harkey (Georgia) 36

WR Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13

WR Jerome Barkum (Jackson State) 83

WR Ed Bell (Idaho State) 7

WR Gary Hammond (SMU) 17

WR Vern Studdard (Mississippi) 22

WR Rocky Turner (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 29

WR Steve O'Neal (Texas A & M) 20 

TE Rich Caster (Jackson State) 88

TE Wayne Stewart (California) 89

TE Gary Arthur (Miami-Ohio) 82

C John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52

C Paul Crane (Alabama) 56

G Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67

G Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66

G John Mooring (Tampa) 71

G Roy Kirksey (Maryland State) 63

T Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75

T Bob Svihus (USC) 76 

T Dave Foley (Ohio State) 70

T Roger Finnie (Florida A & M) 61  

DT John Elliott (Texas) 80

DT John Little (Oklahoma State) 57

DT Scott Palmer (Texas) 72

DT Chuck Hinton (North Carolina College) 64

DT Ed Galigher (UCLA) 85

DT Bill Dunstan (Utah State) 73

DE Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81    

DE Mark Lomas (Northern Arizona) 84

DE Roger Finnie (Florida A & M) 61  

DE  Joey Jackson (New Mexico State) 86

MLB Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62

MLB Mike Taylor (Michigan) 50

MLB John Ebersole (Penn State) 55

LB Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60

LB Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51

LB Paul Crane (Alabama) 56

LB Bill Zapalac (Texas) 53

CB Earlie Thomas (Colorado State) 45

CB Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M) 46

CB John Dockery (Harvard) 43

SS Gus Hollomon (Houston) 48

SS Phil Wise (Nebraska-Omaha) 27

FS Steve Tannen (Florida) 21

FS W.K. Hicks (Texas Southern) 33

FS Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19

K Bobby Howfield 3

K Grant Guthrie (Florida State) 11

P Steve O'Neal (Texas A & M) 20 

P Gus Hollomon (Houston) 48

KR Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19

KR Vern Studdard (Mississippi) 22

PR Chris Farasopoulos (Brigham Young) 19

PR Vern Studdard (Mississippi) 22

1972 New York Jets Team Photo

Gary Arthur

Al Atkinson

Ralph Baker

Jerome Barkum

Ed Bell

Ed Biles (assistant coach)

Hank Bjorklund

Emerson Boozer

Rich Caster

Paul Crane

Bob Davis

John Ebersole

John Elliott

Weeb Ewbank (head coach)

Chris Farasopoulos

Roger Finnie

Ed Galigher

Larry Grantham

Gary Hammond

Bill Hampton (equipment manager)

Steve Harkey

Dave Herman

Wimp Hewgley (assistant coach)

W.K. Hicks

Winston Hill

Gus Hollomon

Bobby Howfield

Joey Jackson

Roy Kirksey

John Little

Mark Lomas

Don Maynard

Clifford McClain

Ken Meyer (assistant coach)

Walt Michaels (assistant coach)

John Mooring

Joe Namath

Herb Norman (assistant Shea Stadium manager)

Steve O'Neal

Scott Palmer

Gerry Philbin

Randy Rasmussen

John Riggins

John Schmitt

Jeff Snedeker (trainer)

Matt Snell

Rich Sowells

Wayne Stewart

Bob Svihus

Steve Tannen

Mike Taylor

Earlie Thomas

Phil Wise

Al Woodall

Bill Zapalac