JOHN ELLIOTT
Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas
"In only his third pro season, John Elliott led the Jets' small but quick defensive line in getting to the quarterback (15 times). He was most everybody's All-AFL defensive tackle, and Weeb Ewbank and the other Jets were more than a little miffed that John wasn't selected to the combined AFL-NFL All-Pro squad.
Extremely fast, the 6-4, 250-pound Elliott has a knack of nearly always being where the ball is, whether the play is a pass or a run (he was a high school high-jumper).
Out of the University of Texas, he was drafted seventh by the Jets in 1967. During his first season with New York he played at end, linebacker and tackle before settling down at tackle. The Jets expect that he and left tackle Steve Thompson could be an All-Conference pair for years to come."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"John played offensive tackle and defensive middle guard for Texas and appeared in the 1965 Orange Bowl, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches' All-America Game. In high school, John set a school record for the high jump with a leap of 6'5".
He has blossomed into a stellar defensive lineman for the Jets. He has the necessary speed to play his position. John played at three positions as rookie- end, linebacker and tackle. The coaches look for him to be named all-league this year.
John coaches a Pony League baseball team."
-1970 Topps No. 54
STEVE THOMPSON
Defensive Tackle
No. 85
Washington
Starting all 14 games in 1969, "Hard Work" should be this man's middle name. His consistent, solid effort has made Steve a worthy addition to a Jet defensive line known for terrifying opposing quarterbacks.
Steve challenges himself every day- in practice, in the film room and on the day of a game.
GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
No. 81
Buffalo
"What honor did Gerry miss last season? The 28-year-old defensive end, who at 6-2 is small as defensive ends go, was named to the combined AFL-NFL team and was picked on five All-AFL squads, including the all-time AFL team (with Don Maynard and Joe Namath). For the third year in a row, the Jet coaches graded him the top defensive lineman. Gerry, a team man, also plays on the kickoff team when games are close, and he made clutch tackles to protect leads against San Diego and Houston.
Such heroics haven't hurt his restaurant business. He has one Goal Posts restaurant near his home on Long Island and he recently opened another one in his hometown of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Gerry went to Buffalo U., where a lot of people told him he was too small to be a pro football player; he was only 205 at the time. He packed on another 40 pounds. Now at 245, he still may not be the biggest defensive end, but as Gerry says, 'I jump higher.'"
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Gerry played four years for the University of Buffalo as a tackle and won a host of honors. He was an All-American second team choice, made the All-East first squad and won honorable mention from the wire services.
In 1968 Gerry was named to the combined AFL-NFL All-Pro team and five All-AFL squads and in 1969 was named to The Sporting News AFL All-Star team."
-1970 Topps No. 226
VERLON BIGGS
Defensive End
No. 86
Jackson State
"A four-year starter at Jackson State, Verlon was selected on the Southwest Conference All-Star team as a senior was named to the Pittsburgh Courier All-America and NAIA squads. He was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the 1966 AFL All-Star Game.
Verlon came up with some big plays for the Jets during the 1968 season. He dropped Daryle Lamonica on a fourth and ten play in the closing minutes of the AFL championship game and caused Tom Matte to fumble on the opening play of the second half of the Super Bowl.
Verlon is the strongest player on the Jets."
-1970 Topps No. 3
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