1971 Jets Defensive Line Profiles

JOHN ELLIOTT

Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas
"Defensive tackle John Elliott was the only member of the Jets' regular front four to escape serious injury in 1970.
At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Elliott, who once high jumped six feet, five inches in high school, is one of the quickest, most mobile linemen in the game. Sacking the opposing quarterback is his specialty. He has led New York in that category for the past two seasons, getting to the quarterback 15 times in 1969 and 16 times last year.
For his great work, the Jets voted John the team's Most Valuable Player, only the second time in the club's 11-year history that the award has gone to a defensive player. A pro for only four years, Elliott already is acclaimed as one of the super tackles in pro ball."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"A hero in defeat in 1970. Elliott is small in size [6-4, 244]  but not in stature as All-AFC honors attest. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 16 times in a banner year. He was the unanimous MVP of the Jets in a poll by teammates and a Pro Bowl selection. Elliott is coming off his best season in all respects. He went almost 12 full games before missing a play in 1970.

He's known for a running feud with the Oakland Raiders, particularly offensive guard Gene Upshaw. The Colts showed respect for him by yanking Unitas from a game at the earliest moment because they didn't want Elliott to get to him with bone-crushing tackles. He's a rugged rusher but was called for roughing only once last season.

Elliott was a star of University of Texas teams along with George Sauer and Pete Lammons. He played offensive tackle and middle guard in college. Drafted No. 7 by the Jets, he took a  little time to find a position, then was All-AFL by 1969.

Extremely athletic- a 4.7 sprinter in the 40 and a former 6-foot-5 high jumper- Elliott loves the rodeo and has a desire to compete. He's an outdoorsman and rancher at heart and is married."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"John followed up an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in 1970. Named to numerous All-AFC squads including both AP and UPI, he was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John was also named Most Valuable Jet as he led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year with 16 sackings.

He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest defensive linemen in the game. He had an outstanding game against Miami in the 1970 home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. John followed with superb defensive games against the Bills and Giants and led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland before leaving the latter game with a knee injury.

John set a high school record with a high jump of 6' 5". He was an offensive tackle and a defensive middle guard for the Texas Longhorns and played in the 1965 Orange Bowl, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches' All-America Game. During his rookie year with the Jets he played end, linebacker and tackle."

-1971 Topps No. 153

"John followed an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in the pros in 1970. He he was named to numerous All-AFC squads, including both wire services, and was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John also gathered in the NEA Third Down Trophy as the most valuable Jet by a vote of his teammates and was selected as the team's most valuable defensive player by the New York writers and broadcasters.

It's no coincidence that the Jets were the top defensive team in the AFL in 1968 and AFC in 1970 and that Elliott became a starter three years ago. He led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year in 1970 with 16 sackings and was the only member of the Front Four to escape injury, though he was slowed by a sprained knee in the Oakland game on December 6.

The Jet coaching staff is unanimous in the opinion that Elliott is the best in the business. He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest, most mobile defensive tackles in the game.

John had an outstanding game against Miami in the home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. He followed up that one with superb games against Buffalo and the Giants at Shea. He led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland.

He was drafted 7th in 1967. During his rookie year, Elliott played end, linebacker and tackle.

Elliott set a high school record with a high jump record with a jump of 6-5. He enjoys hunting and fishing and works as a rancher in the off-season in Camp Wood, Texas. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

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

STEVE THOMPSON

Defensive Tackle

No. 85

Washington

"One of the Jets' outstanding young defensive linemen, Steve had his 1970 season continually interrupted by injuries. He suffered rib, knee and shoulder ailments throughout the season after being a starter in 1969 and excelling in the 1970 preseason.

Steve suffered a fractured rib at Boston in the second game and was forced to sit out the next week. He came back for Miami, then refractured the rib the next week against Baltimore, then sat out another week. Steve then incurred a strained shoulder and hyper-extended left knee against Pittsburgh and was used sparingly after that until late in the year, when he came back for work at right end against Boston and right tackle at Miami.

He had really come into his own in 1969. He was drafted 2nd in 1968 and had his rookie year cut short with cartilage and ligament damage to his knee in the Jets-Colts rookie game in late July. He recovered to play late in the year and in the championship games.

Steve made all-conference in basketball as a senior in high school. He's interested in teaching. His hometown is Lake Stevens, Washington."

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

CHUCK HINTON 

Defensive Tackle

No. 64

North Carolina College 

"You would think that it's pretty hard to overlook a 6-5, 265-pound football player, even in a football training camp. But that's about what happened to Chuck Hinton, who never got past the training season with either the Browns or the Colts, and then almost got away from the Steelers.

Only after injuries had decimated the defensive line did Chuck get a full look, and once they saw what he could do, nobody could budge him. His work at tackle helped make the Steelers one of the toughest defensive clubs in the league by the end of the year."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"There is no proof that quarterbacks keep a book on pass-rushers, but if it were so, Chuck Hinton would rate high grades. In a little less than six seasons, Chuck has matured into one of the most relentless chargers in the league.

His is one of those familiar tales of a player waiting around to be discovered by the right team. A beefy individual of 6-5 and 260 pounds, he had previous trials with the Colts and Browns before hooking on with the Steelers in 1964. The following year he became a regular member of the front foursome, and he's been nothing but trouble to opposing quarterbacks since. 

Chuck played his college football at North Carolina College."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"Some of Chuck's assets are obvious: his height (6-5), his weight (258 pounds), his experience (now in his seventh year). But he's got other factors going for him, too. One is named Joe Greene, who plays next to him on the tough Steeler defensive line. Because the rampaging Greene must be worked over by two or three blockers, Hinton has less traffic to fight through than one would normally expect.

Another factor in the Hinton success story is his attitude. He goes at the game with a special zeal and concentration that cannot be coached into a player.

The former North Carolina College star has been with Cleveland and Baltimore and in his time has also filled in at offensive tackle. The experts believe that his kind of agility and strength are better suited to defense."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"A traveling man, Chuck began his career with Cleveland and was traded to Baltimore. Given his release by the Colts, he was picked up by the Steelers and sent to Wheeling for further experience.

Coming back to the Steelers, he has been the most improved player on the squad for the past couple of seasons. Chuck is a consistent player who is an excellent pass rusher and exceptional against the run."

-1970 Topps No. 241

"In 1970, his seventh pro season, Chuck Hinton, Pittsburgh's defensive right tackle, played the finest ball of his career. The development of Joe Greene, who plays next to Chuck on the Steeler front four, into a super-star had something to do with Hinton's own success.

But Chuck has been underrated for years, say many experts. He's a diligent worker who never stops coming and has a good knack for getting to the ball carrier.

Though he was originally drafted out of North Carolina College by Cleveland in 1962, he was dealt to Baltimore almost immediately but didn't get into action until he signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent in 1964. He has missed just one game in the past seven seasons.

Now 32 years old, Hinton, who stands 6-5 and weighs 260 pounds, served a stint in the Army before going to college."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"A star now but got a real run-around in the early years of his pro career. Drafted No. 2 by Cleveland by Cleveland in 1962, Hinton was traded to Baltimore, released and picked up by Pittsburgh, then sent to a minor league team in Wheeling. He finally got back to Pittsburgh in 1964 and became a regular. He has scored a couple of touchdowns.

Hinton played both ways in college for four years. He had been in the Army before that. Married with three children, he does youth work in his hometown during the off-season."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

SCOTT PALMER

Defensive Tackle

7th Round

Texas

"Weeb Ewbank 'liked working with him at the Senior Bowl. He was the outstanding lineman for us in the game.' He pursues well and chases like John Elliott. One of the best pass rushers Texas ever had, Palmer will help add strength to the Jet defensive line and has a great attitude.

His father, Derrell, was a two-way tackle under Ewbank with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s. Scott majored in communications and advertising and was a roommate of Bill Zapalac at Texas. His hometown is Houston, Texas."

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

GERRY PHILBIN

Defensive End

No. 81

Buffalo

"A member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gerry Philbin, the Jets' defensive left end, experienced the same frustrations in 1970 as many of his New York teammates.

Gerry dislocated his left shoulder in the first preseason game against Buffalo and underwent surgery to repair the damage before the regular season had even begun. Philbin, 6-2, 245, missed the first four championship contests and had to wear a harness for his left shoulder and arm for the first four games in which he appeared. This naturally restricted his usually formidable pass rush. By the end of 1970, Gerry was performing at close to peak efficiency, and the prospects for his eighth season in 1971 look promising.

He has excellent range and speed. When he graduated from the University of Buffalo, Philbin weighed only 205 pounds. He still isn't big as defensive ends go, but Gerry has few rivals at his position."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Reached the pinnacle of his career in 1969 by being named All-Pro. Philbin was also named to the all-time All-AFL team.

Then came 1970 and the injuries. He missed five full games and parts of others because of an aggravating shoulder harness. He suffered a dislocation of the shoulder in 1969; the problem dates back to 1964. Ewbank expects better things, regardless, for 1971: 'Gerry is healthy and should be back to All-Pro form.'

He scores the top grades year after year in coaches' statistics. He's small in size [6-2, 245], but possesses exceptional speed and range. Philbin chose the Jets over the Lions after an all-star career in college.

Philbin owns a restaurant called 'Goat Post' on Long Island."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"An All-Pro defensive end and a member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gerry was a combined AFL-NFL All-Pro following the 1968 season and was twice an AFL All-Star. He was rated as the top defensive lineman in 1968, the third consecutive year he had been awarded that honor.

Gerry had an outstanding year in 1969 but dislocated his shoulder at Houston when the Jets clinched the Eastern Division title. He came back two weeks later for the Playoff against and tackled Len Dawson twice. He suffered a frustrating year in 1970 due to injuries.

Gerry has good range and speed. He was also drafted by the Lions but chose the Jets."

-1971 Topps No. 98

"Philbin is an All-Pro defensive end, a member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, twice an AFL All-Star, and a combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the '68 campaign.

He suffered a frustrating year in 1970 due to injuries. He dislocated his left shoulder in the first preseason game against Buffalo and underwent an operation on August 12 to repair the damage.

Gerry missed the first four games of the regular season, but returned to play against Baltimore at Shea on October 18, two weeks ahead of the original schedule. He played four games with his left shoulder and arm in a harness which restricted his pass rush. Against the Giants, he incurred a sprained foot on the first play of the game but managed to stay in for the entire contest. He sat out the next week at Pittsburgh, seeing duty only on the field goal unit. Philbin took his arm out of the harness for the encounter with Los Angeles a week later and finished out the year in good form. He had his appendix removed during the Christmas holidays last year.

He had an outstanding year in 1969 but dislocated his shoulder at Houston when the Jets clinched the AFL Eastern Division title. He was ready two weeks later for the playoff against Kansas City and dumped Lenny Dawson twice in that game.

Gerry graded out as the top defensive lineman in 1968, the third consecutive year he had that honor. He has good range and speed. He's a very coachable player and works hard to improve himself.

He has been a regular since 1965 after missing most of 1964 with the first of his three shoulder injuries. He was drafted in 1964 by the Jets, in the third round, and by the Detroit Lions.

Philbin majored in sociology and is a fine speaker, doing an excellent job of public relations for pro football. His off-season time is spent as a restaurateur at Gerry Philbin's Goal Post in West Amityville, Long Island. He has another Goal Post in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, his hometown. Gerry makes his year-round home in Dix Hills, Huntington, N.Y."

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

MARK LOMAS

Defensive End

No. 84

Northern Arizona

"Drafted 8th in 1970, Mark handled the left tackle and end slots throughout the 1970 season as a rookie. He was one of three Jets rookies to start on defense- Steve Tannen and Earlie Thomas were the others. He played left end for the first four games of the year while Gerry Philbin was mending. He then moved inside to tackle for the rest of the way. Lomas proved to Jet defensive coaches that he can handle either job.

He played left end at Buffalo in the third game, dumping the quarterback four times; he had a total of seven dumps for the season. He put on a good pass rush throughout the year.

Lomas played on a championship high school football team in Garden Grove, California, his hometown. He enjoys handball and weight lifting."

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

ROGER FINNIE

Defensive End-Offensive Tackle

No. 61

Florida A & M) 

"Roger was named 'the most improved player in training camp' and received a game ball following the last preseason game against Dallas. He was off to a great start in 1970 when an ankle injury sidelined him for the season after only three games. Roger was expected to solve the Jets' right tackle problems and played outstanding football in the first two games before dislocating his left ankle against Buffalo.

He was placed on the move list after that. He was activated for Los Angeles but did not play and was moved again for the remainder of the year.

Finnie broke into the starting lineup as a rookie in 1969, taking over the tackle job from the fifth game on. He did a fine job that year handling Buffalo's Ron McDole, Miami's Manny Fernandez and Oakland's Ike Lassiter. He was even better in 1970 before troubles beset him.

Coaches feel he could be moved inside to guard or to defensive end.

Finnie was drafted 14th in 1969. His hometown is Miami, Florida."

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

JOHN LITTLE

Defensive End

No. 57

Oklahoma State

"Little became a valuable member of the defensive line last year as a rookie, filling at tackle and end. He played tackle against Buffalo, Boston, Baltimore and Los Angeles and was a starter at Los Angeles. He started at left end at Pittsburgh when Gerry Philbin had his shoulder problems.

He was drafted 14th in 1970. He has good quickness and strength which more than compensate for his size- he played at 217 last year.

John majored in education. He was a halfback and offensive end in high school. He enjoys hunting, fishing and playing cards in his spare moments. His hometown is Hot Springs, Arkansas."

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

JOHN EGGOLD 

Defensive End

13th Round

Arizona

"John was the fastest lineman on the Arizona squad and a defensive co-captain. He transferred from Laney J.C. and played two seasons with the Wildcats. He played his freshman football at Washington State in 1967. Scouting reports indicate John has a good pass rush and good agility. He majored in physical education.

The first pro game he ever saw was a Jet game at Shea Stadium. He grew up on Long Island where his father was principal of Luthern High School. John was a hurdler in high school and lettered three times in football at Skyline High in Oakland, California, his home town."

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