1972 Profile: John Elliott

Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas
"Elliott went a dozen games in 1970 without missing a play. He started all that year and was named MVP by his teammates.
He had played 50 games in a row. Then came 1971 and he was wiped out for almost the whole year. John played only four games, but is expected to be back after rigorous off-season rehabilitation sessions. He's a fine athlete with a positive attitude.
A 4.7 man in the 40 and a former 6-5 high jumper, Elliott makes up in athletic ability what he lacks in size. He's one of the smallest tackles in years to earn all-star honors.
John is a rodeo buff, and is a rancher in Texas in the off-season."

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

"Elliott was an offensive tackle and defensive guard for Texas. He played in the 1965 Orange Bowl, 1966 Bluebonnet Bowl and Coaches All-America Game. Elliott was drafted seventh in 1967.

He has been named to numerous All-A.F.C. squads and also to the Pro Bowl. In 1970 he was voted the most valuable Jet and the most valuable defensive player by the New York writers and broadcasters. He has led the team several times in dumping the quarterback."

-1972 Coca-Cola

"Acclaimed as one of the finest defensive tackles in all of football and certainly among the quickest, Elliott was on his way to repeating his outstanding year of 1970 when a knee injury cut him down for the season in the fourth game at New England. He suffered torn ligaments in his right knee and underwent surgery immediately, sidelining him for the year.
Elliott had a banner year in 1970 when he was named to numerous All-AFC squads (including both wire services), to the Pro Bowl and as the Jets' NEA Third Down winner, emblematic of the MVP as selected by his teammates. He was also tabbed as the Jets' most valuable defensive stalwart by New York writers and broadcasters.
It's no coincidence that the Jets led the AFL in defense for two of the three years after Elliott became a starter. He led the team in dumping the quarterback in 1970 with 16 sackings, and was the only member of the Front Four to escape injury that year. He has drawn consistent praise from opponents and NFL coaches.
During his rookie year he played end, linebacker and tackle. He was drafted seventh in 1967.
Elliott set a high school high jump record with a jump of 6-5. He enjoys hunting and fishing, and works as a rancher in the off-season. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

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