1976 Profile: Ed Marinaro

Running Back
No. 49
Cornell
"He played out his option with the Vikings and signed with the Jets- who needed him after loosing John Riggins. As a Viking he was overshadowed by Chuck Foreman, the team's leading rusher and receiver.
'I never had a chance to establish myself,' says Ed, a former Cornell All-American. 'I started every game, but I was used to block and catch passes. I only got to carry the ball about six or seven times a game.'"

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976

"Marinaro signed with the Jets in June of 1976 after playing out his option at Minnesota. Coming off his best pro season, both as a rusher and a receiver, he gained 358 yards on 101 carries, a 3.5 average, and a touchdown. He caught 54 passes for 462 yards, an 8.6 average, and three touchdowns to rank sixth in the NFL and third in the NFC behind frontrunner and teammate Chuck Foreman.
Ed is a versatile runner, blocker and pass receiver with the durability to play week-in and week-out. His career statistics include 1,007 yards rushing on 306 carries, a 3.3 average, with four touchdowns, and 1,008 yards receiving on 115 catches, an 8.7 average, and seven touchdowns. He started a majority of [his team's] games opposite Foreman in 1975 after backing up Foreman in two previous seasons.
In a game against the Jets in 1975, Marinaro rushed for 35 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 23 yards. A No. 2 draft choice in 1972, he has played in championship games in each of the last three seasons.
Marinaro left Cornell and the NCAA as the most prolific rusher in history. He held the NCAA marks for most yards rushing in a career (4,715) and a season (1,881). He played in 27 varsity games and averaged 29 carries per game, averaged 203 yards per game rushing in 1971 and scored 52 career touchdowns. Ed was named to numerous All-America teams.
Ed has a degree in hotel administration. A native of New York City, he played high school football in his hometown of New Milford, New Jersey."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Mark Lomas

Defensive End
No. 84
Northern Arizona
"Lomas could be the comeback story of the 1976 Jets season. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and missed the entire 1975 season. He was placed on injured reserve on November 15, yet participated in the Jets 1976 rookie weekend.
An active, aggressive player with a knack of rushing the passer, Lomas led or tied for the team lead in quarterback sacks for the previous three seasons from his right end position. He had five sacks in 1974 to tie for the lead, and owned the top spot in 1973 with 10 and in 1972 with eight.
Mark had injury problems in 1974, missing the remainder of the season after an injury occurred against Miami at Shea. He faces a 1976 battle with Richard Neal for a starting spot. Mark revealed after the 1973 season that he had secretly signed a WFL contract for 1974 and then played out his option. His contract was breached and he returned to the Jets.
His most memorable game was against Baltimore [in 1972] when he dumped Johnny Unitas three times and then recovered a fumble to set up a touchdown. Drafted eight in 1970, Lomas shared the Heede Award with John Little in 1971.
Lomas was a two-year starter in college who transferred from Golden West JC. An honorable mention NCAA small college All-America, he played defensive end and tackle and spelled occasionally at offensive tackle.
He played on a championship high school football team in Garden Grove, California. Mark holds a B.S. in physical education and works as a teacher at the Barbara Sterling School for Educational Therapy. He believes in health foods and makes his own concoctions. He's also a strong advocate of the stretching exercises many of the Jets now use.
Mark's hobbies including vegetable gardening and cycling. His hometown is Garden Grove, California."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Pat Leahy

Place Kicker
No. 5
St. Louis
"Leahy supported his storybook tale of a 1974 season with a solid 1975 campaign. He finished tied for 15th with George Blanda in NFL field goal rankings, hitting 61.9 percent of his attempts, and tied for sixth in the AFC.
He had the dubious distinction of facing the toughest average kick attempt from the standpoint of distance, 39.6 yards, yet finished third in percentage of long (40-49 yards) field goals (7-for-12, 38.3 percent) behind Denver's Jim Turner and Cincinnati's Dave Green. Leahy's longest boot in 1975 was 47 yards (twice). He kicked three field goals against the Bills and three against the Patriots, including a 44-yarder for the winning points. Pat arrived as a full-time place kicker after beating out veteran Bobby Howfield.
Pat signed with the Jets on November 8, 1974, two days before the mid-season game against the Giants. He replaced the injured Howfield and responded by finishing as the team's third-leading scorer [36 points] with 6-for-11 on field goals and 18-for-19 on PAT's for 36 points. Pat was one of the heroes of the tingling overtime victory over the Giants as he kicked field goals of 34 and 22 yards and added two extra points. He had a chance to win the game in regulation but his 19-yard field goal try was blocked. His long boot of 1974 was 45 yards against San Diego- that kick was the longest for the Jets since a 50-yarder by Jim Turner in 1969.
He had no football experience prior to attending the Cardinal's training camp in 1974. He held his own but could not unseat Jim Bakken. The Jets first knew of him when he kicked off against them in a preseason game.
Pat holds a B.S. in marketing and business administration and works for Schmidt Bros. Painting and Remodeling in the off-season. His hometown is St. Louis, Missouri."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: David Knight

Wide Receiver
No. 82
William and Mary
"One of pro football's premier receivers after two seasons, Knight's third season was one of injury and frustration. He stretched a ligament in his left knee during the first veteran practice, and three weeks later tore cartilage which required surgery on August 17. David missed the first seven regular season games and suffered muscle pulls en route to recovery. He played briefly at Miami on November 9, and in five of the last six Jets games of 1975 did not catch a pass.
In 1974, Knight fulfilled all the hopes the Jets had for him, catching 40 passes for 579 yards, a 14.5 average, and four touchdowns. He started at right wide receiver and finished second behind Jerome Barkum in Jets receiving stats and eighth in the AFC while catching passes in 13 of 14 games. Rated one of Namath's favorite targets for 'big situation' passes, David caught touchdown passes against Baltimore, Houston, the Giants and New England. He had a career [day] against the Patriots, catching seven for 117 yards.
David owns a reputation as one of the NFL's most sure-handed receivers in the NFL- coaches say he dropped only one pass during the entire 1974 season. Drafted 11th in 1973, he does not have burning speed but has a great knack for finding the open spot and holding on after he's hit, and runs outstanding patterns. Until his 1975 injuries, Knight had not missed a game in his two years.
Knight won AP All-East honors and was two-time All-Southern Conference. He caught 133 passes for 1,995 yards and nine touchdowns- he had six touchdown receptions as a sophomore. Knight played in the East-West and North-South Shrine Games, the Coaches' All-America Game and the 1971 Tangerine Bowl.
He holds a B.S. in business administration. Born in Trieste, Italy, his hometown is Alexandria, Virginia. His brother also played wide receiver at William & Mary. David idolized Oakland's Fred Biletnikoff during his early career."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: J.J. Jones

Quarterback
No. 11
Fisk
"Jones progressed from being a free agent signed after a tryout to being the backup quarterback for Joe Namath in 1975. He appeared in seven games, starting with the Monday Night national television game when Namath was disciplined for missing curfew. Jones completed 15 of 52 passes in 1975 for 173 yards and a touchdown. He has the ability to scramble out of trouble, running eight times for 58 yards for a 7.3 average, with his longest run 19 yards. A take charge type of quarterback despite his youthfulness, J.J. is applauded for his 'blackboard smarts' and is articulate, polished and poised.
He spent the 1974 training camp with the Jets before suffering a preseason game injury; he wound up on the injured reserve list. J.J. started a 1974 preseason game against Denver and threw two touchdown passes to David Knight. He threw for four touchdown passes in three games before his injury.
In a four-year career as a quarterback in college, Jones earned All-SIAC honors and was second team All-NAIA Division II. He set Fisk records for completions, touchdowns (17) and passing yardage (1,394) in 1973 and led his team to an undefeated season. He also competed in track.
J.J. has a B.A. degree in political science and business administration. He is working in the off-season for the National Alliance of Businessmen and the Department of Commerce in a drive to place 1,200 college-bound students from disadvantaged backgrounds in line for professional jobs in business and industry. His father John played in the old Negro baseball leagues for Memphis in 1943-1955. J.J. started the J.J. Jones football camp at Fisk in 1976. His hometown is Memphis, Tennessee."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jazz Jackson

Running Back
No. 43
Western Kentucky
"A swift outside runner who played in 13 of 14 regular season games and all five preseason games, Jackson ran back a kickoff 60 yards against the Giants and scored a touchdown against the Redskins. He missed the first Miami game with a hamstring pull.
Jackson has good hands, catching seven career passes for 98 yards, and has only handled the ball as a runner 26 times, gaining 85 yards. He provided a big play in the 1974 game against Chicago when he scooped up a John Riggins fumble and took it 24 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Jazz played in every '74 game and started against Houston; he carried seven times for 39 yards in that game and caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Joe Namath.
Jazz is very muscular and durable despite his size. Drafted 16th in 1974, he has 4.5 speed with excellent acceleration. He has run the 100 yard dash in 9.4.
Jackson set Ohio Valley Conference marks with 39 career touchdowns and 297 yards rushing in one game (against Butler in 1971). His career rushing marks were 519 carries for 2,594 yards, and he caught 21 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson's kickoff returns were 20 for 443 yards and a touchdown and his punt returns were 37 for 234 yards and two touchdowns.
His Western Kentucky team won OVC championships in 1970, 1972 and 1973. Jazz played in the Grantland Rice and Camelia Bowls and was All-OVC twice.
He holds a B.S. in recreation. His real name is Clarence but he prefers Jazz. He is the shortest Jet ever but not the lightest- Ronnie Moore, the Jets' No. 9 pick in 1976, holds that distinction. Jazz would like to coach high school or college football.
Jazz's hobbies include woodworking, bike riding and swimming. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Delles Howell

Cornerback
No. 20
Grambling
"A versatile player who started five games at free safety before a broken arm in St. Louis sidelined him for the season, Howell intercepted two passes in the preseason, one from his safety position against St. Louis and one as a left cornerback which he returned 37 yards for a touchdown. He played corner early in the season before replacing Phil Wise against the Dolphins, and intercepted a pass against the Bills to set up a field goal. Delles returned to the left corner in the second Miami game and then back to free safety against Baltimore, intercepting the second of two passes for the season.
One of the tallest cornerbacks in the NFL, Howell spent the 1974 season as a backup before starting at New England in the 10th week. He picked off two interceptions [that afternoon], but suffered a severely sprained ankle and was out for the season. Howell started at left cornerback in 1973 and started at right corner for the Saints in 1972 before joining the Jets. Originally drafted No. 4 by the Saints in 1970, Delles has suffered two broken hands in his career. He came to the Jets along with Richard Neal for No. 2 and No. 3 draft choices.
Delles was a four-year starter at cornerback in college and was an all-conference choice as a freshman. He played in the SWAC championship games of 1966, 1967 and 1968, the Orange Blossom Classic in 1967 and the Pasadena Bowl in 1968.
Delles majored in physical education. One of eight children, his brother Mike was formerly with the Cleveland Browns and another brother, Lane, was a tackle for the Giants and Eagles. Delles coaches high school track in the off-season. He was born in Vallejo, California and his hometown is Monroe, Louisiana."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: George Hoey

Cornerback
No. 23
Michigan
"Hoey signed with the Jets as a free agent last November 22 after he was previously with Denver and San Diego in '75. The Jets are his sixth pro team. He played one game for the Broncos (against Green Bay) and suffered a fractured jaw. Hoey spent six weeks on the reserve list before being cut on November 17 and was the final cut by San Diego.
He started three games at right cornerback in the Jets' injury-ridden backfield. George started eight games for the Chargers in 1974, intercepting a pass and returning it 20 yards. He had a 103-yard kickoff return for St. Louis in 1971.
George was originally a 14th round pick of Detroit in 1969 and taxied for the Lions. He spent 1970 in the military and signed as a free agent with the Cardinals in 1971. George was claimed on waivers by New England in 1972 and played with the Patriots for two seasons before being waived to San Diego.
All-Big Ten for two years, George earned three letters in track with a 6.1 clocking in the 60-yard dash. He holds a degree in physical education.
George is the cousin of Herb Washington, a world class sprinter and former baserunning ace of the Oakland A's. His hometown in Flint, Michigan."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Winston Hill

Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"Winston started every regular season game in 1975. He holds the all-time Jet record for most consecutive games played, 181, and holds a similar record for games played in his career. Winston battled minor, nagging injuries in 1975 including a stone bruise on his heel and a bruised shoulder. An extremely durable interior line player and one of the top all-time protectors of Joe Namath, he's an excellent teacher of younger players.
He had one of his finest seasons in 1974 despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl, though he has made eight all-star appearances in 13 seasons. He has improved his run blocking to a high level of efficiency. Hill has played both sides of the offensive line and experimented with playing at a lighter weight earlier in his career but has returned to the 275-280 range.
Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson during the Jets' Super Bowl [postseason]. He came to the Jets as a free agent in 1963 after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him in the 11th round of the 1963 draft. In college, Hill played both ways for the [Texas Southern] Tigers and won All-America honors as a senior.
He was a Texas high school state tennis champion for three years. Winston is very active in religious activities and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He does government work in St. Croix, Virgin Islands during the off-season.
Winston makes his home in Englewood, Colorado. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Bob Gresham

Running Back
No. 36
West Virginia
"Gresham was the first of three running backs traded to the Jets in 1975, [joining the club] on July 7 from Houston in exchange for defensive tackle John Little. He gained 98 yards on 25 carries as a part-time starter and ran back seven kickoffs for 153 yards, a 21.9 average. Bob was bothered by injuries in the preseason and in the regular season, yet led the Jets in rushing in the preseason.
He started the opener against Buffalo, gaining 13 yards on five carries. He pulled a hamstring and missed four games beginning with the Viking game. Bob's best game of the season came against the Patriots at Shea, eight carries for 38 yards.
Bob played in 14 games for Houston in 1974, mainly as a reserve. He was the second leading rusher for the Oilers in '73 behind Fred Willis with 400 yards. Bob ranked sixth in the AFC in kickoff returns in '73 with a 26.8 average and had an NFL-longest return of 103 yards against the Bengals. Originally drafted by New Orleans in the eighth round in 1971, his only 100-yard game came as a Saint against Green Bay in 1971 (26 carries, 126 yards). Bob was named rookie of the year by the Saints and Sinners Club.
A hard runner with good balance, Bob fights for yardage and is a good receiver with 77 career catches. He was a durable back in college, rushing for 2,181 career yards. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry as a senior.
Bob gained 1,500 yards in high school. He makes his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. His hometown is Big Creek, West Virginia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Tim George

Wide Receiver
No. 95
Carson-Newman
"Tim signed as a free agent after playing for the Charlotte Hornets of the WFL in 1975. Originally signed by Cincinnati in the third round in 1973, he was sold to Detroit in 1974. He signed as a free agent with Cleveland (1974) after being released by the Lions.
His career NFL stats include two catches for 28 yards in 1973 with no statistics for '74. Tim caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns in 1975, and in his first WFL appearance caught six passes for 121 yards. Scouts are impressed by his size and speed; though only an average blocker, he may be tried at tight end.
An NAIA All-America in 1972 and 1973, Tim led the nation in pass receiving: he caught 65 passes for 1,244 yards and nine touchdowns. He started at Carson-Newman when the Eagles (9-2-1) lost the NAIA title game to East Texas State, 21-18, in 1973.
Tim holds a B.S. in physical education from Carson-Newman and a Master's degree in education from Georgia, and his career goals include coaching. His hometown is Alcoa, Tennessee."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Carl Garrett

Running Back
No. 26
New Mexico Highlands
"Garrett was acquired from Chicago on September 9 [of 1975] in exchange for a fourth draft choice, Mike Adamle and the rights to Ron Rydalch. He finished second in [Jets] rushing behind John Riggins with 566 yards on 122 carries, a 4.6 average and five touchdowns. Carl caught 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. He missed one regular season game with a hip injury.
He ran back kickoffs (3 for 77 yards) and played halfback in his first appearance against Buffalo. In his second appearance as a Jet, Carl had the best day of his career, rushing for 135 yards against the Chiefs and scoring a touchdown. He suffered a jaw injury in the third game, yet still gained 27 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Carl put together back-to-back versatile days at Minnesota and against Miami, rushing for 65 and 63 yards while catching two passes in each game for 12 and 26 yards respectively.
Carl broke into the AFL in 1969 as Rookie of the Year for Boston over fellow rookie O.J. Simpson. He spent four seasons in Boston (New England) before being traded to Chicago in exchange for a No. 1 pick in 1973. Before leaving the Patriots, he led the club in rushing in 1971, punt returns from 1969-72, kickoff returns in 1969, '71 and '72, and scoring in 1972. Carl was the key man in the negated trade with Dallas for Duane Thomas.
He has always played well against the Jets: in eight games, he's gained 311 yards on 70 carries and two touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown. Garrett has gained 3,802 career yards and scored 26 touchdowns, and has averaged 11.3 in career punt returns and 25.7 in kickoff returns. He led the NFC in kickoff returns in 1973 with 16 for a 30.4 average.
A three-time All-America pick, Garrett averaged 8.3 yards as a senior and led the nation in scoring as a sophomore with 26 touchdowns. He scored 418 points and rushed for 3,862 in his college career. Carl played in the 1969 College All-Star Game against the Jets.
Carl majored in history and his hobbies are tennis and horseback riding. He's a Cadillac salesman during the off-season. He resides in Chicago and his hometown is Denton, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Greg Gantt

Punter
No. 8
Alabama
"Gantt had a disappointing second year as the Jets regular punter, averaging 36.5 yards per kick, last in the AFC. He had a 35.9 average in 1974. Gantt faces the unenviable task of battling the winds of Shea Stadium on a regular basis. He had three blocked punts in 1975, most in the AFC.
He doubled as a place kicker in 1974 when Bobby Howfield was injured. Greg has the ability to place 'situation' type kicks not aimed for deep yardage. He had the longest punt of his pro career in '75, 71 yards, and the best day of his pro career came in the Jets' '74 upset of Miami, kicking seven times for a 45.7 average. Drafted eighth in 1974, Greg has had injury problems in training camp but has always been healthy for the regular season.
Greg would have been the nation's leader as a senior in college, booting 25 times for a 48.7 average; he was Alabama's 'long' situation punter while 1976 No. 1 pick Richard Todd was the 'short' situation kicker. Greg also did kickoff work.
He averaged 43.6 on 116 career punts with long boots of 85 and 70 yards. He was All-SEC three times. Greg set a Cotton Bowl record with a 50-yard field goal and played in bowl games all three years.
Greg majored in vocational education. He enjoys playing pool. His hometown is Birmingham, Alabama."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Ed Galigher

Defensive Tackle
No. 85
UCLA
"He's been called by new head coach Lou Holtz 'probably our best defensive lineman at the end of last season.' A very aggressive, active 'fiery' player, Galigher plays with intensity and hustle. He's rated better against the run.
Galigher started 11 games in 1975 as the right defensive tackle and missed one game with a hip injury. His great strength and speed earned a him starting berth in the second half of the Jets 30-24 win over the Chiefs. Ed notched four and one half sacks and recovered a fumble at Miami on November 9.
Coaches like his mean streak- Ed loves to hit people. He played 13 games in 1974 despite a painful rib cartilage injury suffered early in the season. Ed has started at left defensive end but seems to be more at home at tackle.
Ed revealed after 1973 that he secretly signed with the WFL and played out his option in 1974. His WFL contract breached, he returned to the Jets. Nagging injuries have marred his further development. Drafted fourth in 1972, Galigher played left and right defensive tackle and right end as a rookie.
Galigher played in the American Bowl where the Jets saw him. He transferred to UCLA from Chabot JC and was honorable mention All-Pacific Coast.
He majored in engineering. Ed won the California JC wrestling championship in the last two seconds of the match. His hometown is Hayward, California."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Joe Fields

Center
No. 65
Widener
"A hard working type of player, Joe played in every Jets preseason and regular season game in 1975. He's known for deep snaps on punts and place kicks and is rated by coaches as a solid pro prospect with the addition of weight and playing experience. Joe is willing to work and learn. Drafted 14th, he recovered a fumble in 1975.
Fields was a durable player in college and never missed a play. He played his entire senior season with a contused shoulder and a sprained ankle. Fields was all-conference as a senior and repeatedly graded highest on the squad. He called the blocking assignments for the offensive line.
Joe holds a B.S. in accounting. He's nicknamed 'W.C.' His hometown is Deptford, New Jersey."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: John Ebersole

Linebacker
No. 55
Penn State
"John earned a starting position at middle linebacker late in 1975, starting seven games before thigh and neck injuries sidelined him for the finale against Dallas. He battled neck problems for most of the season after an injury against New England. John also played right linebacker where he was a regular in 1974. He recovered a fumble.
He finished the 1974 season tied for the club interception lead with three and came back in '75 to intercept two passes, one short of Burgess Owens' three. Ebersole earned the game ball for his play against the Patriots (December 7, 1975). He's valued by coaches for his ability to play all three linebacker positions and has good speed which helps his pass coverage.
1973 and 1974 were his only two seasons as a regular. He opened 1973 at right linebacker but Al Atkinson's injury caused his shift to the middle. A good special teams player, Ebersole has missed only two games in six years. He was drafted No. 4 in 1970.
A versatile player in college, Ebersole [played] two years on offense and two on defense and helped lead the Nittany Lions to second place in the national rankings in total defense. He played with a dislocated shoulder against Kansas State, earning the game ball. John played in the Gator Bowl and in the Orange Bowl twice.
John holds a degree in health and physical education. He owns Ebersole Beverages, Inc. and has also done public relations for a trucking firm. His hometown is Altoona, Pennsylvania."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Steve Davis

Running Back
No. 35
Delaware State
"Davis was acquired from the Steelers in August 1975 in exchange for a 1977 third-round draft choice and was the Jets third-leading rusher with 290 yards on 70 carries with a touchdown. He played both halfback and fullback, starting one game at halfback. This year, he comes to camp as the No. 1 fullback.
He played in all 14 regular season games and started the Monday night TV game at San Diego. Steve had his best game against New England, rushing 11 times for 61 yards. He gained 50 yards on 14 carries against his former teammates and also gained 51 yards against the Colts. Steve was also the second leading kick returner on the club with 20 for 483, an average of 24.2.
Steve started four games for the Steelers in 1974. He led the Steelers in kickoff returns for three consecutive seasons and averaged 26.9 per return in 1973 (fifth in the AFC). The fastest running back in the Steeler corps, he missed his entire rookie season with a viral infection after being drafted No. 3.
Davis was the first player ever drafted from Delaware State. He was the 13th leading collegiate rusher in 1970 with 980 yards. He rushed for 261 yards in one game en route to topping the CIAA in rushing.
Davis majored in physical education. His hometown is Lexington, Virginia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Richard Caster

Tight End
No. 88
Jackson State
"'The best pass-receiving tight end in pro football,' says Lou Holtz. But Holtz hints he would like to see better blocking from Caster. Right now he is tied for third as the Jets' all-time top receiver just behind Don Maynard and George Sauer."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976

"Caster earned his third Pro Bowl selection in (two years in a row) with another consistent year in 1975. He topped all NFL tight ends in receiving yardage with 820 and led AFC tight ends with 47 catches and an average of 17.4. Seventh in the AFC in receiving, Caster was named to most all-AFC teams behind Denver's Riley Odoms. He caught the longest pass in Jets history, 91 yards from Namath against the Colts on October 26; he also holds the club record for longest scoring pass, 89 yards against Miami (October 7, 1974).
He started every game as a tight end in 1975 after missing the opening preseason game with a toe injury. Richard's biggest games in '75 included six catches for 103 yards on opening day at Buffalo and six for 110 in the home opener against New England.
Richard is viewed by most opponents as the most dangerous tight end in the game because of his size, quickness and speed. He has an uncanny ability to get deep from the line of scrimmage. Richard has been timed at 4.5, fastest among Jet receivers. He has the great size to elude any bumping maneuvers.
After only six seasons, Caster ranks third behind Don Maynard and George Sauer in most career yards receiving with 3,838 and ranks second in career touchdown passes with 34 (Maynard has 88). He has produced 100 or more yards receiving 10 times and has caught four or more passes in a game 22 times. Richard once caught nine passes against Cincinnati, his most in one game. His longest catches aside from the record grabs include an 80 yard TD pass, 79, 72, 60 and 57. Richard has caught 20 of his 34 career touchdown passes against AFC opponents.
Richard finished first among all tight ends in yardage in 1974 with 745 on 38 catches, a 19.6 average, topped only by wide receivers Isaac Curtis and Mel Gray. He caught seven touchdown passes in '74 to lead all tight ends and finish fourth in the NFL. Caster had two particularly outstanding games in '74 with three catches for 117 yards and a touchdown at Miami and seven catches for 137 yards against San Diego.
Caster began as a wide receiver, but switched to tight end in 1972 and did so well he earned a Pro Bowl appearance. [That year] he recorded one of the most dramatic games ever by a receiver, catching three touchdown passes against the Colts (10, 79 and 80 yards), all on first down, and was the only NFL receiver to go over 200 yards in a game in 1972 (six catches for 204 yards). Drafted No. 2 in 1970, Caster won the Heede Award in 1972 as the most improved and dedicated offensive player.
He was a wide receiver and tight end at Jackson State where he was a teammate of the Jets' Jerome Barkum. He caught 160 passes for 3,638 yards and 28 touchdowns. A Pittsburgh Courier second team All-America, Richard was a member of the College All-Star squad. He also lettered three times in track and field.
Caster played on the Alabama state championship grid team at Williamson High in Mobile, Alabama. He likes to swim and is a good tennis player. He spends a great deal of off-season time making personal appearances for the Jets and helping young people. Richard served as New York City Chairman of the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon in April 1976. He makes his off-season home in Hempstead, New York. His hometown is Mobile, Alabama."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Carl Capria

Free Safety
No. 29
Purdue
"Carl was picked up as a free agent on December 8 after being released by Detroit earlier in the season and played in one regular season game. He is known for his work on special teams and has some experience at free safety and wide receiver. Originally drafted in the fifth round by Detroit in 1974, he missed the 1974 preseason because of knee surgery but played in 12 regular season games.
A punter and defensive back in college, Capria has exceptional speed (9.5 in the 100-yard dash). He holds the Purdue record for touchdown saves (15) and averaged 19 yards on punt returns. Capria logged more playing at Purdue than any other man. He played in the 1973 East-West Shrine and Hula Bowls.
Carl holds a B.A. in business and would like a pro career and a career in office and personnel management. He won eight letters at Carey High in Franklin Square, New York. Born in the Bronx, his hometown is Franklin Square."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Bob Burns

Running Back
No. 33
Georgia
"Burns missed the entire 1975 season with a back injury. He played the Jets' first three preseason games before the injury against Atlanta.
He gave the club added depth as a backup fullback in 1974. He started two games- Giants and Houston- and responded well. He carried 21 times against the Giants, gaining 101 yards, and caught two passes, and against Houston he gained 11 yards and caught four passes for 18 yards. He picked up 26 yards and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass in a game against the Patriots that same year. Bob finished as the club's third best rusher with 158 yards and caught 11 passes for 83 yards.
Drafted No. 9 in 1974, Bob is a rangy type of back with good speed and good blocking. He's an excellent pass receiver with moves at the line of scrimmage.
He played running back, wide receiver and wing back in college and played fullback only as a senior. Bob rushed for 374 yards on 82 career carries and caught 36 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. In 1971 he played in the Gator Bowl and the All-American Bowl. He captained the Bulldogs as a senior.
Burns is nicknamed 'Bazooka Bob' or 'Bullet Bob' and is working toward a degree in management. His brother coached the freshman team at Florida and now coaches at Texas. Bob works with the FCA and with young people in the off-season. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Gordie Browne

Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Boston College
"He played well in the preseason at both tackle spots for Robert Woods and Winston Hill and filled in for Hill during the regular season. Browne missed one regular season game with an ankle injury.
The coaches think he is coming into his own and has a good future in pro ball. Browne has the necessary quickness to go with his size but needs work on his upper body strength. He's rated as a good running game blocker and has greatly improved on his pass blocking. 1976 should be an important year in Gordie's maturity and development as an offensive lineman and he will work at right tackle primarily. He gained valuable experience in 1974 playing as a backup tackle- he only played one year as an offensive lineman in college. Gordie was drafted No. 2 in 1974 after an outstanding Senior Bowl performance against Dallas No. 1 pick Ed 'Too Tall' Jones.
Gordie played tight end and offensive tackle at Boston College. He was a member of the College All-Star squad and played in the Coaches' All-America Game. He also played college basketball.
He holds a B.S. in marketing, a B.S. in management and is earning a Master's in marketing. Gordie enjoys basketball, hockey and paddle ball and plays for the Jets basketball team in the off-season. His hometown is Millis, Massachusetts."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Willie Brister

Tight End
No. 86
Southern
"Brister had a frustrating second season in 1975 highlighted only by injuries and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone against the Colts on October 26. He started the first two preseason games at tight end but suffered a bruised abdomen against the Redskins. Willie played in 12 of 14 regular season games, starting against the Vikings in place of the injured Jerome Barkum at left wide receiver, but missed the Steelers and Patriots games because of an ankle injury. He caught one pass in 1975, for three yards.
In his first season, he proved to be a capable backup tight end to Richard Caster and started two games when Caster was hurt. Willie caught four passes for 49 yards as a starter against Houston, but strained his knee later in the season and sat out the final two games.
Brister is a solid blocker with good quickness for a big man; he runs a 4.9 40. Drafted 15th in 1974, he was used mainly as a blocker at Southern U. where he was a teammate of Jets linebacker Godwin Turk. Honorable mention All-SWAC, Brister caught only three passes in his college career.
Willie majored in history and would like to be a coach after his playing career. His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Emerson Boozer

Halfback
No. 32
Maryland Eastern Shore
"Boozer had a frustrating year in 1975. He was nagged by injuries early but was inserted in the lineup because of his blocking ability and experience. He started four games but missed five regular season games because of assorted injuries including shoulder and ankle problems.
His rash of injuries started in the preseason when he missed the first game with a groin injury. Boozer finished the season with 51 yards on 21 carries, a 2.6 average. He caught a pass for 16 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo after playing only one play against the Chiefs.
Boozer became the 22nd player in pro football history to join the 5,000-yard club in 1974 and was runner-up to Joe Namath as Jets MVP that year. He was the captain of the offensive unit and started 13 games, missing the last game because of a sprained ankle. Emerson finished 11th in the AFC in rushing with 563 yards on 153 carries, four touchdowns and a 3.7 average.
Emerson opened 1974 with a 116-yard effort against Kansas City and put together other strong performances against Chicago, Los Angeles and New England. He caught a five-yard touchdown pass in overtime to defeat the rival Giants, and also gained 58 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards. Boozer broke the 5,000-yard barrier against he Dolphins with a 41-yard effort.
His 52 career rushing touchdowns are tops among NFL active players. He has always been known for his 'nose' for the goal line. In his second year (1967) he suffered a major knee injury that required surgery; he had already scored 13 touchdowns, only six short of the AFL record. Emerson drew praise for his work during the AFL Championship and as a blocker for Matt Snell in the Jets Super Bowl upset of the Colts.
Emerson picks up the blitz well and his bouncey, high-kneed style in his early years is now modified to smoother, smarter running. He leads the Jets in career rushing attempts (1,291) and in most yards rushing in a career (5,135). He holds the Jet records for most touchdowns rushing in a game (three, done five times), season (11) and career (52). Emerson's biggest rushing game of his career came against Philadelphia in 1973, 160 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown; he's gained 100 or more yards in a game nine times. He has caught 139 career passes for 1,448 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 10.7 average.
Emerson was a two-time All-America. He carried 374 times for 2,537 yards in four varsity seasons, averaging 6.8, with 22 touchdowns. He majored in industrial education.
Born on the Fourth of July, Emerson does an excellent job on speaking tours in the off-season. He has had a daily radio show in the past and looks to a career as a broadcaster. Extremely articulate, Emerson guest hosted the John Sterling daily radio show in 1975. He's extremely interested in youth-related projects, plays for the Jets basketball team and makes his year-round home in Huntington Station, New York. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Ken Bernich

Middle Linebacker
No. 53
Auburn
"Bernich came to the Jets in November of 1975 as a free agent. Originally drafted fourth by the Chargers, he was cut with a subsequent look at Green Bay. Ken impressed Jet coaches with his aggressiveness and quickness and size for the middle and played several standout games as a member of the Jets specialty squad. He recovered a fumble while on the punt coverage team against New England. He saw action in the last five Jets games.
He was a three-time All-SEC linebacker and was selected first team AP, Kodak and Walter Camp All-America. Bernich led Auburn in tackles in 1972 and 1973 and was second in 1974 with 94. He had 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and broke up seven passes as a senior. Ken played in the Gator Bowl twice and in the Sun Bowl.
Ken majored in history and political science, worked as a sand blaster on the Mississippi River and has done construction work at the Superdome. He's nicknamed 'Corn Bread Man' and his goals include 'graduation and learning to help young people.' Born in Biloxi, Louisiana, Ken's hometown is Gretna, Louisiana."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Ed Bell

Wide Receiver
No. 7
Idaho State
"Coming off a solid 1975 season as both a wide receiver and a blocker, Bell caught 20 passes for 344 yards, a 17.2 average, and four touchdowns. He had his best day of the season at Baltimore, catching six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. He caught touchdown passes in the Jets regular season opener at Buffalo, against Baltimore at Shea (22 yards) and against Buffalo at home (31 yards). Bell started every 1975 game at right wide receiver (with David Knight injured) after playing in a backup role in 1974 when he caught 13 passes for 126 yards.
He is often used in a three wide receiver formation on passing downs. He has distinguished himself as a clever, speedy (4.5) wide receiver. Ed played regularly on the left side in 1972 and 1973, catching 59 passes and was third among Jet receivers in 1973 with 24 catches. He missed one game in 1974 with a bruised knee cap. Despite his small size, Ed has a durable record as a pro, missing only three games in his career.
Ed has enjoyed an impressive career against Baltimore, catching 42 passes in 12 games for 735 yards, an average gain of 17.5, and six touchdowns. He had two outstanding games in 1972, grabbing seven passes for 197 yards at Baltimore and then taking a tipped last-minute pass 83 yards for the winning touchdown against the Colts at Shea. Bell co-holds the Jet record for receptions in a game (12 against the Colts, 1970) with Don Maynard and Art Powell. He was drafted ninth in 1970.
Bell set three small college national receiving records as a senior with 96 catches for 1,522 yards and 20 touchdowns, and set seven Big Sky and nine Idaho State records. He transferred from Compton JC where he was all-conference.
Ed majored in speech pathology and audiology and wants to help the deaf and speech-handicapped. He has attended drama school during the off-season and had a lead role in the off-Broadway production of 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' in 1974. Ed works for the State Department in helping find employment for minority youths. His hometown is Waco, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Carl Barzilauskas

Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Indiana
"He's coming off a rugged sophomore pro season of double teams and over-playing after his super rookie year when he was named to the Pro Writers, Pro Football Weekly and UPI all-rookie squads and was also PFW's rookie defensive lineman of the year. Barzilauskas was runner-up as AP's defensive rookie of the year and named Jets rookie of the year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
Barzilauskas was nagged by minor injuries in 1975 but started every regular season game. He missed the preseason game with the Redskins with a rib injury and injured his back in the first New England game. Carl put together his best game of the season in the second Miami game, recovering a Dolphin fumble.
Jets defensive coordinator Walt Michaels says, 'Carl can be as good as he wants to be.' His assets include size, strength and tenacity. He needs to shed blockers and improve with game playing experience. Carl did everything asked of him, learning steadily as his rookie season moved along. He finished in the club lead in quarterback sacks with five, starting every game at left tackle.
He's been called by Miami's Jim Langer 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced,' and hailed by Don Shula and Tommy Prothro as one of the best young defensive linemen they have ever seen. Carl has 5.0 speed to match with his extreme strength; more consistent play by the Jets front line this season may relieve double and triple team pressure. He was a No. 1 draft choice in 1974.
A three-year starter for Indiana, Barzilaukas led the team in tackles as a junior. He played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl and played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
He majored in physical education in college. His uncle Fritz played for the Giants in the early '50s and is now employed at Yale. Carl is nicknamed 'Barzo' and 'Brontosaurus' and owns a lounge called 'Barzo's Blitz' in Bloomington, Indiana. His hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jerome Barkum

Wide Receiver
No. 83
Jackson State
"He was the team's second best pass catcher, depending on his speed to run by the defense. 'But,' says a coach, 'zone defenses keep the Barkum speedsters in front of them by sagging. Barkum must run patterns with more discipline to catch the ball in front of the zone."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976

"One of pro football's premier wide receivers, Barkum is big, fast and agile. He slipped statistically in 1975 after leading the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974.
Jerome caught 36 passes for 549 yards, a 15.9 average, and five touchdowns. He enjoyed his best yardage game against San Diego, catching six for 88 yards. Jerome caught two touchdowns against New England and two against Baltimore, including a 42-yard bomb.
In 1974 he hauled down 41 passes for 524 yards and three touchdowns from his left wide receiver position. His total ranked him seventh in the AFC and fifth among pure wide receivers. Barkum has already made one Pro Bowl appearance (1973). He is known as one of pro football's strongest wide receivers and is a fine blocker. Jerome can also double as a tight end.
Jerome has had some great games against the Colts; in eight contests, he has caught 21 passes for 402 yards, a 19.1 average, and four touchdowns. In his Pro Bowl year, he led the AFC in average yards per catch with 18.4. Jerome had his finest pro day that year with eight catches for 83 yards against Cincinnati. He already has 16 career touchdowns.
He started 45 consecutive regular season games before missing the Minnesota game in 1975 with a charley horse but has started every subsequent game. A No. 1 draft choice in 1972, Jerome spent his rookie season as a backup on both sides after missing valuable training camp [time] by reporting late.
Jerome caught 128 passes for 2,130 yards and 27 touchdowns in his four-year college career, notching 10 touchdown receptions as a senior. He was a teammate of Jets tight end Richard Caster and played in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Game. Barkum was an AP Little All-America and All-SWAC for two years, and a Pittsburgh Courier All-America.
Nicknamed 'Gee,' he's the cousin of Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions. His brother Melvin was a quarterback and running back at Mississippi State and tried out for Tampa Bay in 1976. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game. He enjoys music, swimming and fishing. His hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jim Bailey

Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Kansas
"Bailey was acquired from Baltimore on the eve of the 1975 draft in exchange for the Jets' fourth pick. A durable player with good strength, he started the first two games of '75 at right tackle. Jim was a reserve lineman until the final three games, then started at right end for the injured Richard Neal.
He has played in 70 consecutive games in the NFL, and started every game in 1972 and 1973 for Baltimore and seven games in 1974. Jim was drafted second by the Colts in 1970 but knee problems sidelined him as a rookie. The problems returned in early 1971 before he earned before a starting role at mid-season.
In college, Jim did not become a regular until his senior season at Kansas, when he led the Jayhawks in tackles. He was a three-sport high school standout in football, track and wrestling. His hometown is Lawrence, Kansas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Darrell Austin

Guard
No. 67
South Carolina
"Austin came to the Jets in 1975 on waivers. He was originally drafted in the 16th round by Denver in 1974 and had to clear waivers to return there in '75 when the Jets picked him up.
Noted for his strength, the coaches like his ability to block for the running game. Darrell played in all preseason games in 1975 and 12 of 14 regular season games. He missed the Pittsburgh game with a hip injury and did not dress for the Dallas game. He's listed at right guard on the 1976 depth chart behind Garry Puetz, who may be moved to center.
Darrell started every game for three years at South Carolina. He played offensive tackle as a sophomore, defensive tackle as a junior and OT as a senior and played in the East-West Shrine Game after the 1973 season. Austin was named most valuable lineman as a senior.
He holds a B.S. in physical education. He's nicknamed 'Colonel' because of his likeness to television figure Steve Austin in the series 'The Six Million Dollar Man.' Darrell's father is a deputy sheriff. His hometown is Union, South Carolina."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Al Atkinson

Middle Linebacker
No. 62
Villanova
"The veteran of the Jets defense, Atkinson's injuries have hampered the last few years of his career. He missed the entire 1975 season on the injured reserve list with knee problems, and a severed muscle pull sidelined him in 1973. In 1974, he backed up starting middle linebacker Jamie Rivers.
Al started for eight seasons before assuming a backup role and teaching young players the NFL ropes. He came to the Jets for the $100 waiver price after originally being drafted by Buffalo in the third round in 1965. He earned a starting role in 1965. In the Jets' Super Bowl win, Al played the entire second half with a separated shoulder without telling anyone.
A three-year starter at Villanova, Al earned All-America and All-East honors. He played in the Liberty Bowl against Oregon State, and was voted the outstanding defensive lineman (tackle) in the Senior Bowl. He also played in the Coaches All-America game.
Al is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and made a tour of Vietnam after the 1968 season in conjunction with the USO. He owns Al Atkinson Angus Restaurant in Philadelphia. His hometown is Upper Darby, Pennsylvania."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Bill Hampton

Equipment Manager
"Hampton is in charge of all Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round.
He started out as a stickboy for the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1945 and remained with that organization until 1964 when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year Army tour of duty from 1951-52. Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man for the Rangers in tandem with Frank Price.
Bill makes his home in Brightwaters, New York."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jeff Snedeker

Trainer
"An original Jet, Snedeker has served as head trainer for the club for 13 years. His distinguished career includes supervising the rehabilitation of injuries, notably those to quarterback Joe Namath, and handling the daily medical chores.
Snedeker graduated from Cortland State with a degree in physical education and received a Master's degree from Indiana University in health education with a major in athletic training. He started his career as a trainer in a student program at Cortland State and continued as a student trainer and graduate assistant at Indiana. Jeff was an assistant trainer at the University of Washington from 1960-63 before joining the AFL Jets.
He works as a research associate for the Institute for Sports Medicine during the off-season.
Jeff was born in Yonkers, New York."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jim Royer

Talent Scout and Assistant Coach
"A member of the Jets Galaxy scouting combine, but attached to the Jets operation, Royer has been in coaching or scouting since 1958 when he started as a Marine football team head coach on Okinawa. From 1959 through 1961, he coached the offensive line for the U.S. Naval Academy junior varsity. He went to [the University of] Buffalo as offensive line coach (1961-62) and then spent time at Tulane before returning to the Naval Academy as assistant offensive line coach (1965-66). Jim worked one year as offensive line coach at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Atlantic Coast League as defensive coordinator of the Richmond Roadrunners (1969).
He came to the NFL in 1971 as offensive line coach with the New Orleans Saints. In 1973 he became a scout for the Redskins and joined Galaxy in 1974.
Jim was born in Baltimore, Maryland."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Carroll Huntress

Talent Scout
"Huntress now serves exclusively as a Jets scout after two years in the Galaxy combine. He has a high school and collegiate coaching record extending back to 1949.
He began at Mechanic Falls High in Maine and after two seasons moved to Portland (ME) High. He remained as head football coach until 1960 before joining the University of Maryland staff, first as freshman coach and then offensive ends coach for five years. Carroll became head coach at Bucknell in 1965, serving for four years. He most recently served for four years an assistant coach at Kentucky before entering the pro ranks as a scout.
Carroll was born in Saco, Maine."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Pete Marasco

Scouting Coordinator
"Marasco begins his second year of coordinating the Jets talent scout department. He joined the club in May of 1975 after serving as Director of Player Personnel for the Montreal Alouettes in 1974 when that team won the Grey Cup. He's the brother of Carl Marasco of the Chicago Bears.
He gained notoriety in pro football when he and his brother began the 'Marasco Ratings' of collegiate football talent. They began the ratings in 1960 and had them regularly published beginning in 1968.
Born in New York City, Pete is a graduate of Florida Southern and New York Law School, from which he received an LLD. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, though not a practicing attorney. He worked for four years in White Plains as an agent for a title insurance company.
Pete's duties include overseeing the Jets scouting department along with Mike Holovak and helping with waiver work on the pro level."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Mike Holovak

MIKE HOLOVAK (Director of Scouting)
"Holovak begins his second season as director of scouting after assuming his duties following the 1975 draft. He had coached the Jets offensive backs prior to his scouting duties. Mike came to the Jets as a coach after serving as a Jets Galaxy combine scout in 1972.
He was head coach of the Boston Patriots from 1961 through 1968, earning the AFL Coach of the Year award in 1966. Under his leadership, the Patriots won the AFL Eastern Division title in 1963. He served offensive coach of the 49ers in 1969, joined Oakland as a talent scout in 1970 and was Raiders receiver coach in 1971.
Mike was an All-America fullback at Boston College in 1939-42. Following Naval duty he played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 and with the Chicago Bears in 1947-48.
He returned to Boston College in 1949 and became head coach in 1951. He guided the Eagles to a 49-23-3 record before joining he Patriots as Director of Player Personnel in 1959.
Mike was born in Lansford, Pennsylvania."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jerry Kirk

Offensive Backs Coach
"The only Jets coach with no previous professional experience, Jerry was a member of Lou Holtz' staff at North Carolina State as defensive end coach. As Ferrum Junior College coach, the school ranked No. 1 in 1968 and finished the 1971 season with a 9-0-1 record.
Jerry began his coaching career at Clark High School in Winchester, Kentucky in 1964 and 1965 before joining the staff at Lees-McRae Junior College as assistant coach in 1966 and 1967. He then coached at Ferrum JC before moving to N.C. State in 1972.
A former all-state prep player in Kentucky, Jerry was all-conference (OVC) at East Tennessee State in 1961-62. He was born in Benham, Kentucky."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Burley Crowe

Defensive Secondary Coach
"Crowe's professional coaching experience includes two seasons in the WFL with the Charlotte Hornets in 1974 and Chicago Winds in 1975, both times under former Jets quarterback Babe Parilli. His college coaching experience includes a stint at VMI from 1959 through 1962 when the school produced three consecutive Southern Conference champions, Vanderbilt from 1963 through 1966, Cornell from 1967 through 1969, Maryland under Roy Lester in 1970-71 and Northeast Louisiana in 1972-73.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Burley played college football at Shepherd College in Sheperdstown, West Virginia from 1951-55. He holds a B.S. degree from Shepherd College."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Joe Gardi

Special Teams Coach
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi joins the Jets staff after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the WFL for three games.
He began his coaching career as head coach at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school which had not won in five years. He moved to Roselle Park (NJ) High School as head coach, and in his third season won the state championship after the school had not produced a winner in 10 seasons.
Joe then became the freshman coach at Maryland in 1970 before becoming the offensive line coach for the varsity in 1971 and 1972 and receiver coach from 1972 through 1974. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL in 1974 as special teams and running backs coach and coached the offensive backs for the Bell until mid-season 1975 when he was named interim head coach. In his one game as head coach, the Bell defeated Portland and the next week, Gardi was named head coach at Portland. The Thunder, in three games, won two before the WFL folded.
He played collegiately at Maryland as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club.
Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Dan Henning

Quarterback and Receivers Coach
"Henning joins the Jets staff with experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Henning is the third Florida State assistant to coach the passing game for the Jets.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan became an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State where he handled the passing game from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Jim Champion

Defensive Line Coach
"Champion's coaching background includes a wealth of experience on the high school level, in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL. He joins the Jet staff after serving as defensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 and 1975. He scouted for St. Louis in 1973.
Jim coached three years of high school football before becoming an assistant coach at Mississippi State from 1957 through 1961. He moved to Vancouver of the CFL in a similar capacity from 1962 through 1965 before joining St. Louis as line coach in 1966. Jim returned to Vancouver as head coach from 1967 through 1970, then joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant in 1971 and 1972.
He played professionally with the New York Yankees and Dallas Texans from 1950 through 1952 after a standout career at Mississippi State as an all-conference tackle. Jim was born in Tillatoba, Mississippi."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Bob Fry

Offensive Line Coach
"The only assistant retained by new head coach Lou Holtz, Fry rejected several offers; he stayed to help the Jets return to prominence. He has a record of 23 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
Before coming to the Jets, he coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll. The Steelers running attack in 1972 under Fry established a club record for yardage.
He played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
Bob began his coaching career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach for the Falcons in 1967-68. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Walt Michaels

Defensive Coordinator
"Michaels returns to the Jets as defensive coordinator, the first position filled by new head coach Lou Holtz as a priority move. He masterminded the growth and development of Jet defenses from 1963 through 1972 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar capacity.
Michaels' Jet defenses became among the most respected in the old AFL and in the AFC. The 1968 defense led the AFL in rushing defense and in total defense, the 1969 defense was second in the AFL and in 1970, rose to first in the AFC.
He was a prominent figure in the Jets Super Bowl III victory over Baltimore even though Joe Namath, Matt Snell and the receivers received the publicity. The Jets defense checked the Colts throughout the game and held Baltimore scoreless until the final five minutes. The secondary that day, composed of four free agents, intercepted four passes and set the stage for what experts call the greatest upset in pro football history, 16-7.
Walt has had several players reach all-star or Pro Bowl status including Verlon Biggs, Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson, Bill Bradley and Bill Bergey. As a player, he was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. Walt played with the Browns from 1952-61, including two NFL championship games, and on five division champions. He began his pro career with Green Bay in 1951.
He coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line before joining the Jets staff as defensive line coach. In 1967, he coached the linebackers and secondary.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, Walt holds a B.A. in psychology and education from Washington & Lee. His brother, Lou, was a standout tackle and place kicker in the NFL."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Lou Holtz

Head Coach
"'There is something about Lou Holtz that just clicks,' Jets general manager Al Ward said in introducing new head coach Lou Holtz to New York.
'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches.'
One pro head coach and former coach of Lou Holtz, Detroit's Rick Forzano, said, 'I know him and I'll tell you he is an exceptional person and and an exceptional coach. I predict that in one year, what they'll be saying about him in New York is that they haven't had a guy like him before.'
Holtz, who literally worked miracles at North Carolina State in four seasons, faces a similar task with the Jets, a team coming off its worst season in history- 3-11. His approach is simple, but typically Lou Holtz:
'I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the Jets, in just about that order,' he said in becoming the club's sixth head coach. 'To me, the delight in coaching always comes from creating and not in maintaining. I'm not a miracle worker, but I guarantee we'll field a team that will play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win.'
Miracles by Holtz had almost become a legend at N.C. State when the 39-year-old amateur magician joined the Jets' new push for the top. In four seasons, Holtz won 33 games, lost 12 and tied two. He took the Wolfpack to four consecutive postseason bowl games- winning two, tying one and losing one. His 1974 club (9-2-1) became the first team in the history of the school to conclude the season ranked in the top 10 (ninth).
The trademark of Holtz-coached teams has been innovation and explosive offense. During the Holtz era, his teams eclipsed 91 N.C. State records while 14 Atlantic Coast Conference records were equalled of bettered.
Holtz looks to subtle changes to bring the Jets back. 'I tell players that you are not born a winner, but you also are not born a loser. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play. We have the talent to win.'
Holtz, working under a five-year contract, bristles at the thought of rebuilding. 'I don't want to rebuild. I want to win, now. But when we win, I want a good foundation where we will win for years to come, which means building with draft choices.'
And he is convinced his Jet club will move the football, but says blithely: 'I hope to God it's forward.'
His coaching background indicates moves forward. He began as a graduate assistant at Kent State (1958) before moving to Iowa as an assistant coach in 1960. In 1961 through 1963, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary before joining Forzano at Connecticut (1964-65). After serving two seasons as an assistant at South Carolina and one season under Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Holtz returned to William & Mary as head coach and promptly took the school to its first bowl appearance in 24 years and first Southern Conference title (1971) in 23 years.
At North Carolina State, Holtz inherited a loser and immediately produced an 8-3 team. He left N.C. State after compiling the best won-loss record in the school's 84-year history. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and NCAA District III Coach of the Year after the 1972 season. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, Holtz compiled a 46-31-2 overall record.
Enthusiasm and straight forward talk are the trademarks of the 5-10, 150-pound dynamo. He is in heavy demand as a clinic and after dinner speaker, and has conducted clinics for the U.S. Air Force in England and Germany as well as coaching in the first Japan Bowl in 1975.
A native of Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz was born on January 6, 1937. He played high school football at East Liverpool (Ohio) and played center and middle linebacker at Kent State in 1956-57. He holds a B.S. in education from Kent State and a Master's degree in education from Iowa.
Holtz and his wife Beth have four children: Luanne Rae, Louis, Jr. (Skip), Kevin Richard (K.R.) and Elizabeth Jane."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Profile: Al Ward

General Manager
"Soft-spoken general manager Al Ward begins his second year as the engineer behind the Jets' renewed push for the top.
Ward, who was named general manager on February 13, 1975, came to the Jets from the highly successful Dallas Cowboy organization where he rose from Director of Public Relations to Vice-President of Administration (assistant general manager) under Cowboy chief Tex Schramm.
He is charged with far-reaching responsibilities including negotiating player contracts, booking preseason games, handling radio and preseason television contracts, administering front office activities and working together with new head coach Lou Holtz on trades and player development, which in 1976 included not only the college draft but also the veteran allocation for stocking the NFL's two new teams.
During the 1976 off-season, Ward completed one of the single most important steps in the Jets' return to prominence by naming Holtz as the club's sixth head coach. The announcement on February 10 climaxed an exhaustive three-month search spearheaded by Ward.
Ward himself was the object of an intense search. Upon naming Ward to the general manager's post, club President Phil Iselin said: 'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for. He had the highest recommendations from the most respected people in football.'
Holtz, a rookie pro coach, has similar feelings: 'You can always tell a man by the company he keeps. The main reason I'm with the New York Jets is because of Al. He's a proven winner in everything he's done. He's made so many friends for the Jets in the short time he's been here. He's the kind of people I want to be associated with.'
Ward began his pro football career as director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions.
He joined the Cowboys after the 1965 season as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Schramm in 1966. He was named a vice-president in 1972.
Ward is a native of Brownsville, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles

DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors, a group of progressive individuals who provided the impetus for the club's transition from a troubled American Football League entry to one of the NFL's most colorful and successful franchises, are once again spearheading the Jets' renewed push for the top.
The Directors most recently coordinated, along with general manager Al Ward, a three-month search for a new coach which ended on February 10, 1976 when Lou Holtz was named the club's sixth head coach. In 1975 the Board, under the direction of President Phil Iselin, chose Ward as the team's new general manager.
That series of moves is very reminiscent of the Board's activities in 1963, when Weeb Ewbank was named the first Jet coach. The move paid off in a World Championship and two division titles six years later.
The growth, development and success of the franchise has thrust the club into a new era of accomplishments and goals. The dramatic steps in hiring a general manager and a head coach were preceded by the construction and subsequent occupancy of a million-dollar training center at Hempstead, Long Island in September of 1974. The facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the stadium complications brought on by the conglomeration of New York professional franchises.
In 1976, the Directors continued to innovate by bringing preseason football to New York City for the first time in Jets history- and at a new location, refurbished Yankee Stadium. The three home playing dates caused even more of a stir when the Board and Mr. Iselin took a bold step by not requiring the games be included as part of the season ticket package. The decision was made to benefit Jet ticket holders and also to encourage the development of new fans.
Three members of the Jets original Board of Directors have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise in 1963- President Philip Iselin, Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has been active ever since.
The Board is immensely proud of the Jets' ties with New York City. The club maintains its main offices in Manhattan and works daily to stake its claim as New York's only professional team.
Philip H. Iselin, President, holds a unique position in the world of sports. He occupies the top position in two major sports concerns. In addition to his role as President of the Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board at Monmouth Park Jockey Club. Both enterprises are viewed as one of the finest in its field, a tribute to the leadership and forethought of Iselin.
In the winter of 1974, he was inducted into the Jockey Club. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and also an honored member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He is a respected member the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late Jets President. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. Mrs. Dillon has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 New York Jets Outlook

"The story of the New York Jets, 1975 vintage, reads like the nightly log at precinct 36- rumbles, factions, racial disharmony, internal violence.
There is even an argument about when the Jets hit bottom last season: Was it the game in which defensive tackle Ed Galigher punched his teammate, linebacker Steve Reese in front of the bench in a moment of dispute over who was to blame for what? Or was it when Joe Namath attempted to peddle his services to the Los Angeles Rams on network TV just before the Super Bowl?
But don't get the idea that all the Jets' troubles were spiritual. They had the third worst defensive record in the history of the NFL. Their yield of 433 points was 54 more than the next worst defensive team, the Chicago Bears, gave up. The Baltimore Colts alone scored 97 against them in two games.
The Jets never have been a defensive titan. But their offense used to pull them out of a lot of holes. Not last year. Even the weak Buffalo defensive unit limited them to 14 points in the season opener, which broke a six-game winning streak for the Jets that extended back to the '74 season.
That six-game winning streak might have been the Waterloo of Charley Winner. He was deluded by it and overestimated his strength. As a result he was canned in mid-season '75. Ken Shipp served as overseer the rest of the way.
After the disastrous campaign ended, Lou Holtz, who made a success of college programs at North Carolina State and William & Mary, was hired. Holtz is an organizer and he maintains discipline.
What does Holtz have to do to make the Jets a winner again? Almost everything.
As a signal that he is willing to start from the beginning, he made Alabama quarterback Richard Todd his No. 1 draft choice. The last time the Jets drafted a No. 1 quarterback was in 1965, when they took another promising kid from Alabama named Namath. The idea now is that Todd will learn at Namath's knee for a year or two- if Joe stays healthy and available for that long.
If Todd gets to play at all, he'll discover that he has some assets, beginning with pass receivers. Say what you will about the Jets, few teams have people who can catch the ball as well as tight end Richard Caster and wide receiver Jerome Barkum.
And providing that the tides are right and he decides to play in Gotham, John Riggins can be an awesome fullback. He carried the ball 238 times for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
So much for the assets.
There is no visible running mate for Riggins and the offensive line is aging and slow. The only players with a future up front seem to be tackle Robert Woods and guard Garry Puetz.
The Jets wheeled and dealed for new defensive linemen Billy Newsome and Jim Bailey last year to pump up a weak pass rush. The result: an even weaker pass rush. Holtz still thinks that Newsome, Richard Neal and Carl Barzilauskas, who went into a terrible slump after a good rookie year, give him a sound nucleus.
There could be an entirely new linebacking corps. Walt Michaels is back as the Jet defensive coordinator after several years in Philly. None of the incumbents played his kind of football. If they can't adjust they'll soon be gone.
The secondary was often a disaster area. But there is no reason Burgess Owens can't be rehabilitated to help. He was the best defensive back coming out of college football just three years ago and he's only 25. The Jets still think there is some good football in Phil Wise, a free safety, if he can stay healthy.
All these troubles open great opportunities for the rookies.
Todd may not be ready to start but there are others who are. The second round pick, Ball State defensive back Shafer Suggs, should fit in somewhere. He has size and he hits. Penn State linebacker Greg Buttle could find himself an immediate job.
On offense the best chance may be that of Steve King, a Michigan stud who could fit in at tackle or guard. There may be an opening for James Richards, who had some big games as a Florida ball carrier, or even little Louie Giammona, who was ranked among the nation's leading ground gainers despite his small size.
Another thing Holtz has in his favor: He won't have to do much deferring to Namath, as other Jet coaches have done. At 33, and coming off last year's shoddy performance, Joe may be a luxury the Jets no longer can afford."

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Is Namath a good idea whose time has passed? Coach Holtz won't take long to find out. Todd should break in gradually, but that luxury might not be available. J.J. Jones hasn't shown much.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The situation here is more a matter of temperament than talent. If Riggins chooses to play, few are in his class. But if he's serious about signing elsewhere, the rating of this entire unit plummets. Carl Garrett hurts his team as much off the field as he helps it when he's in pads.
Bob Gresham is inconsistent and Emerson Boozer is too old. Steve Davis isn't bad, but he hasn't shown starting talent. Kids like Richards and Giamonna could find work here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Barkum and Caster are good ones, Caster's embarrassing drops notwithstanding. Opposing coaches and defensive backs know the worth of this pair. Ed Bell is reliable, but the Jets hope that David Knight comes back from last season's leg injury and captures the starting spot on Bell's side.
Young Ronnie Moore is here in case Lou Piccone is serious about his option playout; both are primarily kick returners. Willie Brister is handy for two-tight end formations.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: It's time for change in this department, and there are bodies aplenty for Holtz's experiments. Puetz and Woods are the only holdovers with much of a future. The new coach isn't likely to be sentimental about Winston Hill, long the Jets' premier lineman. Randy Rasmussen's pass blocking may save him. It's about time for Gordie Browne to make his move- if he is ever going to. Wayne Mulligan doesn't have much competition, but the coaches may bring in some.
If King doesn't win a job, it will be an upset. Before he got hurt, Michigan coaches thought he'd be a first round draft pick. Joe Davis has a chance, too. Joe Fields snaps for punts and field goals. Darrell Austin is a long shot.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pat Leahy, a former college soccer All-America, is getting the hang of pro football. Greg Gantt has shown repeatedly that he can't do the job. This year's challenger is Rick Faulk, a 15th rounder.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Holtz thinks this bunch can be rehabilitated. They didn't do much last year, though. The key is big Barzo. Foes say he didn't hustle last season as he did in his rookie year. Galigher got so frustrated he punched a teammate during a game; at least he cares about winning. Newsome, Neal and Bailey are up and down.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: There's unlimited opportunity for rookies, free agents, guys off the street, etc. Rookie Buttle is almost a cinch to start somewhere. Godwin Turk hasn't yet delivered on all his promise and Jamie Rivers is used up. Richard Wood is inconsistent; he's found the transition from college to pro tough to handle. John Ebersole is average.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Suggs is another rookie who should waltz into a starting job- here or at strong safety. The problem, wherever he plays, is to find a partner for him. Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells both had horrible seasons, helped by the lack of a pass rush. Ed Taylor wasn't much, either.
Performance Quotient: 4
Safeties: Owens, the best deep back the Jets have, may move to the left corner. Or Delles Howell could move back up there.
The hope is that Wise reclaims his old job. But he and Owens must stay healthy if this unit is to improve. Steve Tannen is also injury prone.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976


"It's a good thing Lou Holtz, the new coach of the New York Jets, has a sense of humor. As the inheritor of a club which was in total disarray by the close of last year's 3-11 disaster, he may need it.
'The rope trick is my best trick,' says Holtz, an amateur magician, 'because if it doesn't work I have the rope to hang myself. I don't know if I was named after Lou Holtz the oldtime comedian or if dad looked in the crib and said, 'this must be a joke.' I had the choice between Miami of Ohio and Kent State; Miami is known as the cradle of coaches and I chose Kent State, so that tells you how smart I am.'
Holtz, who most recently built North Carolina State into a major college power, takes on a considerable task with the Jets. The team was completely disorganized by the end of last season, morale had hit rock bottom and the on-field performance was uninspiring, to say the least. Some players feuded and fought amongst themselves, while others seemed to shrug their shoulders at the mess and just went through the motions. Finally, the team's main man, quarterback Joe Namath, spent much of the off-season talking about how much he'd like to be traded to Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old Holtz knows he must instill some sort of team spirit if the Jets are to rise to respectability.
'I'm no miracle worker,' he told a gathering at New York's posh 21 Club when he took the Jets job, 'but I guarantee we'll field a team that'll play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play and we have enough talent to win. I'm not a pollayana- I don't think everything will be fine- but I'd rather be positive than negative.'
Why did the Jets choose Holtz? 'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches,' explained General Manager Al Ward. 'Everything about him checks out. There is just something about Lou Holtz that just clicks.'
To make the Jets click, Holtz will have to do something about a defensive unit that ranked dead last in the entire National Football League last season. Much of that poor performance was due to a lack of team spirit and cohesion, since guys just playing out the string are hardly likely to keep up with those battling for playoff berths.
'If you're good defensively, you're always in ballgames and you're respectable,' says Holtz. Fortunately, he does have some talented players to work with on defense, including tackle Carl Barzilauskas, ends Richard Neal and Billy Newsome, linebacker Godwin Turk and defensive back Phil Wise. Rookies Shafer Suggs, a defensive back from Ball State, and Greg Buttle, one of those Penn State linebackers, could help right away.
If their defense can keep things reasonably under control, the Jets should win some ballgames, since their offense can put points on the board. The key, as always, is Namath. He ranked fourth from the bottom on the official NFL passing statistics last season and led the league with 28 interceptions. But he passed for 2,286 yards and 15 touchdowns and was playing catch-up much of the time, so he often had to throw into deep zones and penetrate defenses.
'Joe Namath is a winner,' says Holtz. 'The guy desperately wants to win, and I'm looking forward to working with him.'
Namath, entering his 12th pro season, has a fine group of receivers to throw to. Richard Caster, grabbed a career-high 47 passes and led all NFL tight ends with 820 yards and an average of 17.4 yards per catch. Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and a healthy David Knight are capable receivers.
Fullback John Riggins is coming off the best year of his career when he became the first Jet ever to crack the 1,000-yard barrier, rushing for 1,005. He also caught 30 passes and was named the club's most valuable player by his teammates. At halfback, Carl Garrett showed flashes of brilliance in rushing for 566 yards but remains a personality problem for Holtz to deal with; Steve Davis and Bob Gresham are other possibilities.
The Jets took a big plunge in the college draft, going for Alabama quarterback Richard Todd No. 1. Though restricted by what he could show by the Crimson Tide's wishbone offense, he looked outstanding passing for 332 yards in the Senior Bowl and will be groomed as the successor to that other Alabaman, Namath. Todd is big and mobile and effective and on the rollout, a sharp contrast to the stationary, weak-kneed Namath.
The big question around the Jets is how long it will be before Holtz decides to restructure New York's offense around the mobility of Todd. Holtz will probable take a long look at the youngster in training camp and make his evaluation then as to how much time it will take Todd to get ready for the NFL wars.
So, in the meantime, Namath remains No. 1. If the Jets are to rise above the .500 mark and into contention in the AFC East, they'll need a big season from him as well as a complete turnaround by the defense."

-Alex Sachare, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook


"HEAD COACH: LOU HOLTZ
Youthful Lou Holtz has his work cut out for him as he steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over the sagging fortunes of the sadly deteriorated New York Jets. Coming off their worst season ever (3-11), the Jets appear in desperate need of a complete overhauling before they can begin their climb back to respectability. At the moment, they remain a team with lots of flash but very little substance.
OFFENSE
Broadway Joe Namath tried unsuccessfully to peddle his high-priced services elsewhere during the off-season after suffering through the dismal '75 campaign in which he led all passers with 28 interceptions and compiled a woeful 48.2 percent completion average. Once described by Vince Lombardi as 'the perfect pro passer,' Namath appears to have lost the quick-strike velocity that made him famous. Holtz has stated he likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has difficulty walking, so top draft pick Richard Todd of Alabama could see plenty of action in his rookie season. Todd is a rugged type who can throw long and run with power, but needs to master the drop-back technique so necessary in the pro circuit.
Tight end Richard Caster is an accomplished deep threat with his great speed and combines with flankers Jerome Barkum and clever David Knight to form an exceptional set of pass receivers. Little Eddie Bell, sprinter James Scott and tight end reserve Willie Brister are the relief men.
Burly Steve Davis and Bob Burns can run with power while Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham offer good speed at the halfback post. Rookies James Richards of Florida and scatterback Lou Giammona of Utah State, a do-it-all type, could win jobs this year.
Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC are two big-school collegiate stars who may inject quickness in the notably slow-footed, run-clogging offensive line. Randy Rasmussen, best of the regular unit, is secure at one guard slot while strongman Joe Wysock, out all of '75, and Garry Puetz return at the other. Winston Hill, Robert Woods and Gordie Browne are big, ponderous tackles. Joe Fields and Wayne Mulligan are only adequate at the center position.
DEFENSE
Under ex-coach Charley Winner, the Jets came apart on defense, yielding more yardage and more points than any team in the league. Holtz and defensive aide Walt Michaels have their work cut out for them as they try and regroup the troops. Mark Lomas, another casualty last year, looms a sure starter up front along with powerful Carl Barzilauskas and hustling team MVP Ed Galigher. Eligible candidates for the fourth slot include Billy Newsome, Richard Neal, Jim Bailey and rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State.
All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State should beat out Richard Wood and Rich Lewis on the weak side while tough Godwin Turk plays the left linebacker post with savage abandon. A quality middle man is desperately needed; as of the moment, John Ebersole, Jamie Rivers and veteran Al Atkinson are the contenders.
The secondary will be reconstructed to compensate for a glaring weakness at the corners. Prized rookie Shafer Suggs of Ball State is an unusually strong and fast safety prospect so Holtz will shift versatile Burgess Owens, a standout performer, to a corner slot. Phil Wise, Steve Tannen and soph Ed Taylor are solid safety types. The remaining cornerback job is up for grabs with Eldridge Small and Lou Piccone challenging '75 starters Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells.
FORECAST
It is highly unlikely that the Jets will be in contention in the Eastern Division this season, but they still pack sufficient offensive punch to improve on their 3-11 record of 1975. Lou Holtz has always been a successful motivator of young athletes; this talent will be severely tested this year as he tries to put the pieces together in New York. PFI tabs the Jets as winners in a duel with the young Patriots to escape a cellar finish."

-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.


"Lou Holtz steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over a badly deteriorated, atrociously coached and sadly disorganized New York Jets football team that comes off the worst season (3-11) in its history. Coach Holtz, general manager Al Ward and new defensive coach Walt Michaels face a massive reconstruction challenge as they strive to lift the Jets, a team with lots of flash but very little substance, back to respectability.
Prior to the start of the '75 season, then coach Charley Winner tried to strengthen his defense with some 'hand-picked' NFL rejects; the result was catastrophic. New York yielded more yardage and more points than any team in the league and nearly set an all-time low for defensive efficiency. Michaels will be charged with the task of reorganizing the defensive unit.
The front four registered a mere 19 sacks and allowed rival runners to gain 4.8 yards per carry. Hustling MVP Ed Galigher (6'4"/255) was the only bright light and can play either tackle or end. Carl Barzilauskas (6'6"/285) had a dull sophomore season but remains a formidable figure in the middle. The return to action of Mark Lomas (6'4"/250), out all of '75, improves the situation at end. Rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State will vie with disappointing Billy Newsome (6'5"/245) for starting honors, with Jim Bailey and Richard Neal slated with reserve duty. The Jets are badly in need of another starter up front.
Young Godwin Turk developed fast and earned his tough guy reputation with brutal play at strong side linebacker. All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State has little competition on the weak side where Rich Lewis and Richard Wood proved lacking last year. Bob Martin (6'1"/210) of Nebraska, a small but scrappy outside man, may also push into the picture. Steady John Ebersole may win the middle slot by default since Jamie Rivers and Ken Bernich do not figure to pose any threat.
The Jets are surprisingly strong at the safety positions where they have multi-talented Burgess Owens, hard-hitting Phil Wise, stickout soph Ed Taylor and veteran Steve Tannen. At the same time, they were totally devoid of talent at the corners, which was reflected in an NFL-high 26 touchdown passes yielded. Prized draft pick Shafer Suggs (6'2"/195) of Ball State looms a sure starter in the secondary due to his 4.5 speed and exceptional jumping ability. Holtz may be forced to shift Owens or Tannen to a corner position since Roscoe Word, Rich Sowells and Delles Howell appear to be spot-play relief men at best.
The Jets, who lived by the pass in better years, died by it last year. Joe Namath experienced his worst season as a pro, throwing 28 interceptions, most of any NFL passer, and compiling a very poor 48.2 percent completion mark. In his prime, no one ever threw the ball any better, but Broadway Joe seems to have lost not only his enthusiasm but also the zip that made him famous. Top draft pick Richard Todd (6'2"/210) of Alabama is a rugged runner and has a strong arm but must adapt to the drop-back technique demanded in the NFL. Neither Al Woodall nor J.J. Jones appear up to the challenge posed by Todd, so one or both may be dealt away. Holtz likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has trouble walking, so Todd may see plenty of action.
Flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight, along with tight end Richard Caster, give New York an outstanding pair of pass catchers. Barkum is the strongest flanker in the game and a great receiver in heavy traffic while Knight is a clever pattern-runner with magical hands. No tight end is as feared or more consistently accorded double coverage than Caster, who uses his great speed to intimidate rival safety men. Little Eddie Bell, James Scott and tight end Willie Brister are the reserves.
A slow-footed offensive line needs reconstruction. Winston Hill (280), Robert Woods (260) and Gordie Browne (265) are ponderous and immobile tackles. The same can be said of the guards where Randy Rasmussen (265), Garry Puetz (265) and Joe Wysock (250) operate. Joe Fields (240) appears to have edged veteran Wayne Mulligan (250) at center. Holtz hopes newcomers Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC will crack the regular lineup and inject some needed speed.
Big John Riggins is the main man of the offense and set club records last year with his 238 carries and 1,005 yards gained rushing. A bull of a back with good speed, Riggins could move over to halfback and team with burly power runner Steve Davis to give New York a big back tandem. Both Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham disappointed in '75 but are capable of rebounding. Rookies James Richards of Florida and exciting scatback Lou Giamonna of Utah State may push veteran Emerson Boozer off the roster.
There is little basis for optimism as the Jets enter the '76 campaign. Joe Namath said as much when he was trying to peddle his $500,000 services elsewhere during the off-season. The debilitating effects of the Ewbank-Winner reign may prove too much of a handicap for Holtz to overcome in just one year. A cellar finish seems in the offing.
Forecast: 5th Place"

-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.


"Joe Namath once again remains to lead the development (or lack of it) of the New York Jets. Namath's position is probably unique in pro football. Although all clubs are realistically built around their quarterback, the Jets' fortunes have been umbilically tied to Namath ever since his arrival at Shea Stadium in 1965.
The entire backfield and offensive line must be geared to pass blocking because of Namath's lack of mobility on gimpy knees. When the team had a solid pass blocking line and a solid blocking fullback (Matt Snell), Namath was superb and the Jets were tough to beat. Without those factors, Namath is less of a threat and the Jets are less of a team.
After last season's 3-11 disgrace, the Jets underwent somewhat of a front office house cleaning that saw not only coach Charley Winner but also his interim successor, Ken Shipp, and almost the entire staff get dismissal slips from president Phil Iselin and general manager Al Ward. What will transpire this year under the new field leadership is anybody's guess. But the best analysis is that the Jets will be reconstructed around their 33-year-old quarterback.
Namath didn't have his best season in 1975, failing to finish among the top ten AFC quarterbacks for the first time in his career. But his presence is still the dominating factor in the scheme of things. And he will probably be less vulnerable this year in at least one department- his backup depth. The Jets drafted no less than two quarterbacks in the NFL's selection meeting last April, including Richard Todd who, like Namath, was thrown up on the New York beach by Alabama's Crimson Tide. Todd, whom Bear Bryant has compared favorably with Namath, has all the credentials that go with directing an Alabama football team. The other rookie quarterback is Dave Buckey of North Carolina State, who was chosen in the 12th round along with his twin brother, Don, a wide receiver. And brother! The Jets need somebody to catch passes! As a club, they ranked tenth in the AFC in pass receptions last season.
In 1975, for the first time, the Jets had a 1,000-yard rusher in tough John Riggins, who ran over or into anything in his way. None of the other New York runners had much of a 1975 season. Carl Garrett was a regular most of the time, but largely by default, and he can hardly be considered the answer to the pass blocking situation in the backfield. Jazz Jackson presents some potential as an outside threat, but shows a distinct lack of experience. What sort of help comes out of the draft may determine the direction new coach Lou Holtz, the 39-year-old former North Carolina State mentor, goes with his offense.
One of the places Holtz will be looking to shore up the Jets will be on the front line, defensively, where Carl Barzilauskas is about the only pro-quality man who delivers a consistent performance. The Jets were so easy to run against in 1975 that the line often resembled hot butter being sliced by a very busy knife whenever the opposition had the ball. The defensive statistics were kept from being worse than they were only because the defensive secondary was also porous, and a constant target for opposing quarterbacks.
One hope for the Jets this season, however, will be the presence of Holtz himself. If he can restore some semblance of harmony on the bench, that, in itself, may advance the cause at Shea Stadium a good deal. Internecine warfare among the Jets last season probably led directly to Winner's departure and probably contributed to Shipp's failure. Players who dislike each other don't tend to play well together- a certain degree of espirit de corps is mandatory, especially in an emotional sport like pro football.
It is here that Lou Holtz has a chance to make his greatest immediate contribution. The Jet personnel includes one of the best all-around pass receiving units in pro football. Namath, when protected, is still a singularly dangerous passer. If the offense performs better, the other team will handle the ball less and some pressure will be taken off the defense.
The Jets have the manpower to be better than 3-11- if they all pull together. Look for an improvement in the New York record this season, simply on the basis of morale."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath's knees are all right for now, but he has a bad thigh muscle and his arm isn't what it used to be. He was intercepted 28 times in 1975, stubbornly trying to throw into a crowd as he played catch up. Now he has another Alabama QB for a backup, Richard Todd. Al Woodall, longtime backup for Namath, returns after a season of injury. J.J. Jones is still good on occasion. Dave Buckey's twin brother, Don, is a Jet rookie wide receiver.
Running Backs: Riggins has gone to Washington. Emerson Boozer may not be back after an inactive season. Garrett is flashy, but he's not a good blocker and he fumbles too much. Steve Davis is a plow horse; Bob Gresham is merely a hope. Bob Burns may be only a two-year man, but he's a veteran.
Receivers: A good outfit. Richard Caster finally proved his true worth and stopped dropping almost everything that landed in his hands. In 1975 he hung on to 47 balls on a pass-crazy team and may be the NFL's fastest tight end. Jerome Barkum adds style to this unit.
Tim George will contribute much to the receiving department, and receiver coach Dan Henning hopes James Scott will live up to his potential. Eddie Bell is too small, and the Jets may dump him. David Knight got hurt and lost half the year, but has ability. Introducing Buckey to Buckey, a new Jet aerial combination.
Interior Linemen: The Jets feel good about their much-buffeted offensive linemen. They have quality youth in center Joe Fields, tackles Darrell Austin and Gordie Browne and Garry Puetz at guard. Puetz, Randy Rasmussen, Winston Hill and Robert Woods were starters last year, but there'll be some changes made this season.
Pass protection around Namath broke down in 1975. This may be Hill's last hurrah. Steve King has good credentials- he was part of a powerhouse Michigan team. Joe Davis was one of two eighth round draft choices.
Kickers: Greg Gantt did all the punting in 1975 for a mediocre 36.5 average- the Jets need better. Pat Leahy was 13 of 21 on field goals, but missed a couple of easy ones; with confidence he may still make it. Rick Faulk is a rookie punter from San Francisco State."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were 26th and last against the rush. That means Barzilauskas, Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher and Jim Bailey are in trouble- if new bodies can be found. One hope is that former regular Richard Neal will come off the injured list. Mark Lomas, too, is coming off injury in 1975. Larry Faulk, chosen in the seventh round of the draft, can also play defensive end. Physically, the Jets are big enough, but do they have the smarts?
Linebackers: The Jets need a middle linebacker badly. Jamie Rivers is plagued with knee injuries and may retire; he's a nine-year veteran. John Ebersole has a chance to move up and take over the middle.
Godwin Turk was a young turk at left linebacker, although he made some rookie mistakes. Richard Lewis is still a question at right linebacker, but Richard Wood may be good. Greg Buttle is another top-flight linebacker from Penn State.
Cornerback: The Shea tenants badly need a cornerback, or then again it may be a safety, whichever becomes available. They were 25th in pass defense in 1975. Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word have been overrated.
It's up to the new coach to move quickly here. Delles Howell may come into focus yet, but still- it's a weak point. Shafer Suggs had good notices at Ball State.
Safeties: The incumbents are Burgess Owens and Ed Taylor, with Steve Tannen and Phil Wise coming off the injury list. Help is needed, or perhaps a comeback by Tannen, who has the potential. Carl Capria is getting experience, of a sort."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976


"The Jets gave up more points- almost 31 per game- and yielded more yardage to rushers and passers than any team in the NFL. (Only two teams in history gave up more yardage- the 1961 Vikings and the 1967 Falcons.) The offense was no whizbang, either. The Jets ranked ninth in the AFC in total offense, sixth in rushing, ninth in passing.
OFFENSE: 'Overall' says new coach Lou Holtz (from North Carolina State), 'we probably have more question marks than any team in the NFL.' His biggest question mark may be at quarterback. Joe Namath, limping on glass-brittle knees, threw 28 interceptions last season, his most ever. The Jets No. 1 draft pick was a quarterback, ex-Alabama tosser Richard Todd, but Todd wheeled out of a wishbone offense and will have to learn how to drop back to pass.
The running back corps will be dotted with new faces. John Riggins (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Carl Garrett, who gained four and half yards a rush, are gone as Lou Holtz builds his kind of team. The workhorse runner figures to be Ed Marinaro, who jumped to the Jets from the Vikings.
All-Pro Rich Caster caught more passes than any tight end in the NFL and flanker Jerome Barkum is one of the best at going fast and deep. Ed Bell was the other flanker, Ed Bell his backup. Holtz says he wants more blocking and more devious pass routes from his pass catchers.
Pencil in Robert Woods at left tackle, but Winston Hill, once an All-Pro, may be replaced at right tackle by Gordie Browne. Randy Rasmussen is the left guard and Darrell Austin could win the other guard slot. Center Wayne Mulligan will have to fight off ex-guard Garry Puetz to hike the ball.
DEFENSE: The front four sacked only 19 quarterbacks last season, a pitiful number that must be improved upon or changes will have to be made. Starters are likely to be giant Carl Barzilauskas and veteran Ed Galigher at the tackles, Billy Newsome and Richard Neal on the ends. Depth is needed here.
Linebacking was porous last season. Godwin Turk may move from left linebacker to the middle, replacing Jamie Rivers, with Dick Wood on the right and John Ebersole on the left. Rookie Greg Buttle (Penn State) will get a shot here.
The deep backs, mourns Holtz, 'are young and good but made lots of mental errors.' Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word were at the corners, Burgess Owens and Phil Wise the safeties. A veteran, Ed Taylor, along with second round draft pick Shafer Suggs (Ball State) will try to land jobs.
SPECIALISTS: Pat Leahy kicks straight and long (13 of 21 field goal tries, seven from beyond 42), but punter Greg Gantt was the league's worst. Rick Faulk will try to toe his way to a job. Kick returners are Word and Lou Piccone; Holtz demands sweepier blocking for them.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Jets play against tough division opponents- Baltimore, Miami, Buffalo and New England- and must also play crack non-division clubs like Washington and Cincinnati. This will be a year that Holtz tries to put the Jets' head together."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976