Quarterback
No. 6
Arizona
"Demory had a Walter Mitty introduction to pro football last year, being called back when Joe Namath was injured and then stepping into a pro game for the first time against the Miami Dolphins when Al Woodall suddenly went down. He came to camp as a free agent after impressing Weeb Ewbank in film studies, was cut late in the preseason, was called back and ended up starting three games and appearing in two others.
Bill won the New England game at Foxboro using a ground-oriented offense. He completed one pass, a 12-yarder to David Knight, but it set up the winning field goal. Bill played an outstanding game against Pittsburgh a week later and nearly came away with a victory except for a fourth quarter uprising by the Steelers. He received the starting call in the home opener against Denver, but yielded to Al Woodall. Bill took over in the second quarter against the Patriots at Shea and directed a 33-13 win, throwing a 31-yard touchdown to Jerome Barkum. He hit on three of eight for 50 yards in that game.
Coach Ken Shipp says Demory learned the offense 'as quickly as anyone I've ever coached.' He needs to strengthen his arm somewhat, but he has the savvy to play the game. He's a strong leader and earned the respect of his teammates quickly.
Bill majored in public administration and works as a recreation leader during the off-season. His hometown is Phoenix, Arizona."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
1974 Profile: Al Woodall
Quarterback
No. 18
Duke
"Woodall was the starting quarterback in six games last year but he, too, fell victim to the quarterback injury jinx. He took over for Joe Namath in the Baltimore game, but suffered left knee ligament damage two weeks later in Miami when taken down by Bill Stanfill. Al was inactive for two weeks, but came back to relieve in the Denver game and then started the next three in a row prior to Namath's return.
Al threw nine touchdown passes, including two in the victory over Baltimore. He went 17-for-21 for 149 that day, stepping in for Namath. He also had a standout day against Cincinnati, hitting 20 of 31 before exiting when he was jarred heavily.
Woodall has been the backup since coming to the Jets. He had a fine year in 1970, engineering victories over the Rams and Vikings, but had a disappointing 1971 campaign and spent all but one game of 1972 on the taxi squad. Al has a very strong arm and a good mind for football.
He spent the 1968 season with the Richmond Roadrunners of the ACFL after leaving Duke, and led the ACFL in passing. He was drafted No. 2 in 1969.
Al has worked for an anti-narcotics program and done art show promotion in the past off-seasons. His hometown is Erwin, North Carolina."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
No. 18
Duke
"Woodall was the starting quarterback in six games last year but he, too, fell victim to the quarterback injury jinx. He took over for Joe Namath in the Baltimore game, but suffered left knee ligament damage two weeks later in Miami when taken down by Bill Stanfill. Al was inactive for two weeks, but came back to relieve in the Denver game and then started the next three in a row prior to Namath's return.
Al threw nine touchdown passes, including two in the victory over Baltimore. He went 17-for-21 for 149 that day, stepping in for Namath. He also had a standout day against Cincinnati, hitting 20 of 31 before exiting when he was jarred heavily.
Woodall has been the backup since coming to the Jets. He had a fine year in 1970, engineering victories over the Rams and Vikings, but had a disappointing 1971 campaign and spent all but one game of 1972 on the taxi squad. Al has a very strong arm and a good mind for football.
He spent the 1968 season with the Richmond Roadrunners of the ACFL after leaving Duke, and led the ACFL in passing. He was drafted No. 2 in 1969.
Al has worked for an anti-narcotics program and done art show promotion in the past off-seasons. His hometown is Erwin, North Carolina."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
1974 Profile: Joe Namath
Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"Despite the injuries which have plagued him in recent years, Namath is still considered by opposing coaches to be the most dangerous quarterback in the game. He came off a shoulder separation to play in four of the last five games of the year and led the Jets in passing on the passer-rating scale.
Namath was the leading passer in the '73 preseason, but was cut down in only the second game of the year when Baltimore's Stan White hit him on a blitz. He suffered a separation of the right shoulder and was out of action for seven weeks. He returned dramatically in Cincinnati to take the Jets to the brink of victory, but two disputed calls denied them. In four-and-a-half minutes of action, Namath hit on six of 13 passes for 98 yards and time ran out with him on the one-yard line after two passes to Richard Caster had been ruled not in the end zone.
Joe quarterbacked strong games against Atlanta and Baltimore in subsequent weeks, but his knee flared up prior to the Eagles game and he sat that one out. He finished out the season with a two-touchdown, 206-yard day against Buffalo. Off-season medical reports by Jet doctors indicate that his shoulder and knees are strong and he should be in fine shape for 1974.
The sudden injury was the third in four years to sideline the Jets All-Pro signal caller. In 1970 he suffered a broken wrist and in 1971 he tore ligaments in his left knee in his first preseason game. Injury-free 1972 showed that the Joe Namath magic is still there as he completed a banner season in which he passed for more yards than any other quarterback and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (19). He won All-Pro honors and earned his fifth selection to the Pro Bowl, though he had to decline due to ankle injuries suffered late in the '72 season.
Namath put together some of his best individual efforts in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history to have two 400-yard games in one season. The first was his best day ever, as he tore the Colts apart with six touchdown passes and 496 yards, the third best yardage total in history. He went 15-for-28 that day and the six touchdowns came off a total of only 15 plays, three of them on first down to Caster. It took his six touchdowns to beat Johnny Unitas that day as he also had his finest yardage day. The pair set an NFL record for combined passing yards with 872.
Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland in a Monday night affair. Working with a patchwork backfield due to injuries, he was obliged to throw 46 times and hit on 25. Though he is known for his passing exploits, Namath also is a master of directing the running game. Shunning the pass, he called a game which saw the Jets set a club record of 333 rushing yards in a 1972 41-13 win over New England. When defenses are geared for his arm, he turns to the backfield masterfully.
Namath is a member of the all-time All-AFL team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was a combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the 1968 campaign as well as earning the honor in 1969 and 1972, his last two injury-free seasons. Namath gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore. He was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and the George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Player. Namath was Jets MVP in 1968 and 1969 by a vote of his teammates and was captain of the offense in 1968-1970 and 1972. He won the New England Writers' Colclough Award as the most courageous following his return to action from knee surgery in 1971 when he came in to throw for three touchdowns against San Francisco.
During the Super Bowl campaign, he went through six games without a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games. He threw for three touchdowns in the AFL Championship Game (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons) and called nearly a perfect game in the Super Bowl, hitting 17 of 28 for 208 yards.
Joe owns the Jet record for longest pass play with an 87-yarder to Maynard at San Diego in 1968. He also clicked for an 83-yard strike to Ed Bell in 1972 to defeat Baltimore. Joe owns virtually all the Jet passing records. He has been over 300 yards 20 times in his career (three of those being over 400) and shares the NFL record for consecutive pass completions with 15 in back-to-back games against Miami and Boston in 1967. He's the only passer in pro history to go over 4,000 yards in one season with 4,007 in 1967.
He was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, AFL All-Star Game MVP in 1965 and co-MVP of the All-Star Game in 1967. A fine runner in college, Namath has rushed only 47 times for 123 yards in his career. His longest run was for 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Namath has appeared in 28 of the 56 regular season Jet games from 1970 through 1973. In that period, the Jets won 21 and lost 35. With Namath the starting or responsible quarterback, the Jets have won 11 and lost 14. Prior to 1970 Namath had played in 74 consecutive games plus three postseason games. He was the starting or responsible quarterback for a record of 39-23-4 and was the 'winning' quarterback in the '68 AFL title game and Super Bowl III. In that same period the Jets were 40-26-4. Since Namath came to the team the Jets have gone 61-61-4 and he has been 50-37-4.
Drafted first by the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. His right knee was operated on for removal of cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after signing his first contract. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966. His left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968. A '5-in-1' operation on his left knee was performed on August 8, 1971 for ligament and cartilage damage and a tendon transfer after suffering an injury against Detroit when hit by Paul Naumoff while trying to tackle Mike Lucci. All the operations were performed by Jets orthopedist Dr. James A. Nicholas.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel.' He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' Joe has had his own TV show syndicated and has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows such 'Laugh-In,' 'Flip Wilson' and 'Dinah Shore.'
He owns Joe Namath restaurants in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and operated the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. He visited servicemen in the Far East following the Super Bowl.
Joe resides in New York and Florida during the off-season. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
No. 12
Alabama
"Despite the injuries which have plagued him in recent years, Namath is still considered by opposing coaches to be the most dangerous quarterback in the game. He came off a shoulder separation to play in four of the last five games of the year and led the Jets in passing on the passer-rating scale.
Namath was the leading passer in the '73 preseason, but was cut down in only the second game of the year when Baltimore's Stan White hit him on a blitz. He suffered a separation of the right shoulder and was out of action for seven weeks. He returned dramatically in Cincinnati to take the Jets to the brink of victory, but two disputed calls denied them. In four-and-a-half minutes of action, Namath hit on six of 13 passes for 98 yards and time ran out with him on the one-yard line after two passes to Richard Caster had been ruled not in the end zone.
Joe quarterbacked strong games against Atlanta and Baltimore in subsequent weeks, but his knee flared up prior to the Eagles game and he sat that one out. He finished out the season with a two-touchdown, 206-yard day against Buffalo. Off-season medical reports by Jet doctors indicate that his shoulder and knees are strong and he should be in fine shape for 1974.
The sudden injury was the third in four years to sideline the Jets All-Pro signal caller. In 1970 he suffered a broken wrist and in 1971 he tore ligaments in his left knee in his first preseason game. Injury-free 1972 showed that the Joe Namath magic is still there as he completed a banner season in which he passed for more yards than any other quarterback and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (19). He won All-Pro honors and earned his fifth selection to the Pro Bowl, though he had to decline due to ankle injuries suffered late in the '72 season.
Namath put together some of his best individual efforts in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history to have two 400-yard games in one season. The first was his best day ever, as he tore the Colts apart with six touchdown passes and 496 yards, the third best yardage total in history. He went 15-for-28 that day and the six touchdowns came off a total of only 15 plays, three of them on first down to Caster. It took his six touchdowns to beat Johnny Unitas that day as he also had his finest yardage day. The pair set an NFL record for combined passing yards with 872.
Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland in a Monday night affair. Working with a patchwork backfield due to injuries, he was obliged to throw 46 times and hit on 25. Though he is known for his passing exploits, Namath also is a master of directing the running game. Shunning the pass, he called a game which saw the Jets set a club record of 333 rushing yards in a 1972 41-13 win over New England. When defenses are geared for his arm, he turns to the backfield masterfully.
Namath is a member of the all-time All-AFL team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was a combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the 1968 campaign as well as earning the honor in 1969 and 1972, his last two injury-free seasons. Namath gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore. He was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and the George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Player. Namath was Jets MVP in 1968 and 1969 by a vote of his teammates and was captain of the offense in 1968-1970 and 1972. He won the New England Writers' Colclough Award as the most courageous following his return to action from knee surgery in 1971 when he came in to throw for three touchdowns against San Francisco.
During the Super Bowl campaign, he went through six games without a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games. He threw for three touchdowns in the AFL Championship Game (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons) and called nearly a perfect game in the Super Bowl, hitting 17 of 28 for 208 yards.
Joe owns the Jet record for longest pass play with an 87-yarder to Maynard at San Diego in 1968. He also clicked for an 83-yard strike to Ed Bell in 1972 to defeat Baltimore. Joe owns virtually all the Jet passing records. He has been over 300 yards 20 times in his career (three of those being over 400) and shares the NFL record for consecutive pass completions with 15 in back-to-back games against Miami and Boston in 1967. He's the only passer in pro history to go over 4,000 yards in one season with 4,007 in 1967.
He was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, AFL All-Star Game MVP in 1965 and co-MVP of the All-Star Game in 1967. A fine runner in college, Namath has rushed only 47 times for 123 yards in his career. His longest run was for 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Namath has appeared in 28 of the 56 regular season Jet games from 1970 through 1973. In that period, the Jets won 21 and lost 35. With Namath the starting or responsible quarterback, the Jets have won 11 and lost 14. Prior to 1970 Namath had played in 74 consecutive games plus three postseason games. He was the starting or responsible quarterback for a record of 39-23-4 and was the 'winning' quarterback in the '68 AFL title game and Super Bowl III. In that same period the Jets were 40-26-4. Since Namath came to the team the Jets have gone 61-61-4 and he has been 50-37-4.
Drafted first by the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. His right knee was operated on for removal of cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after signing his first contract. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966. His left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968. A '5-in-1' operation on his left knee was performed on August 8, 1971 for ligament and cartilage damage and a tendon transfer after suffering an injury against Detroit when hit by Paul Naumoff while trying to tackle Mike Lucci. All the operations were performed by Jets orthopedist Dr. James A. Nicholas.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel.' He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' Joe has had his own TV show syndicated and has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows such 'Laugh-In,' 'Flip Wilson' and 'Dinah Shore.'
He owns Joe Namath restaurants in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and operated the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. He visited servicemen in the Far East following the Super Bowl.
Joe resides in New York and Florida during the off-season. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Sunday, January 25, 2015
1974 Profile: Homer Edington
Director of Player Personnel
"Edington joined the Jets after a long high school and college coaching career in Ohio and Michigan. He has directed the Jets to a strong draft in each of his years with the team.
Homer coached against Weeb Ewbank nearly 30 years ago on the Ohio high school circuit. He began his career at Fairfield High in Hamilton, Ohio, then was an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1943-46. He returned to the high school ranks from 1946-50 with Chilicothe (Ohio) High before heading for Kent State University from 1950-53 as an assistant coach.
In the '50s, Homer was also a civilian athletic consultant to the U.S. Army in France and Germany, and head coach at New Albany (Ohio) High. He coached eight years at Lakewood (Hebron, Ohio) High from 1960-67 and then spent a year at Muskegon Heights High in Michigan just prior to joining the Jets.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Homer graduated from Ohio State in 1938."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
"Edington joined the Jets after a long high school and college coaching career in Ohio and Michigan. He has directed the Jets to a strong draft in each of his years with the team.
Homer coached against Weeb Ewbank nearly 30 years ago on the Ohio high school circuit. He began his career at Fairfield High in Hamilton, Ohio, then was an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1943-46. He returned to the high school ranks from 1946-50 with Chilicothe (Ohio) High before heading for Kent State University from 1950-53 as an assistant coach.
In the '50s, Homer was also a civilian athletic consultant to the U.S. Army in France and Germany, and head coach at New Albany (Ohio) High. He coached eight years at Lakewood (Hebron, Ohio) High from 1960-67 and then spent a year at Muskegon Heights High in Michigan just prior to joining the Jets.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Homer graduated from Ohio State in 1938."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Profile: Bill Hampton
Equipment Manager
"In charge of all the Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round, Hampton started out as a stickboy for hockey's New York Rangers in 1945, moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man in tandem with Frank Paice, and remained with that organization until 1964, when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year tour with the Army from 1951-52.
Bill makes his home in Bridgewaters, New York."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
"In charge of all the Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round, Hampton started out as a stickboy for hockey's New York Rangers in 1945, moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man in tandem with Frank Paice, and remained with that organization until 1964, when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year tour with the Army from 1951-52.
Bill makes his home in Bridgewaters, New York."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Profile: Jeff Snedeker
Trainer
"An original member of the Jets franchise, Snedeker has served as head trainer for 11 years. He has had a distinguished career with the Jets, supervising rehabilitation of injuries, notably those to Joe Namath, and handling the daily medical chores.
Jeff graduated from Cortland State with a physical education degree and then received a Master's from Indiana University in health education with a major in athletic training. He started his training career as a student at Cortland and continued as a student trainer and graduate teaching assistant at Indiana. Jeff was assistant trainer at the University of Washington from 1960-63 before joining the AFL Jets.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Jeff worked as a research associate for the Institute for Sports Medicine during the off-season."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
"An original member of the Jets franchise, Snedeker has served as head trainer for 11 years. He has had a distinguished career with the Jets, supervising rehabilitation of injuries, notably those to Joe Namath, and handling the daily medical chores.
Jeff graduated from Cortland State with a physical education degree and then received a Master's from Indiana University in health education with a major in athletic training. He started his training career as a student at Cortland and continued as a student trainer and graduate teaching assistant at Indiana. Jeff was assistant trainer at the University of Washington from 1960-63 before joining the AFL Jets.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Jeff worked as a research associate for the Institute for Sports Medicine during the off-season."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 New York Jet Coaches Profiles
CHARLEY WINNER (Head Coach)
"When Charley Winner was named head coach-designate of the New York Jets in 1973, he gave as one of his reasons for accepting the job, 'Where else could a coach go to help mold a team he'll be taking over a year from now?'
And in his season as defensive assistant to Weeb Ewbank, Winner was indeed fitting together some of the pieces of the winning puzzle he hopes to complete in the next few years.
But he had a chance to do even more than that.
'Learning personnel is naturally important,' said the 49-year-old Winner. 'Sometimes you have an idea about a player or two, but it may be from a second-hand source. This way I've gotten a first-hand look at all the people we've had available.
'But I've also had the opportunity to learn about the administration of the organization, to get to know the owners and to work with them. That's very important knowledge for a head coach.
'And finally I've gotten to know some of the members of the New York press. There are so many of them, I still don't know half the names. But at least I have had the chance to work with them for a year, and not coming in from the cold.'
So Winner has the advantage of having been on the inside of the organization which he will lead in 1974. This will be the second head coaching position for the man with just a middle initial but two birthdays.
'My birth certificate reads 'Charles H. Winner,' although the 'H.' is supposed to stand for 'Height' which is my mother's maiden name,' explained Winner. 'The doctor who filed the certificate just put down 'H.' and forgot to fill in the rest, so that's how it stands. Also, my certificate says I was born July 3, but my mother told me I was born July 2. So I celebrate both days!'
As St. Louis Cardinals head man for five years, Winner compiled the best record in Redbird history, 35-30-5. It was just when he thought he had the Cards ready for Super Bowl consideration in 1971 that he was released. He joined George Allen as defensive backfield coach for two seasons, including 1972's Super Bowl 'almost.'
Following that year, Winner had several opportunities to move on, but chose the one where he knew he'd get the most flak.
'I was well aware charges of nepotism would arise from my taking the Jet job,' he said. 'But I decided it was an offer I just couldn't pass up. I always wanted to be part of the New York sports scene, because I think New York is the best sports town in the country. And I thought I had proven myself to be considered on my own professional merits.' The charges might have never arisen were it not for Weeb's little talk to his Washington (St. Louis) football squad in 1947.
'I had just come from Brown, where I had been assistant,' Ewbank remembers. 'I married my oldest daughter to a halfback up there.' So Ewbank warned his Washington halfbacks he didn't want to catch any of them dating his other daughters. Listening attentively was a 22-year-old scatback from Somerville, New Jersey, who remembers saying to himself, 'Now why would I want to go out any of HIS daughters?' But Charley Winner soon found out. He and Nancy Ewbank starting dating and soon Weeb wasn't losing another daughter, he was gaining another halfback- and a coaching aide.
Winner's first professional football 'job' was helping out with the Cleveland Browns, where Ewbank was an assistant to Paul Brown. When Weeb took over the Colts in 1954, he brought Charley with him as a defensive coach and Winner designed the defense that helped Baltimore to back-to-back National Football League titles in 1958-1959.
When Ewbank moved on to New York in 1963, he offered to take Charley along. But Winner refused, saying it was time for him to strike out on his own. So he aided Don Shula for a couple of years before moving on to the St. Louis position.
'I've had the opportunity to work under some of the best coaches in history,' he says. 'Weeb, Shula, Allen. All of them are top notch. I've learned a little from each, but basically I'm my own coach. You can't try to copy another coach's style completely. It just doesn't work. You have to incorporate what you want from others, but put it together with your own touches.' Winner's own touches include an insatiable appetite for work.
'He's always at it,' noted Earlie Thomas, the Jets' veteran cornerback. 'And all the guys like him because we can see how his system will work for us once we get it down. We've made a lot of changes on defense, but in the long run we'll be a better team. It's just a matter of time.'
'My main theory is to treat everyone fairly,' said Winner. 'And of course my ultimate objective is to win. I think they go hand-in-hand. I believe in discipline but not to an over extensive degree. I like to think my players have pride, and that will drive them to try to be the best at their position. Dedication is essential if you are going to have a winning football team. And that starts with the head coach.' Coaching has been Winner's life.
'I never wanted to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or anything else but a coach,' he says. But when he's not busy with football, you'll find Charley Winner- eating! Despite his slim 5-foot-7 frame, Winner can eat with the best of them.
'It all goes back to the time I spent in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II,' he explains. Winner served as a radio operator and gunner and flew 17 missions before being shot down in March of 1945.
'I was imprisoned in Stalag Luft, Barth-on-the-Baltic, for about six months before the Russians came along and liberated the camp,' he says. 'During that time we'd only get maybe half-a-loaf of German black bread or some kind of dehydrated soup to eat. We were lucky if somebody shot a horse, and we'd get a hunk of meat occasionally.
'But all the time we'd sit around and think about what we were going to eat as soon as we got out. And I've been eating ever since!' Winner also likes to fish ('I never get much of a chance') and to raise tomatoes ('Best in the country- Burpee High-bred Big Boys').
He and Nancy have two daughters, Cinda, 21 and Lisa, 16.
'Neither is dating a halfback,' Winner reported."
-Vinny DiTrani, The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
KEN SHIPP (Offensive Coordinator and Receivers Coach)
"Shipp handles coaching duties with quarterbacks and receivers and will serve as Charley Winner's offensive coordinator. He worked very closely last year with Joe Namath, Al Woodall and Bill Demory, teaching them his system of passing.
Ken has coached in the NFL for six years. He spent 1971 and 1972 working as offensive coach for the New Orleans, tutoring Archie Manning. He previously had been hired to his first NFL job under Charley Winner at St. Louis in 1968, and remained with the Cardinals through 1970.
Shipp has an extensive college coaching record dating back to 1951. He started at Middle Tennessee State and spent two years there. He moved to Trinity University (1953-57), Florida State (1958), Tulsa (1961-62), South Carolina (1963) and Miami (Florida) from 1964-67. He spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL (1959-60).
Ken was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
DICK VORIS (Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach)
"Voris joins the Jets this year to assume duties as Charley Winner's defensive coordinator. He has coached in the NFL for 15 seasons in addition to a six-year tenure in the colleges.
Dick coached with the L.A. Rams in 1953 and 1954 before going to West Point where he served as Earl Blaik's chief aide from 1955 through 1957. He then assumed a head coaching job at Virginia from 1958-1960.
Voris was Player Personnel Director under Vince Lombardi at Green Bay in 1961-62 and then became defensive coordinator at San Francisco (1963-67). He went to the Cardinals under Winner (1968-71) prior to joining Detroit (1972), and spent last season as head defensive coach at Baltimore.
Dick graduated from San Jose State and is a World War II veteran of the Marine Corps. He was born in Los Angeles."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
MIKE HOLOVAK (Offensive Backfield)
"Holovak enters his second season as coach of the running backs, and also handles general offensive duties and film breakdown work. He had served as scout for the Jets combine group in 1972.
Mike was head coach of the Boston Patriots from 1961-68, earning AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1966. He guided the Patriots to the AFL's Eastern Division title in 1963. He was offensive coach of the 49ers in 1969, joined Oakland as a talent scout in 1970 and was Raiders receiving coach in 1971.
Holovak was an All-America fullback at Boston College from 1939-42. Following a tour of duty in the Navy, he played for the L.A. Rams in 1946 and then with the Bears in 1947 and 1948.
He returned to Boston College in 1949 and assumed the head coaching job 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
BOB FRY (Offensive Line)
"One of the lightest offensive tackles in the NFL, Bobby Fry begins his tenth season, his fifth with the Cowboys. Only 232, he's a stringy 6-4, but his speed, mobility and clever blocking techniques make up for his lack of bulk. An old pro, he provides leadership for his many young teammates.
Fry was a college star at Kentucky. He joined the Rams and started for five seasons before coming to the Cowboys in their inaugural 1960 season.
He's an off-season real estate man in Cincinnati."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Fry joins the Jets this year to handle offensive line work, filling the spot previously held by Wimp Hewgley for three years. He brings with him a record of 21 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach. He headed up the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line for the past five years and shared responsibility for their powerful ground game which set a club record in 1972.
Bob was a starting offensive tackle for the Rams from 1953-59 with time out for a two-year Army hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
He joined the Falcons as a scout in 1965 and was assistant Player Personnel Director and offensive line coach at Atlanta from 1967-68. He joined the Steelers with Chuck Noll in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fry was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early '50s."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
BUDDY RYAN (Linebackers)
"Ryan joined the Jet staff of assistants in 1968, and will handle the linebackers this year for the first time after working with the defensive line for six seasons. He's known for molding the rushing defenses which have ranked near the top; the '68 Jets were first in the AFL against the rush, second in 1969, and in 1970 his charges led the AFC in rushing defense.
Buddy won four letters as a guard at Oklahoma State from 1952-55. He was defensive line coach at the University of the Pacific in 1967 after being head defensive coach at Vanderbilt in 1966. From 1961-65, he was defensive line coach at the University of Buffalo.
Ryan played on the Fourth Army championship team in Japan. He saw action in Korea and was a sergeant upon his discharge.
He was born in Frederick, Oklahoma."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
SAM RUTIGLIANO
"Hired by Charley Winner to tutor the secondary this season, Rutigliano has had seven seasons in the NFL, spending time with Denver and New England. He entered the pros with Denver and coached their receivers from 1967-70 before moving to a similar post with New England (1971-73).
Sam has a high school and college coaching record dating back to 1956, when he started out as head coach at Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. He later was head coach at Greenwich (CT) High (1959-61) and Chappaqua (NY) High (1962-63). He was backfield coach at Connecticut (1964-65) and spent one year (1966) as receiving coach at Maryland before coming to the pros.
Rutigliano holds a B.A. from Tulsa where he won three letters in football as a wide receiver. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High in Brooklyn, where he was born."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
JESS THOMPSON (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Thompson enters his third season with the Jets after joining the team in the summer of 1972. He serves as a scout in the Jets Galaxy combine with Denver, New Orleans and Houston and played an important role in last January's draft. He served for six years as a scout in the Blesto VII combine from 1965-70 and joined the Houston Oilers as Director of Scouting in 1971.
Jess has been in football all his life. He began his coaching career at Seminole High in Oklahoma and two years later moved to Cameron J.C. where he produced two Little Rose Bowl champs in his 13 years there. He also served as a defensive assistant coach at Mississippi Southern (two years), Tulsa (five years) and Texas Tech (two years) before moving to the Calgary Stampeders in 1961.
Jess was born in Sunset, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
CARROLL HUNTRESS (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Huntress will serve as a scout in the Jets combine with Denver, Houston and New Orleans. He has a coaching record in the high school and collegiate ranks which extends back to 1949.
Carroll began at Mechanic Falls High in Maine and after two years moved to Portland (ME) High in 1951. He remained as head football coach there until 1960 when he joined the University of Maryland. He coached the freshmen and the offensive ends for five years at College Park, then became head coach at Bucknell in 1965, serving four years. Most recently he was an assistant coach at Kentucky for four years.
Among the players Huntress has coached are Tom Mitchell, Gary Collins, Walter Rock, Roger Shoals and Sam Havrilak.
He was born in Saco, Maine."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
"When Charley Winner was named head coach-designate of the New York Jets in 1973, he gave as one of his reasons for accepting the job, 'Where else could a coach go to help mold a team he'll be taking over a year from now?'
And in his season as defensive assistant to Weeb Ewbank, Winner was indeed fitting together some of the pieces of the winning puzzle he hopes to complete in the next few years.
But he had a chance to do even more than that.
'Learning personnel is naturally important,' said the 49-year-old Winner. 'Sometimes you have an idea about a player or two, but it may be from a second-hand source. This way I've gotten a first-hand look at all the people we've had available.
'But I've also had the opportunity to learn about the administration of the organization, to get to know the owners and to work with them. That's very important knowledge for a head coach.
'And finally I've gotten to know some of the members of the New York press. There are so many of them, I still don't know half the names. But at least I have had the chance to work with them for a year, and not coming in from the cold.'
So Winner has the advantage of having been on the inside of the organization which he will lead in 1974. This will be the second head coaching position for the man with just a middle initial but two birthdays.
'My birth certificate reads 'Charles H. Winner,' although the 'H.' is supposed to stand for 'Height' which is my mother's maiden name,' explained Winner. 'The doctor who filed the certificate just put down 'H.' and forgot to fill in the rest, so that's how it stands. Also, my certificate says I was born July 3, but my mother told me I was born July 2. So I celebrate both days!'
As St. Louis Cardinals head man for five years, Winner compiled the best record in Redbird history, 35-30-5. It was just when he thought he had the Cards ready for Super Bowl consideration in 1971 that he was released. He joined George Allen as defensive backfield coach for two seasons, including 1972's Super Bowl 'almost.'
Following that year, Winner had several opportunities to move on, but chose the one where he knew he'd get the most flak.
'I was well aware charges of nepotism would arise from my taking the Jet job,' he said. 'But I decided it was an offer I just couldn't pass up. I always wanted to be part of the New York sports scene, because I think New York is the best sports town in the country. And I thought I had proven myself to be considered on my own professional merits.' The charges might have never arisen were it not for Weeb's little talk to his Washington (St. Louis) football squad in 1947.
'I had just come from Brown, where I had been assistant,' Ewbank remembers. 'I married my oldest daughter to a halfback up there.' So Ewbank warned his Washington halfbacks he didn't want to catch any of them dating his other daughters. Listening attentively was a 22-year-old scatback from Somerville, New Jersey, who remembers saying to himself, 'Now why would I want to go out any of HIS daughters?' But Charley Winner soon found out. He and Nancy Ewbank starting dating and soon Weeb wasn't losing another daughter, he was gaining another halfback- and a coaching aide.
Winner's first professional football 'job' was helping out with the Cleveland Browns, where Ewbank was an assistant to Paul Brown. When Weeb took over the Colts in 1954, he brought Charley with him as a defensive coach and Winner designed the defense that helped Baltimore to back-to-back National Football League titles in 1958-1959.
When Ewbank moved on to New York in 1963, he offered to take Charley along. But Winner refused, saying it was time for him to strike out on his own. So he aided Don Shula for a couple of years before moving on to the St. Louis position.
'I've had the opportunity to work under some of the best coaches in history,' he says. 'Weeb, Shula, Allen. All of them are top notch. I've learned a little from each, but basically I'm my own coach. You can't try to copy another coach's style completely. It just doesn't work. You have to incorporate what you want from others, but put it together with your own touches.' Winner's own touches include an insatiable appetite for work.
'He's always at it,' noted Earlie Thomas, the Jets' veteran cornerback. 'And all the guys like him because we can see how his system will work for us once we get it down. We've made a lot of changes on defense, but in the long run we'll be a better team. It's just a matter of time.'
'My main theory is to treat everyone fairly,' said Winner. 'And of course my ultimate objective is to win. I think they go hand-in-hand. I believe in discipline but not to an over extensive degree. I like to think my players have pride, and that will drive them to try to be the best at their position. Dedication is essential if you are going to have a winning football team. And that starts with the head coach.' Coaching has been Winner's life.
'I never wanted to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or anything else but a coach,' he says. But when he's not busy with football, you'll find Charley Winner- eating! Despite his slim 5-foot-7 frame, Winner can eat with the best of them.
'It all goes back to the time I spent in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II,' he explains. Winner served as a radio operator and gunner and flew 17 missions before being shot down in March of 1945.
'I was imprisoned in Stalag Luft, Barth-on-the-Baltic, for about six months before the Russians came along and liberated the camp,' he says. 'During that time we'd only get maybe half-a-loaf of German black bread or some kind of dehydrated soup to eat. We were lucky if somebody shot a horse, and we'd get a hunk of meat occasionally.
'But all the time we'd sit around and think about what we were going to eat as soon as we got out. And I've been eating ever since!' Winner also likes to fish ('I never get much of a chance') and to raise tomatoes ('Best in the country- Burpee High-bred Big Boys').
He and Nancy have two daughters, Cinda, 21 and Lisa, 16.
'Neither is dating a halfback,' Winner reported."
-Vinny DiTrani, The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
KEN SHIPP (Offensive Coordinator and Receivers Coach)
"Shipp handles coaching duties with quarterbacks and receivers and will serve as Charley Winner's offensive coordinator. He worked very closely last year with Joe Namath, Al Woodall and Bill Demory, teaching them his system of passing.
Ken has coached in the NFL for six years. He spent 1971 and 1972 working as offensive coach for the New Orleans, tutoring Archie Manning. He previously had been hired to his first NFL job under Charley Winner at St. Louis in 1968, and remained with the Cardinals through 1970.
Shipp has an extensive college coaching record dating back to 1951. He started at Middle Tennessee State and spent two years there. He moved to Trinity University (1953-57), Florida State (1958), Tulsa (1961-62), South Carolina (1963) and Miami (Florida) from 1964-67. He spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL (1959-60).
Ken was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
DICK VORIS (Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach)
"Voris joins the Jets this year to assume duties as Charley Winner's defensive coordinator. He has coached in the NFL for 15 seasons in addition to a six-year tenure in the colleges.
Dick coached with the L.A. Rams in 1953 and 1954 before going to West Point where he served as Earl Blaik's chief aide from 1955 through 1957. He then assumed a head coaching job at Virginia from 1958-1960.
Voris was Player Personnel Director under Vince Lombardi at Green Bay in 1961-62 and then became defensive coordinator at San Francisco (1963-67). He went to the Cardinals under Winner (1968-71) prior to joining Detroit (1972), and spent last season as head defensive coach at Baltimore.
Dick graduated from San Jose State and is a World War II veteran of the Marine Corps. He was born in Los Angeles."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
MIKE HOLOVAK (Offensive Backfield)
"Holovak enters his second season as coach of the running backs, and also handles general offensive duties and film breakdown work. He had served as scout for the Jets combine group in 1972.
Mike was head coach of the Boston Patriots from 1961-68, earning AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1966. He guided the Patriots to the AFL's Eastern Division title in 1963. He was offensive coach of the 49ers in 1969, joined Oakland as a talent scout in 1970 and was Raiders receiving coach in 1971.
Holovak was an All-America fullback at Boston College from 1939-42. Following a tour of duty in the Navy, he played for the L.A. Rams in 1946 and then with the Bears in 1947 and 1948.
He returned to Boston College in 1949 and assumed the head coaching job 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
BOB FRY (Offensive Line)
"In all his six years as a pro, Bob Fry has held on to a starting role at offensive tackle. Born in Cincinnati, he was brilliant at the University of Kentucky. The Rams drafted him in 1953 and he surprised with his mobility, speed and punishing blocking ability. His lack of weight (239 pounds) has never hampered his ability to 'ride out' opposing and bulkier tackles."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"One of the lightest offensive tackles in the NFL, Bobby Fry begins his tenth season, his fifth with the Cowboys. Only 232, he's a stringy 6-4, but his speed, mobility and clever blocking techniques make up for his lack of bulk. An old pro, he provides leadership for his many young teammates.
Fry was a college star at Kentucky. He joined the Rams and started for five seasons before coming to the Cowboys in their inaugural 1960 season.
He's an off-season real estate man in Cincinnati."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Fry joins the Jets this year to handle offensive line work, filling the spot previously held by Wimp Hewgley for three years. He brings with him a record of 21 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach. He headed up the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line for the past five years and shared responsibility for their powerful ground game which set a club record in 1972.
Bob was a starting offensive tackle for the Rams from 1953-59 with time out for a two-year Army hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
He joined the Falcons as a scout in 1965 and was assistant Player Personnel Director and offensive line coach at Atlanta from 1967-68. He joined the Steelers with Chuck Noll in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fry was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early '50s."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
BUDDY RYAN (Linebackers)
"Ryan joined the Jet staff of assistants in 1968, and will handle the linebackers this year for the first time after working with the defensive line for six seasons. He's known for molding the rushing defenses which have ranked near the top; the '68 Jets were first in the AFL against the rush, second in 1969, and in 1970 his charges led the AFC in rushing defense.
Buddy won four letters as a guard at Oklahoma State from 1952-55. He was defensive line coach at the University of the Pacific in 1967 after being head defensive coach at Vanderbilt in 1966. From 1961-65, he was defensive line coach at the University of Buffalo.
Ryan played on the Fourth Army championship team in Japan. He saw action in Korea and was a sergeant upon his discharge.
He was born in Frederick, Oklahoma."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
SAM RUTIGLIANO
"Hired by Charley Winner to tutor the secondary this season, Rutigliano has had seven seasons in the NFL, spending time with Denver and New England. He entered the pros with Denver and coached their receivers from 1967-70 before moving to a similar post with New England (1971-73).
Sam has a high school and college coaching record dating back to 1956, when he started out as head coach at Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. He later was head coach at Greenwich (CT) High (1959-61) and Chappaqua (NY) High (1962-63). He was backfield coach at Connecticut (1964-65) and spent one year (1966) as receiving coach at Maryland before coming to the pros.
Rutigliano holds a B.A. from Tulsa where he won three letters in football as a wide receiver. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High in Brooklyn, where he was born."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
JESS THOMPSON (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Thompson enters his third season with the Jets after joining the team in the summer of 1972. He serves as a scout in the Jets Galaxy combine with Denver, New Orleans and Houston and played an important role in last January's draft. He served for six years as a scout in the Blesto VII combine from 1965-70 and joined the Houston Oilers as Director of Scouting in 1971.
Jess has been in football all his life. He began his coaching career at Seminole High in Oklahoma and two years later moved to Cameron J.C. where he produced two Little Rose Bowl champs in his 13 years there. He also served as a defensive assistant coach at Mississippi Southern (two years), Tulsa (five years) and Texas Tech (two years) before moving to the Calgary Stampeders in 1961.
Jess was born in Sunset, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
CARROLL HUNTRESS (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Huntress will serve as a scout in the Jets combine with Denver, Houston and New Orleans. He has a coaching record in the high school and collegiate ranks which extends back to 1949.
Carroll began at Mechanic Falls High in Maine and after two years moved to Portland (ME) High in 1951. He remained as head football coach there until 1960 when he joined the University of Maryland. He coached the freshmen and the offensive ends for five years at College Park, then became head coach at Bucknell in 1965, serving four years. Most recently he was an assistant coach at Kentucky for four years.
Among the players Huntress has coached are Tom Mitchell, Gary Collins, Walter Rock, Roger Shoals and Sam Havrilak.
He was born in Saco, Maine."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
1974 Profile: Weeb Ewbank
Vice-President
"Having stepped aside from the coaching lines after 20 years as a head coach in pro football, Weeb Ewbank assumes his new duties as Vice-President of the New York Jets. Ewbank will continue to be an important figure in the operation of the team he helped to build into a championship unit.
In his new post, the 67-year-old graduate of Miami (Ohio) will handle the negotiations with and signing of the players and will oversee the administrative functioning of the front office. He will work in association with Executive Assistant Michael Martin.
Ewbank's 20 seasons as a head coach saw him win three World Championships and four divisional crowns and become the only man to win titles in both the NFL and AFL. As coach and general manager, he led the Jets to the 1968 Super Bowl victory and won back-to-back NFL titles with Baltimore in 1958 and 1959.
He began his illustrious coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater and spent 14 seasons there. For his service to Miami University, he was inducted into the school's Fall of Fame in 1969.
In 1943 he became an assistant to Paul Brown at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, but after the war became backfield coach at Brown University. In 1947 he moved to Washington University in St. Louis and spent two seasons as head coach before entering the pros under Brown in 1949 with the AAFC Cleveland Browns entry. He stayed there for five years and in 1954 took his first head job at Baltimore where he took a floundering organization and turned it into a successful franchise.
As the only head coach the Jets ever had until now, Ewbank did the same reorganization job in New York over his 1963-1973 tenure.
While an undergraduate at Miami, Weeb was a quarterback, captain of the baseball team, and a forward on the basketball team. He's a native or Richmond, Indiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
"Having stepped aside from the coaching lines after 20 years as a head coach in pro football, Weeb Ewbank assumes his new duties as Vice-President of the New York Jets. Ewbank will continue to be an important figure in the operation of the team he helped to build into a championship unit.
In his new post, the 67-year-old graduate of Miami (Ohio) will handle the negotiations with and signing of the players and will oversee the administrative functioning of the front office. He will work in association with Executive Assistant Michael Martin.
Ewbank's 20 seasons as a head coach saw him win three World Championships and four divisional crowns and become the only man to win titles in both the NFL and AFL. As coach and general manager, he led the Jets to the 1968 Super Bowl victory and won back-to-back NFL titles with Baltimore in 1958 and 1959.
He began his illustrious coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater and spent 14 seasons there. For his service to Miami University, he was inducted into the school's Fall of Fame in 1969.
In 1943 he became an assistant to Paul Brown at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, but after the war became backfield coach at Brown University. In 1947 he moved to Washington University in St. Louis and spent two seasons as head coach before entering the pros under Brown in 1949 with the AAFC Cleveland Browns entry. He stayed there for five years and in 1954 took his first head job at Baltimore where he took a floundering organization and turned it into a successful franchise.
As the only head coach the Jets ever had until now, Ewbank did the same reorganization job in New York over his 1963-1973 tenure.
While an undergraduate at Miami, Weeb was a quarterback, captain of the baseball team, and a forward on the basketball team. He's a native or Richmond, Indiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Monday, January 19, 2015
1974 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for their team. They have been the impetus for the remarkable transition of the troubled New York entry in the American Football League into one of the most colorful and successful franchises in pro football. Under their aegis, the club hired Weeb Ewbank as the first Jet coach and the move paid off with a World Championship in 1968 and two division titles (1968 & 1969).
Now a new era is upon the Directors and they have responded with their characteristic firm leadership. Under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, the Board acted to hire Charley Winner as the new head coach and made an innovative move in bringing him to the Jet scene a year in advance.
'I believe in an orderly transition,' remarked Iselin a year ago. 'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff, he will gain a full year lf learning in our organization.'
In another dramatic step, the Directors have embarked upon a project to build the Jets a training complex on Long Island where the club can have access to a first class facility to prepare for games. This center, scheduled for completion in time for the 1974 season, will give the Jets a real home since the facilities at Shea Stadium for practice and meetings are limited.
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in the development of the franchise since they acquired the team in 1963- President Philip Iselin; Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin; and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
The Board of Directors will settle for nothing but the best for their team. They look to the future with optimism and will continue to strive for perfection.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is the president of the Korell Company and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Jockey Club. The popular Iselin has an extensive background in racing and enjoys the unique distinction of heading two major sporting concerns.
Mr. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of the late President of the Jets, Donald C. Lillis. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic football fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides with her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Now a new era is upon the Directors and they have responded with their characteristic firm leadership. Under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, the Board acted to hire Charley Winner as the new head coach and made an innovative move in bringing him to the Jet scene a year in advance.
'I believe in an orderly transition,' remarked Iselin a year ago. 'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff, he will gain a full year lf learning in our organization.'
In another dramatic step, the Directors have embarked upon a project to build the Jets a training complex on Long Island where the club can have access to a first class facility to prepare for games. This center, scheduled for completion in time for the 1974 season, will give the Jets a real home since the facilities at Shea Stadium for practice and meetings are limited.
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in the development of the franchise since they acquired the team in 1963- President Philip Iselin; Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin; and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
The Board of Directors will settle for nothing but the best for their team. They look to the future with optimism and will continue to strive for perfection.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is the president of the Korell Company and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Jockey Club. The popular Iselin has an extensive background in racing and enjoys the unique distinction of heading two major sporting concerns.
Mr. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of the late President of the Jets, Donald C. Lillis. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic football fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides with her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Sunday, January 18, 2015
1974 New York Jets Outlook
"The New York Jets are becoming proficient in the three R's, but it won't get them straight A's or a lift in the won-lost column of the AFC Eastern Division standings. The three R's in the Jets' case are reluctance, resentment and regression.
The reluctance is symbolized by John Riggins and Joe Namath. Riggins is the massively talented fullback who tore up the league two years ago, then couldn't even decide if he wanted to play football last year. By the time John reported last season, the regular campaign had already begun and it took him until Thanksgiving to get into physical condition. He never did get into mental gear for football.
Namath's reluctance is more sophisticated. Financially, he doesn't need football anymore. The American Broadcasting Company made him an offer he almost couldn't refuse to replace Don Meredith as a member of the Monday night broadcasting trinity. Joe's knees keep him in near-agony during the season and the deterioration of his blocking in recent seasons has added to that particular woe. It certainly isn't inconceivable that his active football days are over.
The resentment exploded last spring when Al Atkinson, the veteran middle linebacker, ripped the club's management for what he called 'a terrible coldness' in its attitude toward the squad. Atkinson is a moderate, soft-spoken man, which gave his public outburst all the more impact.
Contract squabbles have characterized the downfall of the Jets. The latest discontented players to leave were veteran defensive tackle John Elliott and young linebacker Mike Taylor, who played out their contract options and signed with the New York Stars of the World Football League. Previously, management's heavy hand cost it All-Star defensive end Gerry Philbin, wide receiver George Sauer and defensive end Verlon Biggs.
The regression is symbolized by the misfired draft choices and the failure to achieve potential. An example of a draftee who missed is Taylor, the All-America linebacker from Michigan who failed to shore up one of the team's dilapidated areas. Failure to achieve potential is the rap on tight end Richard Caster, a man who has the skill to rip apart defenses but whose inconsistencies hurt the Jets as much as his successes gore the enemy.
If Namath decides to quit, the quarterbacking will done by Al Woodall, whose career as a part-time starter has been checkered. There is serious doubt whether he is equipped to win consistently.
It is vital that Riggins pays attention this year. Emerson Boozer is an honest workman, a player who can hurt a defense running the ball or catching it, but he is getting old.
Winston Hill, the big tackle, is the only offensive lineman of real quality. The big hope is that Robert Woods, a second-year man, will come along at guard or tackle. The second-round draftee, Gordie Browne of Boston College, will get a clear shot at winning a starting job.
Jerome Barkum seems on the verge of joining the league's pass-catching elite. If Caster were more consistent, that department would be ranked as high as almost any around.
Defensively, the draft may have brought two quality starters. Management opened the purse strings for the top pick, Indiana's Carl Barzilauskas, who got more money than Namath did as a rookie.
The Jets then speared a ruby in the third round, Southern U. linebacker Godwin Turk, who many thought wouldn't last beyond the first round. Turk will challenge veteran Ralph Baker at first but Charley Winner, the new head coach, may find that the percentage is to shift him to the other side where sophs Bill Ferguson and Rob Spicer are neck-and-neck.
Barzilauskas is a vital figure in the defensive line. Mark Lomas, an end, led the team in sacks last season but he can't be considered a stopper by any means. Probably the most efficient lineman is former New Orleans Saint Richard Neal.
Earlie Thomas is one of the league's most underrated players at cornerback. His partner Delles Howell, another ex-Saint who joined the team last year, does a firm job.
The best new player in the secondary is Burgess Owens, who did some excellent things from his strong safety position in his rookie season. Phil Wise ended the year as the starting free safety, but now Chris Farasopoulos has recovered from knee surgery and will challenge. Steve Tannen is always in the competition.
Place kicker Bobby Howfield should do all right under the new kicking rules, but punter Julian Fagan had a horrible season and could be displaced by rookie Greg Gantt."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Will brittle Broadway Joe ever be around for a full season? Then again, he may not be around at all. Al Woodall is fragile, too, and of questionable talent. Bill Demory is for disasters.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Emerson Boozer, though still productive, is grinding to a halt. John Riggins is moody- an unfortunate characteristic for a would-be superstar when it shows on the field.
Mike Adamle and Hank Bjorklund are interesting but ordinary. Tight end Dennis Cambal will get a look here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: The BBC trio- Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and Rich Caster- can scald defenses when two conditions exist: 1) they're concentrating; 2) the ball gets to them. Neither circumstance can be taken for granted. Eddie's size is a minus, but he makes a lot of receptions.
David Knight has good moves and soft hands. Margene Adkins is fast but inconsistent. Cambal isn't ready yet.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Unless the once-secure airbag of pass protection can be reinflated to a reasonable facsimile of the glory days, there's trouble here. 37 sacks testify to the collapse. One of them tore up Joe Willie, the meal ticket.
Winston Hill remains surly but is a youngster no longer. Unheralded rookie Gordie Browne is programmed for the other side. Randy Rasmussen does commendable work. Robert Woods, frequently a revolving door, will try to fill retired Dave Herman's shoes. John Schmitt can be shoved aside by Garry Puetz.
Bob Svihus is worn out. John Mooring, once highly regarded, is slipping. Smallish Bill Wyman has heart.
Performance Quotient: 4
Kickers: There's spring in Bobby Howfield's leg, but sometimes he thinks too much. Julian Fagan was atrocious- the worst in the NFL. Rookie Greg Gantt should win the job.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Deep thinkers are convinced Carl Barzilauskas (now spell it without peeking) will be a sure-fire remedy to one malady, but there are many other troubles. John Elliott, a wise ex-All-Pro, ran off to the WFL. Richard Neal is a pleasant package of talent and desire. But the ends? Yikes! Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher don't frighten anyone. And without a pass rush from them, the secondary is in for a lot of heat.
John Little, Steve Thompson and Joey Jackson may help- but not much.
Performance Quotient: 4
Linebackers: Yet another rebuilding project. Godwin Turk is supposed to be a savage. He'll probably make Ralph Baker a part-timer. Al Atkinson keeps getting injured and keeps wrestling with the alternative of retirement or demanding a trade. Whether he's present or not, ex-Cardinal Jamie Rivers may well take over. John Ebersole was adequate in the middle for most of last season and will be around for insurance. So will Bill Zapalac.
The other outside area is an enormous question mark. Bill Ferguson and Rob Spicer are about equal, which isn't encouraging.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Earlie Thomas knows the ropes and doesn't get fooled very often. Delles Howell is rangy and covers ground reasonably well, but he's susceptible to getting stung deep. Rich Sowells is a respectable sub.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Burgess Owens burst on the scene as a rookie and demonstrated he'll soon be among the NFL's elite. Phil Wise is highly vulnerable. If Chris Farasopoulos returns after knee surgery, he'll most likely be the regular.
Steve Tannen is an in-and-outer who is out of favor with the coaches. Roscoe Word is a mighty mite kick returner.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
"Problems ... questions ... new faces ... a new coach. The outlook for the New York Jets is clearly unclear, but all the woes could resolve themselves and new head man Charley Winner might come up with a winner after all. Yet even if he does, the defense is such that dreams of a championship- or even the playoffs- seem remote at best.
The chief question, of course, is quarterback Joe Namath. Will he decide to play? Can he? And if he does, will he be as magnetically marvelous as he has been in the past?
If Namath doesn't, or can't, the job will belong to Al Woodall, who is sometimes good, sometimes not so good. But the rest of the offense should be sweet- John Riggins and Emerson Boozer running the ball, Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and Rich Caster catching it, and such as Robert Woods, Randy Rasmussen, John Schmitt, Garry Puetz and Winston Hill making both activities possible by blocking.
Puetz was a rookie last year and so was Woods, but they looked good and now with veteran guard Dave Herman retired, a spot is open. Veteran Bob Svihus is back, and young John Mooring may move out someone. So, too, might No. 2 pick Gordie Browne.
There isn't much running depth, but receivers like David Knight and Margene Adkins provide insurance at the wide spots.
The defense is Winner's problem. Wherever he turns, he finds questionable talent or aging talent or thin reserves.
Up front, he'll go with Ed Galigher, John Little, Richard Neal and Mark Lomas, but there is the spectre of No. 1 pick Carl Barzilauskas lurking behind Little and Galigher.
The linebacking should fair to good, better in the middle where Al Atkinson returns. On Atkinson's left will be old pro Ralph Baker, but if age or slowness become problems there is No. 3 draft choice Godwin Turk, a 'steal' from Southern very much like L.A.'s Isiah Robertson. On the right is Bill Ferguson ... or Rob Spicer ... but you see that problem.
The secondary has Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas at corners (both good) and Burgess Owens and Phil Wise at safeties (Owens is a budding star). Chris Farasopoulos and Steve Tannen should fight for a job, mostly the one now owned by Wise.
It's the front four and the linebackers, plus some uncertainty on the offensive line, that will haunt Winner."
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
The reluctance is symbolized by John Riggins and Joe Namath. Riggins is the massively talented fullback who tore up the league two years ago, then couldn't even decide if he wanted to play football last year. By the time John reported last season, the regular campaign had already begun and it took him until Thanksgiving to get into physical condition. He never did get into mental gear for football.
Namath's reluctance is more sophisticated. Financially, he doesn't need football anymore. The American Broadcasting Company made him an offer he almost couldn't refuse to replace Don Meredith as a member of the Monday night broadcasting trinity. Joe's knees keep him in near-agony during the season and the deterioration of his blocking in recent seasons has added to that particular woe. It certainly isn't inconceivable that his active football days are over.
The resentment exploded last spring when Al Atkinson, the veteran middle linebacker, ripped the club's management for what he called 'a terrible coldness' in its attitude toward the squad. Atkinson is a moderate, soft-spoken man, which gave his public outburst all the more impact.
Contract squabbles have characterized the downfall of the Jets. The latest discontented players to leave were veteran defensive tackle John Elliott and young linebacker Mike Taylor, who played out their contract options and signed with the New York Stars of the World Football League. Previously, management's heavy hand cost it All-Star defensive end Gerry Philbin, wide receiver George Sauer and defensive end Verlon Biggs.
The regression is symbolized by the misfired draft choices and the failure to achieve potential. An example of a draftee who missed is Taylor, the All-America linebacker from Michigan who failed to shore up one of the team's dilapidated areas. Failure to achieve potential is the rap on tight end Richard Caster, a man who has the skill to rip apart defenses but whose inconsistencies hurt the Jets as much as his successes gore the enemy.
If Namath decides to quit, the quarterbacking will done by Al Woodall, whose career as a part-time starter has been checkered. There is serious doubt whether he is equipped to win consistently.
It is vital that Riggins pays attention this year. Emerson Boozer is an honest workman, a player who can hurt a defense running the ball or catching it, but he is getting old.
Winston Hill, the big tackle, is the only offensive lineman of real quality. The big hope is that Robert Woods, a second-year man, will come along at guard or tackle. The second-round draftee, Gordie Browne of Boston College, will get a clear shot at winning a starting job.
Jerome Barkum seems on the verge of joining the league's pass-catching elite. If Caster were more consistent, that department would be ranked as high as almost any around.
Defensively, the draft may have brought two quality starters. Management opened the purse strings for the top pick, Indiana's Carl Barzilauskas, who got more money than Namath did as a rookie.
The Jets then speared a ruby in the third round, Southern U. linebacker Godwin Turk, who many thought wouldn't last beyond the first round. Turk will challenge veteran Ralph Baker at first but Charley Winner, the new head coach, may find that the percentage is to shift him to the other side where sophs Bill Ferguson and Rob Spicer are neck-and-neck.
Barzilauskas is a vital figure in the defensive line. Mark Lomas, an end, led the team in sacks last season but he can't be considered a stopper by any means. Probably the most efficient lineman is former New Orleans Saint Richard Neal.
Earlie Thomas is one of the league's most underrated players at cornerback. His partner Delles Howell, another ex-Saint who joined the team last year, does a firm job.
The best new player in the secondary is Burgess Owens, who did some excellent things from his strong safety position in his rookie season. Phil Wise ended the year as the starting free safety, but now Chris Farasopoulos has recovered from knee surgery and will challenge. Steve Tannen is always in the competition.
Place kicker Bobby Howfield should do all right under the new kicking rules, but punter Julian Fagan had a horrible season and could be displaced by rookie Greg Gantt."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Will brittle Broadway Joe ever be around for a full season? Then again, he may not be around at all. Al Woodall is fragile, too, and of questionable talent. Bill Demory is for disasters.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Emerson Boozer, though still productive, is grinding to a halt. John Riggins is moody- an unfortunate characteristic for a would-be superstar when it shows on the field.
Mike Adamle and Hank Bjorklund are interesting but ordinary. Tight end Dennis Cambal will get a look here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: The BBC trio- Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and Rich Caster- can scald defenses when two conditions exist: 1) they're concentrating; 2) the ball gets to them. Neither circumstance can be taken for granted. Eddie's size is a minus, but he makes a lot of receptions.
David Knight has good moves and soft hands. Margene Adkins is fast but inconsistent. Cambal isn't ready yet.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Unless the once-secure airbag of pass protection can be reinflated to a reasonable facsimile of the glory days, there's trouble here. 37 sacks testify to the collapse. One of them tore up Joe Willie, the meal ticket.
Winston Hill remains surly but is a youngster no longer. Unheralded rookie Gordie Browne is programmed for the other side. Randy Rasmussen does commendable work. Robert Woods, frequently a revolving door, will try to fill retired Dave Herman's shoes. John Schmitt can be shoved aside by Garry Puetz.
Bob Svihus is worn out. John Mooring, once highly regarded, is slipping. Smallish Bill Wyman has heart.
Performance Quotient: 4
Kickers: There's spring in Bobby Howfield's leg, but sometimes he thinks too much. Julian Fagan was atrocious- the worst in the NFL. Rookie Greg Gantt should win the job.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Deep thinkers are convinced Carl Barzilauskas (now spell it without peeking) will be a sure-fire remedy to one malady, but there are many other troubles. John Elliott, a wise ex-All-Pro, ran off to the WFL. Richard Neal is a pleasant package of talent and desire. But the ends? Yikes! Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher don't frighten anyone. And without a pass rush from them, the secondary is in for a lot of heat.
John Little, Steve Thompson and Joey Jackson may help- but not much.
Performance Quotient: 4
Linebackers: Yet another rebuilding project. Godwin Turk is supposed to be a savage. He'll probably make Ralph Baker a part-timer. Al Atkinson keeps getting injured and keeps wrestling with the alternative of retirement or demanding a trade. Whether he's present or not, ex-Cardinal Jamie Rivers may well take over. John Ebersole was adequate in the middle for most of last season and will be around for insurance. So will Bill Zapalac.
The other outside area is an enormous question mark. Bill Ferguson and Rob Spicer are about equal, which isn't encouraging.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Earlie Thomas knows the ropes and doesn't get fooled very often. Delles Howell is rangy and covers ground reasonably well, but he's susceptible to getting stung deep. Rich Sowells is a respectable sub.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Burgess Owens burst on the scene as a rookie and demonstrated he'll soon be among the NFL's elite. Phil Wise is highly vulnerable. If Chris Farasopoulos returns after knee surgery, he'll most likely be the regular.
Steve Tannen is an in-and-outer who is out of favor with the coaches. Roscoe Word is a mighty mite kick returner.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1974
"Problems ... questions ... new faces ... a new coach. The outlook for the New York Jets is clearly unclear, but all the woes could resolve themselves and new head man Charley Winner might come up with a winner after all. Yet even if he does, the defense is such that dreams of a championship- or even the playoffs- seem remote at best.
The chief question, of course, is quarterback Joe Namath. Will he decide to play? Can he? And if he does, will he be as magnetically marvelous as he has been in the past?
If Namath doesn't, or can't, the job will belong to Al Woodall, who is sometimes good, sometimes not so good. But the rest of the offense should be sweet- John Riggins and Emerson Boozer running the ball, Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and Rich Caster catching it, and such as Robert Woods, Randy Rasmussen, John Schmitt, Garry Puetz and Winston Hill making both activities possible by blocking.
Puetz was a rookie last year and so was Woods, but they looked good and now with veteran guard Dave Herman retired, a spot is open. Veteran Bob Svihus is back, and young John Mooring may move out someone. So, too, might No. 2 pick Gordie Browne.
There isn't much running depth, but receivers like David Knight and Margene Adkins provide insurance at the wide spots.
The defense is Winner's problem. Wherever he turns, he finds questionable talent or aging talent or thin reserves.
Up front, he'll go with Ed Galigher, John Little, Richard Neal and Mark Lomas, but there is the spectre of No. 1 pick Carl Barzilauskas lurking behind Little and Galigher.
The linebacking should fair to good, better in the middle where Al Atkinson returns. On Atkinson's left will be old pro Ralph Baker, but if age or slowness become problems there is No. 3 draft choice Godwin Turk, a 'steal' from Southern very much like L.A.'s Isiah Robertson. On the right is Bill Ferguson ... or Rob Spicer ... but you see that problem.
The secondary has Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas at corners (both good) and Burgess Owens and Phil Wise at safeties (Owens is a budding star). Chris Farasopoulos and Steve Tannen should fight for a job, mostly the one now owned by Wise.
It's the front four and the linebackers, plus some uncertainty on the offensive line, that will haunt Winner."
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
NEW COACH - BUT NOT A LIKELY WINNER
"Will Joe Namath play? Probably. And if he does, the biggest problem for new head coach Charley Winner is solved. But even with this super quarterback, the Jets don't seem ready to mount an offensive against the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in their AFC Eastern Division race.
With Namath are would-be runners John Riggins and Emerson Boozer, and receivers Eddie Bell, Jerome Barkum and Rich Caster. Barkum made the Pro Bowl for his 44 catches and 810 yards. Boozer gained 831 yards, but Riggins was sub-par, injured and upset by a long holdout, and the huge fullback managed just 482 yards.
He must improve, while Boozer cannot get hurt, for depth here is thin indeed. Only Mike Adamle or a rookie or two is to be found.
The interior line will be newer and younger. Guard Dave Herman has retired and tackle Bob Svihus seems ready for a sub's role, making the starting five Robert Woods and Winston Hill (at tackles), Randy Rasmussen and Garry Puetz (at guards) and veteran John Schmitt at center.
The defense? It needs help, baby, especially up front. And help, in the person of No. 1 draft choice Carl Barzilauskas, is what the Jets got. Right now, the starting four are Ed Galigher, John Little, Richard Neal and Mark Lomas. But Barzilauskas will threaten both Little and Galigher and probably win one of those jobs.
Al Atkinson returns at middle linebacker, with Ralph Baker and Bill Ferguson the other two starters, but rookie Godwin Turk (No. 3 pick) might send Fergy to the sidelines. The corners will be Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas, with Burgess Owens and Phil Wise (or Steve Tannen, or Chris Farasopoulos) at the safeties.
But the main concern is the quarterback. If it's not Namath, it's going to be Al Woodall. He's been erratic to date.
Prediction: Third."
-Dave Klein and the editors, Pro Football Illustrated 1974
Can The Jets Keep Joe Willie Happy And Healthy For A Full Year?
"'I'm looking forward to having a family. I'd like to have some land with dogs and cows and a little garden of my own to grow plants and flowers. That's in my blood I think.'
If you think the above quote is from retired head coach Weeb Ewbank as he turned the job as New York's top man to Charley Winner- you're dead wrong. So help me Hannah, the words have been attributed to none other than Joe Willie Namath, America's most famous bachelor.
Of course, this was while Joe was talking about leaving the Jets. This was when he was debating offers from the World Football League and from ABC Television as a commentator on their Monday Night Football contests. Now that it's probable that old number 12 will be back in pads for 1974, the cows and garden and plants and flowers will just have to wait a little longer.
Once again an injury to Namath spelt disaster to the Jets on the field. He missed more than half the season. This wasn't the only problem for Weeb in his final year. John Riggins held out and was ineffective after he finally did sign. Others were injured and the bench failed miserably, along with such first-round draft choices of recent years as linebacker Mike Taylor and safety Steve Tannen. Neither has won a big spot on the club and Winner can only hope his scouts did better in leading him to select Indiana's huge defensive tackle Carl Barzilauskas in the first round last January.
Linebacker Al Atkinson was still talking about retirement as we went to press, so that's another rebuilding job that may face beleaguered Charley as he takes over the coaching chores.
Rookie safety Burgess Owens performed strongly for the Jets, particularly late in the season. A healthy competition at offensive guard between veteran Dave Herman and sophomore Gary Puetz, along with the continued excellence of Randy Rasmussen on the other side should improve the blocking. It appears that sophomore Robert Woods has definitely won one tackle position to go along with Winston Hill up front. Hopefully, this will keep blitzing linebackers from crippling Jet quarterbacks- the situation which knocked out first Namath and then backup Al Woodall for much of the year.
A big problem for the Jets offense continues to be the running game. It's frustrating to see Namath pass for over 400 yards in a game and then have the club lose because there are no healthy backs on hand to punch for scores in short-yardage situations. Emerson Boozer continues to have frequent injury troubles. John Riggins was looked on as a future star after his 1971 rookie performance, but after last year's holdout, he was never effective. But New York must believe the talent is already on hand to build up that situation since the club waited until the 7th round before selecting its first running back in this year's draft, Wayne Jones of Mississippi State.
Morale will be the chief difficulty facing the new coaching staff. Injuries, bad drafts and trades, and cockeyed football bounces have severely hurt the Jets for two years. And many of the players were griping about the way they were being handled under the old regime. Charley Winner must stem this discontent, must get his troops to believe in themselves, or '74 could become an even worse disaster. Since New England and Baltimore are both beginning to look moderately successful in building, it wouldn't take much for the Jets to fall all the way into the cellar in the AFC East this year.
I shouldn't expect that to happen. There's still a lot of great talent on this ball club. If Winner can get them off and running early, they should seriously challenge the Bills for the second spot in the division. Good play and health from Joe Willie, Boozer, Riggins and the rebuilt offensive line, a decision to stay by Atkinson, and the New Yorkers could be back in championship contention. The receiving corps is one of the biggest pluses, headed by tight end Rich Caster and wide receivers Jerome Barkum and Ed Bell.
But if Namath's knees get hurt again ...
The Jets will spend a long, long time looking up from the bottom."
-Tommy Kay's 1974 Big Book of Pro Football
1974 NEW YORK JETS ROSTERS
1974 New York Jets Preseason Position Roster
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Joe Namath (Alabama)
Al Woodall (Duke)
Bill Demory (Arizona)
Running Backs
Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)
John Riggins (Kansas)
Mike Adamle (Northwestern)
Hank Bjorklund (Princeton)
Receivers
Jerome Barkum (W) (Jackson State)
Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)
Richard Caster (T) (Jackson State)
David Knight (W) (William & Mary)
Margene Adkins (W) (Henderson JC)
Dennis Cambal (T) (William & Mary)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)
Gordie Browne (T) (Boston College
Robert Woods (G-T) (Tennessee State)
Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)
John Schmitt (C) (Hofstra)
Bob Svihus (T) (USC)
Garry Puetz (C-G) (Valparaiso)
John Mooring (T-C) (Tampa)
Bill Wyman (C) (Texas)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)- Center
Kickers
Bobby Howfield (PK)
Julian Fagan (P) (Mississippi)
Greg Gantt (P) (Alabama)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Mark Lomas (E) (Northern Arizona)
Ed Galigher (E) (UCLA)
Carl Barzilauskas (T) (Indiana)
Richard Neal (T-E) (Southern)
John Little (T) (Oklahoma State)
Steve Thompson (T) (Washington)
Joey Jackson (E) (New Mexico State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Godwin Turk (O) (Southern)
Bill Ferguson (O) (San Diego State)
Al Atkinson (M) (Villanova)
Ralph Baker (O) (Penn State)
Jamie Rivers (M) (Bowling Green)
Rob Spicer (O) (Indiana)
John Ebersole (M) (Penn State)
Bill Zapalac (O) (Texas)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker)
Cornerbacks
Delles Howell (Grambling)
Earlie Thomas (Colorado State)
Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)
Safeties
Burgess Owens (S) (Miami)
Phil Wise (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)
Chris Farasopoulos (W) (Brigham Young)
Steve Tannen (S-W) (Florida)
Roscoe Word (W) (Jackson State)
(S) Strong Side (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety
-Pro Football 1974, published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Joe Namath (Alabama)
Al Woodall (Duke)
Bill Demory (Arizona)
Running Backs
Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)
John Riggins (Kansas)
Mike Adamle (Northwestern)
Hank Bjorklund (Princeton)
Receivers
Jerome Barkum (W) (Jackson State)
Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)
Richard Caster (T) (Jackson State)
David Knight (W) (William & Mary)
Margene Adkins (W) (Henderson JC)
Dennis Cambal (T) (William & Mary)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)
Gordie Browne (T) (Boston College
Robert Woods (G-T) (Tennessee State)
Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)
John Schmitt (C) (Hofstra)
Bob Svihus (T) (USC)
Garry Puetz (C-G) (Valparaiso)
John Mooring (T-C) (Tampa)
Bill Wyman (C) (Texas)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)- Center
Kickers
Bobby Howfield (PK)
Julian Fagan (P) (Mississippi)
Greg Gantt (P) (Alabama)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Mark Lomas (E) (Northern Arizona)
Ed Galigher (E) (UCLA)
Carl Barzilauskas (T) (Indiana)
Richard Neal (T-E) (Southern)
John Little (T) (Oklahoma State)
Steve Thompson (T) (Washington)
Joey Jackson (E) (New Mexico State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Godwin Turk (O) (Southern)
Bill Ferguson (O) (San Diego State)
Al Atkinson (M) (Villanova)
Ralph Baker (O) (Penn State)
Jamie Rivers (M) (Bowling Green)
Rob Spicer (O) (Indiana)
John Ebersole (M) (Penn State)
Bill Zapalac (O) (Texas)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker)
Cornerbacks
Delles Howell (Grambling)
Earlie Thomas (Colorado State)
Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)
Safeties
Burgess Owens (S) (Miami)
Phil Wise (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)
Chris Farasopoulos (W) (Brigham Young)
Steve Tannen (S-W) (Florida)
Roscoe Word (W) (Jackson State)
(S) Strong Side (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety
-Pro Football 1974, published by Cord Communications Corporation
1974 New York Jets Preseason Veteran Roster
1 Mike Adamle (RB) Northwestern
26 Margene Adkins (WR) Henderson JC
62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova
51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State
83 Jerome Barkum (WR) (Jackson State)
7 Ed Bell (WR) Idaho State
40 Hank Bjorkland (RB) Princeton
32 Emerson Boozer (RB) Maryland State
30 Dennis Cambal (TE) William & Mary
88 Rich Caster (TE) Jackson State
6 Bill Demory (QB) Arizona
55 John Ebersole (LB) Penn State
80 John Elliott (DE-DT) Texas
10 Julian Fagan (P) Mississippi
19 Chris Farasopoulos (S) Brigham Young
58 Bill Ferguson (LB) San Diego State
85 Ed Galigher (DE) UCLA
54 Rick Harrell (C) Clemson
75 Winston Hill (T) Texas Southern
24 Delles Howell (CB) Grambling
3 Bobby Howfield (K)
86 Joe Jackson (DE-DT) New Mexico State
82 David Knight (WR) William & Mary
57 John Little (DT) Oklahoma State
84 Mark Lomas (DE) Northern Arizona
42 Cliff McClain (RB) South Carolina State
71 John Mooring (T-C) Tampa
12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama
81 Richard Neal (DT-DE) Southern
22 Burgess Owens (S) Miami
78 Gary Puetz (G-T) Valparaiso
66 Randy Rasmussen (G) Kearney State
44 John Riggins (RB) Kansas
52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra
46 Rich Sowells (CB) Alcorn A&M
59 Rob Spicer (LB) Indiana
76 Bob Svihus (T-G) USC
21 Steve Tannen (S-CB) Florida
50 Mike Taylor (LB) Michigan
45 Earlie Thomas (CB) Colorado State
87 Steve Thompson (DT) Washington
29 Rocky Turner (WR-S) Tennessee-Chattanooga
27 Phil Wise (S) Nebraska-Omaha
18 Al Woodall (QB) Duke
72 Robert Woods (T) Tennessee State
53 Bill Zapalac (LB) Texas
-1974 Gridiron Pro Yearbook
1974 New York Jets Draft Choices
1 Carl Barzilauskas DT Indiana
2 Gordie Browne T Boston College
3 Godwin Turk LB Southern
3 Roscoe Word DB Jackson St. (from Washington Redskins)
5 Gary Baccus LB Oklahoma
6 Bill Wyman C Texas
6 Wayne Jones RB Mississippi St. (from St. Louis Cardinals)
7 Burney Veazey TE Mississippi
8 Greg Gantt K Alabama
8 Larry Lightfoot RB West Alabama (from New Orleans Saints)
8 Ron Rydalch DT Utah (from Kansas City Chiefs)
9 Robert Burns RB Georgia
10 Sam Baker G Georgia
11 Eugene Bird DB Southern Miss
11 Bill Buckley WR Mississippi St. (from St. Louis Cardinals)
12 John Ricca DE Duke
13 John Tate LB Jackson St.
14 Greg Fountain G Mississippi St.
15 Willie Brister TE Southern
16 Clarence Jackson RB Western Kentucky
17 Doug Lowrey G-C Arkansas St.
-1974 Gridiron Pro Yearbook
1974 NEW YORK JETS DEPTH CHART
1974 New York Jets Depth Chart
OFFENSE
QB Joe Namath, Al Woodall, Bill Demory, Ed Baker*
RB Emerson Boozer, Hank Bjorklund, Bob Burns*, Larry Lightfoot*, Jazz Jackson*
RB John Riggins, Mike Adamle, Cliff McClain, Dennis Cambal
WR Ed Bell, David Knight, Margene Adkins, William Buckley*
LT Robert Woods, Bob Svihus, Gordie Browne*
LG Randy Rasmussen, Greg Fountain
C John Schmitt, Rick Harrell, Garry Puetz, John Mooring, Bill Wyman*
RG Garry Puetz, Robert Woods, Buck Baker*, Doug Lowrey*
RT Winston Hill, John Mooring
TE Rich Caster, Butch Veazey*, Willie Brister *
WR Jerome Barkum, David Knight, Lou Piccone
DEFENSE
LE Ed Galigher, John Elliott, Bob Parrish
LT John Little, Steve Thompson, Carl Barzilauskas*
RT Richard Neal, Ron Ryadalch*, Ed Thomas
RE Mark Lomas, Joe Jackson
LLB Ralph Baker, Bill Zapalac, Godwin Turk*, John Tate*
MLB Al Atkinson, John Ebersole
RLB Bill Ferguson, Rob Spicer
LCB Delles Howell, Rich Sowells, Eugene Bird*
LS Phil Wise, Chris Farasopoulos, Steve Tannen, Rocky Turner, Roscoe Word*
RS Burgess Owens, Rocky Turner
RCB Earlie Thomas, Rich Sowells
* rookie
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
Sunday, January 11, 2015
1973 New York Jets Kicker Profiles
BOBBY HOWFIELD
Place Kicker
No. 3
"His idea of a birthday present for himself was to kick a winning 42-yard field goal as time was running out to beat New Orleans, 18-17. It was Howfield's sixth three-pointer of the day. His others were for 30, 39, 31, 23 and 33 yards. After the game he was his unshakable self.
'I wasn't excited,' Howfield said. 'I probably won't get excited until I have my first beer tonight.' His 75-year-old mother was in the stands that day for her first American football game. Bobby is from England where he played professional soccer before being picked up by Denver.
He had come to New York in 1971 in a straight-up trade for kicker Jim Turner. 1971 wasn't very good for Howfield and he worried about losing his job before the 1972 season began.
'Maybe if I have a .750 percentage on field goals I won't have to worry,' he remarked on the eve of the regular season. Bobby came close to that, kicking 73%, so he won't have to worry. The 42-yarder was his longest of the season as he connected on 27 of 37.
Howfield's a fine kickoff man, too, which is one of the reasons the Jets swapped the popular Turner for him."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"Howfield enjoyed his finest season in the NFL last year, leading the AFC in points scored with 121. He was also third best among AFC kickers in field goal percentage with .730. He converted on 27 of 37 field goal tries, missing only once inside the 37-yard line.
Bobby's best afternoon came against New Orleans when his right foot accounted for six field goals and all the Jets' points as the team won, 18-17. His 42-yarder as the final gun went off provided the winning points. He termed it 'my biggest thrill since coming to the United States.'
Howfield also handled the kickoffs. He has a strong leg but needs to increase the distance on his field goals. His longest was 42 yards, accomplished twice. Bobby is the first soccer-style kicker Weeb Ewbank has ever coached.
He came to the U.S. after a kicking clinic found him in England. He was cut by the Chiefs and went to Denver in 1968. Howfield stayed there before coming to the Jets, and scored 213 points for the Broncos. He was obtained by the Jets in a trade for Jim Turner in January 1971.
Howfield played pro soccer in England for 12 years. His hometown is Bushey, England."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Bobby was the AFC's individual scoring champion in 1972. He kicked six field goals as the Jets came from behind to defeat the Saints, 18-17, including one in the closing seconds of the game."
-1973 Topps No. 425
JULIAN FAGAN
Punter
No. 10
Mississippi
"Ranked seventh in the NFC last season, averaging 40.8 yards, despite having one blocked. Julian punted 71 times, tops in the NFC.
A 17th-round pick, he was an Academic All-America three years in a row. 'I'd like five peak years of pro football and then call it quits.' Julian wants to be a lawyer.
He is a youth director for a Baptist church. "For a long time I didn't give much thought to religion even though I was raised in a Baptist environment,' Fagan says. 'One day at Ole Miss I got to thinking about the real purpose of life. I had everything but I still lacked serenity of mind. I got down on my knees and asked God to help me find the real meaning of peace. I asked Jesus to help me and guide me.' "
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1973 Edition)
"Acquired in a trade with New Orleans along with Margene Adkins in June for Steve O'Neal and Bob Davis, Fagan replaces O'Neal, who was the Jet punter for the past four years.
Fagan has a 41.6-yard average over his three-year career, leading the NFL with a 42.5 showing as a rookie. He has been busy with the Saints, punting over 70 times each season. He once punted nine times in a game against Washington in 1971. Originally the 17th-round choice of Houston in 1970, Fagan joined the Saints that year on waivers.
Julian holds a BA from Ole Miss. He's studying law at Mississippi. His hometown is Laurel, Mississippi."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"The NFC's seventh leading punter in 1972, Julian had the conference's longest boot of last season, a 74-yarder against the Rams on November 26. He holds all of the Saints' punting marks."
-1973 Topps No. 473
STEVE O'NEAL
Punter-Wide Receiver
No. 20
Texas A&M
"Steve has been the Jets' punter for the past four seasons. He holds the Jets record for most punts in a season with 78 in 1971. He had a pro record 98-yarder against the Broncos in 1969."
-1973 Topps No. 349
Thursday, January 8, 2015
1973 New York Jets Defensive Back Profiles
EARLIE THOMAS
Cornerback
No. 45
Colorado State
"One of the top cornerbacks in the NFL today, Thomas is the anchorman of the deep backs and has improved steadily over each of his three years. His outstanding man-to-man coverage and zone work is improving, and he patrols his right corner post so well that quarterbacks usually do not throw his way.
Thomas recovered a fumble against Baltimore and had a 14-yard interception late in the New Orleans game to set up a Bobby Howfield field goal. In 1971, his steal of the ball from Paul Warfield in the Orange Bowl helped power the Jets to a win over AFC champ Miami.
Earlie has good speed, and long arms and closes down strongly on runs to his side. He was drafted 11th in 1970.
He is a former Denver Golden Gloves light heavyweight champion. His brother, John, plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Earlie majored in entomology, the science of insects, and is completing his Master's degree. His hometown is Denver Colorado."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
DELLES HOWELL
Cornerback
No. 24
Grambling
"One of Delles' finest performances to date occurred during the Saints' 24-14 upset of Dallas in 1970. He intercepted two passes in the game and gained 98 yards on the returns.
As a rookie that year he developed into a starter at right cornerback in the Saints' sixth game and wound up with three interceptions, a number of tackles and knocked-down passes. Delles' brothers preceded him in pro football."
-1972 Topps No. 321
"Howell came to the Jets just before the draft along with Richard Neal from New Orleans for a No. 2 and a No. 3 draft choice. He's the tallest cornerback in the NFL at 6-4.
Delles was the Saints' regular right cornerback in 1971 and 1972 and had five interceptions in '71. He has had broken hands twice in three years, but managed to play with a cast each time. Delles will challenge for a starting job at either corner. He was the No. 4 choice of the Saints in 1970.
Howell majored in physical education. His brother, Mike, is in Cleveland's defensive secondary and his brother, Lane, was a tackle with the Giants and Eagles. His hometown in Monroe, Louisiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"The Saints' regular right cornerback the past two seasons, Delles came to the Jets along with Richard Neal during the off-season. He covers a lot of territory."
-1973 Topps No. 507
RICH SOWELLS
Cornerback
No. 46
Alcorn A&M
"A backup cornerback, Rich suffered through a year of shoulder injuries. In spite of the recurring dislocation of his left shoulder, he started five games at left cornerback and had two interceptions. His starting assignments came against Baltimore, Houston, New England, Miami and Detroit in place of Steve Tannen. His shoulder first acted up against New England and then was re-dislocated in the Detroit game- Rich popped it back in and continued playing.
Drafted 12th in 1971, Sowells' biggest thrill in athletics was a 72-yard pass interception return as a senior. His hometown is Huntsville, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
STEVE TANNEN
Strong Safety
No. 21
Florida
"Tannen played hurt all of last season, with a series of painful shoulder injuries. He had a stellar preseason and then hurt his right shoulder in the final preseason game at San Diego. He had two interceptions against Buffalo from his left corner slot the next week in the regular season opener despite injuring his left shoulder.
Steve intercepted seven passes for 125 yards to lead the team in both categories and finished second in the AFC. He should be medically all right this year after an off-season to let the shoulders heal properly. A series of pulled muscles idled him in 1971.
Tannen has made a habit of blocking kicks with a wide rush on the kicker. He had a blocked punt in 1971, another in 1970 and knocked down two field goals in 1970. He scored with the punt block against Buffalo in '70. He was the number one draft pick in 1970.
Tannen was an outstanding athlete in the Florida Relays as a senior in high school. He owns a boutique and restaurant, 'Tuesday Morning,' in Gainesville, Florida. His hometown is Miami, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Steve has made a habit of blocking kicks. He scored with a blocked punt against the Bills in 1970. He knocked down two field goals and blocked a punt against the Patriots in 1971."
-1973 Topps No. 54
BURGESS OWENS
Strong Safety
1st Round
Miami
"'He will start for whoever drafts him' ... 'will play immediately,' say the Jet scouting reports on Owens. He impressed the Jet staff with his outstanding effort in the Senior Bowl. He covers man-to-man and zone equally well.
An All-America during his career at Miami, Owens made 160 tackles, eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He mainly played left cornerback for the Hurricanes and helped return punts as a junior, averaging 15 yards a try. Could come in at safety or cornerback, says Ewbank. One of the few 'unusual athletes' in the draft, according to Jet scouts."
-Football Digest, August 1973
"Scouting reports for the Jets say, 'He'll start for whoever drafts him,' which the Jets did with their top pick. The Jet staff was impressed with Owens in the Senior Bowl game. He was an All-America on the Sporting News list, which picks on the basis of pro potential. He had eight interceptions, 160 tackles and three fumble recoveries during his career at Miami.
Owens also returns punts."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"Among the top prospects for instant success in the secondary are Miami's Burgess Owens, the Jets' number one pick. Owens is expected to become a regular cornerback for the Jets from the moment he arrives in training camp."
-Frank Ross, from Previewing the Top Rookies of 1973, Pro Football Illustrated 1973
"The number one draft pick of the Jets, Owens impressed Jet scouts with an outstanding effort in the Senior Bowl. He was named All-America by the Sporting News and second team by NEA.
He made 160 tackles, eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his career. Owens was primarily a left cornerback but helped return punts as a junior, averaging 15 yards per try. Burgess 'will play immediately' say Jet scouting reports.
Owens was an offensive halfback in high school, gaining over 1,500 yards with 10 touchdowns. He works in construction during summers, majored in marine biology, and plans to go into dentistry. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M. His hometown is Tallahassee, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
GUS HOLLOMON
Strong Safety-Punter
No. 48
Houston
"A starting strong safety for the Jets the past three seasons, Gus is also the club's backup punter. He had a big theft against the Chiefs to preserve a Jet victory in 1971."
-1973 Topps No. 276
CHRIS FARASOPOULOS
Free Safety-Kick Returner
No. 19
Brigham Young
"Farasopoulos won the starting free safety spot in training camp and proceeded to grade out as the best defensive back over the course of the season. He also handled the bulk of the Jets return work, leading the AFC in punt returns with a 10.5 average on 17 returns. He broke a 65-yarder for a touchdown in the season opener at Buffalo, the first punt return for a touchdown by a Jet since 1963. Chris led the Jets in kickoff returns with a 24.1 average, and at his safety post he picked off two opposition passes, returning them for 48 yards; his thefts came against New England and Buffalo.
Faraopoulos suffered a back injury (broken vertebra) at Miami and was forced out of the Detroit game four days later, the only game he has missed since coming to the Jets. He has good speed as a returner and according to Weeb Ewbank is 'beginning to develop the savvy that he had in college when he led the country in returns.' Chris was a third-round draft choice in 1971.
Farasopoulos was born in Piraeus, Greece. His name is pronounced Fair-a-SOP-a-lus. He was drafted as an infielder by the Baltimore Orioles but declined to sign when they asked him to shorten his name. His hometown is Torrance, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Possessed with good speed and the ability to handle the corner if necessary, Chris has been the Jets' leading kickoff return specialist in his first two years."
-1973 Topps No. 374
PHIL WISE
Safety
No. 27
Nebraska-Omaha
"An outstanding athlete who has been troubled with injuries, Wise suffered a bad groin pull against Baltimore last year and spent five weeks on the move list. He came back to start in three games at the end of the year.
Wise played at cornerback against Buffalo at Shea and then saw work as a linebacker when the Jets went to a double-safety formation against Buffalo, Miami and Detroit. He posted a 23.4-yard average on nine kickoff returns, pairing up with Chris Farasopoulos as the deep men. In 1971, Wise started eight games at safety. He was drafted sixth in '71.
Phil majored in criminal justice and specialized in probation and parole problems. His hometown is Omaha, Nebraska."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
RICK SEIFERT
Safety
8th Round
Ohio State
"Drafted in the eighth round, Seifert was called by Woody Hayes 'one of the finest safeties and one of the hardest hitters we've ever had.' Rick suffered ligament damage and underwent surgery on his right knee last year but is recovered.
Seifert worked in rubber factories for the RCA Rubber Corporation during the summer months. He pronounces his name SIGH-furt. His hometown is Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
Friday, January 2, 2015
1973 New York Jets Linebacker Profiles
AL ATKINSON
Middle Linebacker
No. 62
Villanova
"Atkinson had another solid year at the middle linebacker post. He was particularly outstanding in games against Baltimore and Washington. In the 'Skins game he was flawless in breaking down the blocking for Larry Brown, a factor which helped the Jets hold Brown to his lowest rushing total of the year (48 yards). Atkinson suffered an ankle injury late in the season and had to sit out the game at Miami.
Al could be tried on the outside this year. Coaches feel he has the speed to cover the outside sweeps and the power to close down strongly at the line.
Atkinson was defensive captain of the Jets from 1969-1971. He had an injury riddled year in '71, again with an ankle injury which kept him out of four games. He was twice voted the Most Underrated Defensive Player in the old AFL but has come out of the shadows in the past three years. Al was a third-round choice of Buffalo in '65 but came to the Jets just prior to the season opener for the $100 waiver price.
Atkinson is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He visited Vietnam after the '68 season in conjunction with the USO. He's an institutional broker for Fahnestock & Co. His hometown is Uppper Darby, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
JOHN EBERSOLE
Middle Linebacker
No. 55
Penn State
"Ebersole spent the '72 campaign as a backup linebacker, mainly in the middle. He played extensively at Miami in place of the injured Al Atkinson. He could challenge for a starting MLB post this year if the Jets move Atkinson to the outside.
A terror on special teams, Ebersole is one of the first men down under kicks. He started five games in '71 and was named defensive MVP after his show against Kansas City. He was drafted fourth in 1970.
John does public relations work in the off-season for Ward Trucking Company in Altoona, Pennsylvania, his hometown."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
ROB SPICER
Middle Linebacker
9th Round
Indiana
"Drafted in the ninth round, Spicer played two years in the middle and only his sophomore year outside. John Pont said he 'was a fine prospect for the ninth round.' Spicer also took an interception for a touchdown against Purdue as a junior.
Rob's brother Keith is a pitcher with Toledo in the Detroit Tigers farm system. His hometown is Detroit, Michigan."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
WALLY DEMPSEY
Middle Linebacker
Free Agent
Washington State
"Dempsey played eight years in the Canadian League with Saskatchewan and twice won All-CFL honors at middle linebacker for the Roughriders. He has never missed a play in 112 consecutive games, a CFL record. Wally played on the Grey Cup Champs in 1966. He came to the Jets after playing in the Rams training camp in 1972 before returning to Canada.
Wally works in the off-season with Dempsey Brothers Masonry in Reseda, California, his hometown."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
LARRY GRANTHAM
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"Larry plays well against the running attack to his side, closing it down consistently. A pro since 1960, he's an absolute master at calling the blitz."
-1973 Topps No. 74
RALPH BAKER
Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
"Baker enters his 10th year with the Jets at left linebacker. He came down with a case of mononucleosis last year, missing four games in the middle of the season, yet fought back from it to close out in good style. He had an interception against Buffalo in the game at Shea.
Ralph had his finest pro campaign in 1968, topping it off with two fumble recoveries, one in the AFL Championship game and another in the Super Bowl. He's excellent on pass coverage and plays well against runs to his side. Ralph is strong at the point of attack.
Signed as a sixth-round draft choice in college, Baker majored in mathematics in college. He likes to hunt and fish and makes his home in Greenlawn, New York. His hometown is Lewistown, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Ralph enjoyed his finest pro campaign in 1968, topping it off with two fumble recoveries, one in the AFL Championship Game against the Oakland Raiders and one in the Super Bowl against the Colts."
-1973 Topps No. 486
PAUL CRANE
Linebacker-Long Snapper
No. 56
Alabama
"Crane was playing the best ball of his career last year before suffering torn ligaments in his left knee against Washington. He underwent an immediate operation and sat out the remainder of the year. Crane had been the starting left linebacker in Ralph Baker's absence due to illness and had one interception. He has been the number-one backup on either side for seven years and also makes the long snap for punts.
Paul has two career touchdowns, one on a 26-yard interception return and another on a blocked punt recovery in 1969. He was named winner of the Heede Award, given to the most dedicated and improved defensive player in 1969. Signed as a free agent after impressing Jet coaches in workouts for the 1966 Senior Bowl, Paul was a consensus All-America center under Bear Bryant at Alabama.
A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Crane is the leader of the Jets' devotional services. His hometown is Prichard, Alabama."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
BILL ZAPALAC
Linebacker
No. 53
Texas
"Activated for the final six games after a shoulder separation had kayoed him during the preseason, Zapalac played mainly on the defensive line last year. As a rookie, he came up with one of the biggest plays in the victory over Kansas City. Inserted late in the game, he broke through and dumped Len Dawson to end the Chiefs' last thrust. He was a fourth-round pick in 1971.
Zapalac played in three Cotton Bowls ('69-'71) and on two national championship squads. His father, Willie, is head offensive coach for Texas. Bill majored in architectural engineering. His hometown is Austin, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
MIKE TAYLOR
Linebacker
No. 50
Michigan
"Taylor started in five of the final six games after seeing spot duty earlier in the year. He reported injured from the College All-Star Game and was slowed in his training camp learning. His staring assignments were at both outside slots. Mike should benefit from a full training camp season this year. He was drafted second in the first round in 1972.
Mike was All-City at Martin Luther King High in Detroit, his hometown."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
BILL FERGUSON
Linebacker
4th Round
San Diego State
"Drafted in the fourth round by the Jets, Ferguson is an aggressive prospect according to scouts. He reads very well and is hard at the line. Scouted by Bill Baird, former Jet defensive back, Bill had two blocked field goals for touchdowns in 1972. He transferred from Washington to Grossmont J.C. before heading to San Diego State.
Ferguson was named the most inspirational player on the San Diego State team. His biggest thrill was taking a blocked field goal 60 yards to help San Diego State beat Iowa State. His hometown is El Cajon, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
BRUCE BANNON
Linebacker
5th Round
Penn State
"Drafted fifth, Bannon is a smart, durable player who makes very few mistakes. Named a first-team All-America defensive end by the American Football Coaches Association, NEA, UPI and Walter Camp among others, Bruce was named the outstanding defensive player in college by the Washington (D.C.) Pigskin Club. He was a member of the College All-Star team.
Bannon compiled a 3.92 (out of 4) average in geology and worked in coal mines in Pennsylvania. His hometown is Rockaway, New Jersey."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
1973 New York Jets Defensive Line Profiles
JOHN ELLIOTT
Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas
"A top-flight tackle who has been having his troubles in the past couple of seasons because of injuries. Elliott played in only four games in 1971 and missed another in 1972.
'The good lord gave me five good years in the pros,' he says. 'I figure now I've got to start paying for them. But I hope I can play another five or six years.' A tough guy from the Texas farm country who was earning money by carrying 100-pound sacks of feed at age 12, he returns to his ranch in the off-season.
Elliott was criticized for clobbering Houston's Dan Pastorini. But he says it wasn't intentional: 'I don't want to hurt anyone. I've had two or three operations myself so I know what they're like."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"One of the premier defensive linemen in pro football, Elliott began to show his original form late last season. He spent the preseason and the early games of the regular season fighting his way back from knee surgery in 1971. He finally has regained his full mobility and his ability as a 'chaser' of quarterbacks. John had an outstanding year in 1970, but he suffered torn ligaments in his right knee in the fourth game of 1971 at New England and underwent surgery immediately.
In 1970 he was named to numerous All-AFC squads, to the Pro Bowl and was voted the NEA Third Down Award by his teammates as the Jets' most valuable player. It's no coincidence that the Jets led the AFL in defense for two of the three years after Elliott became a starter. He led the team in sacking quarterbacks in 1970 with 16 dumps.
Elliott draws consistent praise from his opponents and from coaches for his speed and 'active' nature on the line. He was drafted seventh in 1967.
John enjoys hunting and fishing and works as a rancher during the off-season. His hometown is Warren, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
JOHN LITTLE
Defensive Tackle
No. 57
Oklahoma State
"Little became a full-time regular last year, starting all 14 games and leading the team in sacks with eight. He was hobbled somewhat by a pinched nerve in his neck and a broken wrist but still played all the way. Little had an outstanding game at Buffalo, dumping Dennis Shaw three times and helping on another.
Over his three years, he played at both left-side positions before becoming a starter. John put on weight before the '71 campaign and has maintained himself in the 240s ever since. He shared the Heede Award in 1971 as the most improved and dedicated defensive player. He was drafted 14th in 1970.
Little was a fullback and an offensive end in high school. He majored in education and was nicknamed 'Big Devil' by his coach Buddy Ryan. His hometown is Hot Springs, Arkansas."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
STEVE THOMPSON
Defensive Tackle
No. 87
Washington
"Thompson came out of retirement midway through the 1972 campaign to take a backup post along the defensive line. He played in only five games before breaking his right leg in Miami. He went on the reserve list after that.
Steve had retired following the Jet-Giant preseason game in 1971 to follow the way of the Lord. He was a starter in 1969 and had a fine year. 1970 saw him struck with a series of rib, knee and shoulder ailments.
Thompson had his rookie year cut short in 1968 with cartilage and ligament damage suffered in the Jets rookie game with the Colts in July. He recovered by late in the year to play in the AFL Championship game and the Super Bowl.
A second-round draft choice in 1968, his hometown is Lake Stevens, Washington."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
BOB PARRISH
Defensive Tackle
13th Round
Duke
"Drafted 13th, Parrish has a good pass rush but needs to beef up his frame. He pursues well and is a hitter. He made second team All-ACC and was All-Academic in the ACC.
Parrish went on an NCAA-sponsored tour of Korea and Southeast Asia. He works as a public relations and recreation director for a resort hotel in Florida. His hometown is Jacksonville Beach, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
MARK LOMAS
Defensive End
No. 84
Northern Arizona
"The starting defensive right end, Lomas had another consistent season. He had a great afternoon against Baltimore, dumping Johnny Unitas three times. In the rematch at Shea, Lomas recovered a Norm Bulaich fumble to set up a Jet touchdown. He started one game at right tackle as the Jets varied their defensive fronts.
In 1971 he was the senior lineman much of the way as injuries cut through the unit, leaving him the only defensive man to remain healthy all season. He shared the Heede Award with John Little in 1971. As a rookie he handled left end and left tackle before being converted to the right side. Mark was drafted eighth in 1970.
Lomas has worked as a substitute teacher during the off-season and is a health food believer. His hometown is Garden Grove, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Mark has proven to be an outstanding right end for the Jets, earning praise from the club's coaching staff. Mark has come up with the big plays for the defensive unit and gets to the quarterback quickly. A versatile lineman with the ability to play either end or tackle, he played at defensive left tackle in 1970."
-1973 Topps No. 302
RICHARD NEAL
Defensive End
No. 81
Southern
"'Richard Neal should be ready to blossom into a pro standout but he was hobbled by a sprained ankle most of last season,' says Saints coach J.D. Roberts. He needs to work on his moves for the pass rush.
The co-captain on defense for the Saints, Neal was voted the team's most valuable defensive player. He was picked by the Saints in the second round of the 1969 draft and has been a starter ever since.
Born in Minden, Louisiana, Neal attended Booker T. Washington High in Shreveport. He is well-liked by his teammates for his easy-going yet conscientious ways."
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)
"An all-state athlete at Booker T. Washington High in Shreveport where he earned three football letters and one in track, Richard was selected as an NAIA All-American in 1968. He was awarded four letters and was Southern University's team captain in 1968 and All-Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1967 and 1968.
Richard came into his own at left defensive end in 1970 after playing behind Doug Atkins as a rookie in 1969."
-1972 Topps No. 87
"Acquired along with Delles Howell from New Orleans for a No. 2 and a No. 3 draft choice just prior to the draft, Neal was a regular defensive end for the Saints and was elected captain for 1972. He had a sprained ankle in 1971 and knee trouble in 1970 but played injury-free a year ago. Neal played very well against the Jets' Winston Hill when the Saints visited Shea last year. He was the Saints No. 2 draft choice in 1969.
Richard works in public relations for the Falstaff Brewing Co. His hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
"Acquired by the Jets from the Saints, Richard never fails to give 100% on the field. He has excellent potential, particularly in rushing the quarterback."
-1973 Topps No. 443
JOEY JACKSON
Defensive End
No. 86
New Mexico State
"Joey saw action at both tackle and at end during his rookie campaign. He started twice, against Oakland and Cleveland, at right end. He is a player who gets good penetration into the backfield and likes to get the quarterback. Joey had five sacks, second most on the team, and could challenge for a starting position this year. He was drafted sixth in 1972.
He's nicknamed 'Mad Mountain' after a local Indian legend. His brother, Mike, plays football for Central State. Joey is very active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His hometown in Cincinnati, Ohio."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
ED GALIGHER
Defensive End
No. 85
UCLA
"Galigher enjoyed a very promising rookie season last year, playing three different positions along the defensive end. He started in Detroit, his only start of the year, but suffered a broken hand in that game and was finally placed on reserve for the last game of the year. Galigher impressed the coaches and could challenge for a starting position this season. Drafted fourth in 1972, he has great strength and quickness.
Ed majored in engineering. His hometown is Hayward, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos
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