Middle Linebacker
No. 62
Villanova
"A standout middle linebacker who had a frustrating season due to injuries, Atkinson was off to a fine start when he suffered a severely pulled muscle in his left thigh in the third game of the year at Buffalo. He was forced onto the inactive list for the next seven weeks before returning against Atlanta and Baltimore late in the year. He aggravated the pull against the Colts and was inactive for the final two games.
Atkinson closes down strongly at the point of attack and is particularly effective against the passing game. He has had injuries in recent years, with ankle problems sidelining him in '71 and '72.
Al was defensive captain from 1969-71 and was twice voted the 'Most Underrated Player' in the old AFL. He played the second half of the Super Bowl with a separated shoulder, not telling anyone about it. Al was a 3rd round choice of Buffalo in 1965, but came to the Jets just prior to the season opener for the $100 waiver fee. He earned a starting role for the final two games of '65 after special teams work.
He's an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and made a tour of Vietnam after the '68 season in conjunction with the USO. An institutional broker for Fahnestock & Co., Al's hometown is Upper Darby, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
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