Running Back
No. 43
Western Kentucky
"A swift outside runner, Jackson gave the Jets speed in certain situations as a rookie. He provided a big play against Chicago when he scooped up a John Riggins fumble and took it 24 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Jazz played in every game except the opener (he was nursing bruised ribs) and received a starting nod against Houston; he carried seven times for 39 yards in that game and caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Joe Namath.
Jazz is a very muscular and durable runner despite his size. Drafted 16th in 1974, he has 4.5 speed with good acceleration off the ball.
His real name is Clarence but he prefers Jazz. He played on three OVC championship teams and is the shortest Jet ever. Jazz enjoys fishing and swimming. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
1975 Profile: Bob Burns
Running Back
No. 33
Georgia
"Burns gave the Jets good depth and backup help at the fullback position. He started two games- Giants and Houston- and responded well in those outings. He ran 21 times against the Giants for 101 yards and also caught two passes in that game, and against Houston the week before he gained 11 yards and caught four passes for 18 yards. Against the Patriots at Foxboro, he ran eight for 26 and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass for the Jets' first score. Bob finished as the third-leading rusher on the squad with 158 yards and caught 11 passes for another 83.
Drafted No. 9 in 1974, Bob picked up the Jet blocking patterns well and showed good moves at the line of scrimmage. He has outstanding hands.
Burns is nicknamed 'Bazooka Bob' and majored in real estate and history. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 33
Georgia
"Burns gave the Jets good depth and backup help at the fullback position. He started two games- Giants and Houston- and responded well in those outings. He ran 21 times against the Giants for 101 yards and also caught two passes in that game, and against Houston the week before he gained 11 yards and caught four passes for 18 yards. Against the Patriots at Foxboro, he ran eight for 26 and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass for the Jets' first score. Bob finished as the third-leading rusher on the squad with 158 yards and caught 11 passes for another 83.
Drafted No. 9 in 1974, Bob picked up the Jet blocking patterns well and showed good moves at the line of scrimmage. He has outstanding hands.
Burns is nicknamed 'Bazooka Bob' and majored in real estate and history. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, May 23, 2015
1975 Profile: Mike Adamle
Running Back
No. 1
Northwestern
"The firebrand captain of the special teams and a capable backup running back, Adamle also started three games in 1974, two for Boozer and one for Riggins. He finished as the Jets' fourth leading rusher with 28 carries, 93 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike got his first start of the year at fullback against Los Angeles and responded with a 54-yard afternoon and touchdown. He started the season finale at Baltimore, gained 20 yards from the halfback slot and scored the touchdown which provided the winning margin, 45-38.
1974 was his second season as captain of the specialty units. Mike started the final four games of 1973 when John Riggins was injured and had his finest day at Philadelphia with 84 yards on 16 carries.
Originally a fifth round draftee of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1971, he came to the Jets in a trade with KC in February 1973. Mike is the son of Tony Adamle, who played linebacker with the Cleveland Browns. His hometown is Kent, Ohio."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 1
Northwestern
"The firebrand captain of the special teams and a capable backup running back, Adamle also started three games in 1974, two for Boozer and one for Riggins. He finished as the Jets' fourth leading rusher with 28 carries, 93 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike got his first start of the year at fullback against Los Angeles and responded with a 54-yard afternoon and touchdown. He started the season finale at Baltimore, gained 20 yards from the halfback slot and scored the touchdown which provided the winning margin, 45-38.
1974 was his second season as captain of the specialty units. Mike started the final four games of 1973 when John Riggins was injured and had his finest day at Philadelphia with 84 yards on 16 carries.
Originally a fifth round draftee of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1971, he came to the Jets in a trade with KC in February 1973. Mike is the son of Tony Adamle, who played linebacker with the Cleveland Browns. His hometown is Kent, Ohio."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Friday, May 22, 2015
1975 Profile: Emerson Boozer
Halfback
No. 32
Maryland Eastern Shore
"Boozer added another laurel to an already illustrious career in 1974, joining the 5,000-yard club, only the 22nd player in pro football history to do so. He now has a career total of 5,084 yards and is the Jets all-time career rushing leader.
Runner-up to Namath as Jets MVP last year, Boozer was the captain of the offensive unit after sharing the honor in 1973. He played in 13 games, only missing the final one because of a sprained ankle, demonstrating once again that he is among the finest all-around runners and blockers in the game. He finished up as the 11th leading rusher in the AFC.
Emerson opened the year with a standout display of blocking at Kansas City, leading for John Riggins' 116-yard effort. His other strong performances came at Chicago (21-78-1), against Los Angeles (10-62-1) and at New England (25-90-1).
Against the Giants Boozer occupied a hero's role as he caught Joe Namath's five-yard pass in overtime to defeat the crosstown rivals, 26-20. In that game he ran 13 times for 58 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards plus the winning touchdown. Two weeks later, against Miami at Shea, he gained 41 yards which put him over the 5,000 yard level.
Drafted 6th in 1966, his 52 career rushing touchdowns give him the active NFL lead and tops the Jets. Emerson stands third on the all-time Jet scoring list with 378 points. He co-holds the Jet record for touchdowns in a game, with three, having done it five times.
Emerson has been dogged with minor injuries from time to time, but has an ability to bounce right back from them. His sophomore year (1967) saw him suffer a major injury when he tore ligaments in his knee in the eighth game of the year. He had already scored 13 touchdowns, only six shy of the AFL record. He recovered from surgery and a year later received praise for his work during the AFL Championship and the Super Bowl as he blocked the way for Matt Snell's running. Emerson has always been known for his superb blocking, and picks up the blitz as well as any running back. He was selected by his teammates as the Jets MVP after his finest yardage season (831) in 1973.
Emerson does an excellent job on speaking tours during the off-season. He has had a daily radio show in the past and has ambitions to enter the broadcasting field when his career is over; Emerson guest hosted the John Sterling sports talk show last spring.
He's extremely interested in youth-related projects. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 32
Maryland Eastern Shore
"Boozer added another laurel to an already illustrious career in 1974, joining the 5,000-yard club, only the 22nd player in pro football history to do so. He now has a career total of 5,084 yards and is the Jets all-time career rushing leader.
Runner-up to Namath as Jets MVP last year, Boozer was the captain of the offensive unit after sharing the honor in 1973. He played in 13 games, only missing the final one because of a sprained ankle, demonstrating once again that he is among the finest all-around runners and blockers in the game. He finished up as the 11th leading rusher in the AFC.
Emerson opened the year with a standout display of blocking at Kansas City, leading for John Riggins' 116-yard effort. His other strong performances came at Chicago (21-78-1), against Los Angeles (10-62-1) and at New England (25-90-1).
Against the Giants Boozer occupied a hero's role as he caught Joe Namath's five-yard pass in overtime to defeat the crosstown rivals, 26-20. In that game he ran 13 times for 58 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards plus the winning touchdown. Two weeks later, against Miami at Shea, he gained 41 yards which put him over the 5,000 yard level.
Drafted 6th in 1966, his 52 career rushing touchdowns give him the active NFL lead and tops the Jets. Emerson stands third on the all-time Jet scoring list with 378 points. He co-holds the Jet record for touchdowns in a game, with three, having done it five times.
Emerson has been dogged with minor injuries from time to time, but has an ability to bounce right back from them. His sophomore year (1967) saw him suffer a major injury when he tore ligaments in his knee in the eighth game of the year. He had already scored 13 touchdowns, only six shy of the AFL record. He recovered from surgery and a year later received praise for his work during the AFL Championship and the Super Bowl as he blocked the way for Matt Snell's running. Emerson has always been known for his superb blocking, and picks up the blitz as well as any running back. He was selected by his teammates as the Jets MVP after his finest yardage season (831) in 1973.
Emerson does an excellent job on speaking tours during the off-season. He has had a daily radio show in the past and has ambitions to enter the broadcasting field when his career is over; Emerson guest hosted the John Sterling sports talk show last spring.
He's extremely interested in youth-related projects. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
1975 Profile: John Riggins
Running Back
No. 44
Kansas
"Among the top ten in rushing in the AFC in 1974 despite missing four games with an injury, he 'has the potential to be the greatest fullback to play the game,' says Charley Winner about Riggins. John is one of the keys to the Jet attack, both with his rushing ability and his strength as a blocker on both pass and run situations. He had three games of 100 yards or more last year and finished in a tie for scoring leadership on the Jets with Richard Caster with 42 points on seven touchdowns. The seven TDs were second only to his career high of eight in one year, that established in 1972.
Riggins drove for 116 yards in the season opener against Kansas City and later in the season had 100 against New England. His other 100-yard effort was in the finale with 107 at Baltimore. He suffered a sterno-clavicular sprain of the left shoulder in the sixth game (against Baltimore) and was on the sidelines for four weeks.
He returned in fine style against Miami at Shea with a 93-yard effort. He tied the Jet record for touchdowns in one game with three against San Diego; in that game he ran for two and caught a Joe Namath pass for the third.
After four years with the Jets, Riggins is already the fourth leading rusher in club history with 2,875 yards. He has been over 100 yards seven times in his career. His best day as a pro came in 1972 when he ran for 168 yards against New England.
As a rookie (1971) John became the first Jet to lead the team in both rushing and receiving. During 1972 he showed exactly what type of player he can be when he raced for 944 yards, only four yards shy of Matt Snell's Jet record. That season his blocking also took the form that the Jets desire. He missed the final two games in '72 with knee surgery to remove a particle that impaired his running motion. John has caught 99 career passes, among them a 67-yarder against Baltimore in 1972. Former coach Weeb Ewbank compares Riggins with to Marion Motley and Alan Ameche as a fullback.
A first round draft choice in 1971, John majored in journalism and public relations. He hails from Centralia, Kansas, a small town with 500 people and no street signs. His biggest thrill in sports was seeing himself on a bubble gum card."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 44
Kansas
"Among the top ten in rushing in the AFC in 1974 despite missing four games with an injury, he 'has the potential to be the greatest fullback to play the game,' says Charley Winner about Riggins. John is one of the keys to the Jet attack, both with his rushing ability and his strength as a blocker on both pass and run situations. He had three games of 100 yards or more last year and finished in a tie for scoring leadership on the Jets with Richard Caster with 42 points on seven touchdowns. The seven TDs were second only to his career high of eight in one year, that established in 1972.
Riggins drove for 116 yards in the season opener against Kansas City and later in the season had 100 against New England. His other 100-yard effort was in the finale with 107 at Baltimore. He suffered a sterno-clavicular sprain of the left shoulder in the sixth game (against Baltimore) and was on the sidelines for four weeks.
He returned in fine style against Miami at Shea with a 93-yard effort. He tied the Jet record for touchdowns in one game with three against San Diego; in that game he ran for two and caught a Joe Namath pass for the third.
After four years with the Jets, Riggins is already the fourth leading rusher in club history with 2,875 yards. He has been over 100 yards seven times in his career. His best day as a pro came in 1972 when he ran for 168 yards against New England.
As a rookie (1971) John became the first Jet to lead the team in both rushing and receiving. During 1972 he showed exactly what type of player he can be when he raced for 944 yards, only four yards shy of Matt Snell's Jet record. That season his blocking also took the form that the Jets desire. He missed the final two games in '72 with knee surgery to remove a particle that impaired his running motion. John has caught 99 career passes, among them a 67-yarder against Baltimore in 1972. Former coach Weeb Ewbank compares Riggins with to Marion Motley and Alan Ameche as a fullback.
A first round draft choice in 1971, John majored in journalism and public relations. He hails from Centralia, Kansas, a small town with 500 people and no street signs. His biggest thrill in sports was seeing himself on a bubble gum card."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
1975 Profile: Bill Demory
Quarterback
No. 6
Arizona
"Demory played in only one game in 1974, that as a place kick holder against Los Angeles as he continued in his backup role to Joe Namath and Al Woodall.
1973, however, was a different story as he earned three starting assignments and directed the Jets to two of their four victories. Bill was called back to the team after being released in training camp and suddenly was thrust into a game when both Namath and Woodall were injured.
He started the next three games, winning against New England at Foxboro with a ground attack. He completed one pass, but that 12-yarder to David Knight set up the winning field goal. A week later Bill played an outstanding game against Pittsburgh and almost came out with a victory except for a fourth quarter uprising by the Steelers. Later in the season he took over from Woodall against the Patriots at Shea and led a 33-13 win, throwing a 31-yard touchdown strike to Jerome Barkum. Signed as a free agent in 1973, Bill still needs greater strength in his arm, but he has the savvy to play the game.
Bill majored in public administration and is a new homes salesman for the the Estes Company in Tucson. His hometown is Phoenix, Arizona."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 6
Arizona
"Demory played in only one game in 1974, that as a place kick holder against Los Angeles as he continued in his backup role to Joe Namath and Al Woodall.
1973, however, was a different story as he earned three starting assignments and directed the Jets to two of their four victories. Bill was called back to the team after being released in training camp and suddenly was thrust into a game when both Namath and Woodall were injured.
He started the next three games, winning against New England at Foxboro with a ground attack. He completed one pass, but that 12-yarder to David Knight set up the winning field goal. A week later Bill played an outstanding game against Pittsburgh and almost came out with a victory except for a fourth quarter uprising by the Steelers. Later in the season he took over from Woodall against the Patriots at Shea and led a 33-13 win, throwing a 31-yard touchdown strike to Jerome Barkum. Signed as a free agent in 1973, Bill still needs greater strength in his arm, but he has the savvy to play the game.
Bill majored in public administration and is a new homes salesman for the the Estes Company in Tucson. His hometown is Phoenix, Arizona."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Sunday, May 17, 2015
1975 Profile: Al Woodall
Quarterback
No. 18
Duke
"A veteran backup quarterback with a strong arm and good 'footbal sense,' Woodall has been forced into action several times during his six seasons when Joe Namath was injured suddenly and responded credibly each time. Al worked in only three games in 1974 as Namath was healthy throughout the campaign. He did mop-up work against New England, San Diego and Baltimore, throwing eight passes. Al has great size for a quarterback and fulfills a valuable role on the offensive phones when not in action and has called many successful plays from the sidelines.
Al was the starting quarterback for six games in 1973 when Namath was out with a shoulder injury, but he also was felled with a knee problem in Miami. He recovered quickly, however, and threw nine touchdown passes in '73 to give him a total of 18 for his career. Al was the starter for most of 1970 when Namath broke his wrist and engineered victories over the powerful Rams and Vikings that year.
He had a disappointing 1971 season and was on the taxi squad for all but one game of 1972. Drafted No. 2 in 1969, Al had minor league experience for one year with the Richmond Roadrunners of the ACFL in 1968 after leaving Duke.
Al has worked for an anti-narcotics program and done art show promotion in recent off-seasons. His hometown is Erwin, North Carolina."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 18
Duke
"A veteran backup quarterback with a strong arm and good 'footbal sense,' Woodall has been forced into action several times during his six seasons when Joe Namath was injured suddenly and responded credibly each time. Al worked in only three games in 1974 as Namath was healthy throughout the campaign. He did mop-up work against New England, San Diego and Baltimore, throwing eight passes. Al has great size for a quarterback and fulfills a valuable role on the offensive phones when not in action and has called many successful plays from the sidelines.
Al was the starting quarterback for six games in 1973 when Namath was out with a shoulder injury, but he also was felled with a knee problem in Miami. He recovered quickly, however, and threw nine touchdown passes in '73 to give him a total of 18 for his career. Al was the starter for most of 1970 when Namath broke his wrist and engineered victories over the powerful Rams and Vikings that year.
He had a disappointing 1971 season and was on the taxi squad for all but one game of 1972. Drafted No. 2 in 1969, Al had minor league experience for one year with the Richmond Roadrunners of the ACFL in 1968 after leaving Duke.
Al has worked for an anti-narcotics program and done art show promotion in recent off-seasons. His hometown is Erwin, North Carolina."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, May 16, 2015
1975 Profile: Joe Namath
Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"Namath had an another great season in '74, particularly over the second half of the year, and escaped the injury dilemma which has confronted him throughout his career. He was elected the team's MVP for the third time in balloting by his teammates.
Joe finished up on a hot streak during the six-game win cycle, becoming what head coach Charley Winner called, ' a more efficient quarterback.' During that span Namath completed 85 of 147 passes for 1,196 yards and 11 touchdowns, and had only five interceptions. He didn't throw an interception in his last 80 passes [of 1974], covering over three and a half games. His final completion total (191) was second only to Ken Anderson in the AFC and his yardage total (2,616) was second only to Anderson in the entire NFL. His 20 touchdown total was good for a second place tie behind Ken Stabler in the NFL.
Namath had one of the most dramatic games of his career in the overtime triumph over the Giants, calling an outstanding offensive game and passing 20-31-236, two touchdowns and running for one. In overtime he hit Richard Caster for a 42-yard gain to ignite the winning drive and then five plays later tossed the winning touchdown to Emerson Boozer.
A week later a 34-yard toss to David Knight at New England provided the winning points. Keeping the dramatic string alive, he pitched 45 yards to Richard Caster with five minutes remaining to upset Miami at Shea Stadium, 17-14. The next Sunday, while preoccupied with his seriously ill father in Pennsylvania, his arm won still another game, against Buffalo, with a 36-yard strike to Jerome Barkum with four minutes to play as the Jets upset the playoff-bound Bills, 20-10.
Namath demonstrated clearly that he was fully recovered from the shoulder separation which had kayoed him in 1973 when the Colts' Stan White decked him on a blitz in the second game of the year; the separated shoulder sidelined him for seven weeks before he returned against Cincinnati. Previous injuries which have sidelined him were a broken wrist in 1970 and torn left knee ligaments in the first preseason game of 1971, but the last two injury-free seasons- 1972 & 1974- have showed that the Joe Namath magic is still there.
In '72 he passed for more yards than anyone in football and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with 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 season.
Joe put together some memorable days in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history (George Blanda and Sonny Jurgensen are the others) to have two 400-yard games in one year. 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 drives totalling only 15 plays, three of them on first down to Richard Caster. He teamed with Johnny Unitas that day to set an NFL record for combined passing yards- 872. Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland, hitting 25 of 46.
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 and 1969 seasons, also earning that honor in 1972. He gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore, being 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 '68 and '69 as well as last year in voting by his teammates, and has been captain of the offense four times- 1968, 1969, 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.
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 the longest pass- 89 yards to Richard Caster in Miami in 1974. He's also hit on an 87-yarder (to Maynard) and an 83-yarder (to Ed Bell). Joe has been over 300 yards 20 times in his career (three of those being over 400) and is 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 during his collegiate days, Namath has carried the ball 55 times for 124 yards and seven touchdowns as a pro. His longest run was for 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Since he came to the Jets in 1965 he has appeared in 111 of 140 games. During that time the Jets are 68-68-4, while Namath's record as the starting or 'responsible' quarterback is 57-44-4. Prior to 1970 Namath had played in 74 consecutive games plus three postseason games. Drafted first by both the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. All the operations were performed by Jet team orthopedist Dr. James Nicholas.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel' with Clint Eastwood. He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' Joe has pursued acting lessons during his free moments.
He operates the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. Namath visited servicemen in the Far East following the Super Bowl.
Namath resides in New York and Florida during the off-season and made his home during the '74 season in Garden City, Long Island. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
No. 12
Alabama
"Namath had an another great season in '74, particularly over the second half of the year, and escaped the injury dilemma which has confronted him throughout his career. He was elected the team's MVP for the third time in balloting by his teammates.
Joe finished up on a hot streak during the six-game win cycle, becoming what head coach Charley Winner called, ' a more efficient quarterback.' During that span Namath completed 85 of 147 passes for 1,196 yards and 11 touchdowns, and had only five interceptions. He didn't throw an interception in his last 80 passes [of 1974], covering over three and a half games. His final completion total (191) was second only to Ken Anderson in the AFC and his yardage total (2,616) was second only to Anderson in the entire NFL. His 20 touchdown total was good for a second place tie behind Ken Stabler in the NFL.
Namath had one of the most dramatic games of his career in the overtime triumph over the Giants, calling an outstanding offensive game and passing 20-31-236, two touchdowns and running for one. In overtime he hit Richard Caster for a 42-yard gain to ignite the winning drive and then five plays later tossed the winning touchdown to Emerson Boozer.
A week later a 34-yard toss to David Knight at New England provided the winning points. Keeping the dramatic string alive, he pitched 45 yards to Richard Caster with five minutes remaining to upset Miami at Shea Stadium, 17-14. The next Sunday, while preoccupied with his seriously ill father in Pennsylvania, his arm won still another game, against Buffalo, with a 36-yard strike to Jerome Barkum with four minutes to play as the Jets upset the playoff-bound Bills, 20-10.
Namath demonstrated clearly that he was fully recovered from the shoulder separation which had kayoed him in 1973 when the Colts' Stan White decked him on a blitz in the second game of the year; the separated shoulder sidelined him for seven weeks before he returned against Cincinnati. Previous injuries which have sidelined him were a broken wrist in 1970 and torn left knee ligaments in the first preseason game of 1971, but the last two injury-free seasons- 1972 & 1974- have showed that the Joe Namath magic is still there.
In '72 he passed for more yards than anyone in football and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with 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 season.
Joe put together some memorable days in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history (George Blanda and Sonny Jurgensen are the others) to have two 400-yard games in one year. 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 drives totalling only 15 plays, three of them on first down to Richard Caster. He teamed with Johnny Unitas that day to set an NFL record for combined passing yards- 872. Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland, hitting 25 of 46.
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 and 1969 seasons, also earning that honor in 1972. He gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore, being 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 '68 and '69 as well as last year in voting by his teammates, and has been captain of the offense four times- 1968, 1969, 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.
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 the longest pass- 89 yards to Richard Caster in Miami in 1974. He's also hit on an 87-yarder (to Maynard) and an 83-yarder (to Ed Bell). Joe has been over 300 yards 20 times in his career (three of those being over 400) and is 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 during his collegiate days, Namath has carried the ball 55 times for 124 yards and seven touchdowns as a pro. His longest run was for 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Since he came to the Jets in 1965 he has appeared in 111 of 140 games. During that time the Jets are 68-68-4, while Namath's record as the starting or 'responsible' quarterback is 57-44-4. Prior to 1970 Namath had played in 74 consecutive games plus three postseason games. Drafted first by both the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. All the operations were performed by Jet team orthopedist Dr. James Nicholas.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel' with Clint Eastwood. He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' Joe has pursued acting lessons during his free moments.
He operates the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. Namath visited servicemen in the Far East following the Super Bowl.
Namath resides in New York and Florida during the off-season and made his home during the '74 season in Garden City, Long Island. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Thursday, May 14, 2015
1975 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 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. While with the Rangers, Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man in tandem with Frank Paice.
Bill makes his home in Brightwaters, New York."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 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 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. While with the Rangers, Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man in tandem with Frank Paice.
Bill makes his home in Brightwaters, New York."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
1975 Profile: Jeff Snedeker
Trainer
"An original member of the Jets franchise, Snedeker has served as head trainer for 12 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 was assistant trainer at the University of Washington from 1960-63 before joining the AFL Jets.
Jeff worked as a research associate for the Institute for Sports Medicine during the off-season."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"An original member of the Jets franchise, Snedeker has served as head trainer for 12 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 was assistant trainer at the University of Washington from 1960-63 before joining the AFL Jets.
Jeff worked as a research associate for the Institute for Sports Medicine during the off-season."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
1975 New York Jets Coaches Profiles
KEN SHIPP (Offensive Coordinator and Receivers Coach)
"Shipp handles coaching duties with quarterbacks and receivers and serves as Charley Winner's offensive coordinator. He worked very closely last year with Joe Namath and receivers Rich Caster, Jerome Barkum and David Knight installing his passing attack.
Ken has coached in the NFL for seven 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 1975 Yearbook
DICK VORIS (Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach)
"Voris is in his second year as Charley Winner's defensive coordinator. He has coached in the NFL for 16 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 the 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 1973 as head defensive coach at Baltimore.
Dick graduated from San Jose State."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
BOB FRY (Offensive Line Coach)
"Fry handles the offensive line work. He has a record of 22 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach. He headed up the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line for five years prior to joining the Jets 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.
Fry was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early '50s."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
JIM SPAVITAL (Offensive Backfield Coach)
"Spavital joins the Jets this year to take over the offensive backfield coaching position that Mike Holovak had held for two years.
He has been in coaching since 1954 when he started out at Perkins High School in Oklahoma. In 1956 he moved to his alma mater, Oklahoma State, as an assistant coach and spent seven seasons there and was offensive coordinator.
Jim left coaching following the '62 season, but reentered as the defensive coordinator of the Sasketchewan Rough Riders in 1968-69; that team went to the Grey Cup finals once and was Western Division champ twice. In 1970 he moved to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as head coach and was in the playoffs three times. In three of his four years at Winnipeg the team led the league in total offense despite having only two assistant coaches.
In January 1974 Jim became head coach of the Chicago Fire of the WFL."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
BUDDY RYAN (Linebackers Coach)
"Ryan joined the Jet staff of assistants in 1968, and will handle the linebackers for the second year after working with the defensive line for six seasons. He's known for molding rushing defenses which have ranked near the top; the Jets were first in the AFL against the rush in 1968, 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
SAM RUTIGLIANO (Defensive Backs Coach)
"Hired by Charley Winner to tutor the secondary, Rutigliano has had eight 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
MIKE HOLOVAK (Director of Scouting)
"Holovak assumed his new position following the 1975 draft after two years as coach of the offensive backs. He had served as a scout for the Jets Galaxy combine group in 1972 before joining the coaching staff full time.
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 receiver 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 B.C. 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
PETE MARASCO (Scouting Coordinator)
"Marasco joined the Jets to work in the talent scouting department last May. He was Director of Player Personnel for the Montreal Alouettes and helped them win the Grey Cup. He's the brother of Carl Marasco of the Chicago Bears.
Pete gained notoriety in pro football when he and his brother began the 'Marasco Ratings' of collegiate football talent. They started doing it in 1960 and had them regularly published starting in 1968."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
CARROLL HUNTRESS (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Huntress will serve as a scout for the Jets exclusively after two years in the Galaxy combine. 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
JIM ROYER (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"A member of the Jets Galaxy scouting combine, but attached to the Jets operation, Royer has been in coaching or scouting since 1958. He has coached at the U.S. Naval Academy, Buffalo, Tulane, Pittsburgh and with Richmond in the ACL.
Jim came to the NFL in 1971 with the New Orleans Saints and spent two and a half years there. In 1973 he became a scout for the Washington Redskins and joined Galaxy in 1974."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
ED BUCKLEY (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Buckley came to the Jets this spring as a talent scout in the Jets Galaxy combine after serving on the staff of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past seven years. He has an extensive high school coaching record and in 14 of his 18 seasons he produced undefeated teams.
Ed spent two years as a scout for the AFL (1965-66) and worked for the Monteal Alouettes in 1967 before heading for Kansas City. He's a 1942 Harvard graduate."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"Shipp handles coaching duties with quarterbacks and receivers and serves as Charley Winner's offensive coordinator. He worked very closely last year with Joe Namath and receivers Rich Caster, Jerome Barkum and David Knight installing his passing attack.
Ken has coached in the NFL for seven 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 1975 Yearbook
DICK VORIS (Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach)
"Voris is in his second year as Charley Winner's defensive coordinator. He has coached in the NFL for 16 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 the 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 1973 as head defensive coach at Baltimore.
Dick graduated from San Jose State."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
BOB FRY (Offensive Line Coach)
"Fry handles the offensive line work. He has a record of 22 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach. He headed up the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line for five years prior to joining the Jets 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.
Fry was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early '50s."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
JIM SPAVITAL (Offensive Backfield Coach)
"Spavital joins the Jets this year to take over the offensive backfield coaching position that Mike Holovak had held for two years.
He has been in coaching since 1954 when he started out at Perkins High School in Oklahoma. In 1956 he moved to his alma mater, Oklahoma State, as an assistant coach and spent seven seasons there and was offensive coordinator.
Jim left coaching following the '62 season, but reentered as the defensive coordinator of the Sasketchewan Rough Riders in 1968-69; that team went to the Grey Cup finals once and was Western Division champ twice. In 1970 he moved to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as head coach and was in the playoffs three times. In three of his four years at Winnipeg the team led the league in total offense despite having only two assistant coaches.
In January 1974 Jim became head coach of the Chicago Fire of the WFL."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
BUDDY RYAN (Linebackers Coach)
"Ryan joined the Jet staff of assistants in 1968, and will handle the linebackers for the second year after working with the defensive line for six seasons. He's known for molding rushing defenses which have ranked near the top; the Jets were first in the AFL against the rush in 1968, 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
SAM RUTIGLIANO (Defensive Backs Coach)
"Hired by Charley Winner to tutor the secondary, Rutigliano has had eight 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
MIKE HOLOVAK (Director of Scouting)
"Holovak assumed his new position following the 1975 draft after two years as coach of the offensive backs. He had served as a scout for the Jets Galaxy combine group in 1972 before joining the coaching staff full time.
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 receiver 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 B.C. 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
PETE MARASCO (Scouting Coordinator)
"Marasco joined the Jets to work in the talent scouting department last May. He was Director of Player Personnel for the Montreal Alouettes and helped them win the Grey Cup. He's the brother of Carl Marasco of the Chicago Bears.
Pete gained notoriety in pro football when he and his brother began the 'Marasco Ratings' of collegiate football talent. They started doing it in 1960 and had them regularly published starting in 1968."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
CARROLL HUNTRESS (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Huntress will serve as a scout for the Jets exclusively after two years in the Galaxy combine. 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."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
JIM ROYER (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"A member of the Jets Galaxy scouting combine, but attached to the Jets operation, Royer has been in coaching or scouting since 1958. He has coached at the U.S. Naval Academy, Buffalo, Tulane, Pittsburgh and with Richmond in the ACL.
Jim came to the NFL in 1971 with the New Orleans Saints and spent two and a half years there. In 1973 he became a scout for the Washington Redskins and joined Galaxy in 1974."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
ED BUCKLEY (Talent Scout and Assistant Coach)
"Buckley came to the Jets this spring as a talent scout in the Jets Galaxy combine after serving on the staff of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past seven years. He has an extensive high school coaching record and in 14 of his 18 seasons he produced undefeated teams.
Ed spent two years as a scout for the AFL (1965-66) and worked for the Monteal Alouettes in 1967 before heading for Kansas City. He's a 1942 Harvard graduate."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Monday, May 11, 2015
1975 Profile: Charley Winner
Head Coach
"Charley Winner, the head coach of the New York Jets, is an energetic man who has spent the past 21 years of his life coaching pro football. The 48-year-old Winner is entering his second season as head coach after spending 1973 as an assistant.
Winner, formerly the head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, has an association with the National Football League which dates back to 1954 when he went to Baltimore as an assistant coach under Weeb Ewbank. In the course of 12 years with the Colts, Winner was in charge of the ends, the defensive backs, the linebackers and eventually took over the entire defense as head coordinator. He was the head defensive coach when the Colts annexed a pair of NFL crowns in 1958 and 1959, and when the team won or shared the Western title in 1964 and 1965.
In 1966 Winner accepted the head coaching position of the St. Louis Cardinals, a post he held for five years. During his time there he guided the Cards to a 35-30-5 record, the best mark in Cardinal annals. Under his leadership the Cards set a team record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a season in 1966. In 1970, the Cards defense put together a string of three straight shutouts. His Cards were in playoff contention that year right until the end and finished with an 8-5-1 record after being 4-9-1 in 1969. Winner moved on to the Washington Redskins as coach of the defensive backs in 1971 and helped propel the Redskins into the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Winner has also been associated with Ewbank throughout his life. He has played and coached under Ewbank, and on the personal side, he married Ewbank's daughter, Nancy, on June 23, 1950.
Winner's coaching career began as an assistant under Weeb at Washington University in St. Louis in 1948. Winner stayed there two years (only one under Ewbank) before heading for Case Tech where he served under Lou Saban. He was reunited with his father-in-law in 1954 at Baltimore and remained there after Ewbank left in 1963.
'I decided to stay at Baltimore,' he recalls, 'because I felt it was time to strike out on my own, rather than continue to be associated with Weeb forever, though he and I had a fine working relationship.'
A native of Somerville, New Jersey, Winner was born either on July 2 or July 3, 1925, depending on whether you read the birth certificate or listen to his mother. 'My birth certificate says July 3,' says Winner, 'but my mother always said I was born on July 2, so I celebrate both of them.'
He was a fine high school halfback but too small for major college notice. With the help of a high school friend who was enrolled there, Winner was offered a scholarship at Southest Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Winner made the freshman squad in 1941, but was drafted into the Army in the spring of 1942. He became a radio operator and gunner in the Air Force, flew 17 missions over Germany and was shot down in the spring of 1945, spending six weeks in a prisoner of war camp before the war ended.
Returning to his education, he enrolled at Washington University where he earned a pair of letters as a halfback and three as a sprinter and also his wife. He received his B.S. degree in 1949.
Winner and his wife have two daughters, Cinda and Lisa."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"Charley Winner, the head coach of the New York Jets, is an energetic man who has spent the past 21 years of his life coaching pro football. The 48-year-old Winner is entering his second season as head coach after spending 1973 as an assistant.
Winner, formerly the head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, has an association with the National Football League which dates back to 1954 when he went to Baltimore as an assistant coach under Weeb Ewbank. In the course of 12 years with the Colts, Winner was in charge of the ends, the defensive backs, the linebackers and eventually took over the entire defense as head coordinator. He was the head defensive coach when the Colts annexed a pair of NFL crowns in 1958 and 1959, and when the team won or shared the Western title in 1964 and 1965.
In 1966 Winner accepted the head coaching position of the St. Louis Cardinals, a post he held for five years. During his time there he guided the Cards to a 35-30-5 record, the best mark in Cardinal annals. Under his leadership the Cards set a team record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a season in 1966. In 1970, the Cards defense put together a string of three straight shutouts. His Cards were in playoff contention that year right until the end and finished with an 8-5-1 record after being 4-9-1 in 1969. Winner moved on to the Washington Redskins as coach of the defensive backs in 1971 and helped propel the Redskins into the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Winner has also been associated with Ewbank throughout his life. He has played and coached under Ewbank, and on the personal side, he married Ewbank's daughter, Nancy, on June 23, 1950.
Winner's coaching career began as an assistant under Weeb at Washington University in St. Louis in 1948. Winner stayed there two years (only one under Ewbank) before heading for Case Tech where he served under Lou Saban. He was reunited with his father-in-law in 1954 at Baltimore and remained there after Ewbank left in 1963.
'I decided to stay at Baltimore,' he recalls, 'because I felt it was time to strike out on my own, rather than continue to be associated with Weeb forever, though he and I had a fine working relationship.'
A native of Somerville, New Jersey, Winner was born either on July 2 or July 3, 1925, depending on whether you read the birth certificate or listen to his mother. 'My birth certificate says July 3,' says Winner, 'but my mother always said I was born on July 2, so I celebrate both of them.'
He was a fine high school halfback but too small for major college notice. With the help of a high school friend who was enrolled there, Winner was offered a scholarship at Southest Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Winner made the freshman squad in 1941, but was drafted into the Army in the spring of 1942. He became a radio operator and gunner in the Air Force, flew 17 missions over Germany and was shot down in the spring of 1945, spending six weeks in a prisoner of war camp before the war ended.
Returning to his education, he enrolled at Washington University where he earned a pair of letters as a halfback and three as a sprinter and also his wife. He received his B.S. degree in 1949.
Winner and his wife have two daughters, Cinda and Lisa."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Sunday, May 10, 2015
1975 Profile: Al Ward
General Manager
"'First class, astute, blue chip, efficient, quality person'- those are some of the words used to describe the New York Jets' new general manager, Al Ward.
The quiet, soft-spoken Ward comes to the Jets from the Dallas Cowboys where he was, in effect, the assistant general manager for nine years. He was named Vice-President of Administration in 1972 and the right hand man to the highly knowledgeable Tex Schramm.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' said Ward. 'It's not easy to leave an organization like the Cowboys, but this is very exciting. It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.'
'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'Al comes to us from an excellent organization that had a tradition of winning. He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football. We feel very fortunate in having a man of Al's capabilities join our organization.'
Ward, who was named to the GM post on February 13, has signed a three-year contract that calls for him to primarily negotiate player contracts, work on booking preseason games, handle radio and preseason TV contracts, administer the front office and work together with head coach Charley Winner on trades and player development.
'We're very happy to have a man of Al's caliber with us,' said Winner. 'He's a man from a winning organization who can give us some new ideas which will help us in the future. I'm very impressed with his administrative knowledge of the NFL. He will be a strong asset to our entire organization and I look forward to working with him.'
Tex Schramm, the president and general manager of the Cowboys said of Ward: 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success. His loss is going to be tough, but we are all delighted for him and for this opportunity in New York. I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets. He is a quality person and will be an asset to their organization.'
'He's first class, a blue chip type of person,' said Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. 'He's easy going; but he's also business. He has what I call the hard-soft look. You know you can't take advantage of him. But while he's firm and hard, he's also likable. He'll do a heck of a job.'
Ward joined the Cowboys in 1965 as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Tex Schramm in 1966 and has been, in effect, since then. He was named a vice-president in 1972. It has been his main function to sign veteran players.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Ward was director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions. He is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"'First class, astute, blue chip, efficient, quality person'- those are some of the words used to describe the New York Jets' new general manager, Al Ward.
The quiet, soft-spoken Ward comes to the Jets from the Dallas Cowboys where he was, in effect, the assistant general manager for nine years. He was named Vice-President of Administration in 1972 and the right hand man to the highly knowledgeable Tex Schramm.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' said Ward. 'It's not easy to leave an organization like the Cowboys, but this is very exciting. It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.'
'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'Al comes to us from an excellent organization that had a tradition of winning. He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football. We feel very fortunate in having a man of Al's capabilities join our organization.'
Ward, who was named to the GM post on February 13, has signed a three-year contract that calls for him to primarily negotiate player contracts, work on booking preseason games, handle radio and preseason TV contracts, administer the front office and work together with head coach Charley Winner on trades and player development.
'We're very happy to have a man of Al's caliber with us,' said Winner. 'He's a man from a winning organization who can give us some new ideas which will help us in the future. I'm very impressed with his administrative knowledge of the NFL. He will be a strong asset to our entire organization and I look forward to working with him.'
Tex Schramm, the president and general manager of the Cowboys said of Ward: 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success. His loss is going to be tough, but we are all delighted for him and for this opportunity in New York. I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets. He is a quality person and will be an asset to their organization.'
'He's first class, a blue chip type of person,' said Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. 'He's easy going; but he's also business. He has what I call the hard-soft look. You know you can't take advantage of him. But while he's firm and hard, he's also likable. He'll do a heck of a job.'
Ward joined the Cowboys in 1965 as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Tex Schramm in 1966 and has been, in effect, since then. He was named a vice-president in 1972. It has been his main function to sign veteran players.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Ward was director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions. He is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, May 9, 2015
1975 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles
DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for its team. The Board has 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 the Directors have found themselves in an exciting period of activity as the team has forged ahead into a new era of accomplishments. In a period of two years, the Directors have overseen the hiring of a new general manager, a new head coach and the building of a training center for the team.
Most recently, the Board, under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, chose Al Ward as the club's general manager to replace retired Weeb Ewbank.
'In our search for a general manager, Al Ward presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' remarked Iselin on behalf of the Board.
Another dramatic step by the organization took place in September 1974 when the Jets took occupancy of a new training center in Hempstead, Long Island. The million-dollar facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the complications of sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets, Yankees and Giants.
Innovation is also something Iselin and his associates belive in. On February 1, 1973 the Board hired Charley Winner to be the successor to Weeb Ewbank as head coach of the Jets, but instead of waiting, they brought Winner into the organization as an assistant coach that very year so that he could have a period of learning before assuming the leadership duties.
'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff now,' Iselin remarked at the time, 'he will gain a full year of learning in our organization.'
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 Dillon, 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.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is a unique man in the world of sports since he occupies the top position in two major sporting concerns. In addition to his role as President of the New York Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, one of the nation's finest thoroughbred racing facilities. It is to Iselin's credit as a chief executive that both of his sporting connections are known to all as among the finest in their fields.
As evidence of his work in racing, last winter Iselin was inducted into the Jockey Club. He lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and 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 Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late President of the Jets. 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 husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon, and her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for its team. The Board has 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 the Directors have found themselves in an exciting period of activity as the team has forged ahead into a new era of accomplishments. In a period of two years, the Directors have overseen the hiring of a new general manager, a new head coach and the building of a training center for the team.
Most recently, the Board, under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, chose Al Ward as the club's general manager to replace retired Weeb Ewbank.
'In our search for a general manager, Al Ward presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' remarked Iselin on behalf of the Board.
Another dramatic step by the organization took place in September 1974 when the Jets took occupancy of a new training center in Hempstead, Long Island. The million-dollar facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the complications of sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets, Yankees and Giants.
Innovation is also something Iselin and his associates belive in. On February 1, 1973 the Board hired Charley Winner to be the successor to Weeb Ewbank as head coach of the Jets, but instead of waiting, they brought Winner into the organization as an assistant coach that very year so that he could have a period of learning before assuming the leadership duties.
'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff now,' Iselin remarked at the time, 'he will gain a full year of learning in our organization.'
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 Dillon, 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.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is a unique man in the world of sports since he occupies the top position in two major sporting concerns. In addition to his role as President of the New York Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, one of the nation's finest thoroughbred racing facilities. It is to Iselin's credit as a chief executive that both of his sporting connections are known to all as among the finest in their fields.
As evidence of his work in racing, last winter Iselin was inducted into the Jockey Club. He lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and 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 Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late President of the Jets. 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 husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon, and her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Thursday, May 7, 2015
1975 New York Jets Outlook
"The New York Jets ended the 1974 season with a six-game winning streak. The streak was cause for conjecture among hot stove discussers last winter.
Their debate was over:
1. Whether the Jets' won-1, lost-6 record in the first half was a fluke.
2. Whether the six-game winning streak was a fluke.
But beyond those questions, the overriding query about the Jets concerns what the future holds for Joe Willie Namath. He is the reason the Jets ended the season on such an upbeat note. He is the reason for the team's hopes for 1975.
Namath and the only pro football team for which he has ever toiled have been involved in drawn-out salary negotiations. In their midst, the World Football League said it would offer Namath a $4-million package. Namath and the WFLers talked. They upped the ante to $5-million. Namath thought. Namath declined the proposition with thanks, but still hadn't reached agreement with the Jets. Discussions with top Jet management continued, but progress was slow. Everyone was aware that the Jets without Namath are not one of the powerhouse outfits of the NFL.
To be sure, there are other weapons on this team. Last year John Riggins gave indications that he really wanted to play football. When that happens, Riggins is one of the best fullbacks in the league. Emerson Boozer is still a useful running back at his advanced age and Namath likes to throw the ball to him. But he needs rest, and the loss of Anthony Davis to the WFL robs the team of a ready-made substitute.
Namath's passes were parcelled out on nearly an equal basis to wide receiver Jerome Barkum and rookie David Knight and tight end Richard Caster. Barkum caught 41, Knight 40 and Caster 38. That's balance. Caster's catches included seven touchdowns.
One of the liabilities of the Jets in recent years has been deteriorating pass protection. Namath just wasn't getting the kind of guarding a man with his skills and infirmities needs. That changed last year, which was one of the big reasons for the winning streak. Down the stretch, the New York pass protection was the best in the league.
There were several reasons. Tackle Richard Woods got some experience. Guard Garry Puetz gained some polish and center Wayne Mulligan was acquired from St. Louis. Two veterans, tackle Winston Hill and guard Randy Rasmussen, finished the season playing strong football.
Coach Charley Winner's big off-season project was rebuilding his defensive line. The rebuilding actually started in '74 when rookie Carl Barzilauskas justified his No. 1 draftee status and virtually improved the Jets' defense against the rush single-handedly. Winner then traded his No. 1 pick in the '75 draft to New Orleans for Billy Newsome, a hard working end who had productive years in Baltimore. Winner also traded a fourth round choice to the Colts for tackle Jim Bailey, who has been in a funk since Baltimore started losing. Winner hopes he can team the newcomers with Barzo and Richard Neal to form a line that will both stop the run and put pressure on passers.
The coach also would like to see three newcomers make it big in his linebacking corps. They are Godwin Turk, Richard Wood and Gary Baccus. Turk was a high draft choice last year. He was impressive in training camp, then got hurt and missed the entire season. He has speed and he's a hitter, something the Jets could use. Wood was outstanding at the University of Southern California and the Jets feel his availability in the third round of the draft offered them a bargain they couldn't refuse. He has range, but the worry is that his size may be an NFL drawback. Baccus is a hard-hitting former Oklahoma player who spent last season in the WFL. The linebacking got a lift last year when another of Winner's old St. Louis players, Jamie Rivers, came through for him at middle linebacker.
The rest of the NFL may look upon the New York secondary as suspect, but the efficiency of the defensive backs might be increased by a better pass rush. Newsome could do something about that. Burgess Owens still has the potential to become one of the better safeties in the league. Roscoe Word, looked upon mostly as a kick returner in the last draft, turned out to be a starting cornerback. Phil Wise is competent at weak safety if he can stay free of injury, but Delles Howell or Rich Sowells must capture the left corner.
The Jets need a comeback from Bobby Howfield, who had to sit out the balance of the season with a gimpy leg after he kicked six of his first seven field goals. Sophomore Greg Gantt must punt better than he did as a rookie."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath holds the Jets' immediate fate in the palm of his hand. If he doesn't play, school is out. Al Woodall is mediocre at best. Demory is not even that.
Performance Quotient: 2 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Riggins patched up his delicate psyche and, though missing four games due to a separated shoulder, put together a pretty solid year. Aging Boozer won't be able to handle a full work load. There's room for a quick young man; the Jets thought they had him in Anthony Davis, but he defected. The reserves are run-of-the-mill.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: How valuable this group is depends on who's doing the throwing. If it's Namath, there will be abundant productivity. Barkum, with talent galore, shakes loose despite continual double coverage. Knight is steady and meticulous. Caster is a constant threat to go the distance. Eddie Bell is reliable in relief. Willie Brister is primitive. Kick returns are Lou Piccone's bag.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: The first priority of '74 was to seal the suddenly leaky pass blocking. Mission was accomplished- breakdowns were cut from 37 to 19. But there remains a crying need for more life in the running game. This may be Hill's finale; Namath's hulking bodyguard is 34 in October. Rasmussen never stops giving his all. Puetz decided against the WFL; he, Woods and Mulligan appear to profit from the wealth of time invested in them. Gordie Browne, Roger Bernhardt and Warren Koegel are just okay as support troops.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Before his injury, Howfield was 6-for-7 on field goals. But look at his age! Gantt needs an about-face to hang on.
Performance Quotient: 4"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were punctured for 2,240 rushing yards and had only 25 sacks, so there are changes here. Trades brought in Newsome and Bailey; both will start. Barzilauskas, who has vast potential, justified his No. 1 draft status. Determined Neal completes a foursome that is among the NFL's bulkiest. Depth does not seem to be a problem. Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher backed off from WFL commitments. Lomas, who missed three games, still made five sacks. Joe Schmiesing, Galigher and Larry Woods jockey for places on the roster.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Rivers has one post nailed down, but there will be a free-for-all to determine who plays alongside him. John Ebersole is likely to pass Ralph Baker, who may choose retirement. An injury postponed Turk's baptism; he could start. On the other side, Rich Lewis is listed first; Rich came in a 'steal' when Buffalo tried to reactivate him from injury waivers. Bill Ferguson reconsidered joining the WFL and certainly must be reckoned with. Al Atkinson is still handy. Reaction to Wood is mixed, but many say he's something special. The rangy Baccus, an WFL alumnus, is supposed to be a hitter.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Talent is there; it's now a matter of coordinating in order to function as a unit. Howell returns from injury intent on regaining his slot from Sowells. Word stepped in as rookie to make a bench-warmer of Earlie Thomas.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Owens is climbing to the All-Pro plateau. He should arrive there before long. Wise finally had an injury-free campaign and took advantage of it. Steve Tannen will be used in spots.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
"The New York Jets continued their winning ways early this year, mainly back in January when they 'won' the draft.
Further, their top pick of 1975 wasn't even taken at the draft. He's a man who'll never wear a number. He'll be too busy counting them out.
Before the first round of the '75 draft was over, the Jets had in their possession two proven defensive linemen. They traded their No. 1 pick to New Orleans for end Billy Newsome, rated as one of the NFL's best pass rushers, and sent their No. 4 pick to Baltimore for tackle Jim Bailey.
The second and third rounds were just about as productive. With its No. 2 pick New York grabbed the draft's glamour name, Southern California All-American running back Anthony Davis. And with No. 3 came his teammate, another All-American on the Rose Bowl winners, linebacker Richard Wood.
'Newsome is a guaranteed pro who can step in and be a starter for us right now and it looks like Bailey will be our right tackle,' said Charley Winner.
The 'numbeless man,' though, may be the key to the Jets' future. He's quiet, soft-spoken Al Ward, their new general manager, taking over where Weeb Ewbank left off.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' Ward said. 'It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.' Ward is long on talent. His past speaks for itself.
'Al comes to us from an excellent organization (the Dallas Cowboys) that had a tradition of winning,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football.' And Winner added: 'He's a man from a winning organization who can help give us some new ideas which will help us in the future.' The praise also came from his former team. 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success ... I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets,' said Cowboys President Tex Schramm. And Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach added: 'He's first class, a blue-chip type of person. He'll do a heck of a job.'
The only question is whether the Jets will do the job this year. The feeling is that they will, taking those six straight victories at the end of the '74 season and using them as a springboard to a solid '75 campaign. The whole thing, of course, hinges on the return of quarterback Joe Namath. If the rumors are true, if Namath defects to the World Football League or decides to make Hollywood his new home, the Jets can forget this season altogether. Quarterbacks Al Woodall and Bill Demory haven't got what it takes to hold the team together and give it direction and that undefinable thing called spirit.
But Joe will be there, spirit, charisma, weak knees, strong arm and all. And with him will come a backfield and line that made the Jets one of the most explosive teams in the AFC last year. John Riggins can be counted on to rebound from his unfortunate 1974 season, when he missed all but five games, Emerson Boozer will be at the other running back spot, and Mike Adamle, Hank Bjorklund, young Jazz Jackson and Davis will do their share of the carrying.
Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster and emerging David Knight will head the pass-catching corps and Newsome, Bailey, Carl Barzilauskas, Mark Lomas and Roscoe Word will give New York a cohesiveness missing much of last year. Better seasons from punter Greg Gantt and place kicker Bobby Howfield are important. Howfield, coming off a knee problem, may be challenged by Pat Leahy.
In other words, having won the draft, they've got to win a few more games. With the front line and front office names they've assembled, it looks like a good bet they'll do just that."
-Bruce Lowitt, Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
"Joe Namath & Co. came on like gangbusters the second half of '74, ripping off six straight wins to finish in a blaze of glory. The turnaround left the Jets and Charley Winner convinced they can make it to the playoffs this year if Namath can stay healthy.
Broadway Joe was superb down the stretch, throwing 20 touchdown passes and piling up 2,616 yards through the air. Namath played in all 14 games after seeing action in only 29 of 56 games the previous four seasons, and proved he is the finest pure passer in the game. Al Woodall and Bill Demory are listed as backup men.
No tight end in the game can match Rich Caster's deep speed or his 20-yards-per-catch average, while flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight are exceptionally sure-handed targets, with Barkum nearing an All-Pro level. Reserve flanker Eddie Bell faces a challenge from 4.5 sprinter James Scott, who led the WFL in receptions last season.
Veterans Emerson Boozer and big John Riggins form a sound if not dangerous set of running backs. When right, Riggins (680 yards) can be as good as any fullback in football. Winner went to the draft to acquire some speed in All-American Anthony Davis of USC, the TD Terror who broke all of O.J.'s records, but Davis chose the more lucrative deal offered him by the WFL. Therefore, veterans Mike Adamle, Bob Burns and speedy Clarence Jackson will support Boozer and Riggins.
New York's offensive line, pass blockers par excellence, is comprised of tackles Winston Hill and Robert Woods, guards Randy Rasmussen and Garry Puetz, and center Wayne Mulligan. Winner used two prime draft picks to secure 6'4", 245-pound strongman Joe Wysock of Miami and 6'4", 240-pound Tom Alward of Nebraska as protection against the possible loss of Puetz to the WFL.
The Jets appear to have put together a formidable front wall and one that should generate a strong pass rush, something they have lacked for several seasons. Key man is the huge (285) soph tackle Carl Barzilauskas, an All-Rookie selection and future All-Pro. Ex-Colt Jim Bailey (255) will take the double-teaming pressure off Barzo. Veteran Billy Newsome (260) was acquired from the Saints and is a proven headhunter at end where he will team with either Rich Neal (260) or Mark Lomas (250), with Ed Galigher (260) in the wings.
Jamie Rivers is a fixture at middle linebacker but regular outside men Ralph Baker and John Ebersole may be benched in favor of the highly regarded Godwin Turk, Rich Lewis or rangy Richard Wood, the three-time All-American from USC.
The young secondary will benefit from the improved pass rush. A surplus of talent is available with Roscoe Word, Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas returning at the corners with Burgess Owens, Phil Wise and swing man Steve Tannen on hand at the deep slots. Ex-Raider Bob Proutt and speedy newcomer Ed Taylor of Memphis State may open things up for a trade prior to the start of the season.
The gods have not smiled on the Jets this year, confronting them with far and away the toughest schedule of any team in the entire NFL. As always, however, it comes down to the same old question when trying to predict the success or failure of the Jets- will Joe Namath play and for how long? It's that simple."
-Jim Stewart, Pro Football Illustrated 1975
Their debate was over:
1. Whether the Jets' won-1, lost-6 record in the first half was a fluke.
2. Whether the six-game winning streak was a fluke.
But beyond those questions, the overriding query about the Jets concerns what the future holds for Joe Willie Namath. He is the reason the Jets ended the season on such an upbeat note. He is the reason for the team's hopes for 1975.
Namath and the only pro football team for which he has ever toiled have been involved in drawn-out salary negotiations. In their midst, the World Football League said it would offer Namath a $4-million package. Namath and the WFLers talked. They upped the ante to $5-million. Namath thought. Namath declined the proposition with thanks, but still hadn't reached agreement with the Jets. Discussions with top Jet management continued, but progress was slow. Everyone was aware that the Jets without Namath are not one of the powerhouse outfits of the NFL.
To be sure, there are other weapons on this team. Last year John Riggins gave indications that he really wanted to play football. When that happens, Riggins is one of the best fullbacks in the league. Emerson Boozer is still a useful running back at his advanced age and Namath likes to throw the ball to him. But he needs rest, and the loss of Anthony Davis to the WFL robs the team of a ready-made substitute.
Namath's passes were parcelled out on nearly an equal basis to wide receiver Jerome Barkum and rookie David Knight and tight end Richard Caster. Barkum caught 41, Knight 40 and Caster 38. That's balance. Caster's catches included seven touchdowns.
One of the liabilities of the Jets in recent years has been deteriorating pass protection. Namath just wasn't getting the kind of guarding a man with his skills and infirmities needs. That changed last year, which was one of the big reasons for the winning streak. Down the stretch, the New York pass protection was the best in the league.
There were several reasons. Tackle Richard Woods got some experience. Guard Garry Puetz gained some polish and center Wayne Mulligan was acquired from St. Louis. Two veterans, tackle Winston Hill and guard Randy Rasmussen, finished the season playing strong football.
Coach Charley Winner's big off-season project was rebuilding his defensive line. The rebuilding actually started in '74 when rookie Carl Barzilauskas justified his No. 1 draftee status and virtually improved the Jets' defense against the rush single-handedly. Winner then traded his No. 1 pick in the '75 draft to New Orleans for Billy Newsome, a hard working end who had productive years in Baltimore. Winner also traded a fourth round choice to the Colts for tackle Jim Bailey, who has been in a funk since Baltimore started losing. Winner hopes he can team the newcomers with Barzo and Richard Neal to form a line that will both stop the run and put pressure on passers.
The coach also would like to see three newcomers make it big in his linebacking corps. They are Godwin Turk, Richard Wood and Gary Baccus. Turk was a high draft choice last year. He was impressive in training camp, then got hurt and missed the entire season. He has speed and he's a hitter, something the Jets could use. Wood was outstanding at the University of Southern California and the Jets feel his availability in the third round of the draft offered them a bargain they couldn't refuse. He has range, but the worry is that his size may be an NFL drawback. Baccus is a hard-hitting former Oklahoma player who spent last season in the WFL. The linebacking got a lift last year when another of Winner's old St. Louis players, Jamie Rivers, came through for him at middle linebacker.
The rest of the NFL may look upon the New York secondary as suspect, but the efficiency of the defensive backs might be increased by a better pass rush. Newsome could do something about that. Burgess Owens still has the potential to become one of the better safeties in the league. Roscoe Word, looked upon mostly as a kick returner in the last draft, turned out to be a starting cornerback. Phil Wise is competent at weak safety if he can stay free of injury, but Delles Howell or Rich Sowells must capture the left corner.
The Jets need a comeback from Bobby Howfield, who had to sit out the balance of the season with a gimpy leg after he kicked six of his first seven field goals. Sophomore Greg Gantt must punt better than he did as a rookie."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath holds the Jets' immediate fate in the palm of his hand. If he doesn't play, school is out. Al Woodall is mediocre at best. Demory is not even that.
Performance Quotient: 2 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Riggins patched up his delicate psyche and, though missing four games due to a separated shoulder, put together a pretty solid year. Aging Boozer won't be able to handle a full work load. There's room for a quick young man; the Jets thought they had him in Anthony Davis, but he defected. The reserves are run-of-the-mill.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: How valuable this group is depends on who's doing the throwing. If it's Namath, there will be abundant productivity. Barkum, with talent galore, shakes loose despite continual double coverage. Knight is steady and meticulous. Caster is a constant threat to go the distance. Eddie Bell is reliable in relief. Willie Brister is primitive. Kick returns are Lou Piccone's bag.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: The first priority of '74 was to seal the suddenly leaky pass blocking. Mission was accomplished- breakdowns were cut from 37 to 19. But there remains a crying need for more life in the running game. This may be Hill's finale; Namath's hulking bodyguard is 34 in October. Rasmussen never stops giving his all. Puetz decided against the WFL; he, Woods and Mulligan appear to profit from the wealth of time invested in them. Gordie Browne, Roger Bernhardt and Warren Koegel are just okay as support troops.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Before his injury, Howfield was 6-for-7 on field goals. But look at his age! Gantt needs an about-face to hang on.
Performance Quotient: 4"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were punctured for 2,240 rushing yards and had only 25 sacks, so there are changes here. Trades brought in Newsome and Bailey; both will start. Barzilauskas, who has vast potential, justified his No. 1 draft status. Determined Neal completes a foursome that is among the NFL's bulkiest. Depth does not seem to be a problem. Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher backed off from WFL commitments. Lomas, who missed three games, still made five sacks. Joe Schmiesing, Galigher and Larry Woods jockey for places on the roster.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Rivers has one post nailed down, but there will be a free-for-all to determine who plays alongside him. John Ebersole is likely to pass Ralph Baker, who may choose retirement. An injury postponed Turk's baptism; he could start. On the other side, Rich Lewis is listed first; Rich came in a 'steal' when Buffalo tried to reactivate him from injury waivers. Bill Ferguson reconsidered joining the WFL and certainly must be reckoned with. Al Atkinson is still handy. Reaction to Wood is mixed, but many say he's something special. The rangy Baccus, an WFL alumnus, is supposed to be a hitter.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Talent is there; it's now a matter of coordinating in order to function as a unit. Howell returns from injury intent on regaining his slot from Sowells. Word stepped in as rookie to make a bench-warmer of Earlie Thomas.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Owens is climbing to the All-Pro plateau. He should arrive there before long. Wise finally had an injury-free campaign and took advantage of it. Steve Tannen will be used in spots.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
"The New York Jets continued their winning ways early this year, mainly back in January when they 'won' the draft.
Further, their top pick of 1975 wasn't even taken at the draft. He's a man who'll never wear a number. He'll be too busy counting them out.
Before the first round of the '75 draft was over, the Jets had in their possession two proven defensive linemen. They traded their No. 1 pick to New Orleans for end Billy Newsome, rated as one of the NFL's best pass rushers, and sent their No. 4 pick to Baltimore for tackle Jim Bailey.
The second and third rounds were just about as productive. With its No. 2 pick New York grabbed the draft's glamour name, Southern California All-American running back Anthony Davis. And with No. 3 came his teammate, another All-American on the Rose Bowl winners, linebacker Richard Wood.
'Newsome is a guaranteed pro who can step in and be a starter for us right now and it looks like Bailey will be our right tackle,' said Charley Winner.
The 'numbeless man,' though, may be the key to the Jets' future. He's quiet, soft-spoken Al Ward, their new general manager, taking over where Weeb Ewbank left off.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' Ward said. 'It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.' Ward is long on talent. His past speaks for itself.
'Al comes to us from an excellent organization (the Dallas Cowboys) that had a tradition of winning,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football.' And Winner added: 'He's a man from a winning organization who can help give us some new ideas which will help us in the future.' The praise also came from his former team. 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success ... I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets,' said Cowboys President Tex Schramm. And Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach added: 'He's first class, a blue-chip type of person. He'll do a heck of a job.'
The only question is whether the Jets will do the job this year. The feeling is that they will, taking those six straight victories at the end of the '74 season and using them as a springboard to a solid '75 campaign. The whole thing, of course, hinges on the return of quarterback Joe Namath. If the rumors are true, if Namath defects to the World Football League or decides to make Hollywood his new home, the Jets can forget this season altogether. Quarterbacks Al Woodall and Bill Demory haven't got what it takes to hold the team together and give it direction and that undefinable thing called spirit.
But Joe will be there, spirit, charisma, weak knees, strong arm and all. And with him will come a backfield and line that made the Jets one of the most explosive teams in the AFC last year. John Riggins can be counted on to rebound from his unfortunate 1974 season, when he missed all but five games, Emerson Boozer will be at the other running back spot, and Mike Adamle, Hank Bjorklund, young Jazz Jackson and Davis will do their share of the carrying.
Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster and emerging David Knight will head the pass-catching corps and Newsome, Bailey, Carl Barzilauskas, Mark Lomas and Roscoe Word will give New York a cohesiveness missing much of last year. Better seasons from punter Greg Gantt and place kicker Bobby Howfield are important. Howfield, coming off a knee problem, may be challenged by Pat Leahy.
In other words, having won the draft, they've got to win a few more games. With the front line and front office names they've assembled, it looks like a good bet they'll do just that."
-Bruce Lowitt, Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
"Joe Namath & Co. came on like gangbusters the second half of '74, ripping off six straight wins to finish in a blaze of glory. The turnaround left the Jets and Charley Winner convinced they can make it to the playoffs this year if Namath can stay healthy.
Broadway Joe was superb down the stretch, throwing 20 touchdown passes and piling up 2,616 yards through the air. Namath played in all 14 games after seeing action in only 29 of 56 games the previous four seasons, and proved he is the finest pure passer in the game. Al Woodall and Bill Demory are listed as backup men.
No tight end in the game can match Rich Caster's deep speed or his 20-yards-per-catch average, while flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight are exceptionally sure-handed targets, with Barkum nearing an All-Pro level. Reserve flanker Eddie Bell faces a challenge from 4.5 sprinter James Scott, who led the WFL in receptions last season.
Veterans Emerson Boozer and big John Riggins form a sound if not dangerous set of running backs. When right, Riggins (680 yards) can be as good as any fullback in football. Winner went to the draft to acquire some speed in All-American Anthony Davis of USC, the TD Terror who broke all of O.J.'s records, but Davis chose the more lucrative deal offered him by the WFL. Therefore, veterans Mike Adamle, Bob Burns and speedy Clarence Jackson will support Boozer and Riggins.
New York's offensive line, pass blockers par excellence, is comprised of tackles Winston Hill and Robert Woods, guards Randy Rasmussen and Garry Puetz, and center Wayne Mulligan. Winner used two prime draft picks to secure 6'4", 245-pound strongman Joe Wysock of Miami and 6'4", 240-pound Tom Alward of Nebraska as protection against the possible loss of Puetz to the WFL.
The Jets appear to have put together a formidable front wall and one that should generate a strong pass rush, something they have lacked for several seasons. Key man is the huge (285) soph tackle Carl Barzilauskas, an All-Rookie selection and future All-Pro. Ex-Colt Jim Bailey (255) will take the double-teaming pressure off Barzo. Veteran Billy Newsome (260) was acquired from the Saints and is a proven headhunter at end where he will team with either Rich Neal (260) or Mark Lomas (250), with Ed Galigher (260) in the wings.
Jamie Rivers is a fixture at middle linebacker but regular outside men Ralph Baker and John Ebersole may be benched in favor of the highly regarded Godwin Turk, Rich Lewis or rangy Richard Wood, the three-time All-American from USC.
The young secondary will benefit from the improved pass rush. A surplus of talent is available with Roscoe Word, Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas returning at the corners with Burgess Owens, Phil Wise and swing man Steve Tannen on hand at the deep slots. Ex-Raider Bob Proutt and speedy newcomer Ed Taylor of Memphis State may open things up for a trade prior to the start of the season.
The gods have not smiled on the Jets this year, confronting them with far and away the toughest schedule of any team in the entire NFL. As always, however, it comes down to the same old question when trying to predict the success or failure of the Jets- will Joe Namath play and for how long? It's that simple."
-Jim Stewart, Pro Football Illustrated 1975
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
1974 Rookie Profile: Travis Roach
Guard
6th Round (1973)
Texas
"Roach joins the Jets this year after passing up signing a year ago. He had been originally a 6th round pick of the Jets in the 1973 draft. He played last year for the British Columbia Lions and started one game.
Travis was an outstanding strong side guard at Texas, teaming up with Jerry Sisemore. A great one-on-one pass blocker, he was known as one of the toughest, most competitive members of the Longhorn squad. Travis was twice All-SWC and named All-America by various groups.
Travis was a teammate of Bill Wyman at Texas. He majored in business. His hometown is Marlin, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
6th Round (1973)
Texas
"Roach joins the Jets this year after passing up signing a year ago. He had been originally a 6th round pick of the Jets in the 1973 draft. He played last year for the British Columbia Lions and started one game.
Travis was an outstanding strong side guard at Texas, teaming up with Jerry Sisemore. A great one-on-one pass blocker, he was known as one of the toughest, most competitive members of the Longhorn squad. Travis was twice All-SWC and named All-America by various groups.
Travis was a teammate of Bill Wyman at Texas. He majored in business. His hometown is Marlin, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Doug Lowrey
Guard-Long Snapper
17th Round
Arkansas State
"Drafted 17th, Lowrey is strong, quick and tough, according to reports, and a consistent and fluid lineman. He's a good punt and extra point center for the long snap. Doug was a Football News College Division All-America and has 5.0 speed.
Doug majored in business and has worked as a coaching aide at Arkansas State during the summer,supervising a weight program. His hometown is Fort Smith, Arkansas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
17th Round
Arkansas State
"Drafted 17th, Lowrey is strong, quick and tough, according to reports, and a consistent and fluid lineman. He's a good punt and extra point center for the long snap. Doug was a Football News College Division All-America and has 5.0 speed.
Doug majored in business and has worked as a coaching aide at Arkansas State during the summer,supervising a weight program. His hometown is Fort Smith, Arkansas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Clarence Jackson
Running Back
16th Round
Western Kentucky
"Drafted 16th, Jackson has 4.5 speed with good acceleration and is a very muscular and durable runner despite his size.
Jackson set Ohio Valley Conference records with 39 career touchdowns and 297 rushing yards in one game (vs. Butler, 1971). His career stats are 519-2584-34 and he caught 21 for 246 and two touchdowns. He also helped the Hilltoppers by returning kicks, taking 37 punts for 234 yards and two touchdowns and returning 20 kickoffs for 443 yards and a touchdown.
Clarence is nicknamed 'Jazz,' which he prefers. He played on three OVC championship teams. He enjoys fishing, swimming and working with wood. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
16th Round
Western Kentucky
"Drafted 16th, Jackson has 4.5 speed with good acceleration and is a very muscular and durable runner despite his size.
Jackson set Ohio Valley Conference records with 39 career touchdowns and 297 rushing yards in one game (vs. Butler, 1971). His career stats are 519-2584-34 and he caught 21 for 246 and two touchdowns. He also helped the Hilltoppers by returning kicks, taking 37 punts for 234 yards and two touchdowns and returning 20 kickoffs for 443 yards and a touchdown.
Clarence is nicknamed 'Jazz,' which he prefers. He played on three OVC championship teams. He enjoys fishing, swimming and working with wood. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Willie Brister
Tight End
15th Round
Southern
"Drafted 15th, Brister is a very good in-line blocker but needs teaching, according to scouts. He's a fine physical specimen with good quickness (4.9) and knows how to get off the line. Willie was used mainly as a blocker by Southern and made honorable mention All-SWAC.
Willie majored in history and has three brothers, all involved in athletics either in college or in high school. His biggest thrill was winning six games in a row during his senior year. He enjoys bowling and listening to music for relaxation. His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
15th Round
Southern
"Drafted 15th, Brister is a very good in-line blocker but needs teaching, according to scouts. He's a fine physical specimen with good quickness (4.9) and knows how to get off the line. Willie was used mainly as a blocker by Southern and made honorable mention All-SWAC.
Willie majored in history and has three brothers, all involved in athletics either in college or in high school. His biggest thrill was winning six games in a row during his senior year. He enjoys bowling and listening to music for relaxation. His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Greg Fountain
Guard
14th Round
Mississippi State
"Drafted 14th, Fountain is a good pulling guard, has 5.1 speed and sustains blocks well on pass protection. He learned basic pro fundamentals, having been coached by Tom Goode, former pro with Houston and Miami. Greg needs to work with weights some to build up his strength.
Greg was All-SEC Academic, majoring in electrical engineering. His biggest thrill was State's 1973 upset of Florida. His hometown is Ocean Springs, Mississippi."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
14th Round
Mississippi State
"Drafted 14th, Fountain is a good pulling guard, has 5.1 speed and sustains blocks well on pass protection. He learned basic pro fundamentals, having been coached by Tom Goode, former pro with Houston and Miami. Greg needs to work with weights some to build up his strength.
Greg was All-SEC Academic, majoring in electrical engineering. His biggest thrill was State's 1973 upset of Florida. His hometown is Ocean Springs, Mississippi."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Monday, May 4, 2015
1974 Rookie Profile: Bill Buckley
Wide Receiver
11th Round
Mississippi State
"Drafted with the Jets' second pick in the 11th round, Buckley has strong hands and will go over the middle for a tough catch. He's a bit fragile off his dimensions, but has never had serious injuries, and has an aggressive style of coming back after the ball.
All-SEC in 1972 and second team in 1973, a hamstring pull kept him out of the Senior Bowl. Bill caught 102 passes for 1,632 yards and 14 touchdowns during his career, averaging 16 yards per catch. The 14 touchdowns are a Mississippi State record.
Bill also participated in track during his freshman year and majored in philosophy. His hometown is Starkville, Mississippi."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
11th Round
Mississippi State
"Drafted with the Jets' second pick in the 11th round, Buckley has strong hands and will go over the middle for a tough catch. He's a bit fragile off his dimensions, but has never had serious injuries, and has an aggressive style of coming back after the ball.
All-SEC in 1972 and second team in 1973, a hamstring pull kept him out of the Senior Bowl. Bill caught 102 passes for 1,632 yards and 14 touchdowns during his career, averaging 16 yards per catch. The 14 touchdowns are a Mississippi State record.
Bill also participated in track during his freshman year and majored in philosophy. His hometown is Starkville, Mississippi."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Eugene Bird
Cornerback
11th Round
Southern Mississippi
"Drafted 11th, Bird has good speed with a 4.65 clocking in the 40, reads keys well and is 'seldom fooled' according to Jet scouting assessments. He's also strong on one-on-one coverage, warding off blockers well.
Bird was a three-year starter. He had six interceptions, one as a sophomore, three as a junior and two last year. He was honorable mention on the all-Southern independents squad.
A recreation major, his father, Jack, is a security guard with the NYRA and lives in Corona. Eugene wears contact lenses. His hometown is Waycross, Georgia."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
11th Round
Southern Mississippi
"Drafted 11th, Bird has good speed with a 4.65 clocking in the 40, reads keys well and is 'seldom fooled' according to Jet scouting assessments. He's also strong on one-on-one coverage, warding off blockers well.
Bird was a three-year starter. He had six interceptions, one as a sophomore, three as a junior and two last year. He was honorable mention on the all-Southern independents squad.
A recreation major, his father, Jack, is a security guard with the NYRA and lives in Corona. Eugene wears contact lenses. His hometown is Waycross, Georgia."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Buck Baker
Guard
10th Round
Georgia
"Drafted 10th, Baker never missed a game or practice session at Georgia. A good power blocker with good leadership abilities, he played on the SEC champions in 1968 before entering the Marines for a three-year hitch. He came back to Georgia and was their starting right guard last year.
Buck wrestled while in the Marines and was Inter-Service Greco-Roman champ in '71. He played in the '69 Sugar, '73 Peach and '74 All-American Bowls.
He's a corporal in the Marines and his hobby is motorcycles. His proper name is Sam. His biggest thrill in sports was going to the All-American Bowl. His hometown is Jacksonville, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
10th Round
Georgia
"Drafted 10th, Baker never missed a game or practice session at Georgia. A good power blocker with good leadership abilities, he played on the SEC champions in 1968 before entering the Marines for a three-year hitch. He came back to Georgia and was their starting right guard last year.
Buck wrestled while in the Marines and was Inter-Service Greco-Roman champ in '71. He played in the '69 Sugar, '73 Peach and '74 All-American Bowls.
He's a corporal in the Marines and his hobby is motorcycles. His proper name is Sam. His biggest thrill in sports was going to the All-American Bowl. His hometown is Jacksonville, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Robert Burns
Running Back
9th Round
Georgia
"Drafted 9th, Burns was the starting fullback for Georgia last year. With 4.7 speed, he has good size and courage but needs some work on pass protection.
Burns played in the All-American Bowl and was captain of the Bulldogs. He rushed 82 times for 374 yards (4.6 average) as a senior, the only time he was a running back. As a flanker and wingback, he caught 36 for 550 and two touchdowns. He played in the '71 Gator Bowl.
Nicknamed 'Bullet Bob,' he majored in real estate and history. His brother is now coaching the freshman team at Florida and his father has been a high school coach for 19 years. Bob played baseball for Georgia for two years. He enjoys water skiing and hunting. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
9th Round
Georgia
"Drafted 9th, Burns was the starting fullback for Georgia last year. With 4.7 speed, he has good size and courage but needs some work on pass protection.
Burns played in the All-American Bowl and was captain of the Bulldogs. He rushed 82 times for 374 yards (4.6 average) as a senior, the only time he was a running back. As a flanker and wingback, he caught 36 for 550 and two touchdowns. He played in the '71 Gator Bowl.
Nicknamed 'Bullet Bob,' he majored in real estate and history. His brother is now coaching the freshman team at Florida and his father has been a high school coach for 19 years. Bob played baseball for Georgia for two years. He enjoys water skiing and hunting. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Friday, May 1, 2015
1974 Rookie Profile: Larry Lightfoot
Running Back
8th Round
Livingston
"Lightfoot was drafted with the Jets' second pick in the 8th round. He has good hands and quickness and could see action at running back, wide receiver or even defensive back. He impressed Jet scouts with his outside speed and his potential as a return man.
Larry had a career kickoff return average of 34.0 (23 for 783 yards) with a 100-yard runback as a senior. As a running back he rolled up 977 yards on 228 carries with 13 touchdowns, and caught 31 for 616 yards and three touchdowns. Larry holds the Livingston season and career records for touchdowns and the season mark for points (74). He has 4.6 speed.
Larry majored in physical education and enjoys fishing. He has worked for a paper company during the summers. His hometown is Miami, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
8th Round
Livingston
"Lightfoot was drafted with the Jets' second pick in the 8th round. He has good hands and quickness and could see action at running back, wide receiver or even defensive back. He impressed Jet scouts with his outside speed and his potential as a return man.
Larry had a career kickoff return average of 34.0 (23 for 783 yards) with a 100-yard runback as a senior. As a running back he rolled up 977 yards on 228 carries with 13 touchdowns, and caught 31 for 616 yards and three touchdowns. Larry holds the Livingston season and career records for touchdowns and the season mark for points (74). He has 4.6 speed.
Larry majored in physical education and enjoys fishing. He has worked for a paper company during the summers. His hometown is Miami, Florida."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
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