Defensive Secondary Coach
"Crowe's professional coaching experience includes two seasons in the WFL with the Charlotte Hornets in 1974 and Chicago Winds in 1975, both times under former Jets quarterback Babe Parilli. His college coaching experience includes a stint at VMI from 1959 through 1962 when the school produced three consecutive Southern Conference champions, Vanderbilt from 1963 through 1966, Cornell from 1967 through 1969, Maryland under Roy Lester in 1970-71 and Northeast Louisiana in 1972-73.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Burley played college football at Shepherd College in Sheperdstown, West Virginia from 1951-55. He holds a B.S. degree from Shepherd College."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
1976 Profile: Joe Gardi
Special Teams Coach
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi joins the Jets staff after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the WFL for three games.
He began his coaching career as head coach at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school which had not won in five years. He moved to Roselle Park (NJ) High School as head coach, and in his third season won the state championship after the school had not produced a winner in 10 seasons.
Joe then became the freshman coach at Maryland in 1970 before becoming the offensive line coach for the varsity in 1971 and 1972 and receiver coach from 1972 through 1974. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL in 1974 as special teams and running backs coach and coached the offensive backs for the Bell until mid-season 1975 when he was named interim head coach. In his one game as head coach, the Bell defeated Portland and the next week, Gardi was named head coach at Portland. The Thunder, in three games, won two before the WFL folded.
He played collegiately at Maryland as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club.
Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi joins the Jets staff after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the WFL for three games.
He began his coaching career as head coach at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school which had not won in five years. He moved to Roselle Park (NJ) High School as head coach, and in his third season won the state championship after the school had not produced a winner in 10 seasons.
Joe then became the freshman coach at Maryland in 1970 before becoming the offensive line coach for the varsity in 1971 and 1972 and receiver coach from 1972 through 1974. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL in 1974 as special teams and running backs coach and coached the offensive backs for the Bell until mid-season 1975 when he was named interim head coach. In his one game as head coach, the Bell defeated Portland and the next week, Gardi was named head coach at Portland. The Thunder, in three games, won two before the WFL folded.
He played collegiately at Maryland as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club.
Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, September 27, 2015
1976 Profile: Dan Henning
Quarterback and Receivers Coach
"Henning joins the Jets staff with experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Henning is the third Florida State assistant to coach the passing game for the Jets.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan became an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State where he handled the passing game from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Henning joins the Jets staff with experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Henning is the third Florida State assistant to coach the passing game for the Jets.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan became an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State where he handled the passing game from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, September 26, 2015
1976 Profile: Jim Champion
Defensive Line Coach
"Champion's coaching background includes a wealth of experience on the high school level, in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL. He joins the Jet staff after serving as defensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 and 1975. He scouted for St. Louis in 1973.
Jim coached three years of high school football before becoming an assistant coach at Mississippi State from 1957 through 1961. He moved to Vancouver of the CFL in a similar capacity from 1962 through 1965 before joining St. Louis as line coach in 1966. Jim returned to Vancouver as head coach from 1967 through 1970, then joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant in 1971 and 1972.
He played professionally with the New York Yankees and Dallas Texans from 1950 through 1952 after a standout career at Mississippi State as an all-conference tackle. Jim was born in Tillatoba, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Champion's coaching background includes a wealth of experience on the high school level, in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL. He joins the Jet staff after serving as defensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 and 1975. He scouted for St. Louis in 1973.
Jim coached three years of high school football before becoming an assistant coach at Mississippi State from 1957 through 1961. He moved to Vancouver of the CFL in a similar capacity from 1962 through 1965 before joining St. Louis as line coach in 1966. Jim returned to Vancouver as head coach from 1967 through 1970, then joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant in 1971 and 1972.
He played professionally with the New York Yankees and Dallas Texans from 1950 through 1952 after a standout career at Mississippi State as an all-conference tackle. Jim was born in Tillatoba, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, September 24, 2015
1976 Profile: Bob Fry
Offensive Line Coach
"The only assistant retained by new head coach Lou Holtz, Fry rejected several offers; he stayed to help the Jets return to prominence. He has a record of 23 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
Before coming to the Jets, he coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll. The Steelers running attack in 1972 under Fry established a club record for yardage.
He played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
Bob began his coaching career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach for the Falcons in 1967-68. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"The only assistant retained by new head coach Lou Holtz, Fry rejected several offers; he stayed to help the Jets return to prominence. He has a record of 23 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
Before coming to the Jets, he coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll. The Steelers running attack in 1972 under Fry established a club record for yardage.
He played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
Bob began his coaching career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach for the Falcons in 1967-68. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
1976 Profile: Walt Michaels
Defensive Coordinator
"Michaels returns to the Jets as defensive coordinator, the first position filled by new head coach Lou Holtz as a priority move. He masterminded the growth and development of Jet defenses from 1963 through 1972 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar capacity.
Michaels' Jet defenses became among the most respected in the old AFL and in the AFC. The 1968 defense led the AFL in rushing defense and in total defense, the 1969 defense was second in the AFL and in 1970, rose to first in the AFC.
He was a prominent figure in the Jets Super Bowl III victory over Baltimore even though Joe Namath, Matt Snell and the receivers received the publicity. The Jets defense checked the Colts throughout the game and held Baltimore scoreless until the final five minutes. The secondary that day, composed of four free agents, intercepted four passes and set the stage for what experts call the greatest upset in pro football history, 16-7.
Walt has had several players reach all-star or Pro Bowl status including Verlon Biggs, Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson, Bill Bradley and Bill Bergey. As a player, he was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. Walt played with the Browns from 1952-61, including two NFL championship games, and on five division champions. He began his pro career with Green Bay in 1951.
He coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line before joining the Jets staff as defensive line coach. In 1967, he coached the linebackers and secondary.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, Walt holds a B.A. in psychology and education from Washington & Lee. His brother, Lou, was a standout tackle and place kicker in the NFL."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Michaels returns to the Jets as defensive coordinator, the first position filled by new head coach Lou Holtz as a priority move. He masterminded the growth and development of Jet defenses from 1963 through 1972 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar capacity.
Michaels' Jet defenses became among the most respected in the old AFL and in the AFC. The 1968 defense led the AFL in rushing defense and in total defense, the 1969 defense was second in the AFL and in 1970, rose to first in the AFC.
He was a prominent figure in the Jets Super Bowl III victory over Baltimore even though Joe Namath, Matt Snell and the receivers received the publicity. The Jets defense checked the Colts throughout the game and held Baltimore scoreless until the final five minutes. The secondary that day, composed of four free agents, intercepted four passes and set the stage for what experts call the greatest upset in pro football history, 16-7.
Walt has had several players reach all-star or Pro Bowl status including Verlon Biggs, Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson, Bill Bradley and Bill Bergey. As a player, he was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. Walt played with the Browns from 1952-61, including two NFL championship games, and on five division champions. He began his pro career with Green Bay in 1951.
He coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line before joining the Jets staff as defensive line coach. In 1967, he coached the linebackers and secondary.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, Walt holds a B.A. in psychology and education from Washington & Lee. His brother, Lou, was a standout tackle and place kicker in the NFL."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Monday, September 21, 2015
1976 Profile: Lou Holtz
Head Coach
"'There is something about Lou Holtz that just clicks,' Jets general manager Al Ward said in introducing new head coach Lou Holtz to New York.
'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches.'
One pro head coach and former coach of Lou Holtz, Detroit's Rick Forzano, said, 'I know him and I'll tell you he is an exceptional person and and an exceptional coach. I predict that in one year, what they'll be saying about him in New York is that they haven't had a guy like him before.'
Holtz, who literally worked miracles at North Carolina State in four seasons, faces a similar task with the Jets, a team coming off its worst season in history- 3-11. His approach is simple, but typically Lou Holtz:
'I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the Jets, in just about that order,' he said in becoming the club's sixth head coach. 'To me, the delight in coaching always comes from creating and not in maintaining. I'm not a miracle worker, but I guarantee we'll field a team that will play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win.'
Miracles by Holtz had almost become a legend at N.C. State when the 39-year-old amateur magician joined the Jets' new push for the top. In four seasons, Holtz won 33 games, lost 12 and tied two. He took the Wolfpack to four consecutive postseason bowl games- winning two, tying one and losing one. His 1974 club (9-2-1) became the first team in the history of the school to conclude the season ranked in the top 10 (ninth).
The trademark of Holtz-coached teams has been innovation and explosive offense. During the Holtz era, his teams eclipsed 91 N.C. State records while 14 Atlantic Coast Conference records were equalled of bettered.
Holtz looks to subtle changes to bring the Jets back. 'I tell players that you are not born a winner, but you also are not born a loser. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play. We have the talent to win.'
Holtz, working under a five-year contract, bristles at the thought of rebuilding. 'I don't want to rebuild. I want to win, now. But when we win, I want a good foundation where we will win for years to come, which means building with draft choices.'
And he is convinced his Jet club will move the football, but says blithely: 'I hope to God it's forward.'
His coaching background indicates moves forward. He began as a graduate assistant at Kent State (1958) before moving to Iowa as an assistant coach in 1960. In 1961 through 1963, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary before joining Forzano at Connecticut (1964-65). After serving two seasons as an assistant at South Carolina and one season under Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Holtz returned to William & Mary as head coach and promptly took the school to its first bowl appearance in 24 years and first Southern Conference title (1971) in 23 years.
At North Carolina State, Holtz inherited a loser and immediately produced an 8-3 team. He left N.C. State after compiling the best won-loss record in the school's 84-year history. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and NCAA District III Coach of the Year after the 1972 season. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, Holtz compiled a 46-31-2 overall record.
Enthusiasm and straight forward talk are the trademarks of the 5-10, 150-pound dynamo. He is in heavy demand as a clinic and after dinner speaker, and has conducted clinics for the U.S. Air Force in England and Germany as well as coaching in the first Japan Bowl in 1975.
A native of Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz was born on January 6, 1937. He played high school football at East Liverpool (Ohio) and played center and middle linebacker at Kent State in 1956-57. He holds a B.S. in education from Kent State and a Master's degree in education from Iowa.
Holtz and his wife Beth have four children: Luanne Rae, Louis, Jr. (Skip), Kevin Richard (K.R.) and Elizabeth Jane."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"'There is something about Lou Holtz that just clicks,' Jets general manager Al Ward said in introducing new head coach Lou Holtz to New York.
'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches.'
One pro head coach and former coach of Lou Holtz, Detroit's Rick Forzano, said, 'I know him and I'll tell you he is an exceptional person and and an exceptional coach. I predict that in one year, what they'll be saying about him in New York is that they haven't had a guy like him before.'
Holtz, who literally worked miracles at North Carolina State in four seasons, faces a similar task with the Jets, a team coming off its worst season in history- 3-11. His approach is simple, but typically Lou Holtz:
'I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the Jets, in just about that order,' he said in becoming the club's sixth head coach. 'To me, the delight in coaching always comes from creating and not in maintaining. I'm not a miracle worker, but I guarantee we'll field a team that will play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win.'
Miracles by Holtz had almost become a legend at N.C. State when the 39-year-old amateur magician joined the Jets' new push for the top. In four seasons, Holtz won 33 games, lost 12 and tied two. He took the Wolfpack to four consecutive postseason bowl games- winning two, tying one and losing one. His 1974 club (9-2-1) became the first team in the history of the school to conclude the season ranked in the top 10 (ninth).
The trademark of Holtz-coached teams has been innovation and explosive offense. During the Holtz era, his teams eclipsed 91 N.C. State records while 14 Atlantic Coast Conference records were equalled of bettered.
Holtz looks to subtle changes to bring the Jets back. 'I tell players that you are not born a winner, but you also are not born a loser. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play. We have the talent to win.'
Holtz, working under a five-year contract, bristles at the thought of rebuilding. 'I don't want to rebuild. I want to win, now. But when we win, I want a good foundation where we will win for years to come, which means building with draft choices.'
And he is convinced his Jet club will move the football, but says blithely: 'I hope to God it's forward.'
His coaching background indicates moves forward. He began as a graduate assistant at Kent State (1958) before moving to Iowa as an assistant coach in 1960. In 1961 through 1963, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary before joining Forzano at Connecticut (1964-65). After serving two seasons as an assistant at South Carolina and one season under Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Holtz returned to William & Mary as head coach and promptly took the school to its first bowl appearance in 24 years and first Southern Conference title (1971) in 23 years.
At North Carolina State, Holtz inherited a loser and immediately produced an 8-3 team. He left N.C. State after compiling the best won-loss record in the school's 84-year history. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and NCAA District III Coach of the Year after the 1972 season. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, Holtz compiled a 46-31-2 overall record.
Enthusiasm and straight forward talk are the trademarks of the 5-10, 150-pound dynamo. He is in heavy demand as a clinic and after dinner speaker, and has conducted clinics for the U.S. Air Force in England and Germany as well as coaching in the first Japan Bowl in 1975.
A native of Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz was born on January 6, 1937. He played high school football at East Liverpool (Ohio) and played center and middle linebacker at Kent State in 1956-57. He holds a B.S. in education from Kent State and a Master's degree in education from Iowa.
Holtz and his wife Beth have four children: Luanne Rae, Louis, Jr. (Skip), Kevin Richard (K.R.) and Elizabeth Jane."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, September 20, 2015
1976 Profile: Al Ward
General Manager
"Soft-spoken general manager Al Ward begins his second year as the engineer behind the Jets' renewed push for the top.
Ward, who was named general manager on February 13, 1975, came to the Jets from the highly successful Dallas Cowboy organization where he rose from Director of Public Relations to Vice-President of Administration (assistant general manager) under Cowboy chief Tex Schramm.
He is charged with far-reaching responsibilities including negotiating player contracts, booking preseason games, handling radio and preseason television contracts, administering front office activities and working together with new head coach Lou Holtz on trades and player development, which in 1976 included not only the college draft but also the veteran allocation for stocking the NFL's two new teams.
During the 1976 off-season, Ward completed one of the single most important steps in the Jets' return to prominence by naming Holtz as the club's sixth head coach. The announcement on February 10 climaxed an exhaustive three-month search spearheaded by Ward.
Ward himself was the object of an intense search. Upon naming Ward to the general manager's post, club President Phil Iselin said: 'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for. He had the highest recommendations from the most respected people in football.'
Holtz, a rookie pro coach, has similar feelings: 'You can always tell a man by the company he keeps. The main reason I'm with the New York Jets is because of Al. He's a proven winner in everything he's done. He's made so many friends for the Jets in the short time he's been here. He's the kind of people I want to be associated with.'
Ward began his pro football career as director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions.
He joined the Cowboys after the 1965 season as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Schramm in 1966. He was named a vice-president in 1972.
Ward is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Soft-spoken general manager Al Ward begins his second year as the engineer behind the Jets' renewed push for the top.
Ward, who was named general manager on February 13, 1975, came to the Jets from the highly successful Dallas Cowboy organization where he rose from Director of Public Relations to Vice-President of Administration (assistant general manager) under Cowboy chief Tex Schramm.
He is charged with far-reaching responsibilities including negotiating player contracts, booking preseason games, handling radio and preseason television contracts, administering front office activities and working together with new head coach Lou Holtz on trades and player development, which in 1976 included not only the college draft but also the veteran allocation for stocking the NFL's two new teams.
During the 1976 off-season, Ward completed one of the single most important steps in the Jets' return to prominence by naming Holtz as the club's sixth head coach. The announcement on February 10 climaxed an exhaustive three-month search spearheaded by Ward.
Ward himself was the object of an intense search. Upon naming Ward to the general manager's post, club President Phil Iselin said: 'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for. He had the highest recommendations from the most respected people in football.'
Holtz, a rookie pro coach, has similar feelings: 'You can always tell a man by the company he keeps. The main reason I'm with the New York Jets is because of Al. He's a proven winner in everything he's done. He's made so many friends for the Jets in the short time he's been here. He's the kind of people I want to be associated with.'
Ward began his pro football career as director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions.
He joined the Cowboys after the 1965 season as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Schramm in 1966. He was named a vice-president in 1972.
Ward is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, September 17, 2015
1976 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles
DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors, a group of progressive individuals who provided the impetus for the club's transition from a troubled American Football League entry to one of the NFL's most colorful and successful franchises, are once again spearheading the Jets' renewed push for the top.
The Directors most recently coordinated, along with general manager Al Ward, a three-month search for a new coach which ended on February 10, 1976 when Lou Holtz was named the club's sixth head coach. In 1975 the Board, under the direction of President Phil Iselin, chose Ward as the team's new general manager.
That series of moves is very reminiscent of the Board's activities in 1963, when Weeb Ewbank was named the first Jet coach. The move paid off in a World Championship and two division titles six years later.
The growth, development and success of the franchise has thrust the club into a new era of accomplishments and goals. The dramatic steps in hiring a general manager and a head coach were preceded by the construction and subsequent occupancy of a million-dollar training center at Hempstead, Long Island in September of 1974. The facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the stadium complications brought on by the conglomeration of New York professional franchises.
In 1976, the Directors continued to innovate by bringing preseason football to New York City for the first time in Jets history- and at a new location, refurbished Yankee Stadium. The three home playing dates caused even more of a stir when the Board and Mr. Iselin took a bold step by not requiring the games be included as part of the season ticket package. The decision was made to benefit Jet ticket holders and also to encourage the development of new fans.
Three members of the Jets original Board of Directors have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise in 1963- President Philip Iselin, Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has been active ever since.
The Board is immensely proud of the Jets' ties with New York City. The club maintains its main offices in Manhattan and works daily to stake its claim as New York's only professional team.
Philip H. Iselin, President, holds a unique position in the world of sports. He occupies the top position in two major sports concerns. In addition to his role as President of the Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board at Monmouth Park Jockey Club. Both enterprises are viewed as one of the finest in its field, a tribute to the leadership and forethought of Iselin.
In the winter of 1974, he was inducted into the Jockey Club. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and also an honored member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He is a respected member the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late Jets President. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. Mrs. Dillon has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"The New York Jets Directors, a group of progressive individuals who provided the impetus for the club's transition from a troubled American Football League entry to one of the NFL's most colorful and successful franchises, are once again spearheading the Jets' renewed push for the top.
The Directors most recently coordinated, along with general manager Al Ward, a three-month search for a new coach which ended on February 10, 1976 when Lou Holtz was named the club's sixth head coach. In 1975 the Board, under the direction of President Phil Iselin, chose Ward as the team's new general manager.
That series of moves is very reminiscent of the Board's activities in 1963, when Weeb Ewbank was named the first Jet coach. The move paid off in a World Championship and two division titles six years later.
The growth, development and success of the franchise has thrust the club into a new era of accomplishments and goals. The dramatic steps in hiring a general manager and a head coach were preceded by the construction and subsequent occupancy of a million-dollar training center at Hempstead, Long Island in September of 1974. The facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the stadium complications brought on by the conglomeration of New York professional franchises.
In 1976, the Directors continued to innovate by bringing preseason football to New York City for the first time in Jets history- and at a new location, refurbished Yankee Stadium. The three home playing dates caused even more of a stir when the Board and Mr. Iselin took a bold step by not requiring the games be included as part of the season ticket package. The decision was made to benefit Jet ticket holders and also to encourage the development of new fans.
Three members of the Jets original Board of Directors have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise in 1963- President Philip Iselin, Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has been active ever since.
The Board is immensely proud of the Jets' ties with New York City. The club maintains its main offices in Manhattan and works daily to stake its claim as New York's only professional team.
Philip H. Iselin, President, holds a unique position in the world of sports. He occupies the top position in two major sports concerns. In addition to his role as President of the Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board at Monmouth Park Jockey Club. Both enterprises are viewed as one of the finest in its field, a tribute to the leadership and forethought of Iselin.
In the winter of 1974, he was inducted into the Jockey Club. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and also an honored member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He is a respected member the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late Jets President. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. Mrs. Dillon has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
1976 New York Jets Outlook
"The story of the New York Jets, 1975 vintage, reads like the nightly log at precinct 36- rumbles, factions, racial disharmony, internal violence.
There is even an argument about when the Jets hit bottom last season: Was it the game in which defensive tackle Ed Galigher punched his teammate, linebacker Steve Reese in front of the bench in a moment of dispute over who was to blame for what? Or was it when Joe Namath attempted to peddle his services to the Los Angeles Rams on network TV just before the Super Bowl?
But don't get the idea that all the Jets' troubles were spiritual. They had the third worst defensive record in the history of the NFL. Their yield of 433 points was 54 more than the next worst defensive team, the Chicago Bears, gave up. The Baltimore Colts alone scored 97 against them in two games.
The Jets never have been a defensive titan. But their offense used to pull them out of a lot of holes. Not last year. Even the weak Buffalo defensive unit limited them to 14 points in the season opener, which broke a six-game winning streak for the Jets that extended back to the '74 season.
That six-game winning streak might have been the Waterloo of Charley Winner. He was deluded by it and overestimated his strength. As a result he was canned in mid-season '75. Ken Shipp served as overseer the rest of the way.
After the disastrous campaign ended, Lou Holtz, who made a success of college programs at North Carolina State and William & Mary, was hired. Holtz is an organizer and he maintains discipline.
What does Holtz have to do to make the Jets a winner again? Almost everything.
As a signal that he is willing to start from the beginning, he made Alabama quarterback Richard Todd his No. 1 draft choice. The last time the Jets drafted a No. 1 quarterback was in 1965, when they took another promising kid from Alabama named Namath. The idea now is that Todd will learn at Namath's knee for a year or two- if Joe stays healthy and available for that long.
If Todd gets to play at all, he'll discover that he has some assets, beginning with pass receivers. Say what you will about the Jets, few teams have people who can catch the ball as well as tight end Richard Caster and wide receiver Jerome Barkum.
And providing that the tides are right and he decides to play in Gotham, John Riggins can be an awesome fullback. He carried the ball 238 times for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
So much for the assets.
There is no visible running mate for Riggins and the offensive line is aging and slow. The only players with a future up front seem to be tackle Robert Woods and guard Garry Puetz.
The Jets wheeled and dealed for new defensive linemen Billy Newsome and Jim Bailey last year to pump up a weak pass rush. The result: an even weaker pass rush. Holtz still thinks that Newsome, Richard Neal and Carl Barzilauskas, who went into a terrible slump after a good rookie year, give him a sound nucleus.
There could be an entirely new linebacking corps. Walt Michaels is back as the Jet defensive coordinator after several years in Philly. None of the incumbents played his kind of football. If they can't adjust they'll soon be gone.
The secondary was often a disaster area. But there is no reason Burgess Owens can't be rehabilitated to help. He was the best defensive back coming out of college football just three years ago and he's only 25. The Jets still think there is some good football in Phil Wise, a free safety, if he can stay healthy.
All these troubles open great opportunities for the rookies.
Todd may not be ready to start but there are others who are. The second round pick, Ball State defensive back Shafer Suggs, should fit in somewhere. He has size and he hits. Penn State linebacker Greg Buttle could find himself an immediate job.
On offense the best chance may be that of Steve King, a Michigan stud who could fit in at tackle or guard. There may be an opening for James Richards, who had some big games as a Florida ball carrier, or even little Louie Giammona, who was ranked among the nation's leading ground gainers despite his small size.
Another thing Holtz has in his favor: He won't have to do much deferring to Namath, as other Jet coaches have done. At 33, and coming off last year's shoddy performance, Joe may be a luxury the Jets no longer can afford."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Is Namath a good idea whose time has passed? Coach Holtz won't take long to find out. Todd should break in gradually, but that luxury might not be available. J.J. Jones hasn't shown much.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The situation here is more a matter of temperament than talent. If Riggins chooses to play, few are in his class. But if he's serious about signing elsewhere, the rating of this entire unit plummets. Carl Garrett hurts his team as much off the field as he helps it when he's in pads.
Bob Gresham is inconsistent and Emerson Boozer is too old. Steve Davis isn't bad, but he hasn't shown starting talent. Kids like Richards and Giamonna could find work here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Barkum and Caster are good ones, Caster's embarrassing drops notwithstanding. Opposing coaches and defensive backs know the worth of this pair. Ed Bell is reliable, but the Jets hope that David Knight comes back from last season's leg injury and captures the starting spot on Bell's side.
Young Ronnie Moore is here in case Lou Piccone is serious about his option playout; both are primarily kick returners. Willie Brister is handy for two-tight end formations.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: It's time for change in this department, and there are bodies aplenty for Holtz's experiments. Puetz and Woods are the only holdovers with much of a future. The new coach isn't likely to be sentimental about Winston Hill, long the Jets' premier lineman. Randy Rasmussen's pass blocking may save him. It's about time for Gordie Browne to make his move- if he is ever going to. Wayne Mulligan doesn't have much competition, but the coaches may bring in some.
If King doesn't win a job, it will be an upset. Before he got hurt, Michigan coaches thought he'd be a first round draft pick. Joe Davis has a chance, too. Joe Fields snaps for punts and field goals. Darrell Austin is a long shot.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pat Leahy, a former college soccer All-America, is getting the hang of pro football. Greg Gantt has shown repeatedly that he can't do the job. This year's challenger is Rick Faulk, a 15th rounder.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Holtz thinks this bunch can be rehabilitated. They didn't do much last year, though. The key is big Barzo. Foes say he didn't hustle last season as he did in his rookie year. Galigher got so frustrated he punched a teammate during a game; at least he cares about winning. Newsome, Neal and Bailey are up and down.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: There's unlimited opportunity for rookies, free agents, guys off the street, etc. Rookie Buttle is almost a cinch to start somewhere. Godwin Turk hasn't yet delivered on all his promise and Jamie Rivers is used up. Richard Wood is inconsistent; he's found the transition from college to pro tough to handle. John Ebersole is average.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Suggs is another rookie who should waltz into a starting job- here or at strong safety. The problem, wherever he plays, is to find a partner for him. Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells both had horrible seasons, helped by the lack of a pass rush. Ed Taylor wasn't much, either.
Performance Quotient: 4
Safeties: Owens, the best deep back the Jets have, may move to the left corner. Or Delles Howell could move back up there.
The hope is that Wise reclaims his old job. But he and Owens must stay healthy if this unit is to improve. Steve Tannen is also injury prone.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
"It's a good thing Lou Holtz, the new coach of the New York Jets, has a sense of humor. As the inheritor of a club which was in total disarray by the close of last year's 3-11 disaster, he may need it.
'The rope trick is my best trick,' says Holtz, an amateur magician, 'because if it doesn't work I have the rope to hang myself. I don't know if I was named after Lou Holtz the oldtime comedian or if dad looked in the crib and said, 'this must be a joke.' I had the choice between Miami of Ohio and Kent State; Miami is known as the cradle of coaches and I chose Kent State, so that tells you how smart I am.'
Holtz, who most recently built North Carolina State into a major college power, takes on a considerable task with the Jets. The team was completely disorganized by the end of last season, morale had hit rock bottom and the on-field performance was uninspiring, to say the least. Some players feuded and fought amongst themselves, while others seemed to shrug their shoulders at the mess and just went through the motions. Finally, the team's main man, quarterback Joe Namath, spent much of the off-season talking about how much he'd like to be traded to Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old Holtz knows he must instill some sort of team spirit if the Jets are to rise to respectability.
'I'm no miracle worker,' he told a gathering at New York's posh 21 Club when he took the Jets job, 'but I guarantee we'll field a team that'll play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play and we have enough talent to win. I'm not a pollayana- I don't think everything will be fine- but I'd rather be positive than negative.'
Why did the Jets choose Holtz? 'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches,' explained General Manager Al Ward. 'Everything about him checks out. There is just something about Lou Holtz that just clicks.'
To make the Jets click, Holtz will have to do something about a defensive unit that ranked dead last in the entire National Football League last season. Much of that poor performance was due to a lack of team spirit and cohesion, since guys just playing out the string are hardly likely to keep up with those battling for playoff berths.
'If you're good defensively, you're always in ballgames and you're respectable,' says Holtz. Fortunately, he does have some talented players to work with on defense, including tackle Carl Barzilauskas, ends Richard Neal and Billy Newsome, linebacker Godwin Turk and defensive back Phil Wise. Rookies Shafer Suggs, a defensive back from Ball State, and Greg Buttle, one of those Penn State linebackers, could help right away.
If their defense can keep things reasonably under control, the Jets should win some ballgames, since their offense can put points on the board. The key, as always, is Namath. He ranked fourth from the bottom on the official NFL passing statistics last season and led the league with 28 interceptions. But he passed for 2,286 yards and 15 touchdowns and was playing catch-up much of the time, so he often had to throw into deep zones and penetrate defenses.
'Joe Namath is a winner,' says Holtz. 'The guy desperately wants to win, and I'm looking forward to working with him.'
Namath, entering his 12th pro season, has a fine group of receivers to throw to. Richard Caster, grabbed a career-high 47 passes and led all NFL tight ends with 820 yards and an average of 17.4 yards per catch. Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and a healthy David Knight are capable receivers.
Fullback John Riggins is coming off the best year of his career when he became the first Jet ever to crack the 1,000-yard barrier, rushing for 1,005. He also caught 30 passes and was named the club's most valuable player by his teammates. At halfback, Carl Garrett showed flashes of brilliance in rushing for 566 yards but remains a personality problem for Holtz to deal with; Steve Davis and Bob Gresham are other possibilities.
The Jets took a big plunge in the college draft, going for Alabama quarterback Richard Todd No. 1. Though restricted by what he could show by the Crimson Tide's wishbone offense, he looked outstanding passing for 332 yards in the Senior Bowl and will be groomed as the successor to that other Alabaman, Namath. Todd is big and mobile and effective and on the rollout, a sharp contrast to the stationary, weak-kneed Namath.
The big question around the Jets is how long it will be before Holtz decides to restructure New York's offense around the mobility of Todd. Holtz will probable take a long look at the youngster in training camp and make his evaluation then as to how much time it will take Todd to get ready for the NFL wars.
So, in the meantime, Namath remains No. 1. If the Jets are to rise above the .500 mark and into contention in the AFC East, they'll need a big season from him as well as a complete turnaround by the defense."
-Alex Sachare, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
"HEAD COACH: LOU HOLTZ
Youthful Lou Holtz has his work cut out for him as he steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over the sagging fortunes of the sadly deteriorated New York Jets. Coming off their worst season ever (3-11), the Jets appear in desperate need of a complete overhauling before they can begin their climb back to respectability. At the moment, they remain a team with lots of flash but very little substance.
OFFENSE
Broadway Joe Namath tried unsuccessfully to peddle his high-priced services elsewhere during the off-season after suffering through the dismal '75 campaign in which he led all passers with 28 interceptions and compiled a woeful 48.2 percent completion average. Once described by Vince Lombardi as 'the perfect pro passer,' Namath appears to have lost the quick-strike velocity that made him famous. Holtz has stated he likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has difficulty walking, so top draft pick Richard Todd of Alabama could see plenty of action in his rookie season. Todd is a rugged type who can throw long and run with power, but needs to master the drop-back technique so necessary in the pro circuit.
Tight end Richard Caster is an accomplished deep threat with his great speed and combines with flankers Jerome Barkum and clever David Knight to form an exceptional set of pass receivers. Little Eddie Bell, sprinter James Scott and tight end reserve Willie Brister are the relief men.
Burly Steve Davis and Bob Burns can run with power while Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham offer good speed at the halfback post. Rookies James Richards of Florida and scatterback Lou Giammona of Utah State, a do-it-all type, could win jobs this year.
Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC are two big-school collegiate stars who may inject quickness in the notably slow-footed, run-clogging offensive line. Randy Rasmussen, best of the regular unit, is secure at one guard slot while strongman Joe Wysock, out all of '75, and Garry Puetz return at the other. Winston Hill, Robert Woods and Gordie Browne are big, ponderous tackles. Joe Fields and Wayne Mulligan are only adequate at the center position.
DEFENSE
Under ex-coach Charley Winner, the Jets came apart on defense, yielding more yardage and more points than any team in the league. Holtz and defensive aide Walt Michaels have their work cut out for them as they try and regroup the troops. Mark Lomas, another casualty last year, looms a sure starter up front along with powerful Carl Barzilauskas and hustling team MVP Ed Galigher. Eligible candidates for the fourth slot include Billy Newsome, Richard Neal, Jim Bailey and rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State.
All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State should beat out Richard Wood and Rich Lewis on the weak side while tough Godwin Turk plays the left linebacker post with savage abandon. A quality middle man is desperately needed; as of the moment, John Ebersole, Jamie Rivers and veteran Al Atkinson are the contenders.
The secondary will be reconstructed to compensate for a glaring weakness at the corners. Prized rookie Shafer Suggs of Ball State is an unusually strong and fast safety prospect so Holtz will shift versatile Burgess Owens, a standout performer, to a corner slot. Phil Wise, Steve Tannen and soph Ed Taylor are solid safety types. The remaining cornerback job is up for grabs with Eldridge Small and Lou Piccone challenging '75 starters Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells.
FORECAST
It is highly unlikely that the Jets will be in contention in the Eastern Division this season, but they still pack sufficient offensive punch to improve on their 3-11 record of 1975. Lou Holtz has always been a successful motivator of young athletes; this talent will be severely tested this year as he tries to put the pieces together in New York. PFI tabs the Jets as winners in a duel with the young Patriots to escape a cellar finish."
-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.
"Lou Holtz steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over a badly deteriorated, atrociously coached and sadly disorganized New York Jets football team that comes off the worst season (3-11) in its history. Coach Holtz, general manager Al Ward and new defensive coach Walt Michaels face a massive reconstruction challenge as they strive to lift the Jets, a team with lots of flash but very little substance, back to respectability.
Prior to the start of the '75 season, then coach Charley Winner tried to strengthen his defense with some 'hand-picked' NFL rejects; the result was catastrophic. New York yielded more yardage and more points than any team in the league and nearly set an all-time low for defensive efficiency. Michaels will be charged with the task of reorganizing the defensive unit.
The front four registered a mere 19 sacks and allowed rival runners to gain 4.8 yards per carry. Hustling MVP Ed Galigher (6'4"/255) was the only bright light and can play either tackle or end. Carl Barzilauskas (6'6"/285) had a dull sophomore season but remains a formidable figure in the middle. The return to action of Mark Lomas (6'4"/250), out all of '75, improves the situation at end. Rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State will vie with disappointing Billy Newsome (6'5"/245) for starting honors, with Jim Bailey and Richard Neal slated with reserve duty. The Jets are badly in need of another starter up front.
Young Godwin Turk developed fast and earned his tough guy reputation with brutal play at strong side linebacker. All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State has little competition on the weak side where Rich Lewis and Richard Wood proved lacking last year. Bob Martin (6'1"/210) of Nebraska, a small but scrappy outside man, may also push into the picture. Steady John Ebersole may win the middle slot by default since Jamie Rivers and Ken Bernich do not figure to pose any threat.
The Jets are surprisingly strong at the safety positions where they have multi-talented Burgess Owens, hard-hitting Phil Wise, stickout soph Ed Taylor and veteran Steve Tannen. At the same time, they were totally devoid of talent at the corners, which was reflected in an NFL-high 26 touchdown passes yielded. Prized draft pick Shafer Suggs (6'2"/195) of Ball State looms a sure starter in the secondary due to his 4.5 speed and exceptional jumping ability. Holtz may be forced to shift Owens or Tannen to a corner position since Roscoe Word, Rich Sowells and Delles Howell appear to be spot-play relief men at best.
The Jets, who lived by the pass in better years, died by it last year. Joe Namath experienced his worst season as a pro, throwing 28 interceptions, most of any NFL passer, and compiling a very poor 48.2 percent completion mark. In his prime, no one ever threw the ball any better, but Broadway Joe seems to have lost not only his enthusiasm but also the zip that made him famous. Top draft pick Richard Todd (6'2"/210) of Alabama is a rugged runner and has a strong arm but must adapt to the drop-back technique demanded in the NFL. Neither Al Woodall nor J.J. Jones appear up to the challenge posed by Todd, so one or both may be dealt away. Holtz likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has trouble walking, so Todd may see plenty of action.
Flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight, along with tight end Richard Caster, give New York an outstanding pair of pass catchers. Barkum is the strongest flanker in the game and a great receiver in heavy traffic while Knight is a clever pattern-runner with magical hands. No tight end is as feared or more consistently accorded double coverage than Caster, who uses his great speed to intimidate rival safety men. Little Eddie Bell, James Scott and tight end Willie Brister are the reserves.
A slow-footed offensive line needs reconstruction. Winston Hill (280), Robert Woods (260) and Gordie Browne (265) are ponderous and immobile tackles. The same can be said of the guards where Randy Rasmussen (265), Garry Puetz (265) and Joe Wysock (250) operate. Joe Fields (240) appears to have edged veteran Wayne Mulligan (250) at center. Holtz hopes newcomers Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC will crack the regular lineup and inject some needed speed.
Big John Riggins is the main man of the offense and set club records last year with his 238 carries and 1,005 yards gained rushing. A bull of a back with good speed, Riggins could move over to halfback and team with burly power runner Steve Davis to give New York a big back tandem. Both Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham disappointed in '75 but are capable of rebounding. Rookies James Richards of Florida and exciting scatback Lou Giamonna of Utah State may push veteran Emerson Boozer off the roster.
There is little basis for optimism as the Jets enter the '76 campaign. Joe Namath said as much when he was trying to peddle his $500,000 services elsewhere during the off-season. The debilitating effects of the Ewbank-Winner reign may prove too much of a handicap for Holtz to overcome in just one year. A cellar finish seems in the offing.
Forecast: 5th Place"
-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"Joe Namath once again remains to lead the development (or lack of it) of the New York Jets. Namath's position is probably unique in pro football. Although all clubs are realistically built around their quarterback, the Jets' fortunes have been umbilically tied to Namath ever since his arrival at Shea Stadium in 1965.
The entire backfield and offensive line must be geared to pass blocking because of Namath's lack of mobility on gimpy knees. When the team had a solid pass blocking line and a solid blocking fullback (Matt Snell), Namath was superb and the Jets were tough to beat. Without those factors, Namath is less of a threat and the Jets are less of a team.
After last season's 3-11 disgrace, the Jets underwent somewhat of a front office house cleaning that saw not only coach Charley Winner but also his interim successor, Ken Shipp, and almost the entire staff get dismissal slips from president Phil Iselin and general manager Al Ward. What will transpire this year under the new field leadership is anybody's guess. But the best analysis is that the Jets will be reconstructed around their 33-year-old quarterback.
Namath didn't have his best season in 1975, failing to finish among the top ten AFC quarterbacks for the first time in his career. But his presence is still the dominating factor in the scheme of things. And he will probably be less vulnerable this year in at least one department- his backup depth. The Jets drafted no less than two quarterbacks in the NFL's selection meeting last April, including Richard Todd who, like Namath, was thrown up on the New York beach by Alabama's Crimson Tide. Todd, whom Bear Bryant has compared favorably with Namath, has all the credentials that go with directing an Alabama football team. The other rookie quarterback is Dave Buckey of North Carolina State, who was chosen in the 12th round along with his twin brother, Don, a wide receiver. And brother! The Jets need somebody to catch passes! As a club, they ranked tenth in the AFC in pass receptions last season.
In 1975, for the first time, the Jets had a 1,000-yard rusher in tough John Riggins, who ran over or into anything in his way. None of the other New York runners had much of a 1975 season. Carl Garrett was a regular most of the time, but largely by default, and he can hardly be considered the answer to the pass blocking situation in the backfield. Jazz Jackson presents some potential as an outside threat, but shows a distinct lack of experience. What sort of help comes out of the draft may determine the direction new coach Lou Holtz, the 39-year-old former North Carolina State mentor, goes with his offense.
One of the places Holtz will be looking to shore up the Jets will be on the front line, defensively, where Carl Barzilauskas is about the only pro-quality man who delivers a consistent performance. The Jets were so easy to run against in 1975 that the line often resembled hot butter being sliced by a very busy knife whenever the opposition had the ball. The defensive statistics were kept from being worse than they were only because the defensive secondary was also porous, and a constant target for opposing quarterbacks.
One hope for the Jets this season, however, will be the presence of Holtz himself. If he can restore some semblance of harmony on the bench, that, in itself, may advance the cause at Shea Stadium a good deal. Internecine warfare among the Jets last season probably led directly to Winner's departure and probably contributed to Shipp's failure. Players who dislike each other don't tend to play well together- a certain degree of espirit de corps is mandatory, especially in an emotional sport like pro football.
It is here that Lou Holtz has a chance to make his greatest immediate contribution. The Jet personnel includes one of the best all-around pass receiving units in pro football. Namath, when protected, is still a singularly dangerous passer. If the offense performs better, the other team will handle the ball less and some pressure will be taken off the defense.
The Jets have the manpower to be better than 3-11- if they all pull together. Look for an improvement in the New York record this season, simply on the basis of morale."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath's knees are all right for now, but he has a bad thigh muscle and his arm isn't what it used to be. He was intercepted 28 times in 1975, stubbornly trying to throw into a crowd as he played catch up. Now he has another Alabama QB for a backup, Richard Todd. Al Woodall, longtime backup for Namath, returns after a season of injury. J.J. Jones is still good on occasion. Dave Buckey's twin brother, Don, is a Jet rookie wide receiver.
Running Backs: Riggins has gone to Washington. Emerson Boozer may not be back after an inactive season. Garrett is flashy, but he's not a good blocker and he fumbles too much. Steve Davis is a plow horse; Bob Gresham is merely a hope. Bob Burns may be only a two-year man, but he's a veteran.
Receivers: A good outfit. Richard Caster finally proved his true worth and stopped dropping almost everything that landed in his hands. In 1975 he hung on to 47 balls on a pass-crazy team and may be the NFL's fastest tight end. Jerome Barkum adds style to this unit.
Tim George will contribute much to the receiving department, and receiver coach Dan Henning hopes James Scott will live up to his potential. Eddie Bell is too small, and the Jets may dump him. David Knight got hurt and lost half the year, but has ability. Introducing Buckey to Buckey, a new Jet aerial combination.
Interior Linemen: The Jets feel good about their much-buffeted offensive linemen. They have quality youth in center Joe Fields, tackles Darrell Austin and Gordie Browne and Garry Puetz at guard. Puetz, Randy Rasmussen, Winston Hill and Robert Woods were starters last year, but there'll be some changes made this season.
Pass protection around Namath broke down in 1975. This may be Hill's last hurrah. Steve King has good credentials- he was part of a powerhouse Michigan team. Joe Davis was one of two eighth round draft choices.
Kickers: Greg Gantt did all the punting in 1975 for a mediocre 36.5 average- the Jets need better. Pat Leahy was 13 of 21 on field goals, but missed a couple of easy ones; with confidence he may still make it. Rick Faulk is a rookie punter from San Francisco State."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were 26th and last against the rush. That means Barzilauskas, Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher and Jim Bailey are in trouble- if new bodies can be found. One hope is that former regular Richard Neal will come off the injured list. Mark Lomas, too, is coming off injury in 1975. Larry Faulk, chosen in the seventh round of the draft, can also play defensive end. Physically, the Jets are big enough, but do they have the smarts?
Linebackers: The Jets need a middle linebacker badly. Jamie Rivers is plagued with knee injuries and may retire; he's a nine-year veteran. John Ebersole has a chance to move up and take over the middle.
Godwin Turk was a young turk at left linebacker, although he made some rookie mistakes. Richard Lewis is still a question at right linebacker, but Richard Wood may be good. Greg Buttle is another top-flight linebacker from Penn State.
Cornerback: The Shea tenants badly need a cornerback, or then again it may be a safety, whichever becomes available. They were 25th in pass defense in 1975. Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word have been overrated.
It's up to the new coach to move quickly here. Delles Howell may come into focus yet, but still- it's a weak point. Shafer Suggs had good notices at Ball State.
Safeties: The incumbents are Burgess Owens and Ed Taylor, with Steve Tannen and Phil Wise coming off the injury list. Help is needed, or perhaps a comeback by Tannen, who has the potential. Carl Capria is getting experience, of a sort."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
"The Jets gave up more points- almost 31 per game- and yielded more yardage to rushers and passers than any team in the NFL. (Only two teams in history gave up more yardage- the 1961 Vikings and the 1967 Falcons.) The offense was no whizbang, either. The Jets ranked ninth in the AFC in total offense, sixth in rushing, ninth in passing.
OFFENSE: 'Overall' says new coach Lou Holtz (from North Carolina State), 'we probably have more question marks than any team in the NFL.' His biggest question mark may be at quarterback. Joe Namath, limping on glass-brittle knees, threw 28 interceptions last season, his most ever. The Jets No. 1 draft pick was a quarterback, ex-Alabama tosser Richard Todd, but Todd wheeled out of a wishbone offense and will have to learn how to drop back to pass.
The running back corps will be dotted with new faces. John Riggins (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Carl Garrett, who gained four and half yards a rush, are gone as Lou Holtz builds his kind of team. The workhorse runner figures to be Ed Marinaro, who jumped to the Jets from the Vikings.
All-Pro Rich Caster caught more passes than any tight end in the NFL and flanker Jerome Barkum is one of the best at going fast and deep. Ed Bell was the other flanker, Ed Bell his backup. Holtz says he wants more blocking and more devious pass routes from his pass catchers.
Pencil in Robert Woods at left tackle, but Winston Hill, once an All-Pro, may be replaced at right tackle by Gordie Browne. Randy Rasmussen is the left guard and Darrell Austin could win the other guard slot. Center Wayne Mulligan will have to fight off ex-guard Garry Puetz to hike the ball.
DEFENSE: The front four sacked only 19 quarterbacks last season, a pitiful number that must be improved upon or changes will have to be made. Starters are likely to be giant Carl Barzilauskas and veteran Ed Galigher at the tackles, Billy Newsome and Richard Neal on the ends. Depth is needed here.
Linebacking was porous last season. Godwin Turk may move from left linebacker to the middle, replacing Jamie Rivers, with Dick Wood on the right and John Ebersole on the left. Rookie Greg Buttle (Penn State) will get a shot here.
The deep backs, mourns Holtz, 'are young and good but made lots of mental errors.' Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word were at the corners, Burgess Owens and Phil Wise the safeties. A veteran, Ed Taylor, along with second round draft pick Shafer Suggs (Ball State) will try to land jobs.
SPECIALISTS: Pat Leahy kicks straight and long (13 of 21 field goal tries, seven from beyond 42), but punter Greg Gantt was the league's worst. Rick Faulk will try to toe his way to a job. Kick returners are Word and Lou Piccone; Holtz demands sweepier blocking for them.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Jets play against tough division opponents- Baltimore, Miami, Buffalo and New England- and must also play crack non-division clubs like Washington and Cincinnati. This will be a year that Holtz tries to put the Jets' head together."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
There is even an argument about when the Jets hit bottom last season: Was it the game in which defensive tackle Ed Galigher punched his teammate, linebacker Steve Reese in front of the bench in a moment of dispute over who was to blame for what? Or was it when Joe Namath attempted to peddle his services to the Los Angeles Rams on network TV just before the Super Bowl?
But don't get the idea that all the Jets' troubles were spiritual. They had the third worst defensive record in the history of the NFL. Their yield of 433 points was 54 more than the next worst defensive team, the Chicago Bears, gave up. The Baltimore Colts alone scored 97 against them in two games.
The Jets never have been a defensive titan. But their offense used to pull them out of a lot of holes. Not last year. Even the weak Buffalo defensive unit limited them to 14 points in the season opener, which broke a six-game winning streak for the Jets that extended back to the '74 season.
That six-game winning streak might have been the Waterloo of Charley Winner. He was deluded by it and overestimated his strength. As a result he was canned in mid-season '75. Ken Shipp served as overseer the rest of the way.
After the disastrous campaign ended, Lou Holtz, who made a success of college programs at North Carolina State and William & Mary, was hired. Holtz is an organizer and he maintains discipline.
What does Holtz have to do to make the Jets a winner again? Almost everything.
As a signal that he is willing to start from the beginning, he made Alabama quarterback Richard Todd his No. 1 draft choice. The last time the Jets drafted a No. 1 quarterback was in 1965, when they took another promising kid from Alabama named Namath. The idea now is that Todd will learn at Namath's knee for a year or two- if Joe stays healthy and available for that long.
If Todd gets to play at all, he'll discover that he has some assets, beginning with pass receivers. Say what you will about the Jets, few teams have people who can catch the ball as well as tight end Richard Caster and wide receiver Jerome Barkum.
And providing that the tides are right and he decides to play in Gotham, John Riggins can be an awesome fullback. He carried the ball 238 times for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
So much for the assets.
There is no visible running mate for Riggins and the offensive line is aging and slow. The only players with a future up front seem to be tackle Robert Woods and guard Garry Puetz.
The Jets wheeled and dealed for new defensive linemen Billy Newsome and Jim Bailey last year to pump up a weak pass rush. The result: an even weaker pass rush. Holtz still thinks that Newsome, Richard Neal and Carl Barzilauskas, who went into a terrible slump after a good rookie year, give him a sound nucleus.
There could be an entirely new linebacking corps. Walt Michaels is back as the Jet defensive coordinator after several years in Philly. None of the incumbents played his kind of football. If they can't adjust they'll soon be gone.
The secondary was often a disaster area. But there is no reason Burgess Owens can't be rehabilitated to help. He was the best defensive back coming out of college football just three years ago and he's only 25. The Jets still think there is some good football in Phil Wise, a free safety, if he can stay healthy.
All these troubles open great opportunities for the rookies.
Todd may not be ready to start but there are others who are. The second round pick, Ball State defensive back Shafer Suggs, should fit in somewhere. He has size and he hits. Penn State linebacker Greg Buttle could find himself an immediate job.
On offense the best chance may be that of Steve King, a Michigan stud who could fit in at tackle or guard. There may be an opening for James Richards, who had some big games as a Florida ball carrier, or even little Louie Giammona, who was ranked among the nation's leading ground gainers despite his small size.
Another thing Holtz has in his favor: He won't have to do much deferring to Namath, as other Jet coaches have done. At 33, and coming off last year's shoddy performance, Joe may be a luxury the Jets no longer can afford."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Is Namath a good idea whose time has passed? Coach Holtz won't take long to find out. Todd should break in gradually, but that luxury might not be available. J.J. Jones hasn't shown much.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The situation here is more a matter of temperament than talent. If Riggins chooses to play, few are in his class. But if he's serious about signing elsewhere, the rating of this entire unit plummets. Carl Garrett hurts his team as much off the field as he helps it when he's in pads.
Bob Gresham is inconsistent and Emerson Boozer is too old. Steve Davis isn't bad, but he hasn't shown starting talent. Kids like Richards and Giamonna could find work here.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Barkum and Caster are good ones, Caster's embarrassing drops notwithstanding. Opposing coaches and defensive backs know the worth of this pair. Ed Bell is reliable, but the Jets hope that David Knight comes back from last season's leg injury and captures the starting spot on Bell's side.
Young Ronnie Moore is here in case Lou Piccone is serious about his option playout; both are primarily kick returners. Willie Brister is handy for two-tight end formations.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: It's time for change in this department, and there are bodies aplenty for Holtz's experiments. Puetz and Woods are the only holdovers with much of a future. The new coach isn't likely to be sentimental about Winston Hill, long the Jets' premier lineman. Randy Rasmussen's pass blocking may save him. It's about time for Gordie Browne to make his move- if he is ever going to. Wayne Mulligan doesn't have much competition, but the coaches may bring in some.
If King doesn't win a job, it will be an upset. Before he got hurt, Michigan coaches thought he'd be a first round draft pick. Joe Davis has a chance, too. Joe Fields snaps for punts and field goals. Darrell Austin is a long shot.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pat Leahy, a former college soccer All-America, is getting the hang of pro football. Greg Gantt has shown repeatedly that he can't do the job. This year's challenger is Rick Faulk, a 15th rounder.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Holtz thinks this bunch can be rehabilitated. They didn't do much last year, though. The key is big Barzo. Foes say he didn't hustle last season as he did in his rookie year. Galigher got so frustrated he punched a teammate during a game; at least he cares about winning. Newsome, Neal and Bailey are up and down.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: There's unlimited opportunity for rookies, free agents, guys off the street, etc. Rookie Buttle is almost a cinch to start somewhere. Godwin Turk hasn't yet delivered on all his promise and Jamie Rivers is used up. Richard Wood is inconsistent; he's found the transition from college to pro tough to handle. John Ebersole is average.
Performance Quotient: 4
Cornerbacks: Suggs is another rookie who should waltz into a starting job- here or at strong safety. The problem, wherever he plays, is to find a partner for him. Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells both had horrible seasons, helped by the lack of a pass rush. Ed Taylor wasn't much, either.
Performance Quotient: 4
Safeties: Owens, the best deep back the Jets have, may move to the left corner. Or Delles Howell could move back up there.
The hope is that Wise reclaims his old job. But he and Owens must stay healthy if this unit is to improve. Steve Tannen is also injury prone.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1976
"It's a good thing Lou Holtz, the new coach of the New York Jets, has a sense of humor. As the inheritor of a club which was in total disarray by the close of last year's 3-11 disaster, he may need it.
'The rope trick is my best trick,' says Holtz, an amateur magician, 'because if it doesn't work I have the rope to hang myself. I don't know if I was named after Lou Holtz the oldtime comedian or if dad looked in the crib and said, 'this must be a joke.' I had the choice between Miami of Ohio and Kent State; Miami is known as the cradle of coaches and I chose Kent State, so that tells you how smart I am.'
Holtz, who most recently built North Carolina State into a major college power, takes on a considerable task with the Jets. The team was completely disorganized by the end of last season, morale had hit rock bottom and the on-field performance was uninspiring, to say the least. Some players feuded and fought amongst themselves, while others seemed to shrug their shoulders at the mess and just went through the motions. Finally, the team's main man, quarterback Joe Namath, spent much of the off-season talking about how much he'd like to be traded to Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old Holtz knows he must instill some sort of team spirit if the Jets are to rise to respectability.
'I'm no miracle worker,' he told a gathering at New York's posh 21 Club when he took the Jets job, 'but I guarantee we'll field a team that'll play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play and we have enough talent to win. I'm not a pollayana- I don't think everything will be fine- but I'd rather be positive than negative.'
Why did the Jets choose Holtz? 'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches,' explained General Manager Al Ward. 'Everything about him checks out. There is just something about Lou Holtz that just clicks.'
To make the Jets click, Holtz will have to do something about a defensive unit that ranked dead last in the entire National Football League last season. Much of that poor performance was due to a lack of team spirit and cohesion, since guys just playing out the string are hardly likely to keep up with those battling for playoff berths.
'If you're good defensively, you're always in ballgames and you're respectable,' says Holtz. Fortunately, he does have some talented players to work with on defense, including tackle Carl Barzilauskas, ends Richard Neal and Billy Newsome, linebacker Godwin Turk and defensive back Phil Wise. Rookies Shafer Suggs, a defensive back from Ball State, and Greg Buttle, one of those Penn State linebackers, could help right away.
If their defense can keep things reasonably under control, the Jets should win some ballgames, since their offense can put points on the board. The key, as always, is Namath. He ranked fourth from the bottom on the official NFL passing statistics last season and led the league with 28 interceptions. But he passed for 2,286 yards and 15 touchdowns and was playing catch-up much of the time, so he often had to throw into deep zones and penetrate defenses.
'Joe Namath is a winner,' says Holtz. 'The guy desperately wants to win, and I'm looking forward to working with him.'
Namath, entering his 12th pro season, has a fine group of receivers to throw to. Richard Caster, grabbed a career-high 47 passes and led all NFL tight ends with 820 yards and an average of 17.4 yards per catch. Jerome Barkum, Eddie Bell and a healthy David Knight are capable receivers.
Fullback John Riggins is coming off the best year of his career when he became the first Jet ever to crack the 1,000-yard barrier, rushing for 1,005. He also caught 30 passes and was named the club's most valuable player by his teammates. At halfback, Carl Garrett showed flashes of brilliance in rushing for 566 yards but remains a personality problem for Holtz to deal with; Steve Davis and Bob Gresham are other possibilities.
The Jets took a big plunge in the college draft, going for Alabama quarterback Richard Todd No. 1. Though restricted by what he could show by the Crimson Tide's wishbone offense, he looked outstanding passing for 332 yards in the Senior Bowl and will be groomed as the successor to that other Alabaman, Namath. Todd is big and mobile and effective and on the rollout, a sharp contrast to the stationary, weak-kneed Namath.
The big question around the Jets is how long it will be before Holtz decides to restructure New York's offense around the mobility of Todd. Holtz will probable take a long look at the youngster in training camp and make his evaluation then as to how much time it will take Todd to get ready for the NFL wars.
So, in the meantime, Namath remains No. 1. If the Jets are to rise above the .500 mark and into contention in the AFC East, they'll need a big season from him as well as a complete turnaround by the defense."
-Alex Sachare, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
"HEAD COACH: LOU HOLTZ
Youthful Lou Holtz has his work cut out for him as he steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over the sagging fortunes of the sadly deteriorated New York Jets. Coming off their worst season ever (3-11), the Jets appear in desperate need of a complete overhauling before they can begin their climb back to respectability. At the moment, they remain a team with lots of flash but very little substance.
OFFENSE
Broadway Joe Namath tried unsuccessfully to peddle his high-priced services elsewhere during the off-season after suffering through the dismal '75 campaign in which he led all passers with 28 interceptions and compiled a woeful 48.2 percent completion average. Once described by Vince Lombardi as 'the perfect pro passer,' Namath appears to have lost the quick-strike velocity that made him famous. Holtz has stated he likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has difficulty walking, so top draft pick Richard Todd of Alabama could see plenty of action in his rookie season. Todd is a rugged type who can throw long and run with power, but needs to master the drop-back technique so necessary in the pro circuit.
Tight end Richard Caster is an accomplished deep threat with his great speed and combines with flankers Jerome Barkum and clever David Knight to form an exceptional set of pass receivers. Little Eddie Bell, sprinter James Scott and tight end reserve Willie Brister are the relief men.
Burly Steve Davis and Bob Burns can run with power while Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham offer good speed at the halfback post. Rookies James Richards of Florida and scatterback Lou Giammona of Utah State, a do-it-all type, could win jobs this year.
Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC are two big-school collegiate stars who may inject quickness in the notably slow-footed, run-clogging offensive line. Randy Rasmussen, best of the regular unit, is secure at one guard slot while strongman Joe Wysock, out all of '75, and Garry Puetz return at the other. Winston Hill, Robert Woods and Gordie Browne are big, ponderous tackles. Joe Fields and Wayne Mulligan are only adequate at the center position.
DEFENSE
Under ex-coach Charley Winner, the Jets came apart on defense, yielding more yardage and more points than any team in the league. Holtz and defensive aide Walt Michaels have their work cut out for them as they try and regroup the troops. Mark Lomas, another casualty last year, looms a sure starter up front along with powerful Carl Barzilauskas and hustling team MVP Ed Galigher. Eligible candidates for the fourth slot include Billy Newsome, Richard Neal, Jim Bailey and rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State.
All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State should beat out Richard Wood and Rich Lewis on the weak side while tough Godwin Turk plays the left linebacker post with savage abandon. A quality middle man is desperately needed; as of the moment, John Ebersole, Jamie Rivers and veteran Al Atkinson are the contenders.
The secondary will be reconstructed to compensate for a glaring weakness at the corners. Prized rookie Shafer Suggs of Ball State is an unusually strong and fast safety prospect so Holtz will shift versatile Burgess Owens, a standout performer, to a corner slot. Phil Wise, Steve Tannen and soph Ed Taylor are solid safety types. The remaining cornerback job is up for grabs with Eldridge Small and Lou Piccone challenging '75 starters Roscoe Word and Rich Sowells.
FORECAST
It is highly unlikely that the Jets will be in contention in the Eastern Division this season, but they still pack sufficient offensive punch to improve on their 3-11 record of 1975. Lou Holtz has always been a successful motivator of young athletes; this talent will be severely tested this year as he tries to put the pieces together in New York. PFI tabs the Jets as winners in a duel with the young Patriots to escape a cellar finish."
-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.
"Lou Holtz steps up from the North Carolina State campus to take over a badly deteriorated, atrociously coached and sadly disorganized New York Jets football team that comes off the worst season (3-11) in its history. Coach Holtz, general manager Al Ward and new defensive coach Walt Michaels face a massive reconstruction challenge as they strive to lift the Jets, a team with lots of flash but very little substance, back to respectability.
Prior to the start of the '75 season, then coach Charley Winner tried to strengthen his defense with some 'hand-picked' NFL rejects; the result was catastrophic. New York yielded more yardage and more points than any team in the league and nearly set an all-time low for defensive efficiency. Michaels will be charged with the task of reorganizing the defensive unit.
The front four registered a mere 19 sacks and allowed rival runners to gain 4.8 yards per carry. Hustling MVP Ed Galigher (6'4"/255) was the only bright light and can play either tackle or end. Carl Barzilauskas (6'6"/285) had a dull sophomore season but remains a formidable figure in the middle. The return to action of Mark Lomas (6'4"/250), out all of '75, improves the situation at end. Rookie Larry Faulk (6'3"/235) of Kent State will vie with disappointing Billy Newsome (6'5"/245) for starting honors, with Jim Bailey and Richard Neal slated with reserve duty. The Jets are badly in need of another starter up front.
Young Godwin Turk developed fast and earned his tough guy reputation with brutal play at strong side linebacker. All-American Greg Buttle (6'2"/225) of Penn State has little competition on the weak side where Rich Lewis and Richard Wood proved lacking last year. Bob Martin (6'1"/210) of Nebraska, a small but scrappy outside man, may also push into the picture. Steady John Ebersole may win the middle slot by default since Jamie Rivers and Ken Bernich do not figure to pose any threat.
The Jets are surprisingly strong at the safety positions where they have multi-talented Burgess Owens, hard-hitting Phil Wise, stickout soph Ed Taylor and veteran Steve Tannen. At the same time, they were totally devoid of talent at the corners, which was reflected in an NFL-high 26 touchdown passes yielded. Prized draft pick Shafer Suggs (6'2"/195) of Ball State looms a sure starter in the secondary due to his 4.5 speed and exceptional jumping ability. Holtz may be forced to shift Owens or Tannen to a corner position since Roscoe Word, Rich Sowells and Delles Howell appear to be spot-play relief men at best.
The Jets, who lived by the pass in better years, died by it last year. Joe Namath experienced his worst season as a pro, throwing 28 interceptions, most of any NFL passer, and compiling a very poor 48.2 percent completion mark. In his prime, no one ever threw the ball any better, but Broadway Joe seems to have lost not only his enthusiasm but also the zip that made him famous. Top draft pick Richard Todd (6'2"/210) of Alabama is a rugged runner and has a strong arm but must adapt to the drop-back technique demanded in the NFL. Neither Al Woodall nor J.J. Jones appear up to the challenge posed by Todd, so one or both may be dealt away. Holtz likes a quarterback who can run; Namath has trouble walking, so Todd may see plenty of action.
Flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight, along with tight end Richard Caster, give New York an outstanding pair of pass catchers. Barkum is the strongest flanker in the game and a great receiver in heavy traffic while Knight is a clever pattern-runner with magical hands. No tight end is as feared or more consistently accorded double coverage than Caster, who uses his great speed to intimidate rival safety men. Little Eddie Bell, James Scott and tight end Willie Brister are the reserves.
A slow-footed offensive line needs reconstruction. Winston Hill (280), Robert Woods (260) and Gordie Browne (265) are ponderous and immobile tackles. The same can be said of the guards where Randy Rasmussen (265), Garry Puetz (265) and Joe Wysock (250) operate. Joe Fields (240) appears to have edged veteran Wayne Mulligan (250) at center. Holtz hopes newcomers Steve King (6'5"/245) of Michigan and Joe Davis (6'3"/245) of USC will crack the regular lineup and inject some needed speed.
Big John Riggins is the main man of the offense and set club records last year with his 238 carries and 1,005 yards gained rushing. A bull of a back with good speed, Riggins could move over to halfback and team with burly power runner Steve Davis to give New York a big back tandem. Both Carl Garrett and Bob Gresham disappointed in '75 but are capable of rebounding. Rookies James Richards of Florida and exciting scatback Lou Giamonna of Utah State may push veteran Emerson Boozer off the roster.
There is little basis for optimism as the Jets enter the '76 campaign. Joe Namath said as much when he was trying to peddle his $500,000 services elsewhere during the off-season. The debilitating effects of the Ewbank-Winner reign may prove too much of a handicap for Holtz to overcome in just one year. A cellar finish seems in the offing.
Forecast: 5th Place"
-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"Joe Namath once again remains to lead the development (or lack of it) of the New York Jets. Namath's position is probably unique in pro football. Although all clubs are realistically built around their quarterback, the Jets' fortunes have been umbilically tied to Namath ever since his arrival at Shea Stadium in 1965.
The entire backfield and offensive line must be geared to pass blocking because of Namath's lack of mobility on gimpy knees. When the team had a solid pass blocking line and a solid blocking fullback (Matt Snell), Namath was superb and the Jets were tough to beat. Without those factors, Namath is less of a threat and the Jets are less of a team.
After last season's 3-11 disgrace, the Jets underwent somewhat of a front office house cleaning that saw not only coach Charley Winner but also his interim successor, Ken Shipp, and almost the entire staff get dismissal slips from president Phil Iselin and general manager Al Ward. What will transpire this year under the new field leadership is anybody's guess. But the best analysis is that the Jets will be reconstructed around their 33-year-old quarterback.
Namath didn't have his best season in 1975, failing to finish among the top ten AFC quarterbacks for the first time in his career. But his presence is still the dominating factor in the scheme of things. And he will probably be less vulnerable this year in at least one department- his backup depth. The Jets drafted no less than two quarterbacks in the NFL's selection meeting last April, including Richard Todd who, like Namath, was thrown up on the New York beach by Alabama's Crimson Tide. Todd, whom Bear Bryant has compared favorably with Namath, has all the credentials that go with directing an Alabama football team. The other rookie quarterback is Dave Buckey of North Carolina State, who was chosen in the 12th round along with his twin brother, Don, a wide receiver. And brother! The Jets need somebody to catch passes! As a club, they ranked tenth in the AFC in pass receptions last season.
In 1975, for the first time, the Jets had a 1,000-yard rusher in tough John Riggins, who ran over or into anything in his way. None of the other New York runners had much of a 1975 season. Carl Garrett was a regular most of the time, but largely by default, and he can hardly be considered the answer to the pass blocking situation in the backfield. Jazz Jackson presents some potential as an outside threat, but shows a distinct lack of experience. What sort of help comes out of the draft may determine the direction new coach Lou Holtz, the 39-year-old former North Carolina State mentor, goes with his offense.
One of the places Holtz will be looking to shore up the Jets will be on the front line, defensively, where Carl Barzilauskas is about the only pro-quality man who delivers a consistent performance. The Jets were so easy to run against in 1975 that the line often resembled hot butter being sliced by a very busy knife whenever the opposition had the ball. The defensive statistics were kept from being worse than they were only because the defensive secondary was also porous, and a constant target for opposing quarterbacks.
One hope for the Jets this season, however, will be the presence of Holtz himself. If he can restore some semblance of harmony on the bench, that, in itself, may advance the cause at Shea Stadium a good deal. Internecine warfare among the Jets last season probably led directly to Winner's departure and probably contributed to Shipp's failure. Players who dislike each other don't tend to play well together- a certain degree of espirit de corps is mandatory, especially in an emotional sport like pro football.
It is here that Lou Holtz has a chance to make his greatest immediate contribution. The Jet personnel includes one of the best all-around pass receiving units in pro football. Namath, when protected, is still a singularly dangerous passer. If the offense performs better, the other team will handle the ball less and some pressure will be taken off the defense.
The Jets have the manpower to be better than 3-11- if they all pull together. Look for an improvement in the New York record this season, simply on the basis of morale."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath's knees are all right for now, but he has a bad thigh muscle and his arm isn't what it used to be. He was intercepted 28 times in 1975, stubbornly trying to throw into a crowd as he played catch up. Now he has another Alabama QB for a backup, Richard Todd. Al Woodall, longtime backup for Namath, returns after a season of injury. J.J. Jones is still good on occasion. Dave Buckey's twin brother, Don, is a Jet rookie wide receiver.
Running Backs: Riggins has gone to Washington. Emerson Boozer may not be back after an inactive season. Garrett is flashy, but he's not a good blocker and he fumbles too much. Steve Davis is a plow horse; Bob Gresham is merely a hope. Bob Burns may be only a two-year man, but he's a veteran.
Receivers: A good outfit. Richard Caster finally proved his true worth and stopped dropping almost everything that landed in his hands. In 1975 he hung on to 47 balls on a pass-crazy team and may be the NFL's fastest tight end. Jerome Barkum adds style to this unit.
Tim George will contribute much to the receiving department, and receiver coach Dan Henning hopes James Scott will live up to his potential. Eddie Bell is too small, and the Jets may dump him. David Knight got hurt and lost half the year, but has ability. Introducing Buckey to Buckey, a new Jet aerial combination.
Interior Linemen: The Jets feel good about their much-buffeted offensive linemen. They have quality youth in center Joe Fields, tackles Darrell Austin and Gordie Browne and Garry Puetz at guard. Puetz, Randy Rasmussen, Winston Hill and Robert Woods were starters last year, but there'll be some changes made this season.
Pass protection around Namath broke down in 1975. This may be Hill's last hurrah. Steve King has good credentials- he was part of a powerhouse Michigan team. Joe Davis was one of two eighth round draft choices.
Kickers: Greg Gantt did all the punting in 1975 for a mediocre 36.5 average- the Jets need better. Pat Leahy was 13 of 21 on field goals, but missed a couple of easy ones; with confidence he may still make it. Rick Faulk is a rookie punter from San Francisco State."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were 26th and last against the rush. That means Barzilauskas, Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher and Jim Bailey are in trouble- if new bodies can be found. One hope is that former regular Richard Neal will come off the injured list. Mark Lomas, too, is coming off injury in 1975. Larry Faulk, chosen in the seventh round of the draft, can also play defensive end. Physically, the Jets are big enough, but do they have the smarts?
Linebackers: The Jets need a middle linebacker badly. Jamie Rivers is plagued with knee injuries and may retire; he's a nine-year veteran. John Ebersole has a chance to move up and take over the middle.
Godwin Turk was a young turk at left linebacker, although he made some rookie mistakes. Richard Lewis is still a question at right linebacker, but Richard Wood may be good. Greg Buttle is another top-flight linebacker from Penn State.
Cornerback: The Shea tenants badly need a cornerback, or then again it may be a safety, whichever becomes available. They were 25th in pass defense in 1975. Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word have been overrated.
It's up to the new coach to move quickly here. Delles Howell may come into focus yet, but still- it's a weak point. Shafer Suggs had good notices at Ball State.
Safeties: The incumbents are Burgess Owens and Ed Taylor, with Steve Tannen and Phil Wise coming off the injury list. Help is needed, or perhaps a comeback by Tannen, who has the potential. Carl Capria is getting experience, of a sort."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
"The Jets gave up more points- almost 31 per game- and yielded more yardage to rushers and passers than any team in the NFL. (Only two teams in history gave up more yardage- the 1961 Vikings and the 1967 Falcons.) The offense was no whizbang, either. The Jets ranked ninth in the AFC in total offense, sixth in rushing, ninth in passing.
OFFENSE: 'Overall' says new coach Lou Holtz (from North Carolina State), 'we probably have more question marks than any team in the NFL.' His biggest question mark may be at quarterback. Joe Namath, limping on glass-brittle knees, threw 28 interceptions last season, his most ever. The Jets No. 1 draft pick was a quarterback, ex-Alabama tosser Richard Todd, but Todd wheeled out of a wishbone offense and will have to learn how to drop back to pass.
The running back corps will be dotted with new faces. John Riggins (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Carl Garrett, who gained four and half yards a rush, are gone as Lou Holtz builds his kind of team. The workhorse runner figures to be Ed Marinaro, who jumped to the Jets from the Vikings.
All-Pro Rich Caster caught more passes than any tight end in the NFL and flanker Jerome Barkum is one of the best at going fast and deep. Ed Bell was the other flanker, Ed Bell his backup. Holtz says he wants more blocking and more devious pass routes from his pass catchers.
Pencil in Robert Woods at left tackle, but Winston Hill, once an All-Pro, may be replaced at right tackle by Gordie Browne. Randy Rasmussen is the left guard and Darrell Austin could win the other guard slot. Center Wayne Mulligan will have to fight off ex-guard Garry Puetz to hike the ball.
DEFENSE: The front four sacked only 19 quarterbacks last season, a pitiful number that must be improved upon or changes will have to be made. Starters are likely to be giant Carl Barzilauskas and veteran Ed Galigher at the tackles, Billy Newsome and Richard Neal on the ends. Depth is needed here.
Linebacking was porous last season. Godwin Turk may move from left linebacker to the middle, replacing Jamie Rivers, with Dick Wood on the right and John Ebersole on the left. Rookie Greg Buttle (Penn State) will get a shot here.
The deep backs, mourns Holtz, 'are young and good but made lots of mental errors.' Rich Sowells and Roscoe Word were at the corners, Burgess Owens and Phil Wise the safeties. A veteran, Ed Taylor, along with second round draft pick Shafer Suggs (Ball State) will try to land jobs.
SPECIALISTS: Pat Leahy kicks straight and long (13 of 21 field goal tries, seven from beyond 42), but punter Greg Gantt was the league's worst. Rick Faulk will try to toe his way to a job. Kick returners are Word and Lou Piccone; Holtz demands sweepier blocking for them.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Jets play against tough division opponents- Baltimore, Miami, Buffalo and New England- and must also play crack non-division clubs like Washington and Cincinnati. This will be a year that Holtz tries to put the Jets' head together."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
1975 New York Jets Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Joe Namath (Albama)
Al Woodall (Duke)
Bill Demory (Arizona)
Running Backs
John Riggins (Kansas)
Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)
Mike Adamle (Northwestern)
Jazz Jackson (Western Kentucky)
Bob Burns (Georgia)
Receivers
Jerome Barkum (W) (Jackson State)
David Knight (W) (William & Mary)
Richard Caster (T) (Jackson State)
Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)
Willie Brister (T) (Southern)
Lou Piccone (W) (West Liberty State)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Robert Woods (T) (Tennessee State)
Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)
Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)
Garry Puetz (G) (Valparaiso)
Wayne Mulligan (C) (Clemson)
Gordie Browne (T) (Boston College)
Roger Bernhardt (G) (Kansas)
Warren Kogel (C) (Penn State)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)- Center
Kickers
Bobby Howfield (PK)
Greg Gantt (P) (Alabama)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Billy Newsome (E) (Grambling)
Richard Neal (E) (Southern)
Carl Barzilauskas (T) (Indiana)
Jim Bailey (T) (Kansas)
Ed Galigher (E) (UCLA)
Joe Schmeising (T) (New Mexico State)
Mark Lomas (E) (Northern Arizona)
Larry Woods (T) (Tennessee State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Richard Lewis (O) (Portland State)
John Ebersole (M) (Penn State)
Jamie Rivers (M) (Bowling Green)
Richard Wood (O) (USC)*
Bill Ferguson (O) (San Diego State)
Ralph Baker (O) (Penn State)
Al Atkinson (M) (Villanova)
Godwin Turk (O) (Southern)
Gary Baccus (O) (Oklahoma)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker)
Cornerbacks
Delles Howell (Grambling)
Roscoe Word (Jackson State)
Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)
Earlie Thomas (Colorado State)
Safeties
Burgess Owens (S) (Miami)
Phil Wise (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)
Steve Tannen (S-W) (Florida)
(S) Strong Side (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1975, published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath, Al Woodall, Bill Demory, J.J. Jones
RB - Emerson Boozer, Jazz Jackson, Hank Bjorklund, Anthony Davis
RB - John Riggins, Bob Burns, Mike Adamle, James Williams
WR - Jerome Barkum, Marv Owens, Ed Collins
LT - Robert Woods, Gordie Browne, Dan Spivey
LG - Randy Rasmussen, Travis Roach, Joe Wysock
C - Wayne Mulligan, Howard Kindig, Warren Koegel, Joe Fields
RG - Garry Puetz, Roger Bernhardt, Tom Alward
RT - Winston Hill, Brison Manor
TE - Richard Caster, Willie Brister, Mike Bartoszek
WR - David Knight, Ed Bell, Lou Piccone
DEFENSE
LE - Billy Newsome, John Little, Gerry Roberts
LT - Carl Barzilauskas, Larry Woods
RT - Jim Bailey, Joe Schmiesing, Ed Galigher
RE - Richard Neal, Mark Lomas
LLB - Ralph Baker, John Ebersole, Godwin Turk, Bert Cooper
MLB - Al Atkinson, Steve Reese
RLB - Richard Lewis, Bill Ferguson, Richard Wood, Harold Sutton
LCB - Delles Howell, Rich Sowells, Everett Taylor, Larry Clowers
SS - Burgess Owens, Bob Proutt, Jerry Bond
FS - Phil Wise, Steve Tannen
RCB - Roscoe Word, Earlie Thomas, Charles James
SPECIALISTS
P - Greg Gantt, Larry Steele
K - Bobby Howfield, Pat Leahy, Moses Lajterman
-Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
Quarterbacks
Joe Namath (Albama)
Al Woodall (Duke)
Bill Demory (Arizona)
Running Backs
John Riggins (Kansas)
Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)
Mike Adamle (Northwestern)
Jazz Jackson (Western Kentucky)
Bob Burns (Georgia)
Receivers
Jerome Barkum (W) (Jackson State)
David Knight (W) (William & Mary)
Richard Caster (T) (Jackson State)
Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)
Willie Brister (T) (Southern)
Lou Piccone (W) (West Liberty State)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Robert Woods (T) (Tennessee State)
Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)
Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)
Garry Puetz (G) (Valparaiso)
Wayne Mulligan (C) (Clemson)
Gordie Browne (T) (Boston College)
Roger Bernhardt (G) (Kansas)
Warren Kogel (C) (Penn State)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)- Center
Kickers
Bobby Howfield (PK)
Greg Gantt (P) (Alabama)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Billy Newsome (E) (Grambling)
Richard Neal (E) (Southern)
Carl Barzilauskas (T) (Indiana)
Jim Bailey (T) (Kansas)
Ed Galigher (E) (UCLA)
Joe Schmeising (T) (New Mexico State)
Mark Lomas (E) (Northern Arizona)
Larry Woods (T) (Tennessee State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Richard Lewis (O) (Portland State)
John Ebersole (M) (Penn State)
Jamie Rivers (M) (Bowling Green)
Richard Wood (O) (USC)*
Bill Ferguson (O) (San Diego State)
Ralph Baker (O) (Penn State)
Al Atkinson (M) (Villanova)
Godwin Turk (O) (Southern)
Gary Baccus (O) (Oklahoma)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker)
Cornerbacks
Delles Howell (Grambling)
Roscoe Word (Jackson State)
Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)
Earlie Thomas (Colorado State)
Safeties
Burgess Owens (S) (Miami)
Phil Wise (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)
Steve Tannen (S-W) (Florida)
(S) Strong Side (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1975, published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath, Al Woodall, Bill Demory, J.J. Jones
RB - Emerson Boozer, Jazz Jackson, Hank Bjorklund, Anthony Davis
RB - John Riggins, Bob Burns, Mike Adamle, James Williams
WR - Jerome Barkum, Marv Owens, Ed Collins
LT - Robert Woods, Gordie Browne, Dan Spivey
LG - Randy Rasmussen, Travis Roach, Joe Wysock
C - Wayne Mulligan, Howard Kindig, Warren Koegel, Joe Fields
RG - Garry Puetz, Roger Bernhardt, Tom Alward
RT - Winston Hill, Brison Manor
TE - Richard Caster, Willie Brister, Mike Bartoszek
WR - David Knight, Ed Bell, Lou Piccone
DEFENSE
LE - Billy Newsome, John Little, Gerry Roberts
LT - Carl Barzilauskas, Larry Woods
RT - Jim Bailey, Joe Schmiesing, Ed Galigher
RE - Richard Neal, Mark Lomas
LLB - Ralph Baker, John Ebersole, Godwin Turk, Bert Cooper
MLB - Al Atkinson, Steve Reese
RLB - Richard Lewis, Bill Ferguson, Richard Wood, Harold Sutton
LCB - Delles Howell, Rich Sowells, Everett Taylor, Larry Clowers
SS - Burgess Owens, Bob Proutt, Jerry Bond
FS - Phil Wise, Steve Tannen
RCB - Roscoe Word, Earlie Thomas, Charles James
SPECIALISTS
P - Greg Gantt, Larry Steele
K - Bobby Howfield, Pat Leahy, Moses Lajterman
-Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
Sunday, September 13, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Richard Wood
Linebacker
3rd Round
USC
"Wood was the first three-time All-American in Trojan history. He led USC in tackles as a sophomore and a junior with 129 and 117 stops, respectively, and finished third as a senior with 89 as USC changed his responsibilities. Richard also had seven interceptions, five of them as a sophomore.
'Smart, outstanding athlete ... tough tackler ... makes up for size with strength and quickness' read the scouting reports. 'A good linebacker with good speed and ability to hit people,' remarks Charley Winner. Co-captain of the USC squad as a senior, Richard has 4.8 speed.
His brother Jake Wood played with the Detroit Tigers. Richard played in the Senior Bowl in 1975. He's nicknamed 'Batman' after the way he constantly waves his arms. He majored in urban studies and his hobbies are drag racing and music.
Richard attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, his hometown."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
3rd Round
USC
"Wood was the first three-time All-American in Trojan history. He led USC in tackles as a sophomore and a junior with 129 and 117 stops, respectively, and finished third as a senior with 89 as USC changed his responsibilities. Richard also had seven interceptions, five of them as a sophomore.
'Smart, outstanding athlete ... tough tackler ... makes up for size with strength and quickness' read the scouting reports. 'A good linebacker with good speed and ability to hit people,' remarks Charley Winner. Co-captain of the USC squad as a senior, Richard has 4.8 speed.
His brother Jake Wood played with the Detroit Tigers. Richard played in the Senior Bowl in 1975. He's nicknamed 'Batman' after the way he constantly waves his arms. He majored in urban studies and his hobbies are drag racing and music.
Richard attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, his hometown."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Friday, September 11, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Greg Wells
Guard
16th Round
Albany State (Georgia)
"Wells has never missed a game and can develop the skills he has. A young, intelligent player, according to scouts, he has the ability to pull. Greg has 5.0 speed.
Greg made All-SIAC as a senior as well as the Pittsburgh Courier All-American squad. He also played baseball for three years and is the only player in school history to win the baseball MVP award twice.
His father, William, is a part-time coach at MacIntosh (Alabama) High School. Greg's biggest thrill in sports was going 4-for-5 with two home runs. His hobby is music and his hometown is MacIntosh, Alabama."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
16th Round
Albany State (Georgia)
"Wells has never missed a game and can develop the skills he has. A young, intelligent player, according to scouts, he has the ability to pull. Greg has 5.0 speed.
Greg made All-SIAC as a senior as well as the Pittsburgh Courier All-American squad. He also played baseball for three years and is the only player in school history to win the baseball MVP award twice.
His father, William, is a part-time coach at MacIntosh (Alabama) High School. Greg's biggest thrill in sports was going 4-for-5 with two home runs. His hobby is music and his hometown is MacIntosh, Alabama."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
1975 Rookie Profile: Everett Taylor
Cornerback
9th Round
Memphis State
"A three-year starter for the Tigers, Taylor 'covers both zone and man-to-man well ... great speed, very fluid,' say the scouts. He saw action in the Blue-Grey Game and in the America Bowl.
Everett had a total of 85 tackles, 34 assists and 20 deflected passes in his career. He also had three fumble recoveries, two blocked punts and eight interceptions for 79 yards (9.9 average).
He also competed in track for three years at Memphis State. Everett was a member of the NCAA championship 440 relay team and set a Memphis State 440 dash record.
His brother Cliff is a running back for the Chicago Bears. His hometown is Memphis, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
9th Round
Memphis State
"A three-year starter for the Tigers, Taylor 'covers both zone and man-to-man well ... great speed, very fluid,' say the scouts. He saw action in the Blue-Grey Game and in the America Bowl.
Everett had a total of 85 tackles, 34 assists and 20 deflected passes in his career. He also had three fumble recoveries, two blocked punts and eight interceptions for 79 yards (9.9 average).
He also competed in track for three years at Memphis State. Everett was a member of the NCAA championship 440 relay team and set a Memphis State 440 dash record.
His brother Cliff is a running back for the Chicago Bears. His hometown is Memphis, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
1975 Free Agent Profile: Larry Steele
Punter
Free Agent
Santa Rosa JC
"Steele signed as a free agent this spring after working with the Denver Broncos for a short span last year. He was signed as a free agent by Denver and was active for two regular season games in 1974, but did not punt in them. Larry comes to the Jets with a reputation of having a strong leg and will be given a close look at camp.
Larry once scored four touchdowns in a Santa Rosa High School all-star game and held records for the high jump and broad jump. He majored in physical education. His hometown is Santa Rosa, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Free Agent
Santa Rosa JC
"Steele signed as a free agent this spring after working with the Denver Broncos for a short span last year. He was signed as a free agent by Denver and was active for two regular season games in 1974, but did not punt in them. Larry comes to the Jets with a reputation of having a strong leg and will be given a close look at camp.
Larry once scored four touchdowns in a Santa Rosa High School all-star game and held records for the high jump and broad jump. He majored in physical education. His hometown is Santa Rosa, California."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: James Scott
Wide Receiver
8th Round
Henderson J.C.
"Scott spent the 1974 season as a member of the WFL Chicago Fire. He was leading the league in receiving when he suffered ligament damage to his right knee in the ninth week. Scott sat out the rest of the year, but according to medical reports has made progress and should be healthy. Despite missing half the season he finished tied for eighth in WFL receiving with 52-for-755 a 14.5 average and eight touchdowns. Scott has 4.5 speed.
He 'has the potential to become another Paul Warfield' says his Fire coach, Jim Spavital.
Scott majored in physical education. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
8th Round
Henderson J.C.
"Scott spent the 1974 season as a member of the WFL Chicago Fire. He was leading the league in receiving when he suffered ligament damage to his right knee in the ninth week. Scott sat out the rest of the year, but according to medical reports has made progress and should be healthy. Despite missing half the season he finished tied for eighth in WFL receiving with 52-for-755 a 14.5 average and eight touchdowns. Scott has 4.5 speed.
He 'has the potential to become another Paul Warfield' says his Fire coach, Jim Spavital.
Scott majored in physical education. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Brison Manor
Defensive Tackle-Offensive Tackle
15th Round
Arkansas
"Manor spent two years at Arkansas after transferring from Pratt J.C. in Kansas. He had 84 career tackles playing left defensive tackle, and as a senior he also had seven sacks. Brison also has good potential as an offensive tackle. He has 5.1 speed and was an alumnus of the American Bowl this year.
He played in the Mid-American Bowl in junior college. Brison was fourth in New Jersey as a high school wrestler and had two undefeated seasons.
Brison majored in physical education. His hometown is Bridgeton, New Jersey."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
15th Round
Arkansas
"Manor spent two years at Arkansas after transferring from Pratt J.C. in Kansas. He had 84 career tackles playing left defensive tackle, and as a senior he also had seven sacks. Brison also has good potential as an offensive tackle. He has 5.1 speed and was an alumnus of the American Bowl this year.
He played in the Mid-American Bowl in junior college. Brison was fourth in New Jersey as a high school wrestler and had two undefeated seasons.
Brison majored in physical education. His hometown is Bridgeton, New Jersey."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
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